The Robert Lusk Motorcycle Collection, 1967 Tohatsu 125cc Racing Motorcycle

• A rare survivor from Japan's short-lived but fascinating Tohatsu racing programme
• Acquired by Robert from the original owner in 2007

Although no longer a motorcycle manufacturer, Tohatsu made a notable impact in the ultra-lightweight racing classes of the 1960s. The company's origins lay in 1922 with Tanaka Motors Enterprises, which initially experimented with gasoline engines. Renamed Tokyo Hatsudoki Co. Ltd. in 1939 (hence 'Tohatsu'), it became a leading producer of generators. Motorcycle production commenced in 1949, all models being two-strokes, and by 1957 the range extended to 199cc.

Like its Japanese rivals, Tohatsu turned to racing for publicity. In 1961 it introduced a pair of moto-crossers and a 50cc road racer, the Runpet CR50. A 125cc twin-cylinder racer followed, both models making their international debut at Daytona in February 1962 with encouraging results.

As well as fielding works bikes, Tohatsu offered production racers for privateers, first shown at the Tokyo Show in October 1962. These included a revised 125 and the 49cc twin-cylinder CA - the only twin-cylinder 50 ever sold to the public. The 125's engine featured a distinctive vertically split three-piece crankcase, facilitating relatively straightforward strip-downs.

One of the earliest UK riders to adopt Tohatsu was Dave Simmonds, who was supplied with 50cc and 125cc twins in 1963. Though not the most reliable machines, his 125 was good enough to secure the ACU Star that year, including a memorable victory over Honda works rider Tommy Robb. A works team was even considered for 1964, but in February that year the company was declared bankrupt. Simmonds continued to race Tohatsus successfully for several years before joining Kawasaki in 1967, later winning the 1969 125cc World Championship.

The machine offered here is a Tohatsu 125 Model BA twin, purchased new in 1967 from Jim Pink of Wallingford, the UK importer, by Christopher Page of Thatcham, Berkshire. Page won first time out at Llandow and went on to secure numerous club victories and several third places at National level during the late 1960s. After years in storage, he restored the machine in 2007. Later that year Robert acquired the Tohatsu for his collection.

Today it remains in good overall condition (though the windscreen shows some damage) and is accompanied by a history file containing copies of period photographs, copies of contemporary newspaper articles documenting Chris Page's successes, and correspondence with him.
A rare survivor from Japan's short-lived but fascinating Tohatsu racing programme, this restored Model BA represents an important chapter in lightweight Grand Prix history.

Prospective buyers should please note that whilst Robert actively started and maintained his collection, all machines are offered as requiring recommissioning to a greater or lesser extent.
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