LOT 286

The Robert Lusk Motorcycle Collection Yamaha TD1C Racing Motorcycle Frame no. unstamped Engine no. DS506394

Sold for £4,370 inc. premium

Lot 286

The Robert Lusk Motorcycle Collection, Yamaha TD1C Racing Motorcycle

The Autumn Stafford Sale - The Classic Motorcycle Mechanics Show|12 October 2025, 11:00 BST|Stafford, Staffordshire County Showground

The Robert Lusk Motorcycle Collection
Yamaha TD1C Racing Motorcycle
Frame no. unstamped
Engine no. DS506394

Yorkshire engineer Jim Lee was one of Britain's most individual and inventive racing frame builders. Having raced Nortons in the 1950s, he turned full-time to motorcycle repairs and fabrication in the 1960s, developing a reputation for hand-built frames sketched in chalk on the workshop floor. His light, fillet-brazed Reynolds 531 designs housed a variety of engines for riders such as Paul Dunstall, Ray Pickrell and, most famously, Mick Grant. Grant recalled of his Jim Lee Yamaha: "It was a homemade special and a very big part of my history – I think at one stage we had about 16 consecutive wins, and for a homemade bike it wasn't so bad."

The machine offered here is believed to be an ex-Jim Lee special, though the current frame is unstamped and thought to be a later replica. It is fitted with a YDS5 road-going engine, appears complete and well used, and carries a Jim Lee-branded Yamaha fairing still wearing period scrutineer's stickers. A quotation on file from Saxon Racing, Cobham, dated 2006, refers to repairing the frame or supplying a replacement, while a receipt of the same year records the purchase of two Yamahas, one believed to be this example.

Acquired by Robert Lusk circa 2006, this evocative special represents the enduring appeal of Jim Lee's work. Offered with a file of associated paperwork.

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.
Key not required

Footnotes

All lots are sold 'as is/where is' and Bidders must satisfy themselves as to the provenance, condition, age, completeness and originality prior to bidding.
Please see the Auction Information and Guide for Buyers at the top of the main sale page, for bidders' obligations. The Autumn Stafford Sale

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This Lot will be auctioned on Sunday 12 October, with the auction starting at 11am GMT.

Saleroom notices

This lot is offered with additional body panels and what is believed to be its original Jim Lee frame.

Additional information

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