50th ANNIVERSARY OF YAMAHA MOTOR
The 50th Aniversary of YAMAHA was celebrated by numerous demonstrations . Yamaha throughout the years, was deeply involved in many Grand Prix Championships. The factory teams were on most of the circuits with racers and riders of the past years and brought back to life the spirit of the great years of racing . In Europe and all over the world, exhibitions, parades, demonstrations where held in Historical Meetings,like the BIKERS ' CLASSICS in SPA FRANCORCHAMPS (Photos: Yamaha Motor)
Link towards the official site of Yamaha Motor France. With very interesting articles and some rare photos of the time.
YAMAHA 50th anniversary :YAMAHA MOTOR FRANCE
Link towards the official site of Yamaha Motor Japan. You will find there a list of the main racers that were built
YAMAHA 50th anniversary : YAMAHA MOTOR JAPAN
Famous International Classic event : BIKERS'CLASSICS 1-2-3 july 2005 in SPA-FRANCORCHAMPS (Belgium)
Click on the pict above
European and international meeting gathering passionate riders and fantastic bikes of the great years of GP racing. There was also this year great champions, and we had the privilege to see them on that mythical circuit located in the wooded surroundings of the belgian Ardennes . Besides YAMAHA MOTOR, the other famous Japanese builders (SUZUKI, KAWASAKI, HONDA), Italian (MV, MOTO GUZZI, LAVERDA), German (MZ, BMW, NSU), English ( NORTON), were also there with the champions who brought them their own titles of glory, like Giacomo AGOSTINI. It was very interesting and instructive to speak in the stands with the riders and the mechanics of MZ, about the slightest detail of their engine, late in the night in front of a glass of beer, when everybody around was sleeping.
One could see the famous world champions who always have an intact popularity , like Giacomo AGOSTINI (15 times world champion and 124 victories in Grand Prix) Jim REDMAN (6 times world champion and 45 victories in Grand Prix, or more discreet ones like Luigi TAVERI, John SURTEES (F1 World champion and seven times champion in motorcycle), Umberto MASETTI. The less known MZ riders from former East Germany like Heinz ROSNER, Siegfried MERKEL and the sidecar pilots too, always so fascinating with their unique style
.
(Text and Photos: DANIEL NGUYEN)

Click on the pict at left
One could also see there other Champions with their YAMAHA TZ : Dieter BRAUN who won in Yugoslavia, Holland, Sweden, and Czechoslovakia and was crowned World Champion in 1973 on a YAMAHA with a cooling system that he built himself. Teuvo LANSIVUORI : winner of eight Grand Prix, Kent ANDERSSON double world champion in 1973-74, Christian SARRON world champion in 1984, Charlie WILLIAMS, Horst LAHFELD, Lous VAN RIJSWIK, Bo GRANATH.

(Text and Photos: DANIEL NGUYEN)

Click on the pict at left
A great Champion of the 70's :
BARRY SHEENE
Photos from the Million Race in Magny Cours, France (taken towards 1973-74).

He came alone with his own truck, and was preparing himself his 750TR SUZUKI, with his faithfull mechanic, agaisnt the numerous factory bikes, among them : new 700 4 cylinders YAMAHA TZ racers (Guili, Lansivuori, etc...), or KAWASAKI 750 H2R (Christian LEON), and also 350 TZs (Christian Bourgeois, Oliviezr Chevallier, Patrick PONS ... great champions...)... and he simply won!
Great Race, and great day Barry!

(Text and Photos : DANIEL NGUYEN)

Click on the pict at left
YAMAHA MOTOR 50th ANNIVERSARY
On the occasion of the Yamaha 50th anniversary , I would like to show you some photos of time that I took during the years1973-74. The TZ 700 4 cylinders had just appeared, and aroused a deep curiosity and looked like the ultimate weapon on fast tracks. But the TZ250 and 350 where always challenging in slow curves and where easier to ride. (Photos : DANIEL NGUYEN)
In the evolution of Yamaha TZ throughout the years. One of the major events was the appearance of the compe-client racers that were made by Yamaha and allowed numerous private or semi-private riders to take part and sometimes to win in Grand Prix races.. Previously only some champions chosen by the factory were able to ride unique machines especially made for them, but that where also very costly to build. (Photos : Margreet and Coeno VAN HOUTEN).
COUPES MOTO LEGENDE : Dijon-Prenois (France) 21-22 may 2005 .
International event whith numerous historic motorcycles. Many Grand Prix racing motorcycles were also present. On such an occasion of the 50th Anniversary of the firm, the Yamaha TZs were guests of honor. Parades, demonstrations and exhibitions were also organised.
(Photos: DANIEL NGUYEN)
On the paddock the true passionate ones had come with trailers and tents , like in the good old time. Richard and Daniel MESTRE had brought their very well prepared TZ350. Serge rode his 250TR réplica Lansivuori (the tank is dedicated by Phil READ), in a true master way. On saturday evening, everybody was gathering and chating under the tent with a glass near a barbecue. Other TZ fans, besides numerous friends and the usual guests of last minute were joining us.
The mechanics and the assistants of time accompanied the machines of YAMAHA MOTOR Japan and the collection FERRY BROUWER of Holland, and prepared motorcycles under the admiring glance of the spectators. One noticed that the mechanics and the assistants of Grand Prix look for the detail, but like artists, they also like to find the inspiration in a different way: for example by smoking a cigar (without caring of a possible " burn "), or by keeping a bottle (of French wine I suppose) aside, just in case !... The former Japanese mechanic, oversaw discreetly all the details, in a quiet way...
The YAMAHA MOTOR Japan factory and FERRY BROUWER of Holland had especially brought for the 50-th anniversary of the brand, motorcycles of their museum and of their collections. We had so, once again the privilege to see again closely these unique mechanics maintained in a exemplary way. The TZ 350 three cylinders which had been built specially for KATAYAMA was completely restored to the slightest detail.... The motorcycles on display, went from GP's 50cc to the 750 OW31 and offered a very interesting review of their evolution.
YAMAHA France had sent by SONAUTO the motorcycles of the French champions, as those of Patrick PONS, world champion who won at Daytona.
In the pits, numerous motorcycles where waiting. One saw with pleasure AGOSTINI riding a TZ, and we hope to see this again as soonas possible. Phil READ, rode very different motorcycles (TZ lent by a French architect, Patton, MV). LANSIVUORI and ANDERSSON were also present. One could see famous riders, among whom Jean François BALDE, discreet and smiling as usual, who came with his magnificent JAWA 4 of BILL IVY that he rebuilt patiently . Then I thought about Christian LEON his former partner rider in endurance races, and I would like show to you so one 500 KAWASAKI H1R of the same time, what you will surely appreciate I think. We saw also René GUILI, Christian SARRON, Thierry TCHERNINE, Laurent GOMIS. The Italians had brought their MVs surrounded with the mechanics. Very numerous motorcycles of the other factories were also present with their riders and we very pleased to see them, we would like to greet them sportly.
And always ...
"LE CHEVAL DE FER"
This film recalls the " fantastic ride " of the best French pilots throughout Europe in 12 Grand Prix of the world championship, and is above all, an hommage paid to life, against time. With Patrick Pons, Michel Rougerie, René Guili, Bernard Fau and the others,
http://www.cheval2fer.com/
On DVD ( 3h) in a new restaured version : with interviews of pilots, etc.
Highly recommanded site
1968

Photo en grand format
http://www.dlc.fi/~kakeh/imatra/galler68.htm
Finnish website showing 40 years of Grand Prix pictures at IMATRA, from 1962 till 2002 with Bill IVY, AGOSTINI, Phil READ, Mike DUFF, Jack FINDLAY Mike HAILWOOD, KATAYAMA, Johnny CECOTTO, Dieter BRAUN, Bruno KNEUBÜHLER, Penti KORHONEN, Barry SHEENE, Anton MANG, Michel ROUGERIE, Jean Louis TOURNADRE, Olivier CHEVALLIER, Patric FERNANDEZ, Jon EKEROLD, Steve BAKER, Kenny ROBERT, etc., etc.!! Some photos in black and white are quite unique. You or your friends are maybe inside. At least you will save money on classic motorcycle magazines!!!!
Classic Racing ....

Photo en grand format
http://www.sport-pics.co.uk/gallery.htm
English site with numerous photos of classic and vintage motorcycles taken during the 2003-2004 races at Silverstone, Lydden, Snetterton, Brands Hatch, etc. Also more modern photos of the TT. You are maybe inside!....
MOTO LEGEND 2005 Action Pics
Action pics taken during Moto Legend 2005

Sent by Mickael GUYOMARD.
If you recognize yourself, or if you want one of them in high definition format, you may ask the webmaster.
PARADES OF THE FERRY BROUWER'S COLLECTION (Where and when...)
LUDY BEUMER, well known fan of classic Yamaha racers, who owns a museum in Holland, and who is also a friend of FERRY BROUWER, is sending me the following mail :
Dear Colleagues, As we are departing for Brno (Czech Republic) tomorrow morning in order to show all our East European friends what motorcycle racing was all about in the 1960's and 1970's I thought it appropirate to give you the link of Classic Motorrad which describes it all in English this time:(just click in the r.h. corner on Yamaha Classic Racing von Ferry Brouwer) Various other links are added on the page, the Brno link from last year is at the bottom
With kind regards,
Ludy E. Beumer
Many thanks Ludy, that german website is fantastic! You will be able to see the bikes described in detail, aand you will know too where and when you will be able to see them on parade with great champions. To do so, just click on the pict at left, and go to "Yamaha classic racing team von Ferry Brouwer".
(photo at left : Classic Motorrad)
SOLD !
One of our friends is selling that fantastic YAMAHA 350 TZB.

The bike has actually a front disc brake, but will be, of course sold with the original YAMAHA Drum Brake too !!!

The seller will also give the original front wheel, as well as the original fender (this is actually one of a TZC that is fitted on it)

That legendary racer will surely be sold to a true rider or collector !!!

(For more details click on the pict at left)
TO SELLYOUR RACER : A NEW PAGE "SALES'"

A new page in TZ PASSION is now dedicated to those who want to sell their bikes. You will so be able to propose them as long as you wish until the bike sells. With the help of that new page, you will have the possibility to show them to collectors or riders of the whole world 24h per day. You will too be able to deal in the best way by simply viewing your add and talking on the phone with potential buyers.
Your add will be, following your demand, translated in french, or in german, so that you coul have an access to the european collectors, more easily.

Email THE WEBMASTER FOR MORE DETAILS.
YAMAHA TWO STROKE PRODUCTION ROADRACING MOTORCYCLES
A new book by GREG BENNETT
GREG NENNETT, australian webmaster of the famous "350 and 250 Website" just wrote a book . It's an extensive 350 page study of all Yamaha’s TD, TR, TA and TZ racers produced between 1959 and 1982.

With more than 200 black and white photos, Iit describes amon all :
All changes between models. bike components, portmaps and exhaust diagrams.
Full specification lists. What each is like to own and ride. Problems encountered with each model. Serial number limits for every model.
How to identify each model from the others.
Plus a lot more!

For more details, just click on the pict at left
CHIMAY 1976
Some action pics of the 1976 Race in Chimay, Belgium (Photos, by courtesy of MARC VOLLARD, France) marc.vollard@wanadoo.fr
On the following photos you will recognie : Giacomo AGOSTINI, Phil READ, Barry SHEENE, Patrick PONS, Johnny CECOTTO, Teuvo LANSIVUORI, Bruno KNEUBUHLER, Marco LUCHINELLI, Philippe COULON, John DODDS, Gary NIXON, Gérard CHOUKROUN who were riding fantastic bikes like the first YAMAHA 750 OW 31, KAWASAKI 750, SUZUKI RG 500 , YAMAHA TZ 250 ...
TOURIST TROPHY 1978 : MIKE HAIWOOD ON TZ ! (Photos : MARC VOLLARD)
Two fantastic pics of a great champion : Mike the Bike riding a Yamaha TZ at the senior TT of 1978 in the 500cc class.
On the first one we can see Mike waiting on the pre-grid with some members of his team.. On the second one we see Mike in action at Braddan Bridge with his unique style. The man seen from the back with the Martini jacket is Nobby Clark!
SOME YAMAHA TZ AT THE LAST "BOL D'OR CLASSIC 2007" (Photos taken by M. GUYOMARD at Magny-Cours, France)
Here are some interesting photos of TZs which were sent to us by Mickael Guyomard who was pn the track of Nevers Magny-Cours, during the last "Bol d'Or Classic" on the 14-45 april 2007.

If you recognize yourself among these ones, just tell your fans to have a lokk at TZ PASSION!..

mickael.guyomard@neuf.fr
THE NEW 500 YAMAHA TZ OF ROBERTO KELLER !...

ROBERTO KELLER who lives in Brasilia, just sent us the photos of his fabulous new 500 TZ. The bike is an exceptionnal original good condition.

Roberto, who is a real sportman and a globe-trotter too, is actually planning to come on some of the best circuits with it ; and we will see him quite soon in Europe on one of the most beautiful circuits of the world : SPA-FRANCORCHAMPS, in Belgium at the BIKERS' CLASSICS ....

Congratulations Roberto!
AN OUTSTANDING MEMBER OF TZ PASSION : KLAUS KIRCH - SCHLEIDEN (Germany)
KLAUS KIRCH lives in Germany and is an enthusiast for classic motorcycles, mainly 2 strokes, and most especially YAMAHA TZ.

He has entirely rebuilt the TZC of the world champion DIETER BRAUN, and put a lot of pride to show us his bike to be accepted as a member of TZ PASSION.
We tell you more about all this in the present TZ PASSION, and we have the pleasure to introduce KLAUS as a new member too.

Good job KLAUS!
A NEW MEMBER OF TZ PASSION : TONY EDWARDS, Cambridgeshire (England)
Tony raced full time from 1968 to 1982 including 10 years in the Isle of Man and was two times champion of the Newmarket Motorcycle Racing Club on a 500 cc Crescent.
He has owned the following TZs since 1974 : TD2B , TZ250A TZ350E , TZ250J, TZ350G, TZ155F, TZ250K, Spondon and at present a TZ250L (1984).

Attached at left : At Snetterton in 1979 on a TZ350 'E'. It was on this machine in 1980 that he won a MGP replica in the Junior 350 race. He also raced in the Manx GP from 1973 to 1982 .

Welcome among us Tony!
NEW SPARE PARTS FOR YAMAHA TZ 250 - 350 !!!
Reinforced Basket Clutch with rivers
New Hoeckle replica Crank
New 3G3 cylinder
Good news ! Jean-Paul MESTRE from France, rider and expert for Yamaha TZ rebuilds new spares : The quality, is far better than the original ones, and the prices, quite competitive. So you wont have any problem more using freely your TZ and showing up in great classic events! For more details, click on one of the pics above.
CONTACT : email : ............. jptz@cegetel.net
JP Mestre 350 KAWASAKI KR wins ten races out of twelve !............
Jean Paul MESTRE , a weel known french mechanic has rebuilt this year a 350 KR Kawasaki (an original one); and he won nine races out of ten in the french VMA classic championship. The bike was second in the last event ...He also won in Catalunya (Spain) lately in the ICGP race. Congratulations Jean-Paul, and who would say better?
He is actually building replicas and preparing the next season managing a Kawasaki team who will challenge in classic Championships in Europe, and to do this he would be interested in any proposal

So, if you are interested, or want to buy a replica of these bikes, don't hesitate to contact him for any information.
JEAN-PAUL MESTRE (France) : tel. 02 32 39 79 15 ou 06 18 11 98 93
CONTACT : email : jptz@cegetel.net
News from Michel DU MAINE - Assen, Holland d.maine@zonnet.nl
Michel is well knowned among classic riders, and he just sent me some photos showing him on ones of his latest bikes : A very rare TZ700 with a Nico Bakker chassis, a RTM 250 and ...... a very special TZ 750.
.RTM 250 at the Centennial TT - Assen 2010
His last TZ 750, painted in an original way
A very rare Nico Bakker TZ700 at the Centennial TT - Assen 2010
BIKERS' CLASSICS 2011 - SPA-FRANCORCHAMPS
At the beginning of july took place the most important classic event of the year on the track of Spa-Francorchamps, in Belgium : the BIKERS' CLASSICS.

There, we had the opportunity to see some great champions of the golden days od racing motorcycle like PHIL READ, STEVE BAKER , as well as factory teams, and collectors. Most of the bikes being a part of the true story of motorcycle racing : YAMAHA TZ, MV AGUSTA, SUZUKI TR, KAWASAKI H1R, H2R, HONDA CR ... as well as german and british makes too.
We had there the opportunity to chat with teams coming from all over the world.
For more information, click on the pîct at left
Upload the poster
TZ PASSION is sharing a new partnership with BIKERSPIX - Have a look a the picts of the Bikers' Classics 2011 -
TZ PASSION is sharing a newly built partnership with BIKERSPIX managed by Alain VAN DE CRAEN who created BIKERSPIX with the collaboration of Christian JUPSIN, the organiser of the BIKERS' CLASSICS, and is so the official photographer of the event. He is currently leading a team of other "friend photographers" as he said, who are fans of motorcycle racing and specialized in shooting action pics on tracks.
He said also that he made the portraits of many champions who are part of the legend like : Ago, Bonera, Baker, Read, Grant, Lavado, Baldé, Gould, Smart, Coulon, Luccihenelli, Sarron ...among others.
He took the photos of the late BIKERS' CLASSICS and you may see yourself if you like by just clicking on the logo at left.
LOOKING FOR ASTRALITE OR CAMPAGNOLO WHEELS
For more information or proposals, click on the pict at left
Reports from the : SALON MOTO LEGENDE 2011
18th -20th november (Parc Floral de Paris - Vincennes )
Celebration of the 50th anniversary of Yamaha GP racing
This year was celebrated the 50th anniversary of YAMAHA GPs and we had the possibility to se on show more than 21 bikes from the 60' untill today. For instance Phil Read's 250 four cylinder and world champion or bigger 750 OW31.
Some of the most famous riders were there and dedicating photos or posters. Collectors, restorers and well known mechanics were happy to chat and willing to give you the latest information concerning the world of classic motorcycle, and most of all, classic racing.
WXe had the chance to meet famous riders, among whom DIDIER RAVEL of the "France vintage racing", brother of the well-known CHRISTIAN RAVEL who was a star of the 70' with his KAWASAKI H1R.
YAMAHA 700 TZ
DIDIER RAVEL
A new page with VIDEOS on TZ PASSION
Il has been included a new page with weblinks on some interesting videos on TZ PASSION. They include reports on bikes, tracks, riders, races
and well-known parades.
You may click on the button VIDEO in the menu bar to open the page.and have direct access.to watch them.
The "TEAM GERALD MOTOS" is now partner with TZ PASSION
ARMAND GERALD, the well known french collector and rider has some outstanding machines that use to belong to famous world champion riders : Patrick Pons, Jack Findlay, Marco Luchinelli, Renzo Pasolini, Guido Mandracci, Michel Rougerie ...). He shows up regularly on tracks at the occasion of classic parades or races : Bikers' Classics in B elgium, Coupes Moto Légende in France, Imola Classic in Italy ...
He leads the "TEAM GERALD MOTOS" and is currently willing to study all proposals to be able to show his bikes. TZ PASSION and GERALD MOTOS have come recently to a partnership.
For more information, or any question, you may drop him a mail at the following address if you wish : GERALD MOTOS or have a look at the videos in TZ PASSION where you will see him and his team.
MORACO - DROULHIOLE . Message from Bernard DROULHIOLE bernard@droulhiole
Bernard DROULHIOLE is looking for TD2 parts to restore his bike from 73 and take it back to the track with Bernard MAINGRET
Team Moraco-Droulhiole 2011
Droulhiole-TD2 73
I have designed in 1974-75 various chassis for Patrick Pons and Christian Bourgeois who where both Grand Prix riders.
The bikes belong now to Bernard MAINGRET who is riding them in parades, in France and more widely speaking, in Europe.
We are restoring the first blue one (chassis n° 73A1) from 1973 that was powered with a TD2 engine. I have recently bought one in Canada (ref : 900258), and we are now looking for parts to complete and rebuilt it.
I would really appreciate if you could help me in that search. What appears to be the most difficult is to find pistons (240-11631-00 or 4A0-11631-00) with their proper rings (240-11611-00 or 401-11611-00, depending from the fact that the cylinder is chromed or nikasiled, in the second case. I would like to find too head cylinder joints (240-11181-00).
Thanks in advance for your help,

Bernard Droulhiole, France
bernard@droulhiole
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