Show and Shine

[Marc.com]

and leagly monoshock is a 1977 yamaha patent.

The single shock didn't come from Yamaha R&D themsleves, but was Lucine Tilkiens single shocking a CZ380 followed by one of Decosters Suzuki frames, this is a good read

Yamaha had monshock on TZ750 in 74 so they took a while to patent it. The 5 valve head also has a similar story with Lundgren of HL fame being involved in its development as a kind of Japanese skunk works project.

http://www.motorcycle-usa.com/290/5997/Motorcycle-Article/Memorable-MC--1973-Yamaha-Monoshock.aspx

[firko]

When all know Vincent was the first to produce Monoshock.

Jim's and Marc got it correct........Vincents are twin shock. You should have known that Dave, it's on page one of "Motorcycle Knowledge 101". Disgraceful.

[mx250]

It's a while since I read anything on the subject but I think the real innovation of Tilkein was the shock itself. That is he didn't use puny motorcycle shocks (that faded and blew their seals in the conventional position), Tilkein used a (Citron?) car shock with his monoshock. IIRC the first aim was to get better quality non fading dampening, the extra travel was an (unintentional?) additional benefit.

[Marc.com]

I think one of them had Austin 1100 suspension bladder.... hydrostatic wasn't it from vague memory. Anyway a lot had gone before in this design.

[montynut]

The TZ750A (700) of '74, TZ750B (first few still 700cc later updated by a supplied kit to 750cc) of '75 and TZ750C (identical to 'B' model) of '76 where all twin shock rear ends.

http://wiki.classic-motorbikes.net/wikid/Yamaha_TZ750

The OW31 was available as a semi works machine in '76 which had monoshock rear end.

It was not until the TZ750D (OW31 replica) of '77 that the production bike had monshock.

[vmx42]

I think one of them had Austin 1100 suspension bladder.... hydrostatic wasn't it from vague memory. Anyway a lot had gone before in this design.

I believe it was a Citroen suspension strut that was used…

[SAABCOMBI]

Hi Fellows, l like your interest in the mono shock, but this thread is not only about monoshocks, and its not about me, its about the bikes and our club. I wasn`t sure about who started the monoshock movement, so l take my hat off to you fellows, you have very good knowlodge of motorcycles in general, this is why this forum is so special and informative, keep it up.

[mx250]

Hi Fellows, l like your interest in the mono shock, but this thread is not only about monoshocks, and its not about me, its about the bikes and our club. I wasn`t sure about who started the monoshock movement, so l take my hat off to you fellows, you have very good knowlodge of motorcycles in general, this is why this forum is so special and informative, keep it up.

You're growing subtle in your old age Dave  .

[Marc.com]

http://wiki.classic-motorbikes.net/wikid/Yamaha_TZ750
The OW31 was available as a semi works machine in '76 which had monoshock rear end.

Wiki is not normally acceptable as a quotable source. My recollection of what I was reading on the shit house last night had it earlier, i am expecting to do another research session within the next 12 hours after which I amy have more to add.

Anyway like oval pistons and the 5 valve head the Japanese knocked the design off. Albeit they got it to work, but that is what they do best.

[SAABCOMBI]

Marcfx, l do agree,the jap`s know their stuff, this is why they are winning the wars in technology.

[Marc.com]

It was not until the TZ750D (OW31 replica) of '77 that the production bike had monshock.

Source is Steve Baker, 3 TZ750s were equipped for Daytona in 75 with Monoshock, one for Baker, Ago Roberts. Bikes were called TZ750s, not OW31s and were hybrid using YZR500 chassis with 750 motor, OW31 was in 76 ... it was YZR chassis bike issued to works and factory support riders.

Other TZ700/750 trivia was first victory was by NZder at Ruapuna. OW31 spec chassis was TZ750D in 77, engine was 6 petal reed motor, OW 120 hp ish, 165 kgs half wet power to weight was pretty good.

Interesting the BMW S1000R gives 186 hp and 220 kgs dry from a road bike.

[GD66]

Other TZ700/750 trivia was first victory was by NZder at Ruapuna.

John Boote at Gracefield, Wellington, actually.   Jan 6th, 1974.

[Davey Crocket]

I was there......loved Gracefeild.......see there having a Malboro Series Reunion in 2012? at Ruapuna Park....they hope to get alot of the former racers to come to it...I think Pat Hennen's coming, would be good to see Randy Mamola come and some of the other stars.....I'm sure lots of the Aussie brigade will turn up...Willing and Co. That series was a big piss up for the riders and they got to test next years bikes (probably more like a mardi-gra)....argh....they where the days.

[montynut]

It was not until the TZ750D (OW31 replica) of '77 that the production bike had monshock.

Source is Steve Baker, 3 TZ750s were equipped for Daytona in 75 with Monoshock, one for Baker, Ago Roberts. Bikes were called TZ750s, not OW31s and were hybrid using YZR500 chassis with 750 motor, OW31 was in 76 ... it was YZR chassis bike issued to works and factory support riders.

Other TZ700/750 trivia was first victory was by NZder at Ruapuna. OW31 spec chassis was TZ750D in 77, engine was 6 petal reed motor, OW 120 hp ish, 165 kgs half wet power to weight was pretty good.

Interesting the BMW S1000R gives 186 hp and 220 kgs dry from a road bike.

So you agree the first production TZ750 with monoshock was '77

[Marc.com]

Yep.... well unless you count the 3 bikes in 75 which were not OW31 .... anyway great bike and good story, one of my friends had Steve Roberts modified TZ750 that was raced into the 90s, even then the bike was still plenty fast enough.