1972 Yamaha TD-3 in Des Moines, IA

The bike offered here, of 1972 vintage, was owned and raced for several years by famed motorcycle artist, Mick Ofield. Research continues, but at some point in the racing career of the bike, the frame was modified for the rear shocks to have a pick up point further forward, supposedly for far better handling. The bike is fresh from a ground-up restoration. All cycle parts were refurbished or renewed as needed. The frame was powder-coated, and to the modified pick up points, a pair of new, custom ?built Works Performance shocks were installed, rated for a rider at about [removed phone] pounds, give or take a few lunches. These suspend an original, rebuilt Yamaha valanced rim with stainless steel spokes and new Heidenau race spec tires. There?s a similar set up at the front, and held in place with the original TD-3 forks, fully rebuilt. New headrace bearings, chain and sprockets, and a steering damper were fitted, as well as all new rubber parts and cables. Brakes were fully rebuilt, front and rear.The engine was completely rebuilt with fresh crank, rods, etc. It runs well and feels strong. The gearbox was refurbished and shifts perfectly well.The bike sports the original aluminum gas tank, restored inside and out, and brand new Airtech fairing, ?screen and seat unit, all beautifully painted in the traditional white with appropriate striping.NOS parts were used throughout the exhaustive restoration of this true icon of the transition of racing technology of the ?60s and ?70s. The result is a bike that can be successfully raced or displayed in a museum or living room setting.