This very tidy-looking TY80 will bring back memories for those old enough to have enjoyed the popular TV programme Junior Kickstart, for which budding young trials riders pitted their skills against the challenges of the British countryside and its notoriously fickle weather - the trusty Yamaha was the go-to choice of many of the contestants. The exact year the tidy example offered was manufactured is currently unknown, but the model was in production for a decade from 1974 to 1984. It was powered by a 74cc air-cooled two-stroke ‘torque induction’ engine that was connected to a four-speed constant mesh gearbox which, unusually, featured neutral in the lowest of the five pedal positions. With a seat height of 600mm and overall weight of just 54kg, the TY80 was perfect for youngsters feeling their way in the highly competitive world of trials riding. The vendor informs us this example ‘runs well’, and it would be equally suitable as a collectors’ item or gift for an aspiring teenage biker.
Motorcycles
