1970 Yamaha L5TA Trailmaster 100

Rizingson · Posted: Sun Feb 28, 2010 12:53 pm Post subject:

I had commented on your bike earlier in this thread Steve, but guess what? I just ran across a 1969 L5T trailmaster and picked it up also.
I can't seem to find much info on them either. The L5TA seems to be a 1970 but I have been looking for the differences or improvements between the 2 year models. Mine has the Trailmatic tranny with only 3 speeds and neutral is on top and all gears down. Positive about that cause I've ridden it. Also the brochure states it has 6 total gears. 3 in each range. Mine also has electric start. It's also interesting that yamaha would go back to the chrome tank panels and rubber knee pads after abandoning them in the '69 model. The 69's appear to have only came in white and candy yellow also. Are you sure you have 4 speeds per range? Mine sure could use more ratio's. I still need to find a stock 37 tooth rear sprocket. The one on the bike is 51 tooth.

Steve Searles · Posted: Mon Mar 01, 2010 9:08 am Post subject:

Cool bike! You can tell it is the 100cc because of the triangular airbox. I am not positive mine is a four speed but that is what I researched. Hope to have mine running soon. Nice find.

morriscnty · Posted: Sat May 01, 2010 3:05 pm Post subject: YAMAHA L5T

Hi I have one also it's a great little bike with three speeds and HI/LO ratios electric start 12v and indicators not bad for 1969 Laughing

I shipped it over to the U.K. in bits and retored it to it's former glory

a couple of U.S spec 1969 bikes over here in the U.K.

Rizingson · Posted: Sat May 01, 2010 5:14 pm Post subject:

Awesome job morriscnty, that's one fine looking tiddler. Did you paint it yourself? That's one job I know I'll have to learn to do eventually. Do you have the chain guard for it? I just cleaned the carb on mine and rode it a few miles yesterday.

morriscnty · Posted: Sat May 01, 2010 5:27 pm Post subject: L5t

Hi yes I have all the parts including the chainguard,I have just managed to get the bike street legal and ready to ride Laughing

Do you have the extra passenger seat ?it's just a piece of plywood with a seat pad that attaches to the rear rack with a couple of screws. I wouldn't want to risk it,I noticed you have a center stand,I thought this model only came with a side stand Bob

morriscnty · Posted: Sat May 01, 2010 5:32 pm Post subject: L5T

Sorry no I didn't paint the bike I'm not skilled enough to get a perfect finish Crying or Very sad

Rizingson · Posted: Sat May 01, 2010 6:26 pm Post subject:

You're right they only came with side stand. Previous owner put the center stand on, and I'm not sure what model it came from. He claimed it was optional equipment from Yamaha. It lifts the rear wheel quite high, but the fit appears correct. I prefer to park/store bikes on center stand so I plan to leave it on.

Hippykid · Posted: Sat May 01, 2010 7:20 pm Post subject:

I too have a 69 L5T and mine is white-I also have a gold parts bike...I was told by
an acquaintance that the white ones were a mid year addition as they ran out of the
gold-white was the color they happened to be painting and less than 1000 got treated to the white pigment.I'm not sure on the source of this story but it sounded good as I had
a white one. Mine is at about 75% finished but keeps getting pushed to the back burner
as paying customers come first...I have also seen Red examples of this bike....

--------------------------
74 DT360
74 TY250
69 L5T
10 Honda Fury
74 ME100 Indian

Steve Searles · Posted: Sat May 01, 2010 7:27 pm Post subject:

Rizingson, thanks for this and cool bike like way cool!! I have lost interest due to a leak behind the oil pump I cannot get a gasket for. I will keep trying now that I see yours. I like my chrome panels and rubber knee pads and the red is a deep red. I will keep plugging away but like another guy said paying customers come first and this is my busy season.

pd · Posted: Sun May 02, 2010 11:39 am Post subject:

MR.CHocko · Posted: Sun May 02, 2010 3:15 pm Post subject:

I would have to agree with that one. Sometimes we forget that sometimes we need to make this stuff when you can't find it.

Steve Searles · Posted: Mon May 03, 2010 5:03 am Post subject:

Already did and still leaks. I have to do it again. I hope you can understand my frustration with customer bikes, other restorations, shows coming up, work, wife, family, church, etc. I want this to be a one shot and done so I can move on but ...it is always something. I will try again when I get a chance. Or darn, a Goldwing Aspencade just came in for a major repair job. Back burner again for you Trailmaster.

Runningdog · Posted: Mon May 03, 2010 8:48 am Post subject:

I'm sure a lot of us are in this "hobby" just for the joy of puttering on older bikes. I know that when I take on a new bike project (I never pay more than $300CAN for a runner), I will put $1000 into it (not including my labour value), and then have a bike worth $1199. However, I have exercised my brain during this excursion, so it is worth it....a bit of pride gets paid back, as well.

Enjoy your projects, get to ride some of them.......

Rizingson · Posted: Mon May 03, 2010 8:51 am Post subject:

Steve I feel your pain, my project purchases are starting to stack up but that was part of the plan. Retirement is the cure. 20 months and counting.

Steve Searles · Posted: Mon May 03, 2010 9:42 am Post subject:

Rizing, you dog! I want to retire so...so.. bad! But I went to college and got a degree and got a good job as a salaried engineer, and got layed off and did it right. No pensions by companies anymore. They say, use your 401K. Had thousands in there and guess what, gone. I did everything the way you are supposed to and will not be able to retire maybe ever. Isn't America grand. I share your plan but.. I have 15-19 project bikes to do and 20 years to live = I will be dead before I get all my restorations done. I may have to tweak the plan a bit. Crongrats on your upcoming retirement. How did you do it???