・Excellent unrestored condition, resplendent with original period decals

・Formerly owned and ridden by famed stuntman Dave Taylor
・Never registered for road use

・Offered from a collection of rare and important motorcycles

Stuntman and road-safety campaigner, Dave Taylor attracted a large fan base in the 1970s for his skilled displays and his attempts to encourage a balanced education about motorcycling, raising awareness of its pleasures and its dangers. Making numerous television appearances, Taylor acquired his epithet of ‘The Wheelie King’ and is well-remembered for his attempt to ride an entire lap of the Isle of Man TT circuit on his rear wheel in 1978.

The bike on which he made his wheelie lap attempt was a very similar example to this one, which was part of his motorcycle fleet at the same time and was ridden by him on a number of occasions, as depicted in a number of photographs.

Little is known of this bike’s history since it left Dave Taylor’s ownership, but it was acquired by the present owner, an enthusiast and collector, at auction a number of years ago.

There is no paperwork available as the bike was never registered for road use.

The Yamaha is in very good condition considering it has never been restored and was subjected to some arduous use in its early life. Over the years, it has acquired a wonderful patina and proudly boasts a few scars from its time as a display bike, notably at the rear of the frame, which probably came into contact with the tyre on one or two occasions.

Still sporting all its original decals, this bike is deserving of an owner who will cherish and preserve it just as it is.

Although we have not seen it run, all the mechanical parts appear to be in good condition visually and, since the vendor cares well for all his bikes, we do not expect it is likely to need much, if any, mechanical attention.

Already an experienced rider before Eddie Kidd had left school, Dave Taylor was Britain’s answer to Evel Knievel but without the flamboyance, foolhardiness and vast financial backing. In between entertaining crowds and attempting feats of skill and endurance, his work as an educationalist and campaigner encouraged countless young people to take to motorcycling as responsible enthusiasts.

This Yamaha survives as an extremely important piece of history, representing an overlooked but significant aspect of British motorcycling culture. While it would be the responsibility of any owner to carefully preserve it as it is, that should not prevent it from still being ridden and enjoyed. We might even suggest that it would be a great privilege for the owner if it were to be brought out publicly on the odd occasion and used to entertain and educate audiences once more, just as Dave Taylor originally intended.