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"The TD1 was produced in a very limited edition as an experiment to test the waters. They were offered for sale in Australia and the US and attracted sufficient interest to convince Yamaha that a full production run could be made and sold. Assembly of TD1As began in October 1962..." - Colin MacKellar, Yamaha Two-Stroke Twins.

Introduced in 1959, Yamaha's first 250cc production racer was the YDS1R: basically a YDS1 roadster uprated with a separately purchased and necessarily very extensive race kit. As might be expected of a first attempt, the YDS1R had more than its share of teething troubles, being prone to seizure at high revs. The result was an improved race kit for 1960, incorporating new cylinders and pistons. Now busy at Grand Prix level, Yamaha did not get around to further developing their customer '250' until 1962; based on the YDS2 roadster, this was the TD1, which unlike it predecessors was sold in ready-to-race specification with no kit parts needed. The successor TD1A was essentially similar apart from its different exhausts and a close-ratio gearbox. The chassis and cycle parts remained similar to those of the YDS2 roadster, albeit with lighter, thinner-gauge tubing used for the frame.

This example of Yamaha's first serious 250cc production racer appears to be in restored condition (the engine turns over). Yamaha VIN numbers traditionally started at '101' so this machine may well be the 32nd produced.

Following a period of inactivity, this motorcycle will require recommissioning and/or restoration to a greater or lesser extent before returning to the road and thus is sold strictly as viewed. Prospective purchasers should satisfy themselves with regard to this motorcycle's completeness, history, authenticity, originality and mechanical condition prior to bidding.
Key not required