Wow! Restored 1975 Yamaha TZ750
What else can you say but “Wow!”? This bike simply speaks for itself and has some nice race history to add to its’ allure. With that in mind and the sellers good write up, I’m going to take a back seat and let the seller and the pictures do the talking on this one.
From the auction:
This Historic TZ750 was built/modified as you see it back in the mid 1970’s to be a top contender at Daytona, and was raced successfully in the 1976 & 1977 Daytona 200 by Cory Ruppelt. He finished in the money on this bike in 1976 being one of the few monoshocker 750’s entered; only Factory works OW’s and few privately modified bikes were monoshock equipped, as the Production 750’s were only offered as twin-shock until 1977. Cory was one of the top pro-class privateers, with 5 Daytona 200’s to his name, with a top finish of 14th in 1979.
C&J built 4 frames for Erv Kanemoto in the 70’s; this is the 5th of 5 total TZ750 C&J road race frames constructed. C&J was one of the most highly regarded race winning builders, known for quality engineering and construction. Except for the Marvic magnesium wheels with Lockheed calipers, the Vesco fairing, and period USA Mack silencer chambers (still considered excellent upgrades), the rest of the bike is basically a 1975 TZ750B. The motor and monoshock service is recent, and the race compound Dunlops and RK racing chain are new; the Marvics were crack tested and refinished in 2010. The rest of this Kenny Roberts Replica including paint is “as-raced circa 1978” and still in exceptional condition for being 34 years old.As built by Ruppelt to his personal standards, this was one of the most competitive TZ750’s of the era. This unique machine was raced until 1979, then hidden away in a private collection until being resurrected in 2009.
The engine cases are clean, with no cracks, repairs or damage from mechanical failure; race wear is present. The motor has approximately 100 miles since a full rebuild; the original chrome cylinders are still very nice! The frame has no cracks or repairs, and has the original finish. This is one of the best handling TZ750’s outside of modern re-frames, and is a stable solid ride that could be put into “race ready” condition with a basic prep as it has been stored 3 years. The stock front master cylinder in need of a re-sleeve will be supplied at acquisition. Neither the frame nor engine have numbers.
You’ll have to bring a little coin with you if are itchin for this piece of TZ750 history. Starting bid is a cool $32,500. I don’t claim to have my hand on the pulse of race bike sale prices but I’m going to guess this auction might have some legs. The TZ750 may be the most collectible of the TZ series. All I know for sure is a 750cc two stroke scares me!
Ian
This is a strange listing, with many unanswered questions, and not nearly enough close up pictures and documentation for such an expensive machine. For example, seller neglects to mention what the complete front end with the just goofy rubber gaiters is from (RD400?)- it’s certainly not a stock 1975 TZ750 fork. “Resleeve the master cylinder”? This isn’t a 1970’s Corvette, you can’t do that to a RD400 master cylinder, which this appears to be. And what’s up with the vintage photo in the eBay listing- is it the actual bike for sale? If so, it doesn’t appear much like the one for sale, with different front end and fairing. Too many discrepancies, too little information. Love TZ750’s, will pass on this mongrel…
Phil,
Even though you aren’t a fan of this one, toss out a rough value on it if you wouldn’t mind.
Ian, I hesitate to put a value on this one because of the many unknowns, massive lack of originality, poor documentation, discrepancies, questionable major modifications. I absolutely would not want this TZ and would be patient for a future better example. You have to wonder what else lurks in this machine, with the craftsmanship level displayed by the soft luggage strap used as a fuel tank hold down! LOL
Phil,
Other than the high performance tank strap, what do you see as the major issues on the bike (I know you are working with limited info)? Is the C&J frame a plus or a minus?
I’ve already listed the many major issues. Seller lists former owner as an almost famous 70’s racer, but who really remembers the name or really considers it a selling point? We all know privateers struggled, and could barely make the next AMA round, what with trying to pay for tires, parts, and travel. Doesn’t really make their old race bike a big value collectible. TZ700/750’s are a real specialty- who rebuilt the motor, are receipts and proof offered? As far as the C&J frame affecting value, that depends on what you intend to do with the bike. If you’re a pure collector with an eye on future investment value, it’s a huge negative (where’s the original frame and what were it’s serial numbers?). If you intend to use it and ride it, it’s not a big negative. But I seriously question if this bike could even pass an AHRMA tech inspection.
Interested in a spin on it?http://www.cyclewack.com/auction_details.php?name=Ride-A-Vintage-TZ750-Strike-the-BigBoy-Off-Your-Bucket-List-&auction_id=102881#538a4599085e