Lot details
Registration No: N/A
Frame No: Not Visible
Engine No: 409-200122
cc: 750

Intended to compete with the likes of the Suzuki TR750 and Kawasaki KR750, the Yamaha TZ750A production racer was launched in March 1974. Displacing just 694cc, its water-cooled two-stroke four-cylinder engine produced 90bhp @ 10,500rpm. Tempered by twin rear shock absorbers, its swing-arm frame also cradled a six-speed gearbox. Weighing just 157kg, it proved phenomenally quick but was upstaged the following year by the arrival of an improved "B" version. Bored out to 747cc (though reputedly only after the initial forty-six TZ750Bs had been assembled), the newcomer also boasted a higher capacity water pump, gusseted exhaust system expansion chambers and a strengthened chain tensioner. Credited with 105bhp @ 10,500rpm, it was honed by such greats as Kel Carruthers, Giacomo Agostini and Kenny Roberts. The following year saw a change in code to TZ750C but little change to the machine itself. 1977 witnessed the introduction of what for many is the definitive TZ750 variant, the D. The new machine benefited from the works team's experience with the OW31 factory racer of the previous season introducing features from that machine to the "production" variant. The engine remained largely as it had in the "C" variant but the chassis was the subject of considerable revision. The twin rear shock absorbers were replaced by a monoshock cantilever system similar to that employed on the OW31 and an additional bracing tube between the front cradle loops was added to increase rigidity which was further aided by a change to a heavier grade tube for the frame construction. A new exhaust system was fitted to the motorcycle, prompted by more stringent FIM noise levels, which incorporated silencers.

The example of a TZ750D offered is described as being in "good condition overall" and is presented in the Sonauto team livery. A letter, which accompanies the motorcycle, from J Germain, the chief mechanic with the Yamaha team at the time confirms that this machine, engine number 409-200122-00 was ridden by the Sonauto factory rider Christian Sarron in the 1977 Championship in which he finished second behind Steve Baker, also mounted on a Yamaha.