YAMAHA

750 OW 31 Records I Coluche -1985

Break a record, get some laughs

The French comic actor Coluche was a dyedin- the-wool cyclist. In 1985, he joined a team sponsored by Elf in order to realize his greatest ambition - becoming a world speed record holder. Coluche didn't treat his ambition lightly. He devoted himself to the task of becoming a record-breaker as though he were rehearsing one of his famous comedy sketches.

Record Bid

He made his attempt on the famous Nardo circuit in southern Italy, choosing a Yamaha 750 OW 31, prepared by Pierre Boudon, as his mount. The bid was backed by Elf, since only a manufacturer could hire the circuit. The first attempt on the record, in August 1985, ended when the motor seized up.

Successful Attempt

When the track was next available, on September 20, Coluche succeeded, despite a crosswind. On his third attempt, he clocked a two-way average speed of 156.64 mph, a new record for the flying kilometer (speed measured as a moving cycle passes rather than from standing start). His teammate, journalist Eric Courly, quickly followed with

a record flying mile speed of 157.28 mph. After this, it seemed certain that Coluche would participate in Elf's 1986 record attempt. He took part in the initial trials on the Castellet circuit that April, but the humorist-turned-cyclist never made it to the actual attempt - an unfortunate accident in June 1986 took his life.

SPECIFICATIONS

Engine: transverse 748cc (66.4x54mm) four-cylinder water-cooled

Power Rating: 120 hp@ 10,500 rpm

Valves: two-stroke

Transmission: 6 speeds

Suspension: telescopic forks (front); single monoshock (rear)

Brakes: twin steel disk (front); , single disk (rear)

Wheels: alloy

Weight: 350'lb .

Maximum Speed: over 160 mph

The initial difficulty was how to compress the 208lb. comedian into his racing leathers and fit him behind the fairing of the Yamaha! But Coluche the racer was no laughing matter.