1967 Yamaha YR1 Grand Prix
From the Keith Mason collection

Registration No: Un-Registered
Frame No: R1 05734
MOT: Exempt

• A bike not officially imported into the UK
• Exceptional performance for the 1960s
• Supplied with a NOVA number

A lifelong motorcycle enthusiast, Keith Mason started working in his local bike shop at the age of 15 before eventually branching out on his own a few years later. From humble beginnings selling secondhand bikes from a small shop, Keith built up the Moto GB empire to become one of the biggest motorcycle retailers and importers in the UK. The group has now grown to include 15 retail shops and is responsible for importing 9 different brands, also supplying many independent dealers, including QJ Motor, Voge, Lambretta, FB Mondial, Morbidelli, SYM and Hero. Keith sadly passed away in 2023, but in recent years he had put together a fantastic collection of his favourite classic bikes, ranging from a humble Honda Express to a beautiful Egli Vincent, documenting his lifetime in the trade. We are pleased to offer all 31 bikes from this collection in our March sale.

The Yamaha Motor Company’s first motorcycle, produced in 1954, was the YA-1, like the BSA Bantam, a copy of the German-made DKW RT125, but in typical Japanese fashion this was soon improved upon with the launch of the YA-2 in 1957. This proved to be an immediate success in sporting events, starting a long tradition of achievement that goes on to this day in Moto GP. The YR-1 350 of the late sixties and the arrival of the RD range in the early seventies, cemented Yamaha's reputation for high-performance two-strokes and formed the basis of their successful TR/TD 250/350 race bikes. This 1967 YR-1 350cc Grand Prix was previously part of the famous Mitzel Builders Auto Collection in North Dakota. A rare bike that was never officially imported into the UK, only a few entered Europe through France and Scandinavia. The specification and performance in the 1960s outstripped many larger capacity bikes with standing start 1/4 mile times of under 14 seconds, enough to embarrass 650 Triumphs and Nortons! An unusual feature was that the gear change and rear brake levers could be reversed to cater for traditional motorcyclists used to right foot change. Many made it onto the race tracks with Yamaha themselves eventually offering the TR2 over the counter racer. Authentically restored in the USA to a good degree of originality, apart from some later indicators, the mileage shown on the odometer is 21,842. It is not registered with DVLA but will be supplied with a NOVA number to aid this process. This machine is being sold as a collector’s item, part of a Keith’s stunning private collection of Vintage and Classic machines, dry stored for several of years, it will require some recommissioning prior to use.

For more information, please contact:
Ian Cunningham
ian.cunningham@handh.co.uk
07415871189