Topic: TZ750 Flatracker

[bwaller]

Fun read. I was at Indy in 09 when KR took his demo lap. Rossi and the Yamaha MotoGP team were beside themselves, very cool event. It was nearly midnight and there was still a large crowd in the pits when Ben Bostrom did a lap. When he got off the thing it was hilarious, his eyes were WFO!


https://amcn.com.au/editorial/15482/?fbclid=IwAR2BmgH3PWzlFqFzZRBS1K_ACpNZhFDdf1II4svmCbCzN1k6Yxp7bBef4V8

[simon#42]

ive ridden plenty of tz750's on gravel , but fortunately only gravel traps . i built an engine for someone making a kr replica a couple of years ago and i must admit i thought it was a waste of an engine .

[bwaller]

Agreed Simon. I've seen numerous pictures of this flat tracker replica that will never turn a wheel. Trailer queens.

[simon#42]

as are most tz750's  there was a time when they were the privateer's choice , you could almost compete with the big boys if you were good enough .now owned by people who like to bask in there reflected glory ...... wankers!

[bwaller]

Miles Baldwin (Cdn privateer) was one of the last guys I knew here. He always gave a good showing and his big TZ looked like crap, but it was always fast. So true though, we had two at Mosport for the 50th celebration, none this year. I loved those things.

[simon#42]

i had seven over the years , i always preferred an rg to be honest but the big yamaha was faster . a pig to get stopped though .

[Rocketman]

Used to race Miles back in the AMA F1 days.  More correctly I helped him look good when he passed me!  He was one of the top privateers back in the day.  There were times we wondered how he got his bikes through tech.  Underneath that scruffiness was a very potent machine.  Sold a TZ750 to buy my RGB500.  Was astounded how much better the RG handled and plenty quick too!  Glad I held onto the Suzuki, but the Yamaha is the first bike I'd buy back if I could.   

[scottly]

KR at Laguna Seca, 1979:

[simon#42]

i always liked this one

[turboguzzi]

sweet picture!
talking about Kel in the background, pretty good story on him in CW this week, quite a few tz anecdotes in there too

https://www.cycleworld.com/kel-carruthers

[MRieck]

Used to race Miles back in the AMA F1 days.  More correctly I helped him look good when he passed me!  He was one of the top privateers back in the day.  There were times we wondered how he got his bikes through tech.  Underneath that scruffiness was a very potent machine.  Sold a TZ750 to buy my RGB500.  Was astounded how much better the RG handled and plenty quick too!  Glad I held onto the Suzuki, but the Yamaha is the first bike I'd buy back if I could.   

Scruffiness? God...looked like a toilet on 2 wheels. Miles was certainly quick at Loudon at the old Bryer.

[Rocketman]

Speaking of fast privateers, I do believe that #48 is Richard Schlacter in Scottly's middle photo. 

[bwaller]

Indeed, looks like Rich. I remember a funny story about Schlacter story from Loudon. Lots of stories from Bryar right Mike? 

[MRieck]

Indeed, looks like Rich. I remember a funny story about Schlacter story from Loudon. Lots of stories from Bryar right Mike?

Oh boy.....that's an understatement Brent. We went to see the people as much as the races....you never knew what was going to happen in those old wooden stands. 
 I remember talking to Mike Baldwin around 1987 or so for quite a while in one of the campgrounds off Rt 106....great guy. Talking to Bubba Shobert and Wayne Rainey in the "pits" (if you could call them that). Talking to Al Ludington etc etc.
 Those times are gone and unfortunately will never be back ....glad I got to see them.

[bwaller]

Yeah, those days are gone but believe it or not some of these old diehards are now seen in "vintage racing" circles.

Even if not at racetracks around, certainly on forums.

[Rocketman]

Hey, who you calling a "old diehard"?    I'm thinking we all resemble that remark!     LOL!

Ran at Laconia from 75 to 86.  Good memories, high siding off my TZ250 (collar bone) and loosing the front end of my TZ750 (tail bone, a real pain in the ass)!  Wouldn't trade the memories for anything.