Issue link: http://trailridermagazine.uberflip.com/i/1545984
August 2026 37 Other than the gas tank, all bodywork was re- placed. For those who've resurrected early IT's, it's a struggle to find decent stock plas c. NOS Yamaha bodywork is long gone. Fortunately, companies like Preston Pe y Products and DC Plas cs s ll produce top-shelf components that make projects like this so easy to complete. DC's side covers are flat-out awesome and fit well. The color is spot on, and the quality has never been be er. DC also provided the seat cover and matching tool bag. . As for fenders, we're happy to report Preston Pe y Products has now added Yamaha Sky Blue to their product line. In keeping with the era's proper look, we chose Preston Pe y's "MX Front" with its wide profile and their iconic, IT (integral taillight) rear fender. As with all Preston Pe y Products, fitment is universal. Other than posi oning the fenders, checking for pipe clearance, and marking the lo- ca on of the holes to be drilled, installa on was a breeze. As for controls, we mounted a set of NOS Wassell tall enduro bars and dressed them with Preston Pe y's Works GP Grips. We loved these grips back in the day, and we're super pumped to see them available once again! Our plans for this bike include some light dual-sport use, and the stock 6-volt ligh ng was weak when new. An upgrade was in order if we were to do any night riding at all. Fortunately, Preston Pe y Prod- ucts makes upgrading your lights super simple with their ba ery-powered LED light kit. Powered by a rechargeable lithium ba ery that lasts up to 5 hours on a full charge and delivers a whopping 1200 lu- mens of light from a 30-degree flood beam, it really lights up the night. That's right, with this kit, there's no more need for an a ermarket igni on system with a ligh ng coil. No more 6v or 12v issues. No more wiring ques- ons. You only need to charge the ba ery with the supplied 110-volt charger, install the headlight with Preston Pe y Products' new lightweight mounts that stand the light assembly 2" forward of the forks, providing clearance for the OEM odometer, and move the toggle switch to the ON posi on. That's it, folks! With our '79 IT250 now all freshened up, we hope to hit a few vintage events in the upcoming months and use it up some. With the days now ge ng shorter, our ligh ng upgrades will be appreciated during those mid-week evening rides too.