Throwback Thursday: Kenny Roberts on the Yamaha TZ750 Flat Tracker (1975)

Larry Lawrence | January 16, 2025

KR Won the Indy Mile on the Powerful Two-Stroke

In this week’s Throwback, we dial back the clock 50 years to 1975. Kenny Roberts’ legendary victory at the that year’s Indy Mile aboard the Yamaha TZ750 is one of the most iconic moments in motorcycle racing history.

Roberts competed in the AMA Grand National Championship, which combined dirt track and road racing disciplines. At the Indy Mile, Roberts showed up on a Kel Carruthers-built TZ750-powered flat tracker—an engine that was initially deemed uncontrollable on dirt. The bike’s massive power, originally designed for road racing, made it a beast on the loose dirt surface.

Despite its wild nature, Roberts tamed the unruly machine and delivered an unforgettable performance. Coming from behind in the final laps, he unleashed the TZ750’s unmatched speed, overtaking Harley-Davidson riders Jay Springsteen and Corky Keener to secure an unlikely win. The victory is etched in history, not just for Roberts’ brilliance, but for his iconic post-race quote: “They don’t pay me enough to ride that thing.” This moment solidified Roberts’ reputation as one of motorcycling’s all-time greats.

This photo was taken at the San Jose Mile a few weeks after the Indy victory.

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