21st Jul, 2010 14:15
The Pavilion Gardens
1971/72 Yamaha TR3
Estimated at £11,000 - £13,000
Lot details
Registration No: N/A
Frame No: 990382
Engine No: T.B.A.
cc: 347
MOT Expiry Date: N/A
Yamaha introduced their first over the counter racing 350cc during 1969, developed from the factory machine ridden by Michael Duff in the States the previous year. Typed the TR2, the twin cylinder two stroke featured a five speed gearbox with Yamaha claiming 54bhp and a dry weight of 115Kg for the new machine. Little changed for the 1970 season, with good reason, as the TR2 was establishing itself as the motorcycle of choice in the 350 class with riders of the quality of Phil Read, Mick Grant and John Williams using the model to great effect. 1971 did see the introduction of a slightly revised model, the TR2B, which benefited from an increased compression ratio helping to bump the power output up to a claimed 56bhp, a subtly different fuel tank and other detail changes. For the 1972 season Yamaha introduced the TR3 which benefited from an extra ratio in gearbox and an increase in power output to a claimed 58 bhp arriving at 500 rpm less than in comparison to the TR2B. The sixth gear, combined with the lower peak engine speed resulted in improved engine reliability.
The example offered was sourced from Japan and appears to have been run but never raced without any wear being visible on components such as the carburettor slides. It is interesting in that it is a Japan home market model, identifiable by the wet clutch fitted. This variation came about due to a peculiarity in the Japanese Championship rules which prohibited the use of a dry clutch. Of equal interest is the fact that the machine is fitted with Marzocchi rear suspension units. These were the preferred choice of Kenny Roberts and other riders at the time and suggest that the machine was originally intended for use in the States. When purchased by the vendor the machine had a damaged rear wheel and fuel tank in addition to the marks visible on the clutch cover, indicating that it was damaged in transit and consequently held back. The vendor has replaced the damaged fuel tank with another original item and had the rear wheel rebuilt. In all other respects it is as it left the factory nearly forty years ago, presented in original and unused condition.
Registration No: N/A
Frame No: 990382
Engine No: T.B.A.
cc: 347
MOT Expiry Date: N/A
Yamaha introduced their first over the counter racing 350cc during 1969, developed from the factory machine ridden by Michael Duff in the States the previous year. Typed the TR2, the twin cylinder two stroke featured a five speed gearbox with Yamaha claiming 54bhp and a dry weight of 115Kg for the new machine. Little changed for the 1970 season, with good reason, as the TR2 was establishing itself as the motorcycle of choice in the 350 class with riders of the quality of Phil Read, Mick Grant and John Williams using the model to great effect. 1971 did see the introduction of a slightly revised model, the TR2B, which benefited from an increased compression ratio helping to bump the power output up to a claimed 56bhp, a subtly different fuel tank and other detail changes. For the 1972 season Yamaha introduced the TR3 which benefited from an extra ratio in gearbox and an increase in power output to a claimed 58 bhp arriving at 500 rpm less than in comparison to the TR2B. The sixth gear, combined with the lower peak engine speed resulted in improved engine reliability.
The example offered was sourced from Japan and appears to have been run but never raced without any wear being visible on components such as the carburettor slides. It is interesting in that it is a Japan home market model, identifiable by the wet clutch fitted. This variation came about due to a peculiarity in the Japanese Championship rules which prohibited the use of a dry clutch. Of equal interest is the fact that the machine is fitted with Marzocchi rear suspension units. These were the preferred choice of Kenny Roberts and other riders at the time and suggest that the machine was originally intended for use in the States. When purchased by the vendor the machine had a damaged rear wheel and fuel tank in addition to the marks visible on the clutch cover, indicating that it was damaged in transit and consequently held back. The vendor has replaced the damaged fuel tank with another original item and had the rear wheel rebuilt. In all other respects it is as it left the factory nearly forty years ago, presented in original and unused condition.
Auction: The Pavilion Gardens, 21st Jul, 2010
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