Post-Listing Update: After 28 bids on eBay, this Yamaha TA125 Road Racer did not meet reserve at $9,543.
Based on the AS-3 road bike, the Yamaha TA125 was a tiny twin released in early 1974. Production lasted less than a year, marking the end of Yamaha’s air-cooled 2-stroke production racers, and beginning a 5 year wait before Yamaha would sell another 125cc road race motorcycle.
Many parts, including the swingarm and rear wheel were taking straight from the AS-3. The engine was similar, though the porting was modified and the bores where chrome lined. Other changes included new exhausts, pistons, and plenty more yielded power delivery of 24 horsepower at 12,500 rpm. Most came with a 5-speed transmission, though 6 speeds were an option from the factory, and 7 speeds were even available for road use. Want to learn more? A great start would be this blog from Scott Virgo. Or head over to Ye Olde Cycle Shoppe for a period test from Cycle World in 1974.
This specific Yamaha TA125 is impressively original, and has been in a private collections for years, where it has been ridden at least once a year. You’ll have to bump start it, and the seller notes that it doesn’t like being at low rpm’s, but it looks great for the age. While it’s in good working shape, the seller suggests that you throw new tires on it and it put it on a track to enjoy it as designed. Can’t say I disagree with him!
Find this Yamaha TA125 for sale in Elmhurst, Illinois with bidding up to $3,050 and the reserve not yet met
