1981 Yamaha IT 465

Make Model	Yamaha IT 465
Year	1981
Engine	Two stroke, single cylinder, read valve
Capacity	465 cc / 28.3 cu-in
Bore x Stroke	85 x 82 mm
Cooling System	Air cooled
Compression Ratio	7.1:1
Induction	38mm Mikuni carburetor
Ignition	CDI
Max Power	NA
Max Torque	NA
Clutch	Wet, multi-plate
Transmission	5 Speed
Final Drive	Chain
Frame	Single-downtube, full cradle, chrome-moly frame, box -section aluminum swing arm
Front Suspension	Telescopic forks
Front Wheel Travel	267 mm / 10.5 in
Rear Suspension	Monoshock, adjustable spring preload and rebound damping
Rear Wheel Travel	272 mm / 10.7 in
Front Brakes	Drum
Rear Brakes	Drum
Front Tyre	3.00 x 21
Rear Tyre	5.60 x 17
Rake	28.5°
Trail	122 mm / 4.9 in
Wheelbase	1475 mm / 58.1 in
Seat Height	939 mm / 36.9 in
Ground Clearance	311 mm / 12.3 in
Wet Weight	123.2 kg / 271.5 lbs
Fuel Capacity	13 Litres / 3.4 US gal

Though Yamaha would eventually made a 490 cc version of this bike, many felt that the bigger bore required to make more power wasn’t worth the trade-off of a slightly sluggish start off the line. Even today, the 465 feels snappy off the line and makes plenty of off-idle torque.

Model years of the IT series within Yamaha were distinguished by suffix letters. In 1982, Yamaha released the “J” bikes, so this is also known as an IT465J. There are only subtle differences from the previous year’s “H” models, though at the time this was the biggest displacement off-roader that Yamaha made. These bikes were on the heavy side, so the rear shock is rather stiff. Large jumps result in hard landings – just make sure you keep the nitrogen filled up!