Yamaha IT175 belongs to the 'International Trial' family of motorcycles, produced during the 1970s and 1980s. The machine is derived from the Yamaha YZ range of competition motocross bikes with modifications for use in competition enduro, hare and hounds and trail riding.
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The bike uses an air cooled, two stroke, single cylinder engine with pre-mixed fuel. It is kick start only.
There are three derivations of the machine for the global market. A US & Canada market version, a European version and an Oceanic version for other world markets.
The IT is an off-road motorcycle only and can not be registered for the road in Canada or the USA, the head light and tail light are frequently misunderstood as road equipment, this is standard equipment for International Trials competitions along with a trip meter. The IT does not have a speedometer or turn signals.
Other bikes in the IT range include IT125, IT200, IT250, IT425, IT465 and IT490.
The IT range was superseded by the WR (Wide Ratio) range of four stroke machines.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) invoked new regulations restricting Two Strokes in the early 2000s and new rules were set by the American Motorcycle Association (AMA) which set the path for the development of the less powerful four stroke engines dominate in the sport today.
1977
The IT175D was first introduced in 1977 using a bored out 125cc motocross engine giving 171cc and using the same port design as the YZ. A 34mm carburetor was used along with a reed intake valve. The bike was given a six speed gearbox with a very low ratio first gear to help in tackling technical trial sections. The frame was based on that of the YZ but the steering rake was increased to lengthen the bike and improve high speed stability, facilitated by a high sixth gear. Rear suspension adopted lessons learned from the YZ and used a de carbon monoshock unit from Kayaba. Forks had less travel than those of the YZ
Considerable thought was given to features to improve reliability and usability over extended tests. The rear wheel featured a quick release design and a tool carrying kit was mounted to the rear fender.
1978
Introduction of the IT175E. No major changes
1979
The IT175F featured a beefed up frame and more suspension travel as per the mode of the times. The engine tune was modified slightly to give the bike more mid-range power.
1980
For 1980 the IT175G caught up with the pace of motocross development and shared the frame of the YZ125G. This allowed the rear shock to move to a laid down position, bolted to the top of the frame backbone. The shock itself was adjustable for preload and rebound and a box section aluminum swing arm was used for the first time along with 36mm forks with air caps.
A new engine was developed in 1980, based loosely on the YZ125G. The new engine switched the drive chain to the right side where it has stayed ever since. The engine was detuned to give more usable power and given a 34mm power jet carburetor.
1981
IT175H. No major changes other than all white plastics for the US version.
1982
IT175J. Major upgrade
1983
IT175K. Minor upgrade.