Around the Industry

AROUND THE INDUSTRY

YAMAHA DEMAND EXCEEDS EXPANSION

The Managing Director of Yamaha Motor Company, Mr. H. Koike, visited the U. S. headquarters at Los Angeles and Philadelphia to see first hand the remarkable development of this market. He stated that the expansion plans for a new motorcycle factory, announced earlier this year, are now half-way completed. This additional factory facility is expected to increase production by 50%. “Even with more than 100% increase of exports to America this year over last year, we are still faced with temporary shortages in some models,“ said Koike.

"We are overwhelmed by this continuing demand." Mr. Koike continued, "But. at the same time, we are sorry for the inconvenience and occasional loss of sales suffered by our dealers. Our factories are working around the clock, but we still cannot keep up with the demand. However. we expect to alleviate this problem upon completion of our new factory.”

In assuring dealers that Yamaha is doing its level best to increase production without sacrificing quality workmanship, he concluded. “I would like to ask all of our loyal dealers to continue their good service efforts to the customer and at the same time keep pushing for new promotional ideas to help us all achieve our five year plan to sell over 200.000 per year.”

THEY SHALL HAVE MUSIC

It was probably inevitable, with so many people installing radios on their motorcycles, that someone would bring out a hi-fi stereo tape player for those who want the very most. Ed Anderson, of 13342 Bombay St.. Sylmar. California has done just that, using the all-transistor tape setup that the car people call “highway hi-fi”. Anderson vows that the 12-volt

tape system. with its 1 ½ ampere draw. uses less current than an ordinary radio. He offers custom installations like the one shown here (the cabinets are teak,

(Continued on page 54) incidentally) for $139.50 less woodwork. The complete package, ready to bolt on (you need connect only two wires) sells for $160.00 more or less, depending on the wood used. Anderson says wooden cabinets give better fidelity than other materials. The unit and four speakers are guaranteed for one year and there are more than 1000 different half-hour prerecorded tape cartridges available for about the price of record albums.

CYCI.I wo«! D took a ride on Anderson's demonstrator and found the unit easy to operate and quite entertaining, it affected handling no more adversely than a large windshield does.

The stereo can be installed easily on any bike with 12-volt electrics, or a 6-volt machine can be fitted using two batteries connected in series without affecting the rest of the circuit.

AMERICAN IMPORT

The Hodaka Ace 90 was designed in America to provide a sturdy, versatile motorcycle under lOOcc. It has a 90cc, two-cycle, four speed pow'er plant, fully protected by a duplex tube steel frame that takes the blows of rocks and logs.

The five inch sealed beam headlamp. 2’/2 gallon, chrome-plated fuel tank, and an ample, firm saddle make the Ace 90 equally safe on city street or high mountain trail. Its full eight-inch ground clearance is a great asset when the going gets rough.

Because of constant fire risk in the high country, the Ace 90 has as standard equipment, a high-mounted, quiet, “fireproof’ muffler. This sensible muffler was fully tested by a Fire Control Office of the U.S. Forest Service, and the officer was able to hold his bare hand against the business end of the muffler with the throttle wide open for a continued five minutes while the engine was hot! There’s no spark danger from the Ace 90, even if it is an 8.2 hp, 155 lb., “hot machine”.

The Hodaka features two rear sprockets, adjustable foot pegs, stainless steel fenders. aircraft - type bolts throughout and, in general has the look of strength and quality. It sells for $379.00 P.O.E.

MOTORCYCLE RIDING INSTRUCTION MANUALS

Publication of two important new training manuals — Instructor’s Manual for Training Motorcycle Riders and Motorcycle Operation, A Manual for Riders— has been announced by James M. Slavin. U.S. Traffic Institute Director. The books, first comprehensive guides ever published on the subject, are expected to play a large part in the future selection and training of police motorcycle riders.

Produced through the cooperation and active support of the Harley-Davidson Motor Company, the manuals begin with the most elementary knowledge of the machine, and proceed through basic operations to the development of riding skills.

Slavin said, “Use of these manuals will enable police departments of every size to adequately train their men to safely use the motorcycle as a practical working tool for traffic law enforcement.”

The Instructor’s Manual, containing a hound-in copy of the Rider’s Manual and evaluation sheets for riders, costs five dollars. The Rider’s Manual is priced at two dollars. Evaluation 'sheets are available at fifteen cents each. Books may be purchased direct from the Traffic Institute, Northwestern University, F.vanston, Illinois 60204.

MILWAUKEE MARCHES ON

Most striking change in the 1965 Harley-Davidson Sportster is their conversion to a 12-volt electrical system. The XLCH retains its magneto ignition with 12 volt generator and voltage regulator supplying sparks for horn and lighting.

Ball-end control levers have been added for safety and a new horn on both models lets ’em know you’re there. On the XLH there’s a new shock absorber system with chrome covered springs and a new adjusting cam for quick-change suspension. Its hot-blooded sister, the CH, has exposed black shocks and a new adjusting system. An automatic spark advance has been added to the XLH for easier starting. And a new throttle grip control for the magneto gives the XLCH a manual retard to control kickback when starting. Internally, the 900cc Sportster engine has added a soft alloy piston coating for scuff-resistant break-in.

Other Specifications: ENGINE: OHV aircooled, V-type twin cylinder, COMPRESSION RATIO: 9:1. HORSEPOWER: 55 at rear

wheel at 6300 rpm. TRANSMISSION: 4-speed with constant-mesh gears; foot shift, CARBURETOR: Linkert; CLUTCH: Multiple-plate dry disc: left-hand operated, FRONT FORK: Long helical springs, hydraulically damped by oil. BRAKES: Front and rear 8" diameter. Fully enclosed and waterproof. DRIVE: Motor to transmission by automatically lubricated triple-row rolled chains. Five-eighths inch pitch, single-row roller chain to rear wheel, FRAME: Reinforced, double-loop, trussed, welded frame made from seamless steel tubing with major fittings drop-forged. Theft-proof lock. SADDLE: Competition type, FINISH: Metallic finish in choice of Hi-Fi or bakedenamel colors. Chrome and stainless steel trim. ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT: 12-volt system consists of two 6-volt storage batteries. TtRES: 3.50 x 18 front and rear. (CH: 3.25 or 3.50 front. 4.00 x 18 rear.) GAS TANKS: 3.7 gallons including reserve. Optional 2.3 gallon tank on CH models.

(Continued on page 56)

Sprint & Sprint H

The topmost 250cc singles in America have new adjustable foot rests to satisfy any size rider, a tuck-under jiffy stand and wider, more comfortable saddles. The H has a new low profile with low exhaust and speed muffler. A new breather tube on the H now discharges below frame level. And both Sprints are priced lower for 1965.

Topper

For 1965 the Topper H is still a fine combination of utility and fun for lowcost transportation to school or the job. Oversize wheels, a suspension system that defies bumps and 5" diameter brakes keep the Topper in control on any road surface. New hall-end control levers give the final touch to this combination of safety, economy and fun.

Specifications: ENGINE - Rubber mounted. single cylinder, air cooled, two-cycle. 10-inch engine with reed valve intake. Bore: 2.375". Stroke. 2.281". Compression ratio: 8 to 1 on AH model. 6.6 to 1 on AU model. Dome-top piston, tin-plated. Drop-forged steel connecting rod with needle roller hearings. Ball bearing mains.

sealed and lubricated for life. Aluminum alloy cylinder head, crank-case and AC generator cover, TRANSMISSION - Scootaway fully automatic transmission, infinitely variable through riding range. No clutching. Neutral lock for starting also serves as parking brake. LUBRICATION - Engine is lubricated by oil mixed with the gasoline. Convenient oil measuring cup is attached to the underside of the gas tank cap. FRONT FORK -Leading link with extension spring. Hydraulically damped by strut-type shock absorber, REAR SUSPENSION - Swingingarm. pivoted rear fork controlled by means of two extension springs, BODY -Engine cover and body shell made of fiberglass. Front splash shields and fenders are of heavy auto-body steel.

VIVA MOUNTAIN

Will Pfizenmaier. Service Manager at Montesa Motors. Inc., peers from the top of July's shipment of motorcycles, which was a record for the firm.

Will comes by his job naturally, having

worked for Red Hudspeth, noted BSA dealer, as mechanic and later as machinist. For the past 14 years he has been an avid rider and race tuner. He currently can be seen at the desert runs aboard his own Montesa Scrambler under the pseudonym of "Will Travel”. •