KIWI RIDER NOVEMBER 2017 VOL.1 | Page 64

Classics Words & photos: Rhys Jones Formula 750: A brief but exciting experiment T he early 1970s were significant years in motorcycling history for several reasons. There were more motorcycles on and off road than at any other time. The might of the Japanese factories was reaching a high point, and the British motorcycle industry, although struggling to compete, was experiencing a boost in the big bike category. In 1970 two-strokes had almost completely taken over the World Championship Grand Prix circuits. Only MV Agusta was keeping the four-stroke flag flying, but by 1975 a two-stroke Yamaha changed that, and became the first to beat the Mick Grant on the JP Norton on the mountain MV in the 500 class it had dominated since 1956. road in the 1973 Isle of Man Formula 750 race In 1971 Formula 750 was introduced to the racing calendar in Britain which would help the two major British factories, BSA-Triumph and Norton, to compete at home, and in their major export market of America where the class was already up and running. Basically, Formula 750 limited major engine components to those used in the construction of production motorcycles. The major advantage of this was to keep the cost of racing to within reasonable limits. The cost of producing unique racing prototypes to gain commercial advantage in the marketplace can put a heavy burden on cash strapped manufacturers. Formula 750 didn’t stop there though – control was also placed on frames, brakes, suspension, and fuel tanks. On the surface the restrictions looked reasonable. Potential buyers of specific models would be comforted to know that what they were buying closely resembled the bike they were watching on the race track, and of course the manufacturers saved money. Apart from the clear distinction between a racing and a production racing class, this half way solution was overcome by the Japanese who began to sell dedicated race bikes such as the TZ Yamaha family. This however The legendary Triumph ‘Slippery Sam’, five times an Isle of Man TT winner didn’t apply to the big bikes in the early 1970s. On the race tracks of Europe and America, the