Waddon Rotax
In the early 80’s there was no serious threat to the Yamaha TZ250 dominance of motorcycle racing, until the emergence of the Rotax tandem twin, disc valve power plant. This unit was to be used in many chassis variations for the next 5 years.

Frames were built by Spondon, for their own bikes, then for Cotton and Armstrong, Harris and finally Aprilia. This example, the Waddon, was unique in it’s design. Although still in steel, it utilised a spine tube frame, and was both light and strong. All of the aforementioned types tuned the basic unit to their own specification. The results were competition for the Yamaha factory.

Waddon enlisted the help of Dr Joe Ehrlich, the best engine designer and tuner, and together they produced the Waddon-Ehrlich. When Dr Joe left, he went on to produce the EMC rotax project.

A new Project.
Having finally managed to located a Waddon, I have the task of rebuilding in preparation for the track. It’s not going to be something that can be completed this Winter, as I have too much to do on the TZs. So it will be a case of obtaining as much information as possible, then hopefully start next Summer. From the information gleaned to date, the most thought provoking is the early use of the TZ350 motor in the Waddon chassis in ‘80 or ‘81.
Managed to source a pair of Waddon barrels, plus plenty of spare gears, and a new rear sub-frame.

Any info on Waddon or even on this bike would be much appreciated. Please email me at the address below. I know that it came from the Ipswich area, but that is all.