1979 Yamaha Factory Works 250 Marty Tripes AMA Bike
I am pleased to offer this 1979 Yamaha Factory Works 250 AMA motocross bike. This is the 250 that Marty Tripes piloted during the 1980 season. This is THE bike that Marty is on in the picture from 1980 (see picture section). It’s a factory works Yamaha bike with serial # “OW” which a stands for “official works” bike.
These are not generally sold or made available to the public. Almost none of these works bikes survived as they were cannibalized for the next years bike or were destroyed by the factory.
Rumors were that back in 1980, the factory spent $85,000 building this bike. In fact, the factory built is so well that it was ridden in the 1979 season by “Rocket” Rex Staten and then used again in 1980 by Marty Tripes.
Sand cast magnesium motor cases, hubs, dished out bolts, custom machined thin wall fork tubes all added to reduce the weight in comparison to a production bike. This bike weighs around 30 pounds less than the bike anyone would have bought but was built to look like a production unit when it went by in order to increase sales.
Custom fork billets, hand built pipe lightened cranks. You name it, there was nothing you could buy that was even close!
Marty Tripes history:
Marty Tripes
Nationality United States United States
Born June 29, 1956 (age 60)
San Diego, California, U.S.
Motocross career
Years active 1973 – 1980
Teams Yamaha, Honda, Husqvarna, Can-Am, Bultaco, Harley-Davidson
Wins 11
Marty Tripes (born June 29, 1956) is an American former professional motocross racer. He competed in AMA motocross and Supercross championships in the 1970s and early 1980s. He is remembered for winning the Super Bowl of Motocross at the Los Angeles Coliseum in July 1972, just a few weeks after turning 16.[1] That race was considered the first true stadium Supercross race in America.
Born in San Diego, California, Tripes also won the first FIM 250cc United States Motocross Grand Prix at Unadilla, New York in 1978. He was described as one of the most naturally talented motocross riders in history.[2] His win at the Super Bowl of Motocross against some of the best riders in the world when he was only 16 years old launched his career. He won a total of 11 National Championship races during his career. Tripes was inducted into the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame in 2001.[3]
Bike is located in Bowling Green, KY.
Price: $54,900
Terms & Conditions
This item is being sold as is, where is with no warranty, expressed written or implied unless there is a warranty in effect from the factory. The seller shall not be responsible for the correct description, authenticity, genuineness, or defects herein, and makes no warranty in connection therewith. No allowance or set aside will be made on account of any incorrectness, imperfection, defect or damage. Any descriptions or representations are for identification purposes only and are not to be construed as a warranty of any type. It is the responsibility of the buyer to have thoroughly inspected this item, and to have satisfied himself or herself as to the condition and value and to bid based upon that judgement solely. The seller shall and will make every reasonable effort to disclose any known defects associated with this vehicle at the buyer’s request prior to the close of sale. Seller assumes no responsibility for any repairs regardless of any oral statements about the item.
Buyer is responsible for cost of shipping but seller may be able to assist in arranging shipping. I can be reached at (630) 567-0066 to discuss the item.
Good luck!