For Sale: 1971 Yamaha TD3
This classic Yamaha TD3 was the forerunner to the TZ series of two stroke race bikes. The TD was essentially an over the counter, customer racer. If you had the funds, you could purchase one of these and be relatively competitive as a privateer. While not uncommon in the 1970s, finding a dealer-supplied race bike today is an entirely different proposition; it still happens, but is very rare.
This gorgeous, vintage bike shows all the “go fast” parts that were considered trick back when the Beatles were still alive and together. This lightweight, double leading shoe drum brake is a great example of top level gear for racebikes circa early ’70s. Many great names rode and developed TD3 race bikes, and you can read Ian’s excellent post on a Don Vesco machine previously posted on RSBFS HERE.
From the seller:
Yamaha TD3 1972
Very Good ConditionMotor DS7
990 / 117 Motor and Frame
Matching Numbers
Bore mm / Stroke 54
CC 247
Compression 7.60
BHP 49
RPM 10.500
Ignition CDI
Timing 2
Mikuni Carburetor VM 345c
Prim Drive 3.22
Final Drive 34.16
Fuel LT 23
Oil 1500 cc
105 KG Dry WeightFront Brake Lever Brand New
Not on Bike, Included
Other Parts IncludedBought from Fritz Augustin
Painted by DeAngelo
Assembled by Rob VaethNever Raced Since Rebuild
The TD3 is a parallel twin, 250cc aircooled two stroke. This is stone-age technology for which much knowledge exists. Common RD series hop up tricks apply here (the RD being the Road model, the TD being the Track model), and parts are readily available. As such, these are popular bikes for restorations and collections – the end result is a quintessential looking 250 GP bike with classic lines. With nearly 50 HP in a 230-ish pound package, performance is more than adequate for anyone wishing to ride the machine in anger.
This auction is going on now, and while the bidding has been strong the price remains low: only $6,100 (with reserve not met) at the time of this writing. While lacking the racing history and name recognition of the Vesco machine (which was bid up to $10k without meeting reserve), this bike should certainly go for more than the current $6k bid. For more pictures (including very hi-res pics) and details, click on the link and check out the auction. Good luck!
MI
I raced one of these as an AMA Novice in the early 70’s and they are an absolute blast to ride, easy to work on and extreamely addictive. They will make you write bad checks and take your life in unexpected directions as you will find any excuse to take it to the track and ride it with Walter Mitty aspirations. These are fast disapeering and will only increase in value as the years go on. I paid $1700.00 for an AMA used expert class TD3 back in 1973 with illusions of being a world Champion… Roberts, Mamolla and Lawson had other ideas about that. This thing is money in the bank…only better. Just to give you an idea about it’s value right now…the front brake is worth over $2000.00.
+1 – Thanks for the great comments and info, Steve. I must admit that these do look like a lot of fun to ride. It doesn’t hurt that they look like fine artwork for when you’re not riding!
I raced a TD3 for many years. Won a vintage championship (Mid-Atlantic) as recently as 2005. I still have it, its in my race trailer now. If the bike for sale has a DS-7 motor, it isn’t a TD3. The DS7 motor has cast bores and a wet clutch. The TD3 has chrome bores and a dry clutch.
Hardly any reed valve motor (RD Series) “hop up” tricks work with the piston port TD-3 engine. In fact absolutely none do.
I have a 1972 Yamaha 250cc TD3 Motor for sale.
Could you give me a price to sell.
I have a 1972 TD3 250cc Yamaha Motor for sale.
What”s it worth.
Hi Rod
What would you take for the td3 motor
please call me @ 513 687 2434
Cheers
Thank You
i have found a td1 with an extra frame for sale
and i’m considering buying it at
wath should i look if it’s a real TD1
and wath’s the reselling price