Yamaha DT 175 MX – 1980 Specifications and Reviews; The 1980 Yamaha DT 175 MX is a lightweight, dual-sport motorcycle designed for both on-road and off-road use. It offers a versatile riding experience and is highly appreciated for its reliable performance, agility, and ease of handling. Here are the detailed specifications and reviews of this iconic model:
1980 Yamaha DT 175 MX Specifications:
- Engine:
- Type: Air-cooled, 2-stroke, single-cylinder
- Displacement: 171cc
- Bore x Stroke: 66 mm x 50 mm
- Compression Ratio: 6.9:1
- Maximum Power: Approximately 17 hp @ 7,000 rpm
- Carburetor: Mikuni VM24SS
- Ignition: CDI (Capacitor Discharge Ignition)
- Starting System: Kick start
- Transmission:
- Gearbox: 6-speed manual transmission
- Final Drive: Chain drive
- Chassis and Suspension:
- Frame: Steel tube frame
- Front Suspension: Telescopic forks, 180 mm travel
- Rear Suspension: Swingarm with dual shock absorbers, 110 mm travel
- Front Brake: Drum brake
- Rear Brake: Drum brake
- Wheels & Tires:
- Front Wheel: 21-inch
- Rear Wheel: 18-inch
- Tires: Dual-purpose tires for both on-road and off-road riding
- Dimensions:
- Length: 2,095 mm
- Width: 865 mm
- Height: 1,165 mm
- Wheelbase: 1,370 mm
- Ground Clearance: 245 mm
- Dry Weight: ~105 kg
- Fuel Capacity: 9 liters
- Performance:
- Top Speed: Approximately 110 km/h (depending on conditions and rider weight)
- Fuel Consumption: Around 30-35 km/L
Key Features:
- Yamaha Autolube System: This system automatically mixes the fuel and oil, eliminating the need for manual premixing and making it easier for the rider to maintain the engine.
- Dual-Purpose Capability: The DT 175 MX is designed to be ridden both on the road and off-road, with a robust suspension setup and high ground clearance for tackling rough terrains.
- Lightweight Build: The low weight of the motorcycle makes it nimble and easy to handle, particularly useful for newer riders and in tight or difficult off-road situations.
Reviews and User Opinions:
- Off-Road Performance: Riders praised the DT 175 MX for its excellent off-road capabilities. Its lightweight frame and long-travel suspension made it highly capable of handling dirt trails, rocks, and other off-road obstacles. The high ground clearance also meant the bike could easily navigate rough terrains.
- Powerful 2-Stroke Engine: The 2-stroke engine provided a good balance of power and speed, especially for a bike of its size. It had a punchy throttle response, making it fun and engaging to ride on both streets and trails. However, like most 2-stroke engines, it required more frequent maintenance than 4-stroke counterparts.
- Ease of Maintenance: The DT 175 MX was regarded as an easy bike to maintain. The Yamaha Autolube system simplified the oil mixing process, and the general design of the bike was straightforward, making it easier for home mechanics to service.
- On-Road Comfort: While the bike was primarily designed for off-road use, it also performed well on regular roads, especially for shorter city rides. The seat and suspension, however, were not built for long highway journeys, and the vibrations from the 2-stroke engine could become noticeable during extended rides.
- Fuel Efficiency: Given its 2-stroke nature, the bike was reasonably fuel-efficient, particularly for those using it for mixed terrain riding. However, riders pointed out that fuel consumption could vary significantly based on riding style and conditions.
Conclusion:
The 1980 Yamaha DT 175 MX remains a well-loved motorcycle for those who enjoy dual-sport riding. Its combination of lightweight handling, decent power from the 2-stroke engine, and the ability to handle both off-road trails and city streets makes it a versatile and practical choice. Though it requires more frequent maintenance due to its 2-stroke engine, its overall reliability and ease of use have kept it popular among riders over the years.