The equivalent 350cc version was called TR2 The TD1 bikes had a significant impact on British 250cc class racing in the middle-1960s[1] which was historically contested by single-cylinder engines, some with ageing designs.

The engines were simpler to build - but not significantly easier to maintain as four-stroke singles potentially lasted an entire season - offering a small compact unit without the height associated with overhead valves and camshafts.

Rod Gould's appearance on the European racing scene with TD2 and TR2 machines (and Buco helmets) secured after a business trip to US was a major factor in the change to two-stroke domination.

Gould learned his craft initially by campaigning ageing (1950s design) Manx Nortons around the UK short circuits, with 1960s Bultacos and Aermacchis for the smaller classes.

[3] Great Britain's Rodney Gould won the 1970 250 cc World Championship on a TD2, with Australian, Kel Carruthers coming in second, also riding a TD2.