1975 Yamaha MX400B stunt bike, ex-Dave Taylor
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Guide Price: £5,000 - £8,000
Highlights
・Excellent unrestored condition, resplendent with original period decals
・Formerly owned and ridden by famed stuntman Dave Taylor
・Never registered for road use
・Never registered for road use
・Offered from a collection of rare and important motorcycles
Background
Stuntman and road-safety campaigner, Dave Taylor attracted a large fan base in the 1970s for his skilled displays and his attempts to encourage a balanced education about motorcycling, raising awareness of its pleasures and its dangers. Making numerous television appearances, Taylor acquired his epithet of ‘The Wheelie King’ and is well-remembered for his attempt to ride an entire lap of the Isle of Man TT circuit on his rear wheel in 1978.
The bike on which he made his wheelie lap attempt was a very similar example to this one, which was part of his motorcycle fleet at the same time and was ridden by him on a number of occasions, as depicted in a number of photographs.
History
Little is known of this bike’s history since it left Dave Taylor’s ownership, but it was acquired by the present owner, an enthusiast and collector, at auction a number of years ago.
Paperwork
There is no paperwork available as the bike was never registered for road use.
Condition
The Yamaha is in very good condition considering it has never been restored and was subjected to some arduous use in its early life. Over the years, it has acquired a wonderful patina and proudly boasts a few scars from its time as a display bike, notably at the rear of the frame, which probably came into contact with the tyre on one or two occasions.
Still sporting all its original decals, this bike is deserving of an owner who will cherish and preserve it just as it is.
Mechanicals
Although we have not seen it run, all the mechanical parts appear to be in good condition visually and, since the vendor cares well for all his bikes, we do not expect it is likely to need much, if any, mechanical attention.
Appeal
Already an experienced rider before Eddie Kidd had left school, Dave Taylor was Britain’s answer to Evel Knievel but without the flamboyance, foolhardiness and vast financial backing. In between entertaining crowds and attempting feats of skill and endurance, his work as an educationalist and campaigner encouraged countless young people to take to motorcycling as responsible enthusiasts.
This Yamaha survives as an extremely important piece of history, representing an overlooked but significant aspect of British motorcycling culture. While it would be the responsibility of any owner to carefully preserve it as it is, that should not prevent it from still being ridden and enjoyed. We might even suggest that it would be a great privilege for the owner if it were to be brought out publicly on the odd occasion and used to entertain and educate audiences once more, just as Dave Taylor originally intended.
Notice to bidders
Although every care is taken to ensure this listing is as factual and transparent as possible, all details within the listing are subject to the information provided to us by the seller. Car & Classic does not take responsibility for any information missing from the listing. Please ensure you are satisfied with the vehicle description and all information provided before placing a bid.
As is normal for most auctions, this vehicle is sold as seen, and therefore the Sale of Goods Act 1979 does not apply. All bids are legally binding once placed. Any winning bidder who withdraws from a sale, is subject to our bidders fee charge. Please see our FAQs and T&C's for further information. Viewings of vehicles are encouraged, but entirely at the sellers discretion.
Vehicle specification
- Year 1974
- Make Yamaha
- Model MX400B
- Colour White
- Odometer 0
- Engine size 400
Auction Details
- Seller Type Private
- Location Cambridgeshire
- Country United Kingdom
22
bids
- Ra•••• £4,780 10/06/21
- sc•••• £4,350 10/06/21
- ma•••• £4,250 10/06/21
- Ra•••• £4,111 10/06/21
- to•••• £3,700 10/06/21
- ma•••• £3,450 10/06/21
- Ra•••• £3,350 10/06/21
- to•••• £3,250 09/06/21
- ru•••• £2,950 09/06/21
- Ja•••• £2,850 09/06/21
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