The development project for the Yamaha’s XS-1 was intended to clearly differentiate the model from other companies that emphasized raw power. Therefore, it had been chosen to pursue distinctive Yamaha features and make the bike stylish, lightweight, slim and compact. The motorcycle was also intended to appeal to adults and to be of high quality to the smallest detail. This objective was successfully achieved in 1969 at the Tokyo Motor Show, an international car showroom. People commented on its vivid green color and distinctive Yamaha light, sporty form.
The fact that “2-stroke Yamaha” had produced a 4-stroke, large-displacement motorcycle for the first time had drawn the most attention to the XS-1. Plus, people discovered with delight that this multipurpose, in-line 2-cylinder motorcycle give the light feel of a 350cc bike while being a 650cc. The XS-1 received high marks especially in Europe and the US, where there was a long history of producing large-displacement bikes and where long-established manufacturers had achieved an oligopoly.
Engine / Frame
The vertical 650cc OHC twin cylinder engine with a slim design on an equally slim double cradle frame was an essential element in the successful building of this “lightweight, slim and compact big-displacement sports model” that excited that much motorcycle customers.
The RD350 model, released in Europe, inspired a boom in one-make races and almost immediately became a massive hit. This motorcycle benefited from a twin powerhouse with Torque Induction that gave Yamaha products more horsepower at all rpm’s. Plus, the pump for Yamaha Autolube gave the engine the ideal oil feed at every speed for top performance, economy and maintenance-free durability. Reigning 250cc Grand Prix World Champion in those days, Jarno Saarinen stated: “Steadfast power development at all speed ranges, sharp acceleration, and dependable braking to match high performance will make this model one of the most popular mediumweight sports bikes on the market”.
Engine / Frame
The 2-cycle, 7-port Torque Induction model engine with bore & stroke 64 x 54 mm built on the reputation of the RD350 model.The framework was made with a new street alloy for lighter weight and greater strength.
The Yamaha YZ250 was the first production model equipped with a Monocross suspension after its proven performance advantages on the factory machine YZM250 (0W12).
Being a latecomer yet taking on the challenge of winning the world premier’s title in the off-road competition, Yamaha realized how the chassis — and suspension performance in particular — was essential in motocross. So, Yamaha set out to learn about new suspension-related technology.
After discovery of a single-shock suspension device in Belgium and overcoming numerous other difficult design and engineering problems when implementing a single-shock suspension device, such as lack of machine power, position of the device in relation to the chassis, etc. Yamaha was able to present the 250cc and 125cc factory machines at the 1973 All Japan Motocross Championship season with the new suspension positioned inside the frame under the fuel tank. Revolutionary for that time.
The brothers Torao and Hideaki Suzuki had won respectively the 125cc class race and the 250cc class of this race. These machines with their new Monocross suspensions dominated the podium in both classes. Moreover, August 5th that year in the Finnish round of the 250cc Motocross World Championship Hakan Andersson rode to win in both motos on a Yamaha YZM250 factory machine equipped with the revolutionary new suspension. These victories brought Andersson his and Yamaha’s first motocross world title. It was a moment that decisively proved the competitive potential and future possibilities of the single-shock “Monocross Suspension”, a device that would soon become the new standard worldwide for motorcycle suspensions.
Engine / Frame
The YZ250 benefited from a 2-stroke, single-cylinder engine. The technology of the new suspension spread to many models and contributed to a major revolution in motorcycle chassis design.
After building a strong base in the commercial-use outboard engine market, Yamaha took on the challenge to develop larger horsepower models for recreational use.
The first one that was developed was the 55A. This 55-horsepower model featured a carburized and quenched one-piece crankshaft, split-connecting rods, a capacitor discharge ignition (CDI); this outboard engine would become the foundation for other large outboard engines.
In addition, the 55A was repeatedly improved to suit the conditions in general markets and became the base from which Yamaha’s line-up of large-horsepower outboard engines would be developed as well as the representative model of the Enduro series designed to power commercial fishery and transport boats.
Engine
The 55A was a liquid-cooled 2-cylinder 760cc engine.
The XT500 is a big-single model dual-purpose that catered the needs of fanatical off-road enthusiasts that enjoyed riding on the wild open terrain and deserts. It incorporated epoch-making innovations in all areas, including – in a first for off-road vehicles – a forward inclined upside-down rear suspension. Its highly durable engine had strong torque and its robust, lightweight, slim chassis could handle the vibration of such a power unit. This combination made it an all-rounder, capable of being used for everyday errands as well as touring, making it a popular choice. The model became an instant big-seller. Also, thanks to the passion of the late Mr. Jean-Claude Oliver, at that time an employee of Yamaha’s French importer Sonauto and who later became the president of Yamaha Motor France, who saw the “Adventure” potential of the model to ride vast, unknown expanses of the African continent. Consequently, the XT500 participated in the first Paris-Dakar rally where Cyril Neveu and Gilles Comte took a 1-2 finish. Of the twenty five motorcycles that participated the following year, eleven of them were XT500. And moreover, XT500 riders, again with Cyril Neveu as winner, swept away the top four places of the race, sparking a desire for adventure with customers.
Engine / Frame
The XT500 was a 4-stroke, OHC, 2-valve, single-cylinder motorcycle with a torquey engine and a lightweight, slim chassis.
Market expectations for expansion in motorcycle demand among women provided the backdrop for the creation of the Passol. What emerged from the plan of this product was the priority on a new “step-through” design, which made it easy for women to even wear skirts to ride. Thus, the area around the engine and drive mechanism was covered to prevent clothing from getting dirty. Yamaha succeeded in commercializing the Passol because it had the technical development capability to create a product plan that prioritized design.
The company developed a small forced-air engine and a single-speed automatic transmission compatible with the model’s compact design. To make it even more easy to ride, the Passol got bicycle-style handbrakes for the front and rear wheels and an automatic transmission. It also featured a kick starter, that would start the engine at the first try, as well as cast wheels. Being compact and weighing only 45 kg, made it easy women for to handle it. The cooperation between the technical departments made it possible to establish the “soft bike” as a new category of motorcycles.
Engine / frame
The Passol’s engine is a 2-stroke, single-cylinder that provides a capacity of 49cm³ displacement. It also features a pipe frame structure, cast wheels and plastic covers.
Since its release, the 85A has been used and loved by customers in both the pleasure and utility markets, with demand focused primarily in the commercial-use sector. It is still acclaimed for its tough, durable power unit.
The 85A is the oldest model in the Yamaha outboard line-up to continue to sell in its original form without being replaced by a new-generation model. At its release, it had the largest horsepower in the Yamaha lineup and was soon selling throughout the world. Customers loved and trusted this model so much that it is still selling today in about 100 countries and regions worldwide, primarily in the commercial-use market.
In today's world, this is truly an amazing record that perhaps no other model will ever match.
Engine
Its 3-cylinder block was designed as a single unit with the crankshaft that increased rigidity. This combined with the well-balance 120-degree crank to produce an extremely smooth-revving engine character with minimum torque fluctuation and vibration.
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