AT1 for sale in Australia, no year listed.

Matching VIN and engine number is AT1-001657. 

I've looked at the VIN list in Tech Library and other sources but AT1 numbers listed seem to start from 100101. 

Was AT1 made before 1969? Or, is this a 1969 model?

It has a yellow tank with badge, but that might not be original. 

Any insight appreciated.

Tex
 

Good pictures of the serial numbers here: burnsandco.hibid.com/lot/81445-506591-102676/yamaha-125cc/

Most VIN lists are for "US" models.  US models all came with the 12v dynamo/starter (aka "electric leg" in some countries). 

That looks to be a Magneto ignition "kick start only" model that was never officially imported to the USA so it's not surprising the VIN "range" is not the same as the US models. 

There is some evidence the base 248 AT1 model was sold in Japan (and other countries) as kick start only in 1969 which is what that bike likely is.

The US got what was technically the 261 model code AT1E with the electric starter in 1969 with the VIN starting at 100101.

Some countries/markets had a choice of both models...  I believe the Oceania market was a place you could get either one.

Replying to my own old post!

Recently I've come across three AT1 bikes here in Australia that have VIN starting with AT1-00****. 

Looks like it's safe to say that early AT1 has different VIN sequence in Australia/Oceania. 

Tex 

Thanks for the follow-up...  Can you also confirm, as I strongly suspect, that the "AT1-00..." models you're seeing are 6 volt magneto "kick start only" variants?

The USA only got the 12v generator-electric starter version which likely explains the different "AT-10..." VIN sequence. 

(Years ago I came across an AT1-00... model in the USA that was kick-start only and was never officially imported into the USA.  Most likely was brought home by a US Serviceman that was stationed in Japan.)

P.S. 12v generator models can be visually identified by the much taller ignition cover that sticks out on the left and the dramatically offset shift lever needed to clear the taller cover.  On a magneto model, the ignition cover is maybe only an inch (25mm) tall if that.

12v electric start cover:

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MarkT post=180093
Thanks for the   Can you also confirm, as I strongly suspect, that the "" models you're seeing are 6 volt magneto "kick start only" variants?

Yes. These are online ads, often with little background info, so I haven't seen them in real life, but I'm sure they are as you say. 

Tex

The taillight fitting is oddball . I'll have a look at my Oceania and JDM brochures to check ,
but I'm pretty sure the Oceania unit was the conventional Tombstone type .
Possibly the bike may have been sourced from a South East Asian country ,
with different vehicle requirements . Being in the Vietnam era , it's possible .

A brochure check has confirmed both JDM and Oceania AT1 had the Tombstone taillight .

Wow, good starting point for a resto if that's your aim. Mine "1970" piston port has the switch between the instruments & has a white tank original in NZ this is. I'll get the numbers to compare.
Ok, AT1-417130 long way away from yours.
Better jump in before someone else does.
Mines 6 volt magneto ignition like this one.
Tank has probably been repainted but we got the electric start ones in candy gold --'or whatever it was called'.
My bosses first DT1 in december "68 came in that gold too, but my own DT1 came with a white tank though.