Report From Japan
REPORT FROM JAPAN
JACK YAMAGUCHI
PRODUCTION RACER
Suzuki’s exciting TR 500 production racer is well-known to foreign users because of its successful achievements in big international road races. Strange as it may sound, Suzuki has been reluctant to introduce full details of this model in Japan.
Accordingly, very few enthusiasts have been lucky enough to see this model on a racing circuit.
Suzuki, however, unveiled every technical detail of this model prior to the Suzuka Endurance Race, and intends to market it in full scale in this country.
The engine is an air-cooled twostroke Twin displacing 492cc. Bore and stroke is 70 x 64mm. Thus, the basic layout is the same as the GT 500. But, the TR 500’s highly-tuned engine delivers 65 bhp at 7800 rpm, or more. Moreover, it is claimed to have 1000 rpm in reserve, and unusual durability.
HONDA’S REDESIGNED CB 125
Honda’s famous ultra-light street sport model, the CB 125, has been fully redesigned. Major points of improvement are a more dynamic appearance, less weight and better anti-noise measures.
Honda has also added one more version to the series. It is the CB 125 JX which features the exclusive MK disc front brake to ensure excellent safety at high speeds.
The five-speed return-type transmission has different gear ratios and ensures super-smooth shifts up and down at any time. The overall buff-finished powerplant adds extra mechanical refinement to this model. The cylinder head and crankcase have also been improved in design.
The reverse side of the seat can be used as a paper holder, and can be opened sideways for easy battery maintenance.
Improvement in design and material for the main frame, front rim, etc., has made this model appreciably lighter in weight, and more compact in size, thus resulting in better overall handling.
The clutch wire is plastic-coated, easing the clutch pressure at the lever. A rubber pad is mounted around the upper part of fuel tank for better safety.
Specially treated rubber is applied to the side of cam sprocket as well, and a cam chain oil pot has been mounted to minimize cam chain noise.
SPECIFICATIONS
Overall length .............76.2 in. Overall width .............29.0 in. Overall height .............41.2 in. Min. road clearance ......... 5.6 in. Dry weight ................ 275 lb. Climbing ability ....... 18.5 degrees Engine ........ four-cycle ohc Twin Displacement .............. 124cc Max. power ... 14 bhp at 10,500 rpm Starting system.....Kick and electric Transmission . . five-speed return type Suspension, front ........ telescopic Suspension, rear .......swinging arm Tire, front ..........2.50-18 (4 pr) Tire, rear ...........2.75-18 (4 pr)
HONORABLE CHALY HONDAS
Brand new pleasure bikes have been released by Honda under the designations of Chaly Honda CF 50 and CF 70. “Chaly” is a Honda-created word, neither English nor French, meaning “Oshare” or “Shareru” (dandyism).
These bikes are designed for recreation, compared with Honda’s worldreputed utility model Super Cub. Still, they are more orthodox than Honda’s unique pleasure bike, the Dax Honda. In a word, Chaly Honda is just intended for use by novice riders, young or old.
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The CF 50 is available in two models, the type I and type II. Type I features a two-speed rotary transmission, and hand-operated front and rear brakes. Type II is equipped with a three-speed return-type transmission. It features a hand-operated front brake and footoperated rear brake, just like other bikes. Both types employ a centrifugal automatic clutch for easier riding.
The seat is low, thereby enabling a small rider to keep his feet on the ground.
The CF 70 is equipped with threespeed return-type transmission and the engine produces 4.7 bhp at 7000 rpm. The 50cc unit puts out 3.5 bhp at 7500 rpm.
YAMAHA GRAND SPORTS FESTIVAL
The first Yamaha Grand Sports Festival took place at Fuji Speedway and Hakone, a famous resort west of Tokyo.
It was a gigantic pageant designed to popularize Yamaha’s motto, “Safe and Pleasurable Motorcycling,” through sport events, various rider education schools, and motorcycle sport shows.
The festival turned out to be the largest event of this kind ever organized in Japan, attracting some 80,000 enthusiasts from every part of this country.
Preliminary heats for the road race and motocross were run on the Fuji Speedway Circuit, and on the permanent motocross course. Road race heats were contested by approximately 100 riders including Yamaha topsters such as H. Kanaya, H. Kawasaki, and A. Motohashi.
Motocross heats attracted some 500 riders who had taken major placings in regional motocross events held earlier in> the year, counting for the Yamaha Trail Cup.
At night, enthusiasts gathered together at the lakeside of Ashinoko, Hakone where “Music in Yamaha” was promoted. Famous music bands and singers appeared on the stage to make young motorcyclists fully enjoy the eve of the festival.
Each class final of motocross and road racing began the second day. Five categories of motocross were run, and spectators’ interest focused on the senior 250cc class which was contested by all top riders, including reigning champion S. Hideaki and his younger brother Torao. New star K. Seo, fresh from his trip to Europe, also took part in this event. Hideaki expertly rode his Yamaha to victory closely followed by Torao and Seo.
Road race events were even more exciting. Riders ranging from senior to novice categories fought each event in a hectic way in the hottest weather of mid-summer. Besides, a special race was given to please and excite spectators. The Yamaha trio, namely H. Kanaya, A. Motohashi and K. Hiroyuki displayed their wonderful skills in this race. Eventually, the world GP-trained Kanaya won.
Yamaha-exclusive rider education schools also took place there and attracted particular attention. Trail, sport and safe riding sessions were made open to every motorcyclist wishing to learn how to ride in a safe way under the guidance of Yamaha-approved instructors. Various exhibition and consultation corners were another focus of fans’ interest.
The festival won high public recognition, as it greatly contributed to the popularization of safe and correct usage of motorcycles.
