1974 Yamaha TZ750A

Lot details
Registration No: N/A
Frame No: 409000295
Engine No: T.B.A.
cc: 700
MOT Expiry Date: N/A

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.
The machine offered, 409000295, had been ridden to victory by Gene Romero at Daytona, his only success at the iconic race, in March of 1975. It is possible that it had originally been allocated to Kenny Roberts in early 1974, however, it is certain that it was used by Romero during the latter part of 1974 into 1975. Following his success at Daytona Romero was in action in the UK for the Transatlantic match race series .
Shortly after its Daytona victory 409000295 was purchased by the famous Chester based dealer and racer Bill Smith together with a number of other competition machines from Kel Carruthers and is believed to have entered the UK in April 1975.
Bill rode the bike at the TT in June 1975 before sponsoring Eddie Roberts who rode the machine at the Ulster Grand Prix in August. In correspondence supplied with the machine from Eddie Roberts he describes his trepidation at the prospect of riding one of the fastest machines on one of the fastest circuits and his growing affection for the machine following practice. During the race he got a good start and was in contention for the lead with Roger Marshall and Percy Tait when fifth gear broke forcing his retirement. On its return to Chester it was repaired by former racer Steve Murray before being sold to Ulster sponsor Sam McClelland. Adrian Craig rode 409000295 for McClelland in the 1976 and 1977 Irish Championships winning them on both occasions. 409000295 was the sold to Jim Rush of Lisburn who then sold it to Rod Taylor of Rod Taylor Motorcycles in Donegal Pass, Belfast. The machine was laid up by Rod Taylor in 1979 following Tom Herron's death, not emerging until 1987 when it was purchased by Eddie Mateer of Ulster Speed Promotions who had kept track of this historic machines whereabouts. Mateer subsequently sold the bike to Charlie Ferns to raise funds for his son, David's, racing activities. Mr Ferns commissioned John Weeden to restore 409000295, subsequently selling the machine to Tony Smith. In 2001 Mateer, on hearing that Mr Smith was selling some motorcycles once again became 409000295 owner having inspected it to confirm the frame number and ensure that it retained the frame modifications carried out by the US team mechanic Don Vesco.
The vendor acquired the motorcycle in March 2011 and following an inspection realised that, although in very good cosmetic condition following its earlier restoration, it required some mechanical attention. Water was found in the gearbox oil suggesting the seals needed replacing, however further inspection revealed more serious problems. The main bearings were revolving in the cases prompting a search for a set of new old stock cases. The vendor took the decision to install a pair of new Titan crankshafts and Koyo bearings. New connecting rods were crowned with new pistons and rings and the barrels were refurbished. New reed valve blocks were fitted and the carburettors were overhauled. The transmission benefitted from a new clutch basket and all the seals and bearings were replaced. Following the engine rebuild it was run on a dyno and subsequently, gently, at the Dunsfold Wings and Wheels event in 2012. The vendor cautions that the engine will require running in and gives precise starting instructions in the correspondence that accompanies this historic motorcycle.
This historically significant machine is offered with correspondence confirming its impeccable provenance.