“Smoke Oil Everyday” – 1983 Yamaha IT175 Resto

Two-Stroke Woods Weapon from a Former Factory MX Race Mechanic…

The IT (International Trial) series was Yamaha’s range of two-stroke enduro motorcycles, based largely on the YZ motocrossers but tailored for enduro competition, hare and hound racing, and serious trail riding. Being MX-based, they were significantly more aggressive than the DT series of dual-sports, but not road-legal in most markets.

The first to arrive was the 1976 IT400, which was immediately competitive at the most elite levels of enduro competition. Three IT400-mounted riders received gold medals in the International Six-Day Trial (ISDT), which certainly backed up the IT name. Other models would include the IT125, IT175, IT200, IT250, IT425, IT465, and IT490. Many enthusiasts agree it was a sad day (and corporate misstep) when Yamaha ended the IT series in 1987.

One of our favorites of Yamaha’s two-stroke enduro lineage was the IT175, which was based on the YZ125. In 1982, an updated version (IT175J) arrived with YZ-based Mono Cross suspension, better torque, and better mid-range power. Cycle World was well impressed:

“This Motocrosser in Enduro Disguise is Fun, Competitive and Priced Right. What with all the headlines about umpty-horsepower open class enduro and motocross bikes, it’s easy to forget that size isn’t everything and that sometimes it’s more fun to have just enough of everything and be able to use it.”

The IT175J produced about 20 horsepower, weighed just 229.5 lbs with a full tank, and ran on pre-mix. It offered a six-speed gearbox, 10.5+ inches of suspension travel, and quick-release wheels for tire repairs in the field…though it still had drum brakes.

“Really controllable so anyone can ride them, but twist it fully to get into the powerband and its fangs show.” -IT175J owner

The lovingly restored 1983 IT175 you see here comes from Antoine of France’s Benzin MotoX, a two-stroke aficionado whose motto is “Burn Huile (Oil) Everyday.” Antoine, who’s now 37, spent over a decade working as a race mechanic for various factory motocross teams in MXGP, Supercross, and more. After taking a couple years off to travel the world, he came back to two wheels…this time on his own terms.

“I opened my own workshop in 2023 to work peacefully and be alone with my work. This is definitely better, haha!”

Antoine calls this bike his TSL or “Tony Sweetie Lady” — an indication of how much this IT175 means to him, and how much work he’s put into its restoration.

“I bought this bike because I was looking for an old-school enduro bike with a two-stroke engine and an aggressive style, like the 90’s MX bikes or rally bikes, at a good price.”

As the photos attest, Antoine brought this 80s enduro back to better than new condition.

“Everything was done on this bike. Painted the frame, rebuilt the forks, and everything in the engine is brand new.”

As you can see in the photos, this is no show queen for Tony. He uses this old-school enduro as God intended:

“I really love to ride this Yamaha on forest trails because she’s very light, with a nice acidic sound…but there are definitely no brakes, haha!”

We look forward to seeing more old-school smokers roll out of this French workshop. Below is our full interview with Tony about the build.

Yamaha IT175J: Builder Interview

• Please tell us a bit about yourself, your history with motorcycles, and your workshop.

So my name is Antoine. I’m 37 years old. I spent 11 years working for motocross racing teams in various championships (MXGP, Supercross, etc.) and for different brands, like Kawasaki’s factory team. I got this passion by my dad and my brother.

After ending my career in MX racing, I took a couple of years to travel around the world. When I decided start work again, I opened my own workshop in 2023 to work peacefully and be alone with my work. This is definitely better, haha!

• What’s the make, model, and year of the donor bike?

This is a Yamaha IT175 1983.

• Why was this bike built?

I bought this bike because I was looking for an old-school enduro bike with a two-stroke engine and an aggressive style, like the 90’s MX bikes or rally bikes, at a good price.