Kenny Roberts and the Legendary TZ-750 at Indy Mile 2009 Leave a comment
Introduction
Imagine a motorcycle so powerful and uncontrollable that it gets banned from racing circuits. That’s the legend of the TZ-750, a flat track bike known for its monstrous 125 hp and blistering speeds over 240 km/h. In 2009, Kenny Roberts, a name synonymous with motorcycle racing, took a nostalgic and thrilling ride on this beast at the Indy Mile. This event, captured in a documentary by Yamaha USA, offers a gripping look back at one of the most dangerous bikes in racing history.
The Beastly TZ-750: A Brief History
The TZ-750 was born from the Grand Prix racing circuit, equipped with a 4-cylinder, 2-stroke engine derived from Yamaha’s TZ-750 road racer. Designed for flat track racing, the bike had no front brakes, making it a terrifying machine to handle. It combined sheer power with a minimalist design, prioritizing speed and agility over safety.
Key Features:
- Engine: 4-cylinder, 2-stroke
- Horsepower: 125 hp
- Top Speed: Over 240 km/h
- Brakes: None at the front, minimal at the rear
Kenny Roberts’ Iconic 1975 Victory
Kenny Roberts, also known as “The King,” etched his name into the history books with his victory on the TZ-750 at the 1975 Indy Mile. His win wasn’t just another race; it was a testament to his extraordinary skill and fearlessness. The bike’s raw power and lack of brakes made it a daunting challenge even for seasoned racers, but Roberts managed to tame the beast, securing a legendary status in the process.
The Ban: A Necessary Evil
The TZ-750’s combination of high speed and lack of braking power made it incredibly dangerous. Following Roberts’ 1975 victory, the American Motorcyclist Association (AMA) decided to ban the bike from future flat track races. The decision was driven by safety concerns, acknowledging that the bike’s performance was simply too extreme for the flat track format.
2009 Indy Mile: A Nostalgic Return
Fast forward to 2009, and the scene was set for a remarkable reunion. During the Indianapolis GP, Kenny Roberts once again climbed aboard the TZ-750, bringing the legendary bike back to life for a special lap at the Indiana State Fairgrounds. This event wasn’t just a ride; it was a tribute to an era of raw, unbridled racing spirit.
The Documentary by Yamaha USA
To commemorate this historic ride, Yamaha USA produced a documentary capturing the essence of the TZ-750 and Roberts’ incredible journey. The documentary offers fans an in-depth look at the bike’s design, its notorious reputation, and the sheer thrill of seeing it in action again. It serves as both a historical recount and a celebration of motorcycle racing’s daring past.
Why the TZ-750 Still Matters
The TZ-750’s legacy is one of pushing boundaries and testing the limits of what riders and machines can achieve. It represents a time in racing history when danger was a given and innovation meant creating something entirely new and thrilling, albeit risky. For enthusiasts and historians alike, the TZ-750 remains a symbol of bold engineering and the relentless pursuit of speed.
