Classics
Words & photos: Rhys Jones
Formula 750: A brief but exciting experiment
T
he early 1970s were significant
years in motorcycling history
for several reasons. There were
more motorcycles on and off
road than at any other time. The
might of the Japanese factories
was reaching a high point, and
the British motorcycle industry,
although struggling to compete,
was experiencing a boost in the big bike category.
In 1970 two-strokes had almost completely taken
over the World Championship Grand Prix circuits.
Only MV Agusta was keeping the four-stroke
flag flying, but by 1975 a two-stroke Yamaha
changed that, and became the first to beat the
Mick Grant on the JP Norton on the mountain
MV in the 500 class it had dominated since 1956.
road in the 1973 Isle of Man Formula 750 race
In 1971 Formula 750 was introduced to the racing
calendar in Britain which would help the two major
British factories, BSA-Triumph and Norton, to
compete at home, and in their major export market
of America where the class was already up and
running. Basically, Formula 750 limited major engine
components to those used in the construction
of production motorcycles. The major advantage
of this was to keep the cost of racing to within
reasonable limits. The cost of producing unique
racing prototypes to gain commercial advantage
in the marketplace can put a heavy burden on
cash strapped manufacturers. Formula 750 didn’t
stop there though – control was also placed on
frames, brakes, suspension, and fuel tanks.
On the surface the restrictions looked reasonable.
Potential buyers of specific models would be
comforted to know that what they were buying
closely resembled the bike they were watching on
the race track, and of course the manufacturers
saved money. Apart from the clear distinction
between a racing and a production racing class,
this half way solution was overcome by the
Japanese who began to sell dedicated race bikes
such as the TZ Yamaha family. This however
The legendary Triumph ‘Slippery Sam’, five times an Isle of Man TT winner
didn’t apply to the big bikes in the early 1970s.
On the race tracks of Europe and America, the