1972 Yankee 500 Z
YANKEE 500 Z 1972 Atlas Editions Classic Motorcycle card
Going for broke
John Taylor, boss of the Yankee firm based in Schenectady, NY, decided at the end of 1966 to become part of the boom in large-displacement trail bikes that was sweeping the US.
Predicted Expansion
Recently a Bultaco distributor who had become the Ossa importer, Taylor was evidently backed by the factory, which anticipated a vast expansion of its US market.
Double Singles
The detailed study was entrusted to Eduardo Giro, who mounted two Ossa 231cc singles side by side, with the two crankshafts running virtually independently of each other. Each had its own electronic flywheel ignition so that the firing interval could be tailored to individual preference (initially it was set at 360 degrees). The gearbox had two neutrals, one (rarely used) between first and second, the other between second and third. The Yankee was launched in New York in 1968 but did not go on sale until 1972, priced at $1535. Fast but fragile, it enjoyed limited success against its European rivals and me more reliable Japanese bikes. Yankee went bust in 1973, but Ossa took up the project at its own expense in 1975, distributing an improved 500SS under its own name – using Bing carburetors rather man IRZ units. This was more of a highway bike, developing 58 hp. In 1976, the final version appeared. This was the Ossa Yankee, with a 180-degree firing interval to minimize vibrations. But Ossa was a victim of the post-Franco crisis in Spain in 1982, and the twin was one of the first to suffer. After that, the works refocused its activities around off-road singles.
SPECIFICATIONS
Engine: 488cc (72×60mm) air-cooled twin cylinder
Power Rating: 36 hp @ 6500 rpm
Valves: two-stroke; ports controlled by piston skirts
Fuel System: Bing carburetors Transmission: 6-speed, chain final drive
Suspension: telescopic forks (front); swing arm (rear)
Brakes: drum (front); disc (rear)
Wheels: 3.15×21 inch (front); 4.20×18 inch (rear)
Weight: 335 lb
Maximum Speed: 93 mph
Now a great rarity, the Yankee sounded the death-knell of us attempts to dislodge the Harley monopoly, as well as heralding the end of the Spanish industry.
Card number D2 79-07
This and many other Atlas Editions Classic Motorcycle cards are available for purchase.
Nice 500z. What’s it worth? Anybody know?