• Iconic Formula 750 racer
• Matching numbers
• Already restored when purchased

Although Formula 750 had been intended as a class for modified production road bikes, Yamaha managed to get its TZ750 racer homologated provided that at least 200 were built. Yamaha's new F750 contender drew on the Japanese 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 Yamaha's 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. Various authorities have suggested a manufacturing total for the TZ750 at somewhere in the 500-600 range, though more recent research suggests that Yamaha eventually made a little under 800. Today these spectacular machines are highly sought after by collectors and classic racers alike.

This TZ750F was purchased in restored condition but will require re-commissioning before use. A wonderful opportunity to acquire one of the most charismatic racing motorcycles of modern times.