Hi all,

currently restoring a UK 1973 CT3. First time in years working on an old 2 stroke. Been splitting the engine cases to replace all seals and bearings. After splitting the cases I noticed a single ball bearing sitting in the case just under the gearbox (it’s not the one from the bolt next to the neutral switch). Everything in the gearbox still seems to move ok, can anybody shed any light on where this may have come from? Engine has been messed around with a lot with parts missing so am trying to put everything right!

thanks for reading!

 from near Salisbury.

Genuine UK CT3s are very rare!

There is a quarter inch ball bearing that sits at the inside end of the clutch push rod, so could be this. 

Thanks for the welcome, I’m from Cornwall. Also, thanks for the help, you were bang on it was the one for the push rod!

Yes I got a bit lucky with this project as a field bike I picked up for next to nothing turned out to be a matching numbers UK CT3. It was/is in a bad state though with parts missing. Managed to get it re-registered after a battle with DVLA so now it’s finally time to fix it! Will try and post some pics as I progress.

I don’t suppose you have a picture of the UK spec? As I believe they had different rear lights etc but can’t seem to find a picture anywhere.

Not saved, no.

My memory of the ones previously listed on fleabay is that they had the UK only rear light, as fitted to the FS1-E, RDs etc and then the DTs from 1974 to about 1976.

Here is a link to one on Arsebook which shows the rear light. A couple of possible errors on the resto:-

1) Indicators are likely wrong - they are from the later bikes.
2) Front mudguard should have a black/white stripe up the centre (repros are available from Diablo Cycle in Canada).

Twin seat is correct.

Lovely looking 1973 Yamaha DT175 - an... - Classic 2 Strokes | Facebook

Main and left switches might be different from US, but hopefully you've got the originals.

Any more questions, just post away. 

Oh, and you can post photos using a third party host such as Imgur.

 from Berkshire.
Shyted is a member of the forum, I think his CT3 is a UK bike.
Here's a pick of his bike, with it's massive rear light/number plate holder.
My CT3 is a US model.
https://

 

Dave's bike is also wearing the correct indicators, although his front mudguard has gone awol! 

Lovely examples, I did have a feeling it was supposed to have the massive rear light, but nice to have that confirmed. Think I have sourced a light as that is used on a few different bikes but the small extra bracket that goes between the rear mudguard and the light bracket is going to be tricky!

I think with mine being in such a state with many of the original rare parts missing, I’ll get the basics done right, get it usable then add the rarer original parts as they come up on eBay etc. The list of parts I need to source is pretty big, in all honesty the bike wasn’t worth saving but something being done with a rare matching numbers bike is better than it being broken up for parts! I will go for the US spec seat though as I prefer the look of that.

If I can get to 80% of the examples here I’ll be chuffed. Love the look of the gold on these models, much better than the hammerite mine was painted with!

Dashy, I have an original paint CT3 fuel tank and a correct Mikuni 314E2 carburettor for sale if you need either.
I agree with you on the US style seat, it makes the bike look better than the European seat.
I hate the UK taillight, it's just so big.
In my opinion a rear rack really finishes the bike off.
I did a sleeper pipe modification (design was by Don DVM and Meis) which gives it a little more pep.
Here's my US model.
https://

Hi Pete, thanks for the offer, I already have its original tank and carb, the carb is seized though so I will bear you in mind on that one if when I open it up there’s a lot of damage.

Most of the frame and bodywork is present, only thing I’m struggling with is the headlight brackets. I’ve ordered a pair of these that have turned out to be wrong despite coming from a CT 175, or maybe my headlight bowl is too big? Current bowl is a YHA-107 if anyone knows if this is correct.

Engine has a lot of signs of being badly tampered with. Idle gear and pinion missing all together, o-ring on the crankshaft missing, lots of chewed up screws etc. A few evenings now of running it all through the ultrasonic cleaner while I’m waiting for the new bearings and seals to arrive. May polish up the cases as well if my patience stretches that far!