Hello! I recently got a 1972 Yamaha 250. The owner didn't know the year or model but I found the manufacture date 4/72. I thought it was a DT2. At the part websites after putting in Yamaha and 1972, there is no choice to select DT1 only DT2. But I just noticed the serial number that is very faded appears to begin DT1. So, if it is a DT1 why isn't that an option on part sites? Thanks so much to anyone that can explain this and help me fully ID my new family member. If other pics or info is needed please ask.

Welcome. Yamaha in their wisdom run DT1 numbers all the way through to the end of DT3 from what i understand. Had a DT2 brand new just like yours & a good bike it was too. Just for a laugh i found this video of mine so drag it to 5.14seconds or a couple of seconds earlier & watch me fall off haha. Sorry if i'm filling up your post with my rubbish. Had mine on methanol that day. Go from 5min.10seconds to catch it just trying it again.

It's confusing as RT325 said... Yamaha used the DT1 prefix on the several variations of the DT1 (68-71) as well as the DT2 and DT3. Compare your VIN number... the whole number... to the lists found in the Tech Library here.

With a production date of 4/72 it would be one of the later DT2's produced... DT3 production (1973 model) would have started in mid-1972.

Thanks! it is a DT2 based on the serial look up in the tech library. Interesting the sheet says the tank color should be Pearl Yellow. Is there only one color option per model per year? What is a likely explanation why mine would be orange and look like original paint.

Some of Yamaha colors don't match the name too well... The pearl yellow looks orange to me.

Yes mine was an orangey color with a fleck in it.

One of the large UK importers of US bikes was so thrown by the original colour that they described nice, original, patinated paintwork on a DT2 as not original. I messaged them to give them the good news that it was.

5.47 to 5.49 in the video shows the color glistening especially 5.49 if you play youtube at 0,25 speed & drag it along close. The color is original & new but not the orange as of BubbaSendsIt bike which i guess has had a real nice paint job--& i like it from what i can see.
Just thought of the color. Candy orange is what i'd call mine.