Yamaha Motorcycle History

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GX750 -1976

This model embodied a high-level marriage of comfort when cruising on the expressway, running stability and the kind of spirited riding feel that customers wanted in a motorcycle. In the quest for high performance, high durability and high reliability, this model adopted unique Yamaha technologies in features like its compact, laterally-aligned DOHC 3-cylinder engine and a maintenance-free shaft drive. The next year the GX750II was introduced with a 3 into 2 muffler and a big boost in power up to 67 ps.
 
S50 Passol -1977

Discarding the conventional image of the motorcycle as a vehicle that you straddle to ride, this model adopted a step-through design. This was to create a new standard for scooters to follow and become the spark that started the second major scooter boom. With automatic gear shifting and hand operated brakes, it became popular as a "soft" bike you could ride like a bicycle and was soon a phenomenal best seller. Features like the wheels and suspension with their stress on riding comfort, the engine and the fully covered chain, were all evidence of a determined pursuit of the ultimate in rider convenience
 
XS1100 -1977

An export-only model that ushered in the over-one-liter era. The DOHC in-line 4-cylinder 1,102cc engine's awesome power created new excitement among European and American enthusiasts. The rear wheel was shaft-driven. A European version with continental handlebars and an oil cooler as well as an American version with up-slanted handlebars were available.
 
SR500 -1978

The SR 400/500, an unprecedented long-seller whose popularity has continued for a quarter of a century, was first released in the spring of 1978. This model brought the appeal of Yamaha's single-cylinder offroad 4-stroke engine Enduro model "XT500" to an onroad machine. Its features of a slim, lightweight and compact chassis and its massive torque and dynamic acceleration continue to earn this model the support of many riders.
 
XS650 Special -1978

This model was the one that set the fire under a boom in American style bikes based on the traditional vertical twin engine of the TX650. With features like a teardrop tank, and chopper style handlebars along with a King & Queen seat and short megaphone type muffler, all mounted on 16-inch wheels, this model achieved a true horseback type riding feeling. As the predecessor to the Special series bikes to follow, this model was popular both for long-distance touring and around-town riding.
 
MA-50 Carrot -1979

There were two types of Yamaha "soft bikes" which greatly expanded the range of bike users, especially among women. One, like the Passol, was a step-though type which allowed for easier mounting, while the other, like this Carrot, was a bicycle type which used a pipe frame. Though the 42kg lightweight body, automatic transmission and hand brakes were characteristics of both, the Carrot in particular won a following among active women.
 
RZ250 -1980

This was a supersport model developed with the TZ250 as its base. It immediately created a big sensation after its stunning debut at the 1979 Tokyo Motor Show. Its liquid-cooled 2-stroke, 2-cylinder engine pumped out high power equivalent to 140 hp per liter of displacement. This was mounted on a double cradle frame with a Monocross suspension and other features like lightweight cast wheels to produce unprecedented running performance. Even today it remains a legendary model with a devoted following.
 
XT250 -1980

This "4-stroke Super Trail" model provided a wide range of offroad fun, from dirt riding to forest trail and enduro riding. The 250cc single-cylinder engine, characterized by its high power output and flat power development, was mounted on a diamond frame that gave this model a light weight of 114kg. In the rear, a monocross suspension was adopted, the first on a 4-stroke model.
 
XJ400D -1981

The XJ400 that appeared in 1980 as Yamaha's first 400cc super sports model mounting a 4-stroke engine, won popularity for its highest-in-class power output of 45 hp, its slim design comparable to a 2-cylinder and an overall compactness that gave it nimble handling performance. The XJ400D that appeared the next year, 1981, was the first in its class to feature a 4-muffler design, and the YICS it adopted at the time also boosted power performance.
 
XJ400E -1981

One of the models that embodied perhaps better than many others Yamaha's ideal of building motorcycles that are "slim, compact and fun to ride" was the XJ750E. By locating the generator on the back side of the cylinders in an air-cooled 4-stroke DOHC in-line format, produced an engine that was exceptionally slim. This was an astonishing feat for a 4-cylinder 750cc, and it won the admiration of fans as a highly controllable 750.
 
XV750 Special -1981

This American-style model mounted a newly developed 75-degree V-twin engine characterized by a sense of powerful torque that accentuated the solid American type ride. Also, adopting features like the first Monocross suspension in its class and shaft drive, it achieved higher levels of function and reliability as well. For these reasons this model won an especially strong reputation in overseas markets where longer riding distances are common.
 
T50 Town Mate -1982

The Town Mate T series, with its 4-stroke engine, was released in 1982 in response to needs of the times, such as better fuel economy and quieter engines. The custom type, using Yamaha's exclusive energy-saving YICS system, a VM carburetor with an acceleration pump and a CDI ignition with electronic advance timing function, achieved an astonishing 160km per liter fuel economy. The rear wheel was shaft-driven.
 
XC180 Sgynus -1982

This large scooter format model featured easy mounting and a sporty riding feel. With its quiet, mild-powered 4-stroke OHV180cc engine and spacious body, it took the "scooter = handy transportation vehicle" image and expanded its horizons to include highway travel and touring.
 
XJ650 Turbo -1982

With its world's first carburetor turbo system, the XJ650 Turbo was quick to draw attention at the 1981 Tokyo Motor Show. This, added to the introduction of the electronic fuel injection on Yamaha's turbo technology. The aerodynamically designed full faring was the product of repeated world tunnel tests and employed much of the modeling technology and know-how Yamaha's marine division.
 
XJ750D -1982

The XJ750D was the first model in Japan equipped with a full faring incorporating aerodynamic design. At the same time it featured advanced Yamaha electronic technologies such as the YFIS (Yamaha Fuel Injection System) and the "Yamaha Cycle Communication System," which provided a man-machine interface to give the rider information concerning the condition of the machine.
 
CE50E Jog -1983

This is a sports scooter designed to be an embodiment of the image of a light, speedy sneaker. In it, Yamaha sought to develop the ultimate scooter, combining the qualities of agility, styling and practicality as well as cost performance. With a powerful 4.5 ps engine and a light body weight of just 49 kg, it delivers spirited running performance with plenty of dash. Keeping the price at under 100,000 yen also helped contribute to its explosive popularity, especially among young people. The Jog series popularity has continued and it remains a long-time top seller to this day.
 
XVZ1200D Venture Royale -1983

The Venture Royale was, in 1983, the Yamaha motorcycle with the largest displacement and power output, and it was developed as a long-distance tourer for the North American market. A liquid-cooled DOHC 4-valve 70 degree V-4 engine and shaft drive for the power unit and full comfort measures including computer controlled front and rear suspension system, made this model great for comfortable long-distance cruising.
 
DT200R -1984

This "Super Trail" model brought the mechanics, performance and even the image of Yamaha's YZ motocrossers to a street-legal vehicle for the first time. Its 2-stroke liquid-cooled single-cylinder engine was the first to adopt both the YEIS and YPVS technologies on its engine, achieving a high power output of 30 horsepower. In the front it sported a disc brake system designed specifically for offroad use.
 
FZ400R -1984

This was a 4-stroke replica of the road race Formula III Racer FZR400, developed at the same time. Among the racer replicas on the market, the FZR400R became very popular, owing partly to the fact that the FZR400 became the 1984 All Japan Championship winner. A YICS equipped liquid-cooled, 4-stroke, DOHC 16-valve in-line 4-cylinder engine pumped out 59 horsepower, the highest in its class.
 
RZV500R -1984

This was the world's first production model to mount a liquid-cooled 2-stroke V-4 engine. As the flagship model embodying Yamaha's sports spirit and also as the fastest road-going model of its day, the RZV500 stood proudly above the rest. It was the direct descendent of the YZR500 works machine that Kenny Roberts rode to the championship title with six wins in the 12 rounds of the 1983 World GP. The engine boasted new advances in 2-stroke technology like giving the forward and rear banks of cylinders different induction systems; piston reed valve in front and crankcase reed valve in the rear.
 
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