1972 Yamaha TD3

Lot details
Registration No: N/A
Frame No: 990188
Engine No: 990188
cc: 250
MOT Expiry Date: N/A

Yamaha announced a pair of new production racing twins, the 250cc TD2 and for the first time for Yamaha, a 350cc class machine in the form of the TR2. Both benefitted from Michael Duff's experience with the "works" machine of the previous season and were broadly similar in design. The TD2 250cc twin cylinder two-stroke displaced 247cc with engine dimensions of 56mm x 50mm producing a claimed 44bhp at 10,500 rpm, 5bhp more than its predecessor the TD1C ,and had a dry weight of 110Kg A Fivespeed gearbox was built in unit with the engine which was housed in a steel twin loop frame equipped with pivoted fork rear suspension based on the chassis previously used by the works team. The telescopic front forks were fitted with a double sided twin leading shoe drum brake. When "Motorcyclist Illustrated" tested the new model they concluded that it was "a proper racing bike, I found no vices". The new machine quickly established itself as the bike of choice for privateers providing them with a mount capable of competing at the highest level. For 1970 nothing was changed however for the 1971 season Yamaha introduced a slightly revised version, typed the TD2B which benefitted from revisions to the cylinders and exhausts and new small end bushes. The result was an increase in power output to 47bhp at 11,000rpm. This was followed in 1972the TD3 which adopted a CDI ignition system and a six speed gearbox. The engine dimensions became square at 54mm x 54mm resulting in a power output of 49bhp at 10,500rpm.
This example was restored by Weeden Restorations during 1995 for show use. Presented to the highest standard cosmetically to original specification the vendor reports that the engine turns over and all the gears can be selected but that it has not been run whilst in his ownership.