LOT 421
c.1979 Yamaha TZ750F Racing Motorcycle Frame no. 409-200415 Engine no. 409-200415
Estimate: £45,000 - £55,000
Lot 421
c.1979 Yamaha TZ750F Racing Motorcycle Frame no. 409-200415 Engine no. 409-200415
The Autumn Stafford Sale: The Classic Motorcycle Mechanics Show|20 October 2019, 11:00 BST|Stafford, Staffordshire County Showground
c.1979 Yamaha TZ750F Racing Motorcycle
Frame no. 409-200415
Engine no. 409-200415
Frame no. 409-200415
Engine no. 409-200415
• Last-of-the-line model
• Purchased from a French collector
• Believed never raced
Although Formula 750 had been intended as a class for modified production road bikes, Yamaha managed to get its purpose-built TZ750 racer homologated provided that at least 200 were built. Yamaha's new F750 contender drew on the Iwata firm's tried-and-tested two-stroke technology, its engine looking like two TZ350 twins on a common crankcase, although in actual fact few components were shared. The TZ350's 64x54mm bore/stroke dimensions were retained, giving the first TZ750 model (retrospectively re-designated TZ750A) a capacity of 694cc. Together with the contemporary YZR500 Grand Prix machine, the TZ750 was the first Yamaha road-racing motorcycle to feature reed valve induction, a measure considered necessary to broaden what would otherwise have been an unacceptably peaky power delivery. The TZ750 engine was built in unit with a six-speed gearbox and went into an entirely new, twin-shock frame that looked reminiscent of the Rob North-designed chassis used by the racing BSA-Triumph 750 triples. Despite the 'TZ750' moniker, displacement remained at 694cc until October 1974 when the second batch of TZ750Bs was released featuring a full-size (747cc) engine.
Like the smaller TZ twins, the TZ750 was an enormous success, providing privateers the world over with the means to compete against the factory teams in Formula 750. Packed grids of near-identical bikes made for close racing, and no-one who witnessed these demanding machines being wrestled around UK short circuits, the Isle of Man TT course, or Daytona's bumpy banking will ever forget the sight. Recent research suggests that Yamaha eventually made slightly fewer than 800 of these spectacular motorcycles, which today are highly sought after by collectors and classic racers alike.
Representing the model in its final TZ750F configuration, this very late example was purchased five years ago from a French collector who had only used it for parades and - it is believed - never raced it. Certainly, the machine's original appearance suggests it has enjoyed a relatively easy life. Due to other commitments, the vendor has had no time to use the TZ though it has been started regularly, the last occasion being a couple of months ago. Representing a wonderful opportunity to acquire one of the most charismatic racing motorcycles of modern times, this outstandingly original TZ750 has no modifications from factory specification and is described by the private vendor as in very good condition throughout.
• Purchased from a French collector
• Believed never raced
Although Formula 750 had been intended as a class for modified production road bikes, Yamaha managed to get its purpose-built TZ750 racer homologated provided that at least 200 were built. Yamaha's new F750 contender drew on the Iwata firm's tried-and-tested two-stroke technology, its engine looking like two TZ350 twins on a common crankcase, although in actual fact few components were shared. The TZ350's 64x54mm bore/stroke dimensions were retained, giving the first TZ750 model (retrospectively re-designated TZ750A) a capacity of 694cc. Together with the contemporary YZR500 Grand Prix machine, the TZ750 was the first Yamaha road-racing motorcycle to feature reed valve induction, a measure considered necessary to broaden what would otherwise have been an unacceptably peaky power delivery. The TZ750 engine was built in unit with a six-speed gearbox and went into an entirely new, twin-shock frame that looked reminiscent of the Rob North-designed chassis used by the racing BSA-Triumph 750 triples. Despite the 'TZ750' moniker, displacement remained at 694cc until October 1974 when the second batch of TZ750Bs was released featuring a full-size (747cc) engine.
Like the smaller TZ twins, the TZ750 was an enormous success, providing privateers the world over with the means to compete against the factory teams in Formula 750. Packed grids of near-identical bikes made for close racing, and no-one who witnessed these demanding machines being wrestled around UK short circuits, the Isle of Man TT course, or Daytona's bumpy banking will ever forget the sight. Recent research suggests that Yamaha eventually made slightly fewer than 800 of these spectacular motorcycles, which today are highly sought after by collectors and classic racers alike.
Representing the model in its final TZ750F configuration, this very late example was purchased five years ago from a French collector who had only used it for parades and - it is believed - never raced it. Certainly, the machine's original appearance suggests it has enjoyed a relatively easy life. Due to other commitments, the vendor has had no time to use the TZ though it has been started regularly, the last occasion being a couple of months ago. Representing a wonderful opportunity to acquire one of the most charismatic racing motorcycles of modern times, this outstandingly original TZ750 has no modifications from factory specification and is described by the private vendor as in very good condition throughout.
Footnotes
As with all Lots in the Sale, this Lot is sold 'as is/where is' and Bidders must satisfy themselves as to the provenance, condition, age, completeness and originality prior to bidding.
Additional information
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