Description
This motorcycle is Lot 338 to be auctioned by Bonhams at The Autumn Stafford Sale (The Classic Motorcycle Mechanics Show) on 12 & 13 October, please see the Bonhams website for full details.
Auction Timings:
Lots 1 - 176 are to be sold from 11:00 on Saturday 12th October 2024.
Lots 201 - 429 are to be sold from 11:00 on Saturday 13th October 2024.
Public Viewing:
Available 12th & 13th October 2024 from 09:00 until 17:00, at The Stafford County Showground (The Classic Motorcycle Mechanics Show).
Lot 338
The Robin Spring Collection
c. 1989 Yamaha TZ250W Racing Motorcycle
Registration no.
Frame no. 3LC-000251
Engine no. unstamped
Following its successful adoption for the 1972 works twins, water cooling first appeared on Yamaha's over-the-counter racers with the introduction of the TZ range in 1973. Over the succeeding decade the TZ engine was updated with reed-valve induction, exhaust power valves, separate cylinders and a backwards-rotating crankshaft, but the layout always remained that of a parallel twin. On the chassis side, discs replaced the original drum brakes, a 'lowboy' frame was introduced and an aluminium-alloy swinging arm adopted. One of the most significant developments was the adoption of crankcase-reed induction in 1985, which was immediately followed by a totally new 'Deltabox' aluminium alloy chassis; then in 1988 the cylinders were reversed on the TZ250U and a side-loading cassette gearbox introduced. The TZ250W of 1989 represented a further, though relatively minor, revision of this new design.
Finished in the evocative Marlboro livery, this Yamaha TZ250W was raced in events in the Far East including Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, and Macau (but not necessarily all of them) by Robin himself and possibly top Japanese riders whose names are not remembered. Restored by renowned specialist Nigel Everett, the machine has not run since and will require recommissioning before returning to the racetrack. There are no documents with this Lot, and no other history is known. Prospective bidders should satisfy themselves as to the motorcycle's completeness and mechanical condition prior to bidding. Sold strictly as viewed.
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. Visit the Bonhams Motorcycles website for all pertinent auction information.
