1962 Yamaha TD1

Lot details
Registration No: N/A
Frame No: T1-007
Engine No: D6A-007
cc: 250
MOT Expiry Date: N/A

During 1962 a machine appeared that marked the beginning of the most successful line of production racing motorcycles ever produced, a family of machines that would not only meet with unprecedented success but which would also change the character of motorcycle racing blurring the demarcation that had existed between the privateer and the factory supported riders.
The machine ,emanting from the Yamaha factory and typed the TD1 drew on Yamaha's experience acquired during the 1961 racing season . The new machines handwelded frame was clearly derived from the unit employed by RD48 and the forks were of the type used by the RA41 with other items such as the mudguards, fuel tank and seat being sourced from one or other of the factory race bikes.
Yamaha chose to employ the newly introduced YDS2 power unit, essentially in it's "Assama Race" kitted form, in the new machine. The air cooled twin cylinder, piston ported two stroke produced a claimed 31bhp at 8,500 rpm and was transmitted to the rear wheel via a five speed constant mesh transmission . Weighing only 95kg the new model quickly made an impact when it became available, securing first and second at the Suzuka All Japan Grand Prix races in the 250cc class.
Debate continues as to how many examples of this landmark model were produced by Yamaha, but it is suggested that no more than fifteen examples were produced with matching engine and frame numbers and it is thought that currently only one other known example resides in Europe, housed in the collection of Yamaha specialist Ferry Brouwer. Mick Walker states in his book "Japanese Production Racing Motorcycles" that "three were imported into the UK, a similar number went to Australia and a few made it to the US and several were scattered around the far East and Japan". This example which is described as being in original condition requiring restoration formed part of the Ken Roberts collection. It represents a unique opportunity to acquire an example of the rarest of all Yamaha' production racing motorcycles.