VAN TECH & YETMAN MOTORCYCLES

Welcome to the Van Tech and Yetman motorcycle enthusiast group. These unique high-end motorcycle frames were produced in a variety of configurations from about 1963 thru the early 70's. Van Tech and Yetman were located on opposite coasts of the United States, but shared a similar philosophy: Build strong, lightweight, race-winning motorcycle frames designed for a variety of engine configurations and race venues.

The Van Tech was built in Visalia, California by Van Tech Engineering, Inc., which was aquired by Grant Industries in 1967. Early Van Techs were sold as complete bikes, and utilized kart engines such as West Bend and McCulloch. Later designs were sold in kit form and they were easily adaptable to most of the small motorcycle engines of the time, such as the Honda S90, Hodaka, Bridgestone, Yamaha AT1 & YL1, and Zundapp.

The Van Tech could be configured as a Roadracer, Flattracker, TT, or Scrambler, using various seat, tank and fork combinations. Amazingly, the Van Tech was capable of winning races in all these variations!

Yetman frames were hand built in Beverly, Mass. by the Yetman Corporation. Variations included road race, off-road, and drag race frames, with a wide variety of engine choices. The files section of this group includes a "A Brief History of Yetman Motorcycle Frames", by its designer, David S. Yetman. We are compiling a database of all known Yetman frames, and members may enter their frame data in the Database section of the group.

Anyone interested in Van Tech or Yetman motorcycles is invited to join! In the files section we have a growing collection of vintage magazine articles and advertisements, and the photos section includes some nice period photos as well as member's bikes.

Photo?? It's member Robert Murray leading the pack on his Van Tech framed Kawasaki Green Streak 100cc powered racer at Willow Springs, c.1972.

Scott Peatross
founder/moderator