Yamaha YR-1 Grand Prix Twin 1967

1967 YAMAHA YR-1 350cc Grand Prix twin US Export Spec in Gloss Black A truly stunning example from the Mitzel Builders Auto Collection in Dakota Collection and purchased by ourselves from Mecum Auctions 1967 was truly a special year for Yamaha as they unveiled the 350cc YR-1 2 stroke Twin, their largest and most powerful machine produced to date and what a bike it was ! Never officially sold in the UK - the YR-1 certainly is a rare bird and represented a lot of first for Yamaha. It was the first to use cast aluminium cylinders with iron liners, rather than purely cast iron - to save weight and aid heat dissipation. It was the first model to make use of horizontally split crankcases which made performing engine work much easier. The engine was a twin cylinder, piston port, 2 stroke, 3 port configuration making 36 Bhp with a 5 speed gearbox. The engine used Yamaha's patented Autolube system for direct oil injection (first introduced in 1964), when most 2 strokes were still running pre-mix. A unique feature of the YR-1 was that the gear selector shaft and lever could be set up on either the left or right side of the machine, in Europe motorcycles generally shifted on the right hand side whereas in the States and Japan bikes were left foot gear change. Likewise the rear brake pedal could be changed to accommodate left or right foot braking. To put it bluntly - this was a road racing engine and chassis with enough lights& instrumentation to make it road legal. When taken to the drag strip to gauge performance, it's powerful and responsive engine and lightweight of only 157 kilos (348 lbs) resulted in stock bikes delivering 1/4 mile times of 14 seconds! Enough to embarrass 650 Triumphs, Nortons and Harleys despite their much larger capacities. It was produced in 3 colour options, Candy Red, Candy Blue and rarest of all - Gloss Black. Aluminium parts were mirror polished and the bikes were also treated to plenty of chrome - silencers, mudguards, fuel tank side panels, chain guard, handlebars, wheel rims and various trims were all chrome plated. To counter the Go, the Brakes were excellent and offered an 8" TLS drum on the front and an 8" SLS drum on the rear. In short - the YR-1 was revolutionary in its day and an even rarer classic today especially since it was Never sold in the UK, Only a few examples reached France and Scandanavia. This machine has been restored and is totally correct with the exception of none OE indicators that are fitted. The mileage on the odometer is 21,842 The machine requires UK registering and is supplied with NOVA paperwork and V55/5 application forms This machine is being sold as a collector’s item, part of a stunning private collection of Vintage and Classic machines that have all been dry stored for several of years and will require light recommissioning prior to use. Please note that historical classic vehicles are sold as an investment opportunity and are not supplied under the same terms and conditions as a modern day running motorcycle. Please Call or WhatsApp Chat 07 55 77 99 715 for more information regarding this classic machine