GETTING STARTED

When the Yamaha

TY 175cc started to surface on the UK shores in the mid-seventies it was the answer to many trials riders’ dreams. The once mighty BSA motorcycles had shown just how good the smaller capacity two-stroke trials machines could be through the antics of Dave Rowland, who finished 2nd in the 1967 Scottish Six Days Trial on the 175cc Bantam trials model. The sport needed a similar machine and the Yamaha TY 175 was the answer to everyone’s prayers.

The Yamaha TY 175cc was a trials motorcycle revelation, with its easy to ride abilities that would inspire so many young riders. Designed in association with Mick Andrews it was a small air-cooled, compact, single cylinder two-stroke with a six speed gearbox. It would start in gear just by pulling the clutch lever in. You were not trying to find neutral in the gearbox, which was a very strong plus point at the time as all the Spanish machines used the antiquated design of having to engage neutral in the gearbox before you could start the machine up. Lightweight and ultra-reliable, it sold in its thousands around the globe. No major changes were made in its decade of production, apart from the aesthetics.

SPECIFICATIONS Two-Stroke Single Cylinder Torque Induction; Displacement: 171cc; Bore: 66mm x Stroke: 50mm; Compression: 5.8 : 1; Lubrication System: Autolube Primary Kick-Starter; Ignition: Flywheel Magneto Six Speed Gearbox High Tensile Steel; Twin Cradle Type; Aluminium Sump Protection Front: Travel 160mm; Rear: Oil Controlled 5 Way Adjustable; Brakes Front and Back: Drum Type. Length: 1,955mm; Width: 835mm; Height: 1,100mm; Seat Height: 750mm 1,265mm Clearance, 295mm 81kg 4.5litre 0.3litre RRP (1978): £655