I have a 1971 DT1e frame (w/title) no swing-arm. That’s it.  To buy a 70’s enduro parts bike or basket case in California is a real pain.  So starting with a straight and titled frame was my 1st priority, and that’s been accomplished. My girlfriend will murder me if I bring home multiple parts bike so I’ll be doing a lot of sourcing and building this over the next 6 months to a year.
What I’d like to accomplish:
-Streamline and modernize the look but keep it recognizable as 70’s Yamaha enduro

-Source and fully rebuild a compatible 360 motor, piece by piece or as an entire a unit.

-Upgrade to 12v/180w generator/ignition with 12v lithium ion battery, all LED indicators and halogen front light.

-In-frame wiring job utilizing m-Unit Blue from motogadget. 

What would you all do? I’ve spent a lot of time researching and have a pretty good grasp on what parts are compatible with what but I’d be very grateful for some opinions on a couple topics 

• Suspension—I’d like to improve the stock DT1 handling. I don’t plan on racing at this age. Ideally I’d like to go from home to highway, to nearby mountains, light trails and dirt mountain roads. What if any mods would you do?
• Wheel and Tires—quality aftermarket stuff that you like?
• Anything really. I’m new to the forum and haven’t truly wrenched on a bike in 20 years

I’m currently recovering from a long illness and don’t expect to be riding for about 8 months. Dr said no boozing or eating garbage or strenuous activity so what better way to spend all that money I’m saving than on a frivolous motorcycle build.  I know there are cheaper routes to go but I’ve got ample budget and time. So please throw some cool ideas at me, some warnings and what not. No naysayers! I have one of those at home and she does thing to afford that privilege. Thanks a lot!   
 

Going to be an interesting build & i look forward to updates with pics over time. All the best with your health & welcome from NZ.
Just to add. I 'have', in the past, run Yamy R5 forks & twin leading shoe front wheel plus the R5 rear wheel that has a large drum brake. Had an underneath RD350LC exhaust too but think i had the piston port RT1 360 motor in then. Hope you collect enough parts to "get into the build".

Welcome to the forum from Santa Clarita Ca. !!
Take some before pictures of your bike and post them up. We like pictures.
I too like the basket cases to start with, or more to the point..

 

The bike I am doing now.

This may be similar to what your thinking of doing.  It was a 74 360.
Very fun to ride I’ve put a lot of miles on.  

Thank you everyone for the warm welcome maybe you guys give me your opinion on this part I’m looking to buy it says it’s a 1973360 cylinder head looks like it to me but thought I’d post a picture or two and get your opinions on it. Maybe you guys can spot some thing I missed before I purchase it. The price is right and it looks like it would clean up well. 

Thank you! I’ll post pics soon. 

I’m just over the grape in lovely Bakersfield, CA. Glad to find a forum with such great info.

I found a completely stock all together RT3 a couple years ago and built it up for racing. Couple suggestions I have is;

- Buy the Clarke 3.5 gallon fuel tank. I plan on installing one on my bike for more fuel range.
- I installed a Preston Petty Rear fender with tail light. Its kinda pricey and takes some Fab work, but I'm very happy with it. It is a bit more narrow than stock, but the weight savings is huge.
- NJB MX Ultimate shocks. I installed a set and for the money, they are the best. "Speed & Sport" sells them. 
- Definitely go with a 12volt system. I'm looking to buy the one off HV Cycle in the near future.
- Send your Oil Pump off to Deets (He's on here) for rebuild. It was definitely worth the money and my oil pump works great. It came back looking brand new.
- Don't buy cheap handle bars!! Go with Renthal Bars. You'll save yourself headaches and money later on.(From Experience)
- KDI Reproductions has seat foam and cover. Definitely worth the money.
- KDI Reproductions has full cable sets. Again, definiteley worth the money.

Last! Post lots of pictures! We all like watching builds come together on here.

Like Rick C, give me the rough ones...

 

I like the sound of this build. Search for kenny and the jets on here he did some mods to a Dt1 front end … if I remember correctly..

im just about to drag a Dt1 out of storage as a winter project ….  

cheers
T1