Yankee’s Beefy Frame

Jim Corpe, John Taylor and Dick Mann examine a prototype frame for the Yankee 500 Z. The frame tubing, like everything on the 500 Z, was overbuilt to withstand the rigors of housing a heavy 500cc two-stroke parallel twin motor in a bike intended for off-road use. Corpe, a noted TT racer from the Midwest, was the project manager on the Yankee. Taylor was the founder and head of the company and of course Dick Mann was the champion racer who helped with suspension design and pushed the prototypes to the limits by testing them. In two years (1971 & ’72) a total of 764 Yankee production bikes were built. Today the machines are highly-prized collector’s items.

(Left to right) Jim Corpe, John Taylor and Dick Mann examine a prototype frame for the Yankee 500 Z, circa 1971. (John Taylor Collection)