1979 Yamaha HL500 - No: 145 of 164

HL500 was Yamaha Europe's own project, made via NVT motorcycles UK. Yamaha’s original order was for 200 bikes in 1978 with the option of another 200 in 1979. The first 200 machines were built in ex-Norton factory in Andover in 1978. 1979 production was transferred to ex-BSA factory, Shenstone, Staffordshire UK. Only 164 of later HL500’s was produced. Total production was 200 + 164 = 364 bikes, of which only 80 bikes remained in UK. The rest were sold and shipped to following countries: Germany 90, Holland 80, Belgium 50, France 40, Sweden 20, Denmark 2, Switzerland 2. There were no earlier models than 1978, because the negotiations between Yamaha Europe. N.V. and NVT were officially started after 1977 World Championships season. The famous HL500 sales brochure promoted 1979 model with matching technical data. The visible differences between 1978 & 1979 models were easy to define. On 1978 model the exhaust exited on left, the 1979 exited on right hand side. Besides the obvious differences, the 1979 model was vastly updated to produce more power. This particular bike was final motorcycle to leave NVT factory in Shenstone. Assembled entirely from left over parts, built for sole purpose of selling it to raise funds. Sold at factory liquidation auction Nov 2003 for sum of £3,000.00.The bike left the NVT factory with following fitted extra’s. Works engine, NEB swinging arm, NEB rear sprocket, NEB 3 speed gearbox. NEB stroker rod (600cc) -Other visual upgrades include: 36mm Amal, re-routed oil supply pipe. modified cooling fins, modified output shaft seal with integral chain case saver, re-located electronic ignition & coil, machined rear hub, re-worked front forks etc. Since leaving factory, bikes never been raced and remains a part of a private collection. HL500 was called (commercial reasons?) Aberg Replica. The Åberg's bike in 1977 was never called HL but the official name "Hallman & Eneqvist Yamaha 500 design Sten Lundin" was used

This bike was ProFab-framed with TT500 engine tuned by Nils Hedlund