Description
H&H Classic Auction @ National Motorcycle Museum | Solihull, West Midlands
30th Oct, 2024 11:00
1966 Yamaha YM2C
Upswept pipe version of Yamahas 305cc twin
Estimate
£3, 500 - £4, 500
Registration No: PUA 602D
Frame No: M2C 3838
MOT: Exempt
US market model featuring high level chrome exhaust
Full engine rebuild including the all important crank rebuild
Mostly original cosmetics, supplied with receipts and a V5C
The Yamaha Motor Co was formed in 1955 as the powered vehicle division of the massive Yamaha Corporation more famous for making musical instruments. The first bike produced in 1954 was the YA-1, like the BSA Bantam a copy of the German made DKW RT125 but in typical Japanese fashion this was soon improved upon with the launch of the YA-2 in 1957. This proved to be an immediate success in sporting events starting a long tradition of achievement that goes on to this day in Moto GP. By the mid 1960s Yamaha had range of twin cylinder bikes up to 305cc and the arrival of the RD range in the seventies cemented Yamaha's reputation for high performance two strokes and bikes like the RD400 dominated production racing in the day embarrassing a few larger capacity bikes.
This rare matching numbers Yamaha YM2C, the upswept exhaust version of the 305cc twin, started its life in the USA before being imported a few years ago. The vendor then undertook a sympathetic cosmetic restoration with most of the paintwork and chrome having survived in good order due to being in a warm dry climate throughout its life. The bike had been stood for a long time so a complete engine overhaul was carried out including a crank rebuild by PJ Motorcycle Engineers with new bearings, seals and conrod kits, all reassembled with new standard pistons and rings in honed cylinders, small end bearings, gudgeon pins, circlips and gaskets. Parts had to be sourced in the US and from CMSNL due to the rarity of the bike and it comes supplied with receipts, a VJMC dating letter and current V5C. Mid 1960s Yamahas are not often seen in the UK so this will make a rare and unusual bike, with good performance, brakes and 12v electrics to take on vintage runs and rallies.
