Cycle World Editors First Kenny Roberts Flat Track Replica

The First Yamaha Street Tracker 650 Twin. Excellent Article By: David Edwards

Here's an article from the March 1993 Cycle World which is the first streettracker I remember seeing. This is the one that got me interested in Yamaha 650 streettrackers in particular and vintage flattrackers in general. Cycle World's editor found a Champion framed Yamaha flattracker in the back of a shop somewhere. He had it restored and had lights, a mirror and a horn added to make it street legal. It was literally a racer with lights. This article is what got me interested in them. I've been researching and gathering pics on vintage flattrackers ever since. Gone to some races too. If anyone has the opportunity to go to one, do so. Best one I saw had about 15 bikes in Sportsman 750 mostly Yamahas with Triumph and BSA also represented. Think of the sound at the start when 15 lightly or un-muffled 750 twins have their throttles mostly opened and then go WFO when the flag drops. Impressive music.

Dave Sentz

XS650 Cycle Links, Images & Info: Click Here!

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