YAMAHA OW26 400cc

[rob]

Looking for parts, information, photos or anything in regards to the OW26 factory Yamaha that was used by Per Klitland and Mike Landman thoughout the 1976 Australian motorcross series.
For those who are unfamiliar with what the OW even looks like, go to vintageworksbikes.com. Click on links, then look up Heikki Mikkola - you will see two versions of the bike, both with tank straps fitted. Mikkola took out the world title on the 77 OW26 and Landman's biggest win on the OW came in 77 at Wallan where he took out the Hangten Cup.

Ake Johnson finished 4th in the world championships aboard the very first OW26 in 75.

In reference to Firko's comments regards Pierre Klitland and the 1976 OW, it was indeed a tough time for Per as the bike was simply not setup for him, and as I believe was instructed not to touch it.

When I came across the bike it had been dismatled for a little over 30 years and sitting in the very same spot all that time. Most of the factory spares that were assigned to the bike for the 76 season were still with the bike and even some interesting paper work was still present.

To this day the major parts missing are the crank cases which are nothing like production items.

I have contacted the likes of Terry Good (MXWorksBikes) but proved unsuccessful.

So to anybody that may be able to help or know of something, I would love to hear from you.

Regards
Robbie Dick.

[jerry]

Love to see some photos Rob. Cheers Jerry

[Iain Cameron]

Rob if you watch " one chance to win " there are lots of shots of Jimmy Weinert's Bike . Other than that the only way I can help is give you a 76 yz 400 to solve your problems oh that's in exchange for that box of parts you have .   Iain

[rob]

Iain,
You just never know mate, I may just end up bolten a 400 C donk in just to get the wheels turning ...... wonder if Landman would still be keen to throw a leg over her then . ( he wanted to buy the bike of me as soon as I found it - I did get a couple things off him for the OW.
If we could find the moulds we could melt the spares down 

Cheers
Rob.

[Slakewell]

Do you have any of the cases at all?

[Iain Cameron]

Rob jokes aside if you need a motor just to get you running give me a call Ive got a Cpl of 400s spare . Iain

[firko]

In reference to Firko's comments regards Pierre Klitland and the 1976 OW, it was indeed a tough time for Per as the bike was simply not setup for him, and as I believe was instructed not to touch it.
 

Per Klitland's an old mate and we spent many hours discussing the bikes he rode during his career travelling to and from Broadford Classic Dirt. What Robbie says is true, Yamaha didn't let him make the changes the bike drastically needed to suit Per's particular needs and being a headstrong Dane used to prepping his previous Maicos himself he grew to dislike the bike very quickly. His main complaint was the "125 like" power spread which he reckoned could have been easily sorted if he'd been permitted. After a few months Per got production MX400 and MX250's and OW26 was passed on to Mike Landman.

A related question: Is there an OW register of some sort where an OW's history can be traced? I'd like to chase the past history of my OW72 but don't know where to start.

[SON]

Rochelle at A&A
She will ask Ray, then reply,
Lovely people with Flattrack blood in their body,
KR Senior but he is far harder to get hold of.

[rob]

Slakewell - Unfortunately I have no cases at all.
Iain - If I have to go down that track I will take you up on your offer.
Firko - Would love to sit down with Per and chat about his brief time aboard this bike.
SON - Thanks for going to the effort - look forward to hearing back from you.