It’s not often that you see a mint 1982 Yamaha TZ500 racer up for auction. And it’s even more unusual when it’s never been ridden, completely original, and showing 0 miles on the clocks. In fact, the only signs that it’s 40 years old are two small cracks near the seat and on the rear fairing.
This 1982 Yamaha TZ500J is one of a small number of machines produced which were based on the factory 1979 Yamaha YZR500 OW 45 race bike ridden by Kenny Roberts. Compared to the inspiration, they had around 20 hp less and a slightly weaker chassis. But the 115bhp two-stroke inline-four engine is still enough for mere mortals, and the J series gets reversed outer cylinders compared to earlier models.
The TZ weren’t quite as successful as other production racing motorcycles like the Suzuki RG 500, but Dutch rider Jack Middelburg did win the 1980 Grand Prix on one, beating Graziano Rossi and Franco Uncini.
Race motorcycles are generally rare to find in completely original condition, especially as any bike used on track will either end up modified or repaired as it goes through one or more seasons of competition. But not only has this bike never been ridden, it’s even still wearing the original tyres, and has spent a lifetime being carefully stored in private collections in the UK and Italy.
Obviously the fact that there’s a zero mile mint 1982 Yamaha TZ500 racer up for auction means it’s likely to receive substantial bidding. And while it’s a shame to see any classic bike not being used, it’ll be a brave buyer who intends to put the first-ever mileage on the clocks after 40 years, especially as the switchgear, and even the grey foam seat pad, are entirely unused.
Apparently the only thing that’s happened to it in four decades has been replacing the clutch seals due to the lack of use.
The auction is being held by Collecting Cars, and ends on Friday February 11th, 2022 at 7.30pm if you fancy putting a bid in. The current highest offer stands at £30,000, which is a substantial amount of money, but considering the rarity of a 1980s GP bike in this condition, it’s likely to end a lot higher!
Check out more on new, custom and classic Yamahas, here. And if you can’t quite stretch to a mint 1982 Yamaha TZ500, why not check out all of the secondhand Yamahas currently for sale on eBay to see if there’s a more afforable option for you?
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