Estimated reading time: 2 minutes
In 1977 Takazumi Katayama claimed the honour of being the first Japanese rider to win a World Championship, this achievement was made whilst riding for Yamaha Motor Europe. Katayama raced a twin-cylinder Yamaha TZ350 but also a Dutch-built version that was modified with three cylinders, in this special year he notched up five Grand Prix wins. The Korean born rider was nicknamed the “Zooming Taxi” and delivered top flight results in 250, 350 and 500 GPs, finally retiring in 1985 to run his own team.
Not much is known about the mysterious reverse cylinder Yamaha that Takazumi Katayama briefly tested out in 1978. It featured crossed-over silencers that can be seen exiting the rear of the tail unit, this design aimed to shorten the overall length of the pipes due to the rules at that time.
↑ First image: The chassis and reverse cylinder 350 engine in 1978, image supplied by Ferry Brouwer
↑ Second image: The unusual crossed over silencers
↑ Third image: The bike on track with Katayama onboard. © highsider.com
