Georgia Off Road Top Gear
Not logged in.
Member Login
Not Registered?
Home
News
Forums
Calendar
Ladies
Gallery
Track Map
MX Tracks
ORV Trails
Dirt Bike Guide
Reviews
Dealer Guide - our own yellow pages!
Contact GOR Administrators
GOR best viewed at 1280 by 1024 resolution.


1983 Yamaha IT490
Show All Dirt Bikes
Go back to the Yamaha IT list

1983 Yamaha IT490

Date Added March 21, 2000

Page Views

17,321

Reviews

Read 5 Reviews
Write a Review

Average Rating

94

Photos

1

Specifications

Yes

1983 Yamaha IT490 Specifications
  Engine

Engine Type

2-stroke

Displacement

500 cc

Bore x Stroke

87 mm x 82 mm

Engine Cooling

Air
  Ignition

Spark Plug

Champion N3c
  Carburetion

Carburetor

Mikuni Vm38ss
  Transmission

Transmission

5 - speed
  Chassis

Steering Rake (Castor)

28 degrees

Steering Trail

4.65 in

Wheelbase

58.5 in

Ground Clearance

13.4 in

Seat Height

37.2 in

Weight, dry

248 pounds

Fuel Tank Capacity

3.6 gallons
  Forks

Forks

Kyb

Fork Travel

11.8 in
  Shock

Shock(s)

Kyb, Monocross

Shock Travel

11.8 in
  Wheels and Tires

Front Wheel

21 in

Rear Wheel

18 in

Brakes

drum/drum
  Other Information

Intended Use

Enduro, Hare Scrambles

Color Scheme

Blue

Cost when new

$2249

Country of Origin

Japan

1983 Yamaha IT490 Reviews
Itman

Joined: 10/25/2009
Posts: 1
Location: Great state of Missouri

Posted: Nov 1, 2009 9:04 PM   Back to Top

old school IT 490 riding (Score: +1)

Rider
6 ' 4" / 245 lbs /

Power:

The most amazing, motor I ever stradled, not for a small or beginner, but enough stump pullin power in any gear you choose or happen to be in. Will put fear and a smile at the twist of the throttle.

Ergonomics:

IT's are my favorite and Ive had several, I ride where there is alot of rocks and I mean rocks, although considered by most the suspension is too soft, its great for sucking up the rocks and putting them behind you, alittle heavy for some but so am I (6'4" 245lbs) and I need something to be stable, brakes are great, like to fade when they get hot or I get tired. Great high speed bike, like allstate, your in good hands with the IT

Suspension, Front:

not for jumping, but for sucking up rocks and trees and staying straight, hard to beat

Suspension, Rear:

same as front, just run a gear higher and it becomes very tractable, In fact it is alot like a very fast tractor, and with the 140-80/18 Terraflex tire on the rear will absolutely the best big bore tire ever made, is an amazing root, rock, tree absorbing beast. note; not a bike you want to follow close to for it will throw alot of debris.

Handling:

with the right set up as with any bike its pretty good on creek beds,open trails, woods riding, not tight woods though

Brakes:

I like the brakes the fade when I do, I'm 48 and I know its time for the camp fire when they get tired I soon follow.

Comments:

I'v had over 20 bikes in my life and I could have any bike I so desired, thats why when it came down to possibly my last bike, I wanted the 83 IT 490, I spent alot of money rebuilding this 26 year old beast and couldn't be happier, Its kinda like the hemi of dirt bikes, once in a life time one come around that sticks out.

Rating:

100
Log in to report abuse
cibxms

Joined: 12/18/2007
Posts: 4
Location: Nashville

Posted: Dec 18, 2007 2:39 PM   Back to Top

Hold onto your seat (Score: +1)

Rider
6'0 / 235 / Intermediate

Power:

OMG this bike pulls wheelies in ever gear. I just had mine rebuilt and added a dg pipe to it and it has gobs of power. not for the beginner or those with a heart condition

Ergonomics:

Typical old school bike layout The handle bars are a bit wide to me

Suspension, Front:

Typical yamaha way to soft even for the woods. I am currently looking for a set of YZ490 forks 85 or newer

Suspension, Rear:

Same issue too soft

Handling:

Like a tank! The handle is what you would expect from a heavy woods bike but if u can use the power and slide the bike in and out of turns it is not to bad

Brakes:

The drum brake work very well

Comments:

The power is just heart stopping this bike could climb a tree. The front like most Yamaha's is on the light side and the bike has a tendency to pull the front end off the ground in a blink on an eye. The suspension is to soft even for a woods bike so I am trying to correct that. All in all one heck of a joy ride

Rating:

90
Log in to report abuse

DeezilDennis
Legacy Account

Reviews: 1

Registered:
Nov 13, 2002

Send Email Email
View Profile Profile

Posted: Nov 13, 2002 9:29 PM   Back to Top

Legacy Review (Score: +5, Amusing)

Power:

Whoa buddy! If the bike is running in tip top shape you can bet there will be power to spare. It doesnt take long to realize that the bike has way more guts than you have. Unlike other bikes you do not need to down shift at speed to get the powerband back. With the 39.7 foot pounds of tourqe this thing has stock, all you need to do is roll the throttle back and hang on. If you do decide you need to down shift you better be sitting on the tank. This thing will pull the wheels in all 5 gears but with the amount of tourqe it has you can Putt around in the woods all day. It makes a great trail bike or Enduro racer.

Suspension:

For 1983 the suspension is wonderful.
<br />
<br />
<br />
Ihis bike was a International Trials bike meant for ISDE and Hare scrambles. It is not a motorcross bike but shares many of the same mods as the YZ 490 of that era except for the 5 speed transmission. Its counterpart Yz only had a 4 speed tranny. The Front shocks seem stiff but compliant in ruff terrian. The rear mono shock is one of the best I have seen.

Handling:

Its a big bike but dont let that scare you. It treats you well and dry weight is only 238#'s not the 248#'s as stated elsewhere. In the woods this thing shines. Even though its big, it is Really responsive. A good tire combo and gearing does wonders with any bike and this one is no exception.

Brakes:

Their drum front and rear so dont expect much. the front is great , the back tends to lock up if you dont adjust it correctly. Adjust it for your weight and how you ride.

Comments:

I am happy with the bike. Its big, its as fast or most of the time faster than new bikes and its fun to ride. If you have a chance to get one of these and it is in good shape get it. Although I am partial to the 490's any of the 82 on up IT's will do great. You have several choice in engine size to chose from. Just pick on that suits you and go.
<br />
<br />
<br />

<br />
<br />
<br />

Rating:

95
Log in to report abuse

bigguy_2004
Legacy Account

Reviews: 1

Registered:
Aug 13, 2002

Send Email Email
View Profile Profile

Posted: Aug 13, 2002 3:00 PM   Back to Top

Legacy Review (Score: +1)

Power:

Excellent power, gets up and goes in a hurry. I need to get more used to the bike. I have to find a good balance on how high to ride up the seat when climbing hills, this bike will flip over easy. DG Pipes and power reeds are good modifications to do without really changing the dependibility.

Suspension:

Front is great lots of travel and seems to have the right firmness. I am taking my rear suspension into the shop, hopefully it can be recharged without having to worry about the difficult rebuild or buying a new one.

Handling:

Handles really pretty good. Better than I thought it would. I was used to riding a CR250 this isn't anywhere close to that but better than a bike of it's size, like a CR480.

Brakes:

The brakes are one of the best setups of drum brakes I have ever seen. NEVER lock up the back tire. The bike is too big to bring out of a fish tail. Smaller bikes can do it but when this starts to go over it goes.

Comments:

Make sure you always ride with someone this is a big bore two stroke which is very powerful, and chances are you will get hurt. If you are used to a small bike go easy on it till you get used to it, then the power comes in handy. Don't jump this bike. It is way too heavy. This bike is sure to satisfy whoever gets on it, well worth the money. I would rate it higher if the brakes weren't so touchy.

Rating:

90
Log in to report abuse

Shock96
Legacy Account

Reviews: 1

Registered:
Dec 30, 2001

Send Email Email
View Profile Profile

Posted: Dec 30, 2001 10:06 PM   Back to Top

Legacy Review (Score: +1)

Power:

Excellent trail and enduro power. I own this bike currently and it is my main ride. I have added a DG pipe to smooth out the powerband. Excellent improvement. Power is strong in the low to mid-range with little on top, but that is not a hinderance in the woods.

Suspension:

Not bad. The forks are decent with ok rebound and excellent travel. The rear shock is also decent, but is difficult to get parts for or rebuild. I will be rebuilding mine, but it requires and entire cartridge assembly instead of just seals.

Handling:

It is a pig. Don't get me wrong, its not that bad, but it is a big bike and you can feel the weight in slower turns. The bike also has a tendancy to plow in the turns, but that might be my worn out rear shock.

Brakes:

Typical drum/drum setup. Ok when dry. Murder when wet. EBC shoes are helpful here.

Comments:

I love this bike. It is a little heavy at about 290 wet, but I am a big guy and have no problem with it. It is still competitive in regional events. Finding big enough tires for the rear can be a challenge. I would recommend the DG pipe for sure along with one size smaller main jet. Much better fuel economy with no real loss in power. Stick with 92 octane though.

Rating:

95
Log in to report abuse

Keywords: 1983, Yamaha, IT490, , 1983 Yamaha IT490 , IT, 490, review, rate, opinions, photo, image, specifications, Dirt Bike Guide, GOR, georgiaoffroad.com

 







Northeast Georgia Motorsports
Hyperformance Cycles - Woodstock, GA
KTM Parts
Off Camber Riders Association
Honda Rider Education Center