1998 Yamaha RD56 Replica

Lot details
Registration No: N/A
Frame No: TD2-900-08
Engine No: A1E15850
cc: 20
MOT Expiry Date: N/A

This machine was in the process of being built by Ken Roberts to recreate the appearance of Yamaha's works Grand Prix Racer the RD 56. The RD56 made its debut for the 1963 season in the hands of Fumio Ito who secured Yamaha's first Grand Prix victory at the 1963 Belgian Grand Prix together with second places in the TT and at the Dutch Grand Prix. The following season Yamaha secured the services of Phil Read and Michael Duff, who between them won six Grand Prix's, five for Read and one for Duff, securing the championship for Yamaha. 1965 saw Yamaha once again taking the title with Read securing four wins and a second to secure the championship supported by Duff with one first and three second places. For 1966 Yamaha introduced the astonishing four cylinder 250cc as a replacement for the RD56.
A Yamaha TD2 frame has been employed in the construction of this evocation and houses a twin cylinder Kawasaki engine modified to appear similar to the RD56 engine. Unlike Yamaha's production engines the RD56 relied on disc valve distribution as did the Kawasaki Samurai/Avenger series of engines making this power unit a natural choice for someone seeking to produce a representation of the RD56. The machine is described as being in good cosmetic condition and the cycle parts are described in the same way, unfortunately Mr Roberts died before he was able to resolve a problem with the ignition system and consequently never saw the machine run. PLEASE NOTE: There is no visible engine or frame number on this motorcycle.