As Yamaha Motor marks its 70th anniversary in 2025, its racing legacy is defined not just by the machines it has built but by the people and stories that have shaped its history. This is one of those stories: a race bike that links a family across three generations and unites two of Northern Ireland’s greatest sporting legends.
The connection began in the 1970s. Joey Dunlop, a young and fiercely determined Northern Irish rider, was at the beginning of a career that would eventually make him one of the greatest road racers of all time. He had caught the eye of John Rea, a passionate motorcycle racing fan from a working-class background who had built up a successful haulage firm. John saw something special in his compatriot and, keen to support young riders, decided to set up a team and sponsor him. In 1975, Dunlop joined Rea Racing and an iconic partnership was formed.
That belief was soon rewarded. In 1977, Dunlop claimed his first Isle of Man win in the Jubilee TT riding a TZ750, the production racer that dominated the era and allowed privateers to compete against factory machines. Three years later, he rode a TZ750 to a landmark victory at the 1980 Classic TT, famously beating the leading works bikes of the time. From that point, Dunlop’s legend only grew as he went on to win 26 TTs, five Formula TT World Championships, 13 North West 200s, and 24 races at the Ulster Grand Prix to cement himself as one of the all-time greats in road racing.
But Dunlop’s influence extended far beyond the racetrack. His humanitarian work, personally delivering aid to hospitals and orphanages across Eastern Europe, revealed a humble man who left a lasting impression on everyone who met him, including John’s grandson, Jonathan Rea, a future six-time FIM Superbike World Champion....
