1981 Yamaha TZ500

Lot details
Registration No: N/A
Frame No: HA000142
Engine No: HA001

A descendant of the mighty YZR500 (OW19) four-cylinder two-stroke Works bike that won first time out at the 1973 French Grand Prix (piloted by the immensely talented Jarno Saarinen), the TZ500 production racer was launched some six years later. Yamaha dominated the 250 and 350cc classes thanks to the TZ twins but were in desperate need of a competitive "privateer" machine for the 500cc class to counter the Suzuki RG500. The new machine, titled the TZ500H was propelled by a bespoke piston-port four-cylinder engine mated to six-speed transmission, the use of mechanically operated 'powervalves' in the former and a cassette-style gear cluster in the latter were both features designed to increase its rider friendliness. Built around a 'monoshock' frame that was adjustable for compression / rebound damping and spring pre-load at the rear, it utilised a modified version of its TZ750 big brother's front fork sliders (complete with air caps). A revised version and the last of the line, the 'J' version was introduced in 1982. In many ways a customer replica of the OW48R that Kenny Roberts had used to secure his third world title in 1980, the reversing of its outer two cylinders permitted the installation of a less restrictive exhaust manifold which in turn boosted power (the TZ500J was estimated to have comfortably in excess of 110bhp). Equipped with new 320mm Nissin front brakes (some 22mm up on its 'H' predecessor), it reputedly weighed in at just 135kg. The TZ500 in both H and J forms was built in very limited numbers, far fewer than its rival, the RG500, and was supplied to a select group of riders resulting in it being rare in period, with survivors now highly sought after.
The vendor informs us that the TZ500H offered was supplied to former World Champion Walter Villa. It is presented in excellent condition, finished in the traditional Yamaha livery of white and red, having been restored by Reinhard Hiller.