Description
Please note: Per the seller, “the chain and fuel lines are not installed on this TZ750 so as to prevent storage/display prepared motor from inadvertent engine cycling or fueling. All internals have been greased or oiled for long term display. Motor is ready to run – oil, gas, and coolant will be required.”
Additional photos are available here for your perusal.
Yamaha’s TZ750 is one of the most iconic motorcycles ever built – Kevin Cameron called the Yamaha TZ750 one of the five most influential motorcycles of all time. “Suddenly, change—hated and feared—became acceptable. Long suspension travel. Triangulated chassis bays. Wide, round-profile slick tires. Suspension that was actually track-tested and continuously improved. A revolution.”
Mitch Boehm of Motorcyclist magazine called it “one of the most legendary racing motorcycles of all time, the bike that struck fear deep in the heart of every manufacturer with large-bore roadracing intentions during the middle and late 1970s. If you had the balls and a decent racing resume, and wanted a real chance at winning, even big-time, world-class winning, well then, mister, it was a Yamaha TZ750 or nothing.”
The TZ750 was introduced in 1974 as the “A” model, an example of which is on display at Yamaha’s headquarters in Japan. It was built to compete in Formula 750 racing and was developed alongside the YZR500 Grand Prix racer. Two TZ350 engines came together to form a 700cc in-line 4 which was surrounded by a double cradle steel frame. Its debut race was the 1974 Daytona 200, where it was piloted to victory by Giacomo Agostini – the TZ750 would end up winning the Daytona 200 nine consecutive times.
This example is VIN: 409000159, engine #: 409000159. The seller states that, “this is the 88th of 95 bikes that were initially shipped over to meet AMA requirements for the debut of the mighty Yamaha at the 1974 Daytona 200. First year, first shipment (see copy of original invoice from Yamaha), and sold to Pro Privateer Mike Ninci from Kansas City MO., who notably raced it in the Daytona 200 in 1974 and 1975, the Marlboro Classic in New Zealand, and even earned an AMA National Number Plate on this bike! The TZ750s smoked the competition; the winner, Giacomo Agostini was also riding a TZ – 7 of the 10 ten finishers were on the new Yamaha. All the TZ750’s raced there were basically ‘out or the box,’ all being less than 3-months old.
There have been 3 owners since new – Mike Ninci, a Midwest collector, and the current owner who acquired the bike 15 years ago – the restoration was completed in 2017, and the bike has been the living-room on display ever since. The only issue with the restoration is the ultra-high gloss frame paint (not powder-coated) has become fairly brittle and easy to chip, mentioned for accuracy.
Sold on a Bill of Sale, there is no title or registration; the bike has never been used ‘off-track,’ When the bike was assembled the original stock ignition was tested and functional. A battery-powered tail light had been added at one time to make the bike legal for Endurance racing but eliminated in the restoration.”
As there is no odometer, true mileage is unknown. The seller reports that the bike has seen zero miles since its restoration in 2017.
Maintenance:
Per the seller, “Coming out of long term storage, the bike underwent a complete, no expense spared meticulous restoration by the corrent owner and TZ750 specialist Warren Warner. Every available bearing, seal, gasket, washer and wear item was replaced with genuine Yamaha NOS parts. The original 40900 (700cc) cylinders have new Nikasil plating, with ‘409’ pistons and chrome rings. Cranks are rebuilt to new with NOS/OEM breaings, rods, and seals. The motor has been greased and oiled for long term display but is ready to run – the new H/D O-ring chain has not been installed to “prevent temptation.”
The Expansion Chambers are unique – Kel Carruthers (the designer and first builder of X-over pipes) made these silenced chambers in 1975 for Mike Ninci; Kel eventually led the Yamaha development team designing the X-overs which were introduced on the 1977 ‘D’ model 750. Mike found the pipes to be the key to unlock the potential performance of the motor, and chose to stay with the 700cc top end as they were specifically designed for that displacement and port-map of the new reed-valve Yamamotor. 2-stroke power is in the pipes!
Every finish on the bike has been redone, and the paint scheme returned to factory original – the bike had an old race-quality overspray, and during the stripping process the original finish was found intact. The Pearl White and Chappy Red 3-stage paint job was professionally applied by James Wallace, and is amazing! During the restoration, no damage was found anywhere – it appears the bike has never been crashed.
The bike has the usual handling modifications found on Twinshock TZ’s like a reinforced and lengthened box-section swingarm, repositioned lay-down shocks (Girlings), and cross-braced frame. The as-raced mods were left in place. Note: the fairing is the American version with the fiberglass belly pan – it is painted silver.”
Modifications:
Kel Carruthers X-over expansion chambers.
Girlings lay-down shocks, reinforced and lengthened swingarm.
Professionally repainted bodywork.
Inside of the tank:
It is riding on a Dunlop Racing KR124A front and a Dunlop Racing KR164 rear tire.
Cosmetic Blemishes:
The seller states that there are no cosmetic blemishes of note.
Currently located in Sun City West, Arizona, this Yamaha is offered on a Bill of Sale only. Have any TZ750 stories or questions about this listing? Let us know in the “Comments” tab!
