The XT's glorious history - Paris to Dakar
 

In the very first Paris to Dakar (1979), the Yamaha XT500's won both first and second place! No BMWs even finished. That is why Yamaha has such a reputation in this market. Its been there and done it all.
http://i1311.photobucket.com/albums/...psp8xfbigp.jpg
http://i1311.photobucket.com/albums/...psxaxu4o2p.jpg

How about that - it's our friend Serge Bacou again sitting on the bike in the first photo. An ever-present in the Yamaha team for a decade.

Great nostalgic pictures. :023:

Here's the Giant Serge in action in colour...

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Some great photos. ...it's impressive how much importance Yamaha gave to competing in the Dakar etc. Steve

It would be nice to thank those guys as they lead the way to the bikes we ride now.:headbang:

Definitely! , and with the shocks/tyres /brakes of nearly 40 years ago still riding hard and fast in the Dakar. When you think what we all fit to our bikes just for 'leisure ' riding! .

Brilliant photos..I love the old bikes and the history of them.. http://i284.photobucket.com/albums/l...psa98ngess.jpg Another old photo who's this chap plieades?..