Hello all!

I decided to write about my resto journey with my 1VJ. I bought the bike in 2023 and loved it ever since. I have done some things over the years but this winter I decided to strip it down and make it all good and new again. Main goal was to make it mechaically sound and tight. The plastics and tank wont be painted or restored (because I would ruin them quite quick).





This is what it looked like when I bought it. It had panniers and some things on it that I removed the second I got it home. I have never been a big fan of hard panniers let alone plastic panniers. Main issues were only cosmetic so I was happy none the less.



First changes were the handlebars, plastics and front mudguard.





At some point I bought an original seat and covered it with a new cover. The Yamaha lettering is embroidered. Also added an Arrow exhaust. This is what it looked like before I stripped it and started the restoration. Next post I will cover what I have done so far.

Looking forward to seeing it.
May motivate me to get on with my 3AJ
good luck!

First things i did was stripping it down completly to send the frame parts to powdercoating, bolts and nuts to zinc plating and see what parts to order. I had an idea at some time to use a 34L rear swing arm (I had bought the swing arm and brake cover beforehand) but there were little to no info of the fitment. Now I know that the frame on no electric start models is 10mm narrower than the electric start ones and also the 1vj sprocket carrier did not fit in with the wheel. I kind of buried the idea of an aluminium swing arm on my tenere but it got digged up when I saw one sprocket carrier for sale in my country for 15 euros so I decided to try.



I still have the original swing arm so even if I dont succeed I can always go back to original (I powder coated it anyways so that I have a clean one at hand).

Things that I did to fit the 34L swing arm:
1. I used 34L brake cover and sprocket carrier with bushings.
2. Under the sprocket carrier there are 10mm wide aluminium bushings/washers.
3. Machined a spacer on the end of the swing arm and used the 1vj bushings (as seen on photo below)




Okay.. enough about the swing arm. Other upgrades that I did to the frame (engine stuff in another time):

1. Yss rear shock.
2. Yss front springs
3. Bosley-s pegs (rally size)
4. Bar risers (yet to be installed)
5. Rim locks

Looking good.
As I've said many times before, the 1VJ style is the prettiest of the Teneres for me. It looks like a desert racer as standard.
I have a very similar one
I've had an interest in putting the 34L/55W swing arm in one for a while, or even something off an MX bike.
How much weight do you think it saves?

I know its a minor detail, but rather than bar risers, you might want to try getting some standard original bar clamps from a 3aj as they are about an inch taller than the 1vj clamps and saves having unsightly aftermarket bar risers. Just a thought.

Or choose one of the many different shapes renthals. Takes some work mind to get the right one.