Phil Read Yamaha Discovery

This is a blog following the progress of the restoration of a historic Yamaha, developed and ridden by Phil Read, with the aid of his mechanics Ferry Brouwer and latterly Helmut Fath for the 1971 Grand Prix Season. 

This machine features a special frame that was manufactured in Fleet, UK by Eric Cheney and bears the frame number TR101, indicating that it was frame number 1 for a 350cc Yamaha. There were of course many other upgrades to this very special machine, which changed from race to race as the circuit necessitated. Some of the specifications included : Dunstall Forks and Twin Disks or Ceriani Forks and Yamaha Drum brake, Disk brake rear wheel or Yamaha drum brake rear wheel, Farh converted Dry Clutch, Krober Ignition,  Special pipes and Tuning by Ferry Brouwer, Six Speed Gear box, plus many other tricks from the highly experienced team

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The above shots show Read at be IOM TT, where he set a fastest lap, before retiring with a cracked frame. A scar of which can still be seen on the frame. The lower picture shows Ferry Brouwer, in white and Helmut Fath in the darker jacket (plus Phil Read Jnr in his mothers arms!)

A nice shot in the paddock showing the Read stable of 2 x 250 Cheney machines and the 1 x 350 at the rear. The lower shot shows the 250 with simple streamlining. Also note the variation of brake set upsthe

Ferry Brouwer has kindly helped me with the restoration of the machine, by supplying me with the Dunstall front end, fuel tank and most of an engine, plus many details and hints necessary to bring he bike back to life. Frame TR101 after being reconditioned at Cheney's by Simon Cheney. Now the real work can beginn....