Debuting in 1954 in the 500 and 250 World Championships, the Swiss rider scored points and the following year took his first wins – switching to competing in the 125 and 250 categories and a victor in both. Podiums and wins continued through the late 1950s, before a switch to Honda machinery in 1961 ushered in a new era.
Champion in the 125 World Championship in 1962, Taveri would take that crown three times as he returned to the throne in both 1964 and 1966 – retiring as the reigning Champion thereafter.