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Observers of the New Zealand motorcycle road racing scene will have noticed the strong interest in Post Classic Motorcycle Road Racing classes in recent times. Formerly known as the ‘Historics’ and catering for machines made between 1963 and the end of 1982, the Post Classics provide a variety of machine types and styles not seen in many years. Appealing to riders generally more familiar with Japanese machinery than the ‘classic’ British bikes of an older generation, the relatively modest cost of the class has brought many riders into or back to the sport, resulting in the largest grids at some events.
This diversity of bikes extends from early air-cooled 125 GP machines to fire-breathing 1000-plus cc production-based superbikes . The cornerstone of the factory-built Post Classic racing bikes has been the ubiquitous Yamaha TZ350. Relatively cheap and blindingly fast in their day, the TZ350 set many New Zealand riders on the path to national and international stardom. King of the heap until well after its production ceased was the TZ350’s big brother- the TZ750. Producing anything up to 130+ hp, the TZ750 was simple, reliable and a little more than merely average racers could really manage!
With only about ten examples in captivity in New Zealand, there have been few sightings of the big TZ’s in recent years. Of the known 750’s in-country, perhaps three are race-worthy. It is not known when more than one running example were last seen together - it may have been as long ago as the 1977/78 Marlboro series. The NZPCRRR are pleased to advise that two TZ750’s are expected to be seen in action at Pukekohe this weekend in the Post Classic support races for Round Four of the New Zealand Road Racing Championship series. While one TZ750 has been seen in recent times, the second will see the race track for the first time since 1978.
This second machine is the ex-Bob Haldane TZ750B. Manufactured in 1975, Bob initially rode this bike in the 76/77 Marlboro series and two New Zealand domestic series. Essentially parked when Bob acquired a later TZ750, the older ‘twin-shock’ B-model last saw service as a Pukekohe practice bike for the late Mike Hailwood, prior to Hailwood’s return to the Isle of Man in 1978.
Acquired by the present owner late last year, the TZ750B has been completely restored. While time had taken its toll on the cosmetic side of the machine, the internals of the engine were found to be in generally excellent condition, requiring only servicing and routine parts replacement. Spare parts were sourced world-wide to produce a standard of presentation that is perhaps a little better than was delivered from the factory!
The new owner intends using the big TZ in selected events in New Zealand and Australia in the future. Complementing the resurrection of this machine has been the acquisition of a completely original (and also barely used) TZ750C by another Auckland-based TZ racer. This latter machine also has an interesting New Zealand history, being a Marlboro series race winner, and it will be on display at Pukekohe this weekend also. While running, the C-model will not be competing - yet, though that is another story…
