After winning my 3rd BSB title in 1998, as an end of season bonus, Yamaha UK kindly handed over my beloved Cadburys Boost YZF 750.
There were three of these ex factory bikes in Rob Mac’s team; one went to me, the big man still has one, and the third was sold for a sum that was never disclosed. I had three cracking years on this special machine battling against team mates Whitham, Walker and Hislop and breaking most lap records along the way. The hard charging Bayliss, Reynolds and Rymer were also thrown into the mix on occasions just to make life even more interesting.
When this immaculate bike was delivered, it was totally rebuilt and ready to race, however, apart from the odd polish it hasn’t been touched in fourteen years. And I only realised the other day it was also filled with water which is not a good thing when there is any aluminium or magnesium in the vicinity.
On dismantling, only the top and bottom radiator pipes were gunged up with corrosion but the rad seems to be intact so I may have been very lucky. I’ve since given everything a good flushing, changed the (new) oil, added a battery and fuel and she is sounding as special as ever.
For the record it weighs 162kg, makes 145bhp, revs to 14,000 rpm, has a five valve head and a dry slipper clutch. Working on it is so easy as two bolts take the tank off, the bell mouths hold on the air box and once these two items are removed you can get to everything else. Being a factory bike everything is beautifully engineered with titanium used wherever possible.
I’ve also just been informed I may be giving her a run out at Donington BSB next week so I’ve stopped eating to fit in the 98’ Boost Wolf suit.
