The history of the Yamaha TZ 750 engaged by the team Sonauto Yamaha (French importer) is well known.
In 1978, on the Paul Ricard race track, Jean Claude Olivier, CEO of Sonauto Yamaha, engaged a race bike in the 24 hours race. The bet was risky. The bike was performing but not really prepared for this type of competition. The two official pilots, Patrick Pons and Christian Sarron, obtained the pole position in the essays and were in lead during 18h of the race. The machine abandoned due to a broken crankshaft. The Yamaha TZ 750 was in head of the most difficult competition in the world three forth of the race. The press returns were as expected and the experience would be renewed.
In 1979, Bol d’Or on the Paul Ricard circuit: Two Yamaha TZ 750 Sonauto in the starting blocks. But this time the tuner of the machines, Christian Maingret, modified the bikes specifically for this 24h race. The modifications concerned principally the rolling elements in order to allow quick change of wheels, brakes and parts in case of a fall. The most fragile elements (exhaust, rev counter supports, footrest, gear and brake pedals) were reinforced. The crankshafts were replaced by reinforced Hoeckle. Campagnolo rims, Brembo brakes, specific “Endurance” fairing and seat. The bike had no alternator, so a “Saft” cadmium-nickel battery was installed in the seat, being replaced at each relay during the night. With a 24 litre tank the relays were scheduled every 45 minutes. The two bikes were ridden by Pons / Asami and Rigal / Roche. Pons / Asami were close to exploit achieving an excellent second place.
In 1980, three TZ 750 were engaged by Sonauto Yamaha for Sarron / Kinoshita, Roche / Lafond and Rigal / Van Dhulmen. Rigal achieved the pole position ahead of Roche. Roche abandoned after 6 hours (gearbox problems), Rigal achieved the 8th place after pistons and cylinders had to be replaced. Sarron finished the race with some troubles. Although without victory, the media returns were more than satisfying and these bikes remain part of the Bol d’Or history.
The 6 official Yamaha TZ 750 Bol d’Or bikes all were conserved and became part of different collections.

The here presented TZ 750 is the Roche / Lafond bike from the 1980 Bol d’Or, the last participation.
This machine was prepared for the Bol d’Or race by Christian Maingret and never raced after. The bike thus has only been raced during 6 hours. Retired due to a gearbox problem the bike then has been repaired by Christian Maingret and sold to a collector.
The full history of this bike is known, having been the property of 4 collectors in 31 years. The TZ 750 has never been raced all these years. The last owner entrusted the bike to the famous tuner of the Sonauto Team (Jacky Germain) who entirely restored it in 2011: The engine was redone, the frame controlled, the rolling elements renewed, brakes restored etc. The paint is still the original one from the 1980 Bol d’Or in order to maintain the authenticity.
This bike is now available for sale in France (Paris). A document of authenticity by the former competition manager of Sonauto Yamaha will be delivered with this TZ 750.
This is a unique opportunity to own a performing and historic machine. This Yamaha TZ 750 is a true collectible racer!

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