Yamaha TZ 350

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The Yamaha TZ 350 was Yamaha’s Grand Prix racing bike built from 1973 to 1981. It used a compact 347 cc air‑cooled two‑stroke parallel‑twin engine designed for high speed and quick acceleration. Early models produced about 60 horsepower, while later versions reached around 72 horsepower, capable of speeds over 180 mph. The bike weighed about 115 kg dry and carried a 23‑liter fuel tank. It had a 6‑speed gearbox.

Over its life, the TZ 350 evolved through models A to H. Early bikes used twin rear shocks and drum brakes; later models moved to a single rear mono‑shock and front and rear discs. Wheelbase, rake, tire sizes, and other dimensions varied by model. The TZ 350 was successful in Grand Prix racing and helped shape Yamaha’s later road bikes in the RD and RZ lines. A couple of TZ 350s are on display at Technikmuseum Speyer.

Key specs:
- Manufacturer: Yamaha
- Production: 1973–1981 (TZ 350 A through H)
- Class: Grand Prix motorcycle racing
- Engine: 347 cc air‑cooled two‑stroke parallel twin
- Power: ~60 hp (early) to ~72 hp (later)
- Torque: ~35 N·m
- Top speed: over 180 mph (≈289 km/h)
- Transmission: 6‑speed
- Dry weight: ~115 kg
- Fuel capacity: 23 L
- Brakes: Front drums (early) then discs (from Model C); rear drums (early) then discs (from Model C)
- Suspension: Twin shocks (early) to mono‑shock (later)
- Wheelbase: ~1,331 mm
- Dimensions: Length ~1,946 mm; Width ~510–635 mm (varies by model)