In 1981, Yamaha underwent a comprehensive redesign of its TZ 250 motorcycle platform. The all-new design utilized a revised engine that had been thoroughly vetted as successful by renowned Yamaha rider Kenny Roberts, specifically in his 500cc machines. The revamped mannequin showcased a notable uptick in performance, boasting a robust 57bhp output, while also exhibiting enhanced dependability, a reduced curb weight, lengthened fork travel, an elongated swingarm, and a fully customizable mono-shock suspension setup.
Noted at the 2022 Mooneyes Yokohama Sizzling Rod and Customized Show was this exceptional 1982 Yamaha TZ 250J motorcycle. Rocket Bikes, a renowned Japanese workshop founded by the visionary Yutaka Hoshi, is situated in Ibaraki Prefecture on Japan’s eastern seaboard.
The venture essentially involved a thorough restoration process. While rummaging through a storage facility in Shizuoka, Yutaka-san stumbled upon an abandoned bicycle near the renowned Fuji Speedway, where it was likely once used for racing. For decades, the once-venerable TZ 250J had languished in neglect, its glory days a distant memory. Undeterred, the enthusiast invested six months of meticulous labor to restore this iconic motorcycle to its former glory, meticulously preserving its original integrity.
The retired owner of the vintage bicycle recounts with a smile, “It had been 37 years since this trusty steed last hit the road, so I decided to take it apart, give it a thorough cleaning, and then carefully put all its pieces back together again.” The aircraft’s engine was in prime condition, yet the cowl exhibited minor fissures and faint signs of previous repairs, making the subsequent maintenance task more challenging.
Upon acquiring the new bike, we also obtained a comprehensive collection of spare parts. To keep his TZ 250’s high-revving two-stroke engine purring, the owner relied on a comprehensive inventory of parts, ensuring his race bike consistently delivered its best performance through regular rebuilds. Although several measures were implemented during the restoration, some deficiencies remain. To complete the project, Yutaka-san embarked on a global search to acquire all necessary components.
One of the most striking features of this meticulously restored TZ 250J is its unique colour palette, conceived and executed by Yutaka-san himself. The instant impact of Yamaha’s racing heritage was evident in the velocity block sample and graphics format, inspired by the legendary “King” Kenny Roberts’ iconic bike designs.
In 1978, Yamaha extended an invitation to Kenny Roberts, a renowned dirt track and road racing champion, to participate in the European World Championship Grand Prix. Despite concerns he lacked experience with European circuits and highway racing, many doubted Roberts’ chances of claiming stage wins that year. Despite a strong start to the season, it wasn’t until the end that Roberts secured enough points and podium finishes to claim the coveted World Championship crown upon returning home.
Kenny’s historic World Championship victory was a milestone for American riders, but it was Robert’s unconventional approach to highway racing – heavily influenced by his gritty hip-hop background – that truly transformed the sport. King Kenny successfully defended his World Championship titles in both 1979 and 1980. This impressive achievement, combined with his numerous other contributions to motorcycle racing, earned him the esteemed title of Grand Prix Legend from the Fédération Internationale de Motocyclisme (FIM).
The motorcycle that caught Yutaka-san’s eye with its impressive design was the championship-winning 1980 Yamaha OW48 ridden by King Kenny. Two bike schematics differ primarily in the number of races listed: 2 for one, and 1 for the other. Notably, Yutaka-san chose to adorn the perimeter of his windscreen with his personal moniker, ‘Hossy’, while selecting a blue Yamaha livery distinct from the yellow colour scheme of Roberts’ racing bike. While precision-crafted by Wedge bikes, the crowning touch comes in the form of meticulously applied race numbers and ‘Hossy’ lettering, courtesy of renowned Japanese pinstripe artist Shakin’ Speedgraphix.
Unfortunately, the pandemic has brought a halt to many racing events in Japan this year, where Yutaka-san had planned to make his debut with his newly completed Yamaha TZ 250. Once normalcy is restored, rest assured that this bike will receive its due share of track time and, with luck, earn several trophies of its own.
