About Us

Maple Signs is owned and operated by Gordon Jones - started in 1996 - producing "computer cut" vinyl Lettering & Graphics, Magnetic Signs etc.
The computer interest originally started when I developed an interest in building a new chassis - and could see the need to learn the basics in "driving" a computer - as it turned out - the learning process took a lot longer - and went a lot deeper in to the subject - learning  computer graphics at an early stage - and adding Website knowledge as the "Web" became an essential part of life for many people.
Originally trained as a Machine Tool Fitter - then spent a few years working in a Yamaha dealership - and at the same time - Racing Yamaha 125 & 250s
In 1980 - went to work for Mitsui Yamaha as a Service Engineer - travelling around most of the UK visiting /advising dealers, & troubleshooting.
Unfortunately - the mid 80s downturn for the M/C trade meant I was made redundant - but carried on with M/C repairs etc on a freelance basis.
Started Sidecar Racing in 1987 - using a Yamaha (of course) TZ350 engine.
We had reasonable success - including winning the F2 class when it was first included at the Southern 100 in the Isle of Man, a couple of Bronze replica's at the TT, and other good results at Club level - all achieved on machinery entirely self funded & maintained.
We continued with this until 1996 - but as the engine had become too uncompetitive against the 600cc 4 cyl engines that were introduced a few years previously - we decided to take a few years off.
During the latter part of 2008 - felt the need to return to my "passion" for 2 stroke engines - and had a couple of outings on the Sidecar (it had sat in my workshop for 12 years) - followed by a few outings in 2009.
This year - 2010 - sees us contesting the 8 round FSRA F350 Championship - my wife Julie is also my passenger on the outfit - so it's a real "Team" effort.

While there are many parts still available for these older engines (and I had collected a fairly good stock already) - there are some parts that are either not available - or too expensive - so I have started to look for solutions for my own needs - and will be able to pass on the benefits to other TZ owners as well.

As I state on the Front page - I originally put this together for my own use in the Workshop.
I thought  it may be useful for others who have  or work on TZs too - hope you find it useful.
If you have any questions or suggestions - use the contact form on this site...meanwhile...
Here's a few pictures of our own TZ.... (The white #25)