1972 Yamaha DS7 250 2564
The 1972 Yamaha DS7 250 (Model 2564) is a standout piece of Yamaha’s vintage 2-stroke legacy. Released during the early 1970s, this bike is a perfect blend of performance and style, capturing the essence of Yamaha’s racing heritage and off-road capabilities. The DS7 250 features a 250cc, 2-stroke engine, lightweight frame, and a simple yet elegant design that makes it a must-have for motorcycle collectors, restorers, and vintage enthusiasts.
With its reliable performance and racing-inspired design, the DS7 250 quickly became a fan favorite in the motorcycle community. Whether you’re looking to restore this classic bike to its original condition or use it as a functional rider, the 1972 Yamaha DS7 provides an incredible riding experience both on and off the road.
Yamaha’s commitment to engineering excellence is evident in the smooth power delivery of the 2-stroke engine, which offers impressive acceleration and handling. Ideal for light trail riding, commuting, or display in a vintage motorcycle collection, the DS7 250 is a piece of Yamaha’s rich racing history.
🔧 Key Features:
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Engine: 250cc, 2-stroke, air-cooled, parallel twin
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Power Output: 27 horsepower (approx.)
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Transmission: 6-speed manual with chain drive
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Suspension: Telescopic fork (front), twin shock (rear)
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Brakes: Drum front and rear
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Weight: 315 lbs (approx.)
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Fuel Tank Capacity: 3.0 gallons (approx.)
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Riding Style: Street, light off-road
The 1972 Yamaha DS7 250 is more than just a bike—it’s a vintage treasure. Whether you are a racer, restorer, or collector, this iconic Yamaha 250 has lasting value. With an incredible heritage and unique style, the DS7 250 remains a timeless classic that continues to appreciate in value.
Would you like more specific details or a tailored description for listings on platforms like eBay or Craigslist? Let me know!
✅ Uses of the 1972 Yamaha DS7 250 (Model 2564)
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Street Riding and Commuting:
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The 1972 Yamaha DS7 250 was built as a street motorcycle, offering a smooth ride for everyday commuting, especially in urban areas. With its relatively lightweight design and 6-speed transmission, it’s capable of maintaining highway speeds with ease.
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Its small size and quick acceleration make it a fun bike to ride on city streets, while the robust engine provides a reliable option for regular use.
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Light Off-Road and Trail Riding:
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While the DS7 250 was primarily designed for street use, it’s light off-road capable, making it ideal for trail riding or dirt paths.
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The dual-purpose design of the suspension and moderate ground clearance allows it to handle light off-road trails, though it’s best suited for less demanding terrains compared to modern dirt bikes.
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Vintage Motorcycle Collecting and Restoration:
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As a vintage 2-stroke bike, the 1972 Yamaha DS7 250 is highly sought after by collectors and restoration enthusiasts. With the increasing popularity of retro motorcycles, restoring the DS7 250 to its original condition can make it a valuable collectible.
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For collectors, the bike’s nostalgic appeal and status as a piece of Yamaha’s racing history make it an attractive item to own.
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Racing Heritage & Custom Builds:
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The DS7 250’s engine and lightweight frame were inspired by Yamaha’s racing efforts, and many owners choose to customize or race the bike in vintage motorcycle events.
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It’s also a popular platform for custom builds, with riders often modifying the bike’s performance to suit modern standards while keeping its vintage appeal.
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✅ Properties of the 1972 Yamaha DS7 250 (Model 2564)
Property | Description |
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Engine Type | 250cc, 2-stroke, air-cooled, parallel twin |
Power Output | Approximately 27 horsepower |
Transmission | 6-speed manual, chain drive |
Suspension | Front: Telescopic fork; Rear: Dual shock absorbers |
Brakes | Drum brakes (front and rear) |
Fuel Capacity | 3.0 gallons (approx.) |
Weight | 315 lbs (approx.) |
Wheelbase | 52 inches (approx.) |
Seat Height | 31 inches (approx.) |
Tires | Street-oriented, suitable for light off-road use |
Riding Style | Street, light off-road, vintage restoration, and custom builds |
Frame | Lightweight steel frame, designed for durability and agility on the road |
✅ Manufacturing Process of the 1972 Yamaha DS7 250 (Model 2564)
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Design & Engineering:
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Yamaha’s design team focused on creating a reliable and powerful 2-stroke motorcycle that could handle both street use and light off-road riding.
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The 2-stroke, parallel twin engine was designed for performance, providing an excellent balance between power and fuel efficiency.
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The frame was crafted from high-strength steel to keep the bike light yet sturdy, enabling better handling and responsiveness.
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Engine & Components Manufacturing:
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The engine block of the DS7 250 was cast in aluminum, making it lightweight yet durable. The parallel twin configuration was designed for increased performance and efficiency, offering 27 horsepower (approx.).
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The engine’s components (such as the crankshaft, pistons, and cylinders) were meticulously machined for high tolerance to ensure reliable performance under the harsh demands of 2-stroke operation.
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The carburetor was tuned for optimal air-fuel mixture, making the bike easy to start and run smoothly under various conditions.
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Frame Construction:
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The steel tubular frame was designed to be both light and strong. It provided a solid foundation for the engine and suspension, while also helping to improve the overall handling of the bike.
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Using high-quality steel tubing, the frame was bent, welded, and heat-treated to give it durability, shock resistance, and rigidity.
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Suspension & Steering Assembly:
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The front telescopic fork was designed to provide smooth handling on rough roads and moderate trails. It helped with impact absorption, ensuring a more comfortable ride.
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The rear of the bike was fitted with dual shock absorbers. These were tuned to provide adequate suspension travel, absorbing shocks from road bumps and light off-road obstacles.
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The steering components, including the handlebars and linkage, were designed for precision, providing responsive cornering and straight-line stability.
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Assembly of the Final Product:
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Once the frame, engine, suspension, and other key components were manufactured, the DS7 250 was assembled in a factory setting.
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The engine was mounted on the frame, followed by installation of the front and rear wheels, suspension components, and the braking system.
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The fuel tank and seat were then added, along with all electrical components (headlight, taillight, horn, etc.), and the bike was ready for final testing.
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Quality Control & Testing:
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Yamaha performed rigorous quality control tests on each bike to ensure it met performance and safety standards.
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Engine tuning and suspension adjustments were made as necessary to ensure that the bike ran smoothly and offered comfortable handling.
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The final step was a test ride to check the bike’s overall functionality before shipment to dealerships.
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Finishing Touches:
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The bike was then painted in its signature colors (typically Yamaha Racing Yellow or classic Yamaha red), and decals were applied.
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The finished product was then carefully packed for delivery to dealerships across the world.
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✅ Summary
The 1972 Yamaha DS7 250 (Model 2564) is a vintage classic known for its reliable 2-stroke engine, lightweight design, and versatility as both a street and light off-road bike. Its manufacturing process focused on precision engineering and high-quality materials, resulting in a bike that performed well on a variety of terrains.
With its classic design, racing heritage, and growing popularity among collectors and restoration enthusiasts, the DS7 250 continues to hold value in today’s motorcycle market.
If you’re looking for a reliable restoration project or a fun vintage bike for cruising or light trail riding, the 1972 Yamaha DS7 250 remains a standout choice.
Let me know if you’d like further details, such as restoration tips or more specific specs for the DS7 250!
✅ How to Use the 1972 Yamaha DS7 250 (Model 2564)
1. Pre-Ride Checks
Before you start riding the 1972 Yamaha DS7 250, it’s important to check a few key components to ensure everything is in working order:
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Tire Pressure: Check the front and rear tires for proper air pressure. Low tire pressure can negatively affect handling and safety.
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Fuel: Ensure there is enough fuel in the tank (approximately 3 gallons). If the bike has been sitting for a while, check the fuel for any contaminants.
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Oil Level: Check the 2-stroke oil reservoir. The DS7 250 uses a premix oil system or, depending on modifications, it may have a separate oil reservoir.
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Brakes: Test both the front and rear drum brakes to ensure they are responsive. If necessary, adjust the brake levers or pads for optimal braking power.
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Lights and Signals: Test the headlight, tail light, turn signals, and horn to make sure they are functioning properly.
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Chain: Check the chain tension and lubrication. A loose or rusty chain can affect the bike’s performance and safety.
2. Starting the Engine
The 1972 Yamaha DS7 250 is a 2-stroke motorcycle with a kickstart. Here’s how to start it:
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Turn on the Fuel Valve:
The fuel valve is located on the left side of the bike near the fuel tank. Turn it to the “ON” position to allow fuel to flow to the carburetor. -
Choke (If Cold Start):
If the bike is cold, engage the choke lever, which is located on the handlebars or near the carburetor. This enriches the fuel mixture to make starting easier. -
Kickstart the Engine:
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Stand beside the bike, ensuring you have a firm grip on the handlebars for balance.
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Place your right foot on the kickstart lever and push it down with a quick, firm motion.
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The bike should start after a few kicks. If it doesn’t, wait a moment and try again.
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As the engine warms up, gradually turn the choke off to avoid flooding the engine.
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Throttle and Idle:
Once started, gently twist the throttle to increase the engine speed and let it warm up. The bike may idle a bit rough initially; this is normal for a 2-stroke engine.
3. Riding the 1972 Yamaha DS7 250
Once the engine is warmed up, you’re ready to ride. Here’s how to operate the bike:
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Engage the Gear:
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Make sure the bike is in neutral (you’ll see the neutral light on the dashboard or feel the neutral position by the gear lever).
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Use the left hand to pull in the clutch lever, and with your left foot, shift the gear lever down into 1st gear.
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Throttle Control:
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The right grip controls the throttle. Gently twist it to increase engine speed and move forward.
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Use smooth throttle inputs to avoid jerky starts, especially when shifting into higher gears.
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Shifting Gears:
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The 1972 Yamaha DS7 250 has a 6-speed manual transmission. As you pick up speed, you’ll need to shift to higher gears.
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To shift, pull in the clutch with your left hand, then use your left foot to push the gear lever up for higher gears and down for lower gears.
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Make sure to release the clutch slowly as you shift to avoid stalling.
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Braking:
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Use the right hand brake for the front drum brake and the right foot brake for the rear drum brake.
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Apply both brakes smoothly for maximum stopping power, especially when riding at higher speeds or in rough conditions.
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Remember, the DS7 250 is a vintage bike with drum brakes, so braking distances may be longer than modern bikes with disc brakes.
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Cornering and Suspension:
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The front telescopic fork and rear twin shock absorbers provide a comfortable ride. However, be mindful of the bike’s handling, especially on rougher terrain.
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For sharp corners, lean into the turn and adjust your throttle and brake input. The DS7 250 is light and agile, but it requires smooth and controlled inputs to handle corners safely.
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4. Stopping the Bike
When you’re ready to stop:
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Slow Down:
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Gradually reduce throttle input and apply both brakes smoothly. The rear brake is typically more effective at slower speeds, while the front brake is used for more stopping power at higher speeds.
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Downshift through the gears if necessary or use the clutch to disengage the engine.
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Bring the Bike to a Complete Stop:
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Once at a complete stop, put the bike in neutral to avoid stalling.
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Turn off the engine using the ignition switch once you’re done riding.
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5. Post-Ride Maintenance
After each ride, you should give your bike a quick check to maintain its condition:
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Clean the Bike: Wash off any dirt or grime to prevent rust and corrosion, especially after riding off-road.
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Check Chain Tension: After every ride, make sure the chain is properly tensioned and lubricated.
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Check Fuel and Oil: Verify the fuel level and ensure there’s enough 2-stroke oil in the reservoir. For the premix system, make sure the correct fuel-to-oil ratio is maintained.
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Inspect Brakes: Make sure both drum brakes are in good condition and adjust if necessary.
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Tires: Inspect the tires for wear and make sure the pressure is within the recommended range.
6. Tips for Safe Riding
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Wear Protective Gear: Always wear a helmet, gloves, boots, and appropriate riding gear to ensure safety.
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Know Your Terrain: While the DS7 250 is capable of light off-road riding, avoid harsh trails or terrains that require more rugged suspension and higher ground clearance.
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Ride Smoothly: This vintage bike doesn’t have the advanced suspension or braking systems found in modern motorcycles, so ride smoothly and avoid sudden jerks or sharp turns.
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Stay Within Your Skill Level: If you’re new to vintage motorcycles, take time to get accustomed to the bike’s unique handling and braking before tackling challenging terrain.
Conclusion: How to Get the Most Out of Your Yamaha DS7 250
The 1972 Yamaha DS7 250 is a fun and versatile classic motorcycle with a rich history in both racing and recreational riding. By following these simple steps, you’ll ensure your bike runs smoothly and stays in good condition for years to come.
Whether you’re riding it on the streets, exploring light off-road trails, or working on a vintage restoration project, the DS7 250 remains an iconic model that offers a great riding experience.
Let me know if you’d like more information on maintenance or restoration tips for your DS7 250!
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