The TD3 250cc and TD3 350cc models were the
final developments of air-cooled twin racers
built by Yamaha, being replaced by the water-cooled
TZ250 and 350A models in 1973.
Following the retirement of the awesome V4
factory racers in 1968 and the restriction to
2 cylinders and 6 gears for 250 and 350 classes
by the FIM, Yamaha concentrated on production
racers and while they still had a factory team
it was possible for privateers to be competitive
with the factory bikes and in some cases beat
them. Phil Read's 1971 World Championship on
a TD2B in a Godden frame being a good example.
The success of the marquee brought about the
demise of the 350 Grand prix class as it was
impossible to differentiate between the 250
and 350 grids which were totally made up of
Yamaha bikes. |
