Report From Japan
REPORT FROM JAPAN
W. B. SWIM
LATEST ON Honda’s secret big one is that it is not a 500cc and not a 350cc either. The word leaking out is that it’s 440cc. So take your choice. Those betting on the big size can claim it’s a small 500cc, just lacking 60cc. Those with money on the smaller machine can counter that it’s an overgrown 350cc with 90 extra ccs. Gordon Jennings can explain why it’s a 440cc, because the word is that it has something to do with piston speed. At 9,200 rpm (the machine’s top) piston speed is supposed to be the same as Honda’s racers and at piston speeds higher than that the pistons disintegrate. It’s interesting that Honda hit on the same size as the BSA with which Jeff Smith won last year’s Moto-Cross World Championship in the 500cc class, now in production and named the Victor. One interesting feature reported on the Honda 440cc, for possibly the first time on a motorcycle (check with Mr. Jennings again), is torsion bars to return the valves instead of valve springs. This does away with valve float at high rpm in the double overhead camshaft twin.
Kawasaki has announced four 1965 models, 250cc SGT, 250cc SG, 150 B8S and 85cc Jl. The 85cc and 150cc in particular are expected to draw large export orders. Now it has been learned that the company will put out four other new models not yet announced around April. These are a 500cc model K2, trail version of the 85cc dubbed the JIT, a 50cc model 50M10 and its larger version with 55cc, model 60M10. The trailster, of course, and the 500cc are aimed at the overseas market. Pictures and data on the new models are not available yet.
Suzuki announced 1965 goals at a dealer meet held at the head office early in the new year. The president told the Suzuki distributors the company intends to increase sales 15% over 1964’s $102,500,000 and will market new models not yet announced this year. He also promised that Suzuki will win manufacturer’s championships in at least two classes in this season’s road racing grand prix contest. After the meeting the dealers were given a peek at the racing equipment to be used this year at the company’s new 6.5 kilometer test course.
If the new machine is ready in time as expected, Suzuki intends to send Japan’s top scrambles ace, Kazuo Kubo, to Europe to contest the last half of the World MotoCross Championship series in the 250cc class this season. This year will be used mainly as a test of the new machine in moto-cross conditions which differ drastically from what the company is used to in Japan. If things go well, Suzuki may field a full team next year including road racing World Champion Hugh Anderson. No Japanese manufacturer has competed in the European scrambles circuit yet, as interest has been concentrated on the Grand Prix road races up to now.
Kubo is “Mr. Moto-Cross” in Japan, the most fabulous scrambler ever seen on these islands. He sports a record which cannot be approached by any other rider. In addition to being a star scrambles ace, who consistently outrides the best competition which can be put up against him, 25-year-old Kubo’s long string of victories has stretched over more years than any other top moto-cross rider in this country. He is the only man who has received trophies in the MCFAJ All-Japan motocross championships every year since the series began in 1958. The nationals are held twice each year, and his second record to date has been: 1st All Japan Moto-Cross, 1st 125cc, 2nd Open Class; 2nd AJMC, 5th 250cc; 3rd AJMC, 2nd, Open; 4th AJMC, 1st 250cc, 2nd 125cc; 5th AJMC, 3rd 125cc; 6th AJMC, 1st 125cc; 7th AJMC, 1st 125cc, 4th 250cc; 8th AJMC, 1st 250cc, 1st 125cc, 2nd Open, 2nd 50cc; 9th AJMC, 1st Open, 1st over 251cc, 1st 250cc, 2nd 125cc, 4th 50cc; 10th AJMC, 1st 125cc; 11th AJMC, 1st 125cc.
Kawasaki is reportedly working on a 50cc racer to compete for the FIM road racing world championship. The engine, a twin with rotary disc valves, is said to be finished and work progressing on the frame and other components. No details have been made public on the new racer or when it will be ready, but late this season at the earliest should be a good guess. The company has two riders with Grand Prix experience on the payroll (both are competing in scrambles locally now) and is reported scouting for a racing manager with GP experience. Next season could see four Japanese teams contesting the classic races, with Kawasaki joining Honda, Suzuki and Yamaha. •
