Description
National Motorcycle Museum | Solihull, West Midlands
Viewing: Tuesday 8th July from 1pm
Auction: Wednesday 9th July from 9am
Location: National Motorcycle Museum, Coventry Road, Bickenhill, Solihull B92 0EJ
c. 1975 Yamaha RD250 Race Replica
No Reserve
Registration No: GJV 381N
Frame No: Not visible
MOT: Exempt
Interesting TR/ TD/ TZ style 'race replica' cafe racer
Heavily modified 1975 RD250 with many LC parts
Road registered with a current V5C
The Yamaha Motor Co. was formed in 1955 as the powered vehicle division of the massive Yamaha Corporation, then more famous for making musical instruments. The first bike, produced in 1954, was the YA-1, which, like the BSA Bantam, was heavily influenced by Germany’s DKW RT125, but in typical Japanese fashion it was soon improved upon with the launch of the YA-2 in 1957. This was an immediate success in sporting events in Japan, initiating a long succession of achievements that are still being added to in Moto GP. The introduction of Yamaha’s ‘over the counter’ race bikes in the late 1960s revolutionised racing, allowing anyone to buy a race-ready bike capable of winning TTs and GPs and the 250 and 350 models are among the most successful racing bikes ever produced. The race bikes were always heavily based on contemporary road models, so many people made their own replicas, very often incorporating a few tuning parts and specifications from the official racers.
This fascinating 'special' appears to have started life as a mid-1970s RD250, but has since had a mono-shock conversion to the frame and the brakes, and the wheels have been updated with RD350LC parts, sporting a twin disc front end. The air-cooled engine appears standard, however, it has been fitted with some very neat TZ style expansion chambers. It has been part of a small private collection for a number of years and started on jump leads recently. It will require some recommissioning before use and comes road registered with a current V5C.
** Bidding will take place live at the venue, online via our H&H website, by telephone and commission - T&Cs apply**
Parking and entry into the auction is free for auction attendees with a catalogue, available at the door.
Catalogues can be purchased for £20 (admits 2 people).
