c.1978 Maxton-Yamaha TZ750 Racing Motorcycle
Frame no. none
Engine no. none
•One of only 16 Yamaha TZ750s made by Maxton Engineering
•History unknown
•Last used eight years ago
•Requires re-commissioning

Although Formula 750 had been intended as a class for modified production road bikes, Yamaha managed to get its purpose-built TZ750 racer homologated provided that at least 200 were built. Yamaha's new F750 contender drew on the Iwata firm's tried-and-tested two-stroke technology, its engine looking like two TZ350 twins on a common crankcase, although in actual fact few components were shared. The TZ350's 64x54mm bore/stroke dimensions were retained, giving the first TZ750 model (retrospectively re-designated TZ750A) a capacity of 694cc. Together with the contemporary YZR500 Grand Prix machine, the TZ750 was the first Yamaha road-racing motorcycle to feature reed valve induction, a measure considered necessary to broaden what would otherwise have been an unacceptably peaky power delivery. The TZ750 engine was built in unit with a six-speed gearbox and went into an entirely new, twin-shock frame that looked reminiscent of the Rob North-designed chassis used by the racing BSA-Triumph 750 triples. Despite the 'TZ750' moniker, displacement remained at 694cc until October 1974 when the second batch of TZ750Bs was released featuring a full-size (747cc) engine.
Like the smaller TZ twins, the TZ750 was an enormous success, providing privateers the world over with the means to compete against the factory teams in Formula 750. Packed grids of near-identical bikes made for close racing, and no-one who witnessed these demanding machines being wrestled around UK short circuits, the Isle of Man TT course, or Daytona's bumpy banking will ever forget the sight. Recent research suggests that Yamaha eventually made slightly fewer than 800 of these spectacular motorcycles, which today are highly sought after by collectors and classic racers alike.
Conceived at a time when rising power outputs were often more than factory frames and suspension could cope with, the TZ750 inevitably attracted the attentions of proprietary frame-makers, one of the foremost in the field being Cheshire-based Maxton Engineering. Designed and built by Ron Williams, Maxton frames and (later) suspension units were, and still are, regarded as among the best there is.
This machine is one of only 16 Yamaha TZ750s made by Ron Williams. Unfortunately, nothing is known about when or by whom it was first raced. Last run eight years ago, the machine was crashed by the vendor at Spa Francorchamps, denting the left-side expansion chamber but otherwise causing only cosmetic damage, and has seen little use since. Full re-commissioning will be required before the machine returns to the racetrack.
Offered without key
Footnotes:
All lots are sold 'as is/where is' and Bidders must satisfy themselves as to the provenance, condition, age, completeness and originality prior to bidding