1974 YAMAHA DT175 ENDURO

A GORGEOUS VINTAGE TWO-STROKE CLASSIC!

FRAME-UP RESTORATION | RESTO-MOD

Here's an outstanding opportunity to own a beautiful, 52-year-old, 1974 Yamaha DT175 Enduro that has been treated to a restoration and transformed into a lightweight, off-road-focused vintage trail machine!

This is exactly the kind of motorcycle that made the early 1970s such an incredible era for motorcycling. Back then, a Yamaha DT175 was your ticket to freedom. You could spend an entire Saturday afternoon riding through the fields, exploring wooded trails, cruising around the farm, or simply enjoying the unmistakable sound and smell of a classic Yamaha two-stroke.

These bikes were built to be ridden, and that's exactly what happened to most of them. They were ridden hard, modified, crashed, repaired, and eventually worn out or abandoned. Finding a surviving example that has received this much mechanical and cosmetic attention is becoming increasingly difficult.

This DT175 has been given a second life, with extensive restoration work, beautiful refinished components, numerous new parts, and excellent running performance.

It is not a perfect, factory-correct, concours-level restoration, and we're going to tell you exactly why. What it is, however, is a beautiful, well-sorted, rider-quality vintage Yamaha that offers tremendous enjoyment and exceptional value.

1) The Paint Job on the tank is an Amateur Job Done by the previous owner, looks good from 10' but up close you see the imperfections, we left it that way to keep price down, a show quality paint job can be done but will add $1,000 to the price if we send i to the paint shop. i think it looks fine as is for a dirt bike!

2) Original seat was recovered and it has the original seat foam which is harder than a plush new one would be (a new seat foam can be bought for $100 and installed yourself)

3) The Brake stay arm, triple clamps, frame bash plate, and kickstand have pitting from rust, they were sand blasted and repainted gloss black but the pitting is still visible. The frame is beautiful.

4) The exhaust was restored and repainted, it has a small ding on the front.

5) The chrome on the forks is pitted so the fork uppers were cleaned and wrapped in gloss black vinyl with new fork boots.

RESTORED AS A LIGHTWEIGHT OFF-ROAD ENDURO

Originally, the 1974 Yamaha DT175 was a street-legal dual-sport motorcycle equipped with a headlight, taillight, speedometer, tachometer, battery, and the other equipment necessary for street operation.

Like many of these machines, this particular example was stripped of its road equipment earlier in its life and converted for off-road use.

The lighting equipment, instruments, battery, and most of the original wiring harness are no longer present. The oil-injection system has also been removed, and the motorcycle is now configured to run on pre-mixed two-stroke fuel.

Then rear shocks have been replaced with new reproductions that are stiff for 240+ lb rider.

Removing the original road equipment has made the motorcycle substantially lighter, with an estimated weight savings of approximately 25 pounds compared to its original street-equipped configuration.

The original airbox and intake snorkel have been retained, cleaned, and restored.

The resulting machine is simple, lightweight, responsive, and a blast to ride.

THIS IS A DEDICATED OFF-ROAD MOTORCYCLE IN ITS PRESENT CONFIGURATION, NOT A STREET-LEGAL MACHINE.

FRAME-UP RESTORATION

This Yamaha wasn't simply washed, detailed, and put up for sale. It was extensively disassembled and restored, with considerable attention paid to the engine, chassis, wheels, suspension, brakes, drivetrain, controls, and appearance.

The frame was stripped of its major components and refinished in a beautiful black, powder-coat finish.

Numerous original parts were carefully cleaned, polished, refinished, or replaced.

The original chrome wheel rims were retained and cleaned, the hubs were refinished, the fork lowers were polished, and the engine cases and covers received extensive cosmetic attention.

Brand-new tires, tubes, shocks, fenders, handlebars, controls, cables, chain, sprocket components, and hardware were installed.

The finished motorcycle has the authentic character of a 1970s Yamaha Enduro, with a great combination of original components and tasteful off-road upgrades.

ENGINE AND MECHANICAL RESTORATION

The legendary Yamaha 175cc, air-cooled, reed-valve two-stroke single is one of the great small-displacement engines of the era.

Known for its simple construction, impressive durability, and excellent power-to-weight ratio, this engine helped establish Yamaha's reputation for building dependable and enjoyable off-road motorcycles.

This particular engine received extensive mechanical and cosmetic restoration.

ENGINE AND DRIVETRAIN WORK INCLUDES:

• Has the original crankshaft in good working condition

• Original transmission retained

• Replacement clutch friction plates

• Engine removed, cleaned, and refinished

• Aluminum engine cases carefully cleaned and polished

• Original aluminum engine covers sanded and polished

• Cylinder refinished in black

• Cylinder head refinished

• Cooling-fin edges polished for a beautiful finished appearance

• Carburetor completely cleaned and restored

• New intake components

• New reed-valve intake hardware

• New fuel petcock

• New fuel lines

• New fuel filter

• New spark plug

• New spark plug cap

• Fresh transmission gear lubricant

• Original exhaust cleaned, sandblasted, and refinished

COMPRESSION TEST RESULT: AN EXCELLENT 145 PSI!

This Yamaha runs exceptionally well, with crisp throttle response and strong power delivery for a 175cc two-stroke.

The restored carburetor looks excellent, and the polished engine cases and refinished cylinder give the engine a beautiful vintage appearance.

The clutch friction plates have been replaced, and the engine has received the attention necessary to bring this classic back into regular recreational use.

LOWER OFF-ROAD GEARING — EXCELLENT LOW-END PULL!

This DT175 has been geared substantially lower than its original road-oriented setup.

A smaller front countershaft sprocket provides a significant gearing reduction, roughly comparable to adding several teeth to the rear sprocket.

This is exactly the kind of modification enthusiasts made to these motorcycles back in the 1970s when converting them from street use to trail riding.

The lower gearing provides significantly improved pulling power at slower speeds, making the motorcycle especially entertaining in the woods, through fields, and on recreational trails.

Even a larger rider will appreciate how strongly this little 175 pulls from lower engine speeds.

With its current gearing, estimated top speed is approximately 50–55 MPH, although this figure has not been independently verified.

If someone wanted higher road-speed gearing, a larger front countershaft sprocket could be fitted.

As configured, this Yamaha is optimized for off-road riding, where low-speed pulling power and responsiveness are more important than maximum speed.

RESTORED WHEELS, BRAKES, AND FRONT SUSPENSION

The original chrome wheel rims remain in good condition and have been retained to preserve the classic appearance.

Both wheels were thoroughly cleaned, with particular attention paid to the hubs, brake components, and surrounding hardware.

FRONT END RESTORATION INCLUDES:

• Original chrome front rim retained

• Front hub cleaned and polished

• Aluminum front brake backing plate polished

• Front brake cleaned and serviced

• Brand-new front tire

• Brand-new front inner tube

• Front forks cleaned and serviced

• Aluminum fork lowers polished

• New fork boots

• Brand-new front number plate

• Brand-new Preston Petty front fender

• New chrome handlebars

• New ODI grips

• New clutch lever

• New front brake lever

• New clutch cable

• New front brake cable

• New throttle cable

• Lot of New Replacement chrome hardware and fasteners

The polished aluminum components, new chrome handlebars, fresh number plate, and Preston Petty front fender give the motorcycle a fantastic vintage off-road appearance.

Please note that the original upper fork tubes experienced deterioration of their chrome finish. Cosmetic vinyl wrap was applied to the affected upper fork areas rather than replacing or rechroming the tubes. The underlying chrome is not represented as restored.

REAR SUSPENSION, WHEEL, AND DRIVETRAIN RESTORATION

The rear of the motorcycle has received equally extensive attention.

REAR RESTORATION INCLUDES:

• Original chrome rear rim cleaned and retained

• Rear wheel and hub thoroughly cleaned

• Rear brakes serviced

• Brand-new rear tire

• Brand-new rear inner tube

• Brand-new chrome replica rear shocks

• Brand-new Preston Petty rear fender

• New black rear sprocket

• New gold drive chain

• New sprocket mounting hardware

• Original chain guide cleaned and refinished

• Side stand cleaned and refinished

• New modern-style off-road footpegs

• New footpeg mounting hardware

• Original rear brake lever retained

• Original gearshift lever retained

The new chrome rear shocks look fantastic and complement the original chrome wheel rims.

The replacement shocks are fitted with relatively heavy springs, approximately suited to a 250-pound rider. A lighter rider, or someone intending to race the motorcycle in vintage competition, may prefer a different shock package with lighter springs and more specialized damping.

The new off-road footpegs provide a wider, more modern platform than the original Yamaha pegs and are a practical improvement for recreational dirt riding.

BEAUTIFUL CLASSIC YAMAHA GREEN FINISH

The original Yamaha fuel tank has been repainted in a factory-style green finish, complete with reproduction graphics. as mentioned it is an Amateur paint job with imperfections, but still looks good!

The original side cover has also been refinished and fitted with reproduction Enduro 175 decals.

The overall color combination is outstanding!

The vintage Yamaha green fuel tank, black frame, polished aluminum engine, chrome wheels, white Preston Petty fenders, and new chrome shocks create a fantastic early-1970s appearance.

COSMETIC RESTORATION HIGHLIGHTS:

• Original fuel tank repainted in factory-style Yamaha green

• Reproduction Yamaha tank graphics

• Refinished original side cover

• Reproduction Enduro 175 decals

• Brand-new Preston Petty front and rear fenders

• Brand-new front number plate

• Brand-new chrome handlebars

• New ODI grips

• Brand-new chrome rear shocks

• Original chrome rims retained

• Polished aluminum fork lowers

• Polished front brake backing plate

• Polished aluminum engine cases and covers

• Refinished cylinder and head

• Polished cylinder cooling-fin edges

• New seat cover

• Original seat base repainted

• Numerous replacement fasteners

• Original exhaust heat shield retained, with its Enduro 175 identification

The motorcycle looks excellent overall and has a wonderful vintage character.

HONEST CONDITION REPORT — PLEASE READ

At Kaplan Cycles, we take pride in accurately representing our motorcycles.

This machine has received substantial restoration attention, but it is important to understand that it is a rider-quality restoration, not a flawless, museum-grade restoration.

There are a number of cosmetic imperfections and original components that we deliberately want prospective buyers to know about.

FUEL TANK PAINT: The original fuel tank was repainted in its factory-style green color. The finish looks very good overall, but it is not a high-end, show-quality paint job. There are visible preparation imperfections and some orange peel in the finish upon close inspection. It is an attractive rider-quality finish, not a $1,000 custom tank paint job.

ORIGINAL SEAT FOAM: The motorcycle has a new seat cover, and the original seat base was refinished. However, the original aged foam was retained to help control restoration expenses. The foam has deteriorated with age and can produce particles of foam dust beneath the seat cover. We recommend replacing the original foam if the next owner desires improved comfort and long-term durability.

UPPER FORK TUBES: The chrome on the original upper fork tubes had deteriorated. The affected areas were covered with vinyl wrap as a cosmetic improvement rather than being rechromed or replaced. This is disclosed clearly so the buyer understands that the wrap conceals aged chrome, not a newly restored metal surface.

ORIGINAL METAL PITTING: Some original components showed significant surface corrosion before restoration. These parts were cleaned, sandblasted, refinished, and painted where appropriate, but some original pitting remains visible. This includes areas of the triple clamps, brake stay and guide components, side stand, and skid plate.

ORIGINAL EXHAUST: The original Yamaha exhaust was retained, cleaned, sandblasted, and repainted. There is a visible dent in the exhaust pipe. The pipe remains serviceable, and the original heat shield is in very good condition.

REAR SHOCK SPRING RATE: The new chrome shocks are relatively stiff and may be better suited to a heavier rider. More compliant, appropriately sprung shocks may improve riding comfort or suitability for competitive vintage riding for lighter riders.

ORIGINAL SHIFTER: The original shift lever was retained. It shows cosmetic wear but remains in good usable condition.

REMOVED STREET EQUIPMENT: The motorcycle no longer has its original lights, instruments, battery, most of its street wiring, or operational oil-injection system. The original airbox remains. The motorcycle requires properly mixed two-stroke premix fuel and is currently intended for off-road use only.

This is a beautiful, extensively restored 52-year-old vintage rider with honest, disclosed imperfections.

We encourage prospective buyers to carefully review all photographs and the accompanying walkaround and riding videos.

Our intention is for the next owner to know exactly what they're getting.

A LABOR OF LOVE — RESTORATION COST FAR EXCEEDS THE VALUE OF THE MOTORCYCLE!

One of the unfortunate realities of restoring smaller vintage motorcycles is that professional restoration costs can dramatically exceed the finished motorcycle's market value.

A project of this nature can easily involve 50–60 hours of professional labor.

At our standard shop rate of $150 per hour, that equates to approximately 7,500–9,000 in labor alone!

Then add the cost of tires, tubes, shocks, chain, sprockets, cables, controls, crankshaft rebuilding, clutch components, engine work, paint, refinishing materials, hardware, and other parts.

The total cost of duplicating the work done on this bike, at a professional shop could easily exceed $10,000.00, More than this completed motorcycle will sell for in its current configuration.

That's why we call restorations like this a labor of love.

HOWEVER; If it was done to show quality with all original components and perfect it would be worth More than $10,000.00

The time, effort, and resources necessary to save this Yamaha were invested because it deserved to be saved.

The next owner gets to enjoy the benefit of that work without having to pay the enormous cost of commissioning a similar restoration.

We are not presenting this as a $10,000 show bike. We're presenting it as an attractive, extensively restored, mechanically sorted classic that will be priced appropriately for its condition.

THE PERFECT VINTAGE MOTORCYCLE DAYS MACHINE!

Imagine bringing this beautiful little Yamaha to AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days at Mid-Ohio!

This is exactly the type of machine that represents the history and spirit of the event.

It would look fantastic among the vintage enduros and classic Japanese two-strokes, and it would be a blast to enjoy around the property where riding is permitted.

For recreational vintage trail rides, classic motorcycle gatherings, or suitable vintage competition events, this DT175 has tremendous appeal.

Competition eligibility and any additional preparation would depend on the particular event and class requirements.

The lightweight chassis, tractable two-stroke engine, low gearing, and easy handling make it an excellent recreational off-road motorcycle.

And unlike a rare, expensive museum piece that you're afraid to get dirty, this Yamaha was restored to be enjoyed!

AN AFFORDABLE PIECE OF YAMAHA HISTORY

The Yamaha DT series played an enormous role in popularizing dual-purpose and off-road motorcycling during the late 1960s and 1970s.

These machines introduced countless riders to the joys of exploring the outdoors on two wheels.

The 175cc model offered an excellent balance of usable power, lightweight construction, and mechanical simplicity.

Many of these motorcycles were consumed by decades of hard trail riding, which makes surviving examples increasingly interesting to vintage motorcycle enthusiasts.

This particular motorcycle has survived more than half a century and has now received the restoration attention necessary to give it another chapter of riding enjoyment.

While collectible values can never be guaranteed, early Yamaha enduros have a devoted enthusiast following, and this restored DT175 offers an accessible entry into classic Japanese two-stroke ownership.

OVERALL CONDITION AND HIGHLIGHTS

YEAR: 1974

MAKE: Yamaha

MODEL: DT175 Enduro

ENGINE: 175cc air-cooled, reed-valve, two-stroke single

COMPRESSION: 145 PSI

RESTORATION: Extensive frame-off restoration

CRANKSHAFT: Original crankshaft

TRANSMISSION: Original transmission retained

CLUTCH: Friction plates replaced

CARBURETOR: Completely cleaned and restored

WHEELS: Original chrome rims, cleaned and refinished

TIRES: Brand-new front and rear

TUBES: Brand-new front and rear

FRONT SUSPENSION: Cleaned and serviced

REAR SUSPENSION: Brand-new chrome replica shocks

BRAKES: Front and rear serviced

CHAIN: Brand-new gold chain

SPROCKETS: New rear sprocket and lower off-road gearing

FENDERS: Brand-new Preston Petty front and rear

HANDLEBARS: Brand-new chrome bars with ODI grips

CABLES: New throttle, clutch, and front brake cables

FUEL SYSTEM: Restored carburetor, new petcock, lines, and filter

FUEL REQUIREMENT: Two-stroke premix; oil injection removed

PAINT: Factory-style Yamaha green, rider-quality finish

EXHAUST: Restored original Yamaha exhaust

RUNNING CONDITION: Excellent

RIDING CONFIGURATION: Off-road only

COSMETIC CONDITION: Excellent overall rider-quality presentation with disclosed imperfections

SHIPPING, FINANCING AND ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Kaplan Cycles can arrange professional, licensed, insured, enclosed motorcycle transportation directly to your door throughout the continental United States. Shipping cost and availability depend on destination.

We also offer in-house financing options for qualified buyers, subject to approval and applicable terms.

For more photographs, motorcycles, restoration projects, and classic two-stroke machines, visit:

WWW.KAPLANCYCLES.COM

We maintain a continually changing inventory of vintage, collectible, and modern motorcycles.

You can also explore our motorcycle raffle opportunities on our website, subject to applicable eligibility and official rules.

VISIT THE NEW ENGLAND MOTORCYCLE MUSEUM!

This motorcycle is being offered by Kaplan Cycles, located at the historic New England Motorcycle Museum complex in Rockville, Connecticut.

Our facility occupies a magnificent historic New England mill complex that is home to our motorcycle museum, vintage motorcycle collection, restoration and service operations, and newly opened multi-brand motorcycle dealership.

Our European motorcycle dealership recently celebrated its grand opening, and we proudly represent seven brands of new motorcycles.

The museum and classic motorcycle collection remain the heart of what we do.

If you're a motorcycle enthusiast and have never visited our facility, we invite you to experience it for yourself.

You'll find an incredible variety of vintage motorcycles, historic machines, beautifully preserved survivors, restorations, and modern motorcycles under one roof.

We believe it's a destination every serious motorcycle enthusiast should experience.

FINAL THOUGHTS

This 1974 Yamaha DT175 is a fantastic reminder of a simpler time in motorcycling.

A time when all you needed was a lightweight two-stroke, a tank of fuel, and an open field to have an incredible afternoon.

At 52 years old, this Yamaha has already lived an extraordinary life.

Now, thanks to an extensive frame-off restoration, refreshed mechanical systems, numerous new components, 50+ hours of shop labor, it's ready for another chapter.

it is a beautiful, strong-running, affordable vintage Yamaha with tremendous character.

THE HARD WORK HAS BEEN DONE. THE NEXT OWNER GETS TO ENJOY IT!

If you're searching for a classic Japanese two-stroke that looks fantastic, sounds great, and captures the spirit of 1970s off-road motorcycling, this machine deserves your consideration.

CONTACT KAPLAN CYCLES TODAY!

KAPLAN CYCLES

NEW ENGLAND MOTORCYCLE MUSEUM

ROCKVILLE, CONNECTICUT

WWW.KAPLANCYCLES.COM

Thank you for your interest, and God Bless America!

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WHY SHOULD YOU BUY FROM KAPLAN? WHAT DO YOU GET?

“You are buying from the Kaplan Cycles Family. We are not just another big auction house. We are family-owned and operated and have been buying, servicing, and selling motorcycles since 1975. You will work directly with Ken Jr., Ken Sr., and/or one of the 30+ experts on our team. We provide museum-quality, white-glove concierge service from start to finish. Every motorcycle we sell is inspected, serviced, and supported by our team, and we stand behind it after the sale. You’re not on your own — we back what we build and what we sell.

With over 17,000 units sold and still 100% positive feedback, we are the best stress-free buying experience you can have. From the first call to delivery at your door, we will handle it all — because vintage motorcycles deserve support, and so do you.

With every bike we curate you get:
• museum-level inspection & preservation services
• every machine is professionally evaluated, serviced, & rotisserie detailed
• all critical systems are checked, adjusted, or renewed
• you get professional setup, tuning, and delivery prep
• done by the best experts in the industry — we ride and restore every day
• you get post-sale phone support
• you get white-glove, insured, always-enclosed shipping to your door anywhere in the country

You’re buying from Kaplan Cycles at the New England Motorcycle Museum, one of the largest vintage motorcycle collections in North America. Free museum tours and tickets are included with every bike sold. With every bike you purchase, a portion of the proceeds is used to support, continue, and improve the 501(c)(3) nonprofit New England Motorcycle Museum.

You don’t just win an auction — YOU are creating & helping to preserve motorcycle history, and you become part of our family, a Kaplan Cycles client for life.

We do not take new clients off the street.
We do not service bikes purchased elsewhere.
We only take new exclusive clients who purchase a motorcycle from us.

You get a guided purchase experience with, and from, the experts who care about the bike as much as you do. If there’s a problem, you don’t get ghosted. You call us — you will have our cell phone numbers — we will answer your call on weekends, and we will help make it right.

Auction platforms = listing only. No support. No accountability.

Kaplan Cycles = we stand behind what we sell.

You are buying museum-curated provenance. That means:
• expert evaluation
• documented condition
• professional presentation
• long-term preservation mindset

You’re not just buying a motorcycle — you’re buying a curated piece of motorcycling history.

From the #1 family in this business — Kaplan Cycles & the New England Motorcycle Museum.

Sincerely,

Ken Kaplan Sr.
12/28/2025”

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AUCTION TERMS:

All motorcycles & vehicles are sold as-is where-is.

Kaplan Cycles guarantees all motorcycles are as-described. Please read the entire description and watch the entire video before bidding.

A non-refundable deposit is due immediately on purchase. PayPal or Credit Card is accepted for the deposit.

Cash (In-Person), Card (+3% fee), or Wire Transfer are our only accepted forms of final payment.

Full payment must be made within 7 days of auction close.

Your motorcycle must be picked up within 30 days of auction close. 

Exceptions are made only for international buyers OR buyers who have ALREADY made transport arrangements with a third party.

If a motorcycle is purchased and left here for longer than 30 days without written permission from Kaplan Cycles it will be resold. In the case of a re-sale, the owner will be entitled to a refund less storage fees ($25/ day beginning 30 days from auction close) ONLY if the motorcycle was paid in full on-time within the auction terms.

We always describe our motorcycles as accurately as possible.

You are purchasing a classic motorcycle. Even in cases where a bike may be in good running/ operating condition, new problems & idiosyncrasies can arise over-time from sitting or regular use.

If you have an issue with the motorcycle you’ve received, contact us within 24 hours of delivery and before leaving feedback so that we can address your concerns.

It is important you have at least a basic mechanical knowledge before purchasing and operating a classic motorcycle.

Due to our backlog, we cannot perform any additional service work or modifications on your motorcycle after the sale (ie; adding a light kit, different tires, etc.)

We respond quickly between the hours of 9am and 5pm EST, Monday - Friday

For our fastest service please call Ken Kaplan Jr directly at 860-471-0192

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We will not charge out-of-state buyers sales tax.
Out of state residents will pay sales tax with their DMV. 

We are not a registering dealership. You will receive only the documents required to register your vehicle in your state.

In our listings, title status is always listed directly below the main description.

In some cases we will sell motorcycles without title or registration. In these cases we guarantee all motorcycles sold are free and clear. We will always provide a route to obtaining title. Generally in these cases, the motorcycle will be sold at a discount to accommodate expenses involved.

Documents are mailed via USPS priority mail with a tracking number. Please allow up to 14 days after payment in full for your documents to be processed and mailed.

Keys will be shipped with the motorcycle.

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Warranty:

All Motorcycles sold "as is, where is" and Kaplan Cycles does not warranty any motorcycle sold. No express warranty and/or implied warranty are made by Kaplan Cycles. No statements by us give an implied warranty.

SHIPPING:

SEND US YOUR ZIP FOR A SHIPPING QUOTE!
WE WILL MAKE ALL ARRANGEMENTS!

We have the best shipping contacts in the nation who will provide the FASTEST transport times, have a perfect track record, and are always insured and ENCLOSED! All motorcycles are shipped WHOLE (roll-on, roll-off). We do not offer a pallet or crate service.

International shipping specialist contacts are available! They will assist in ground freight, customs clearance, and ocean freight to your country. International buyers will be required to work directly with our third party shipping contacts.

We strongly recommend you insure your motorcycle at the time of purchase.

PICKUP:

We require a 24 hour notice prior to pick-up. Please call us at 860-454-7024 during office hours Monday – Friday 9am – 5pm EST.

We will provide ramps, a dock for loading, and assistance to load for free.