$24,900
Santa Monica, California
Category
Sport Bikes
Engine
250
Posted Over 1 Month
Perfectly restored! 1972 Yamaha TD-3 Frame: TD3-991450 The mainstay of 250cc and 350cc class racing at national and international level for many years, the twin-cylinder two-stroke Yamaha well deserved the title of 'privateer's friend'. The 250cc TD2 arrived in 1969, replacing the TD1C, and immediately proved capable of winning Grand Prix, privateer Kent Andersson triumphing in the German round at Hockenheim that year, one of Yamaha's most significant classic victories. The giant leap forward from the TD1C had been achieved thanks to a comprehensive redesign that saw the porting and exhaust system updated, superior Mikuni carburettors adopted and the chassis, suspension and brakes greatly improved. Looking like a scaled down Norton Featherbed, the TD2's chassis was a development of that used for the RD56 works racer. Broadly similar as far as its frame and cycle parts were concerned, the 350cc TR3 differed mainly by virtue of its horizontally-split crankcases, a feature not introduced on the 250 until the TD3's arrival in 1972. The TD3 carried on the winning tradition from its predecessors. Kel Carruthers (1st), Cal Rayborn (2nd) from Don Vesco Factory Racing, and Duane McDaniels (3rd) from Twin 'K' Sports Center, all rode a TD3 at the 250 world championship at Daytona in 1971. Other successes were Rodney Gould’s World Championship win over a similarly equipped Kel Carruthers who also won the Isle of Man TT Lightweight 250 cc class aboard the diminutive Yamaha. The new over-the-counter Yamahas were smaller, lighter with greater manoeuvreability and consequently easier braking. The engines were simpler to build - but not significantly easier to maintain as four-stroke singles potentially lasted an entire season - offering a small compact unit without the height associated with overhead valves and camshafts. They announced the 'death knell' of the traditional 350cc and 500cc class single-cylinder four stroke engines manufactured to 1950s designs. The bike offered here, of 1972 vintage, was owned and raced for several years by famed motorcycle artist, Mick Ofield. Research continues, but at some point in the racing career of the bike, the frame was modified for the rear shocks to have a pick up point further forward, supposedly for far better handling. The bike is fresh from a ground-up restoration. All cycle parts were refurbished or renewed as needed. The frame was powder-coated, and to the modified pick up points, a pair of new, custom –built Works Performance shocks were installed, rated for a rider at about 160-180 pounds, give or take a few lunches. These suspend an original, rebuilt Yamaha valanced rim with stainless steel spokes and new Heidenau race spec tires. There’s a similar set up at the front, and held in place with the original TD-3 forks, fully rebuilt. New headrace bearings, chain and sprockets, and a steering damper were fitted, as well as all new rubber parts and cables. Brakes were fully rebuilt, front and rear. The engine was completely rebuilt with fresh crank, rods, etc. It runs well and feels strong. The gearbox was refurbished and shifts perfectly well. The bike sports the original aluminum gas tank, restored inside and out, and brand new Airtech fairing, ‘screen and seat unit, all beautifully painted in the traditional white with appropriate striping. NOS parts were used throughout the exhaustive restoration of this true icon of the transition of racing technology of the ‘60s and ‘70s. The result is a bike that can be successfully raced or displayed in a museum or living room setting. Offered on a Bill of Sale.
Trim Superbly restored
