Going through changes

I was more than a little surprised to see in the Yamaha R5: The AFM Bike article, a photo of my Yamaha R5 taken in 2012, referencing the Grand Marshal Ride at Riding into History. I still have the R5, initially I built the bike in 2009-10 and have updated it over the years. This shot, from 2018, shows the DG heads among other changes. Shortly after, it suffered a failure of the home brewed electronic system. There followed a couple of failed experiments and a lengthy time in the doghouse while other projects took over. Recently, I picked up a Powerdyne system; once fitted she burned both pistons, so a top end refresh is currently underway. But the important thing is that the R5 is still alive and will soon be back making rude noises and terrorizing small dogs.
Alan Singer/Jacksonville, FL
Turbine smooth, longtime friend
I just got my 1977 Yamaha XS750 back from Baxter Cycle with the carbs rebuilt, ignition checked, new tires and fork oil. What a joy to ride! I found and re-read your excellent article (1976-1979 Yamaha XS750) about this model and I am in full agreement. A pleasant bike, the engine runs turbine smooth, but there’s not enough horsepower to be competitive. Ian Hunly’s letter in your last issue was right on the mark also.

Yamaha tried too hard with this bike. After the TX750 fiasco they launched the new XS750 to be a sport tourer and the bike magazines generally liked it. But the riders who wanted speed and horsepower looked elsewhere, and the touring people thought the BMW R100RS was better (I have one, and I must agree), so sales never really took off. Within the year, Yamaha launched the XS11 for less than a thousand dollars more and the XS750/850 was doomed.
Still, it’s a pleasant and comfortable ride and has been a true friend for some 47 years by now. Mine is the original “D” model with 3-in-1 exhaust system and the original tail piece, soon replaced with the “2D” model with a 3-in-2 exhaust system. The saddle bags are made for Yamaha and dealer installed. The troublesome fuel petcocks have been replaced with XS650 items.
Looking for a nice, reasonably priced 1970’s classic bike? Here’s your answer! I never regretted buying mine; it’s still a very good looking classic bike. Decent ones can be picked up for less than $3,000. Would I sell mine? No, go find your own!
Stefan Sandberg/Kearney, MO
Trend setters say brown is in fashion

I had just gotten back to Hurley, Wisconsin from a day of puttering along the quiet blacktop lanes along the south shore of Lake Superior and stopped for gas at the Midland station.
An older gent with a lone tuft of gray hair on his head came hoofing over to me from the Dairy Queen across the street. He stopped and stood back peering at my bike, and, still huffing from the run said, in what sounded like a Cockney accent, “Egad–that’s actually a Honda! I’d have sworn it to be a Rudge!”
In the nine years I owned my 1975 Honda CB500T, that’s the only time it was ever mistaken for a classic British vertical twin. To be sure, with its dowdy brown livery, brown seat and gold pinstriping, it did mimic the old Brit bike look in a way no Asian bike had done before or since.

Your piece on the CB500T pretty much captured the essence of the thing. When I pushed the revs high as in a passing situation, the vibration was so bad the mirrors went out of adjustment.
Still, despite its flaws and out-dated design, the ’75 CB500T had some endearing qualities. Rock-ribbed reliability, economy and ease of operation among them. Mine would even start readily and run well in the dead of northern Wisconsin winter!
Thanks for another great issue and all the best!
Gary Ilminen/Lone Rock, WI