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"Hello, my name is Michał Gajewski aka "Gajron", I live in Poland. I am a veterinarian and a volunteer mountain rescuer. I work with rescue dogs. I have been passionate about motorcycles for more than 30 years. Always off road."
Together with his friend Pawel, Gajron will take part in two navigation rallies on classic Yamahas. One of them is the Enduro Rally 24, which will take place this year from July 18-21. The venue is one of the largest military training grounds in Europe, in Drawsko Pomorskie in Poland.
The second major challenge for man and machine is the "Pionners Classic Rally" in Morocco from September 28 to October 4.
Pawel will compete on an XT600Z 3AJ, Gajron on his XT500 "Dakar Tribiute"
There is passion in every screw.
Gajron's XT500, which we are showing here, is modeled on the 1982 competition bike that Serge Bacou rode for SONAUTO YAMAHA during the Paris-Algiers-Dakar Rally.
Compared to a standard XT500, countless details have been modified. Not only to get closer to the historical model, but primarily to optimize performance and off-road capability.
The engine has undergone a classic performance overhaul. An electronic ignition, a sharp camshaft and an increase in displacement to 600cc. A MIKUNI TM40 flat slide carburettor with dry air filter helps a lot to use the new displacement, the oil circuit was optimized via an oil cooler.
It goes without saying that many of the parts used came from KEDO.
The front fork and brake system come from a TT350, while the rear suspension has been optimized using a Suzuki DR500 swingarm and YSS Stereo shock absorbers.
Michal found the machine's characteristic fuel tank on eBay and had it shipped from Spain. Handmade from aluminum, it appears to be a relic from the era and has a capacity of 17 liters. The seat is a home-made construction based on an aluminum frame. The plastic parts in the colors of the contemporary IT models came from the USA.
An extremely talented craftswoman made the typical leather tool bag at the rear. Very successful and authentic, in our opinion.
In the navigation tower, of course, modern equipment from F2R and ICO is at work. In the desert, functioning navigation technology is often vital.
Michal's friend Marcin from Bielko-Biala in the border triangle of Poland, the Czech Republic and Slovakia played a key role in the construction of this wonderfully successful replica.
We are very excited to see how Yamaha will perform in the classic rallies this year.
