YAMAHA
FOR 1987, YAMAHA HAS launched assaults at both ends of the motorcycling spectrum. With its new FZRs, Yamaha seeks performance-bike crowns; the FZR1000 seems likely to break the 160-mph barrier, and the FZR750R will certainly take a run at winning Daytona. At the same time, the TrailWay 200, SRX250, YSR50 and Virago 535 are less-intimidating new models designed to appeal to newer riders.
Clearly, Yamaha’s 1987 image-setter is the FZR 1000. Using a bored-
and-stroked, 989cc derivative of the FZ750 motor, its power output is claimed to be a prodigious 130 bhp, and its weight (with all fluids except gasoline) a svelte, GSX-R-like 473 pounds. That combination, along with the mid-range power of the fivevalve-per-cylinder engine, could result in the FZR being the quickest and fastest street motorcycle ever. To keep that performance under control, Yamaha gave the FZR an aluminum twin-beam “Delta-Box” chassis as used on Eddie Lawson’s GP bike, and enormous full-floating disc
brakes.
Sharing that same Delta-Box chassis is the very limited production FZR750R. Only 200 of these will be built for America, just enough to homologate the bike for Superbike racing. The special chassis will carry a hot-rodded, high-output FZ750 engine under its full fairing, and the improved power, lighter weight and better aerodynamics should set new 750 class records. A racing kit will be available to turn the street-legal FZR750R into a full-fledged Superbike.
With the limited supply of FZR750Rs, however, Yamaha’s main contender in the 750 sportbike class will be the new FZ700. Basically a fully faired version of last year’s FZ750, it uses the 700cc engine from the Fazer to beat U.S. tariffs, and combines it with a 4-into-l exhaust for extra power and less weight. But the main advantage of its 700cc displacement should be a lower price than that of full 750s.
For those who are seeking sport but are not quite ready for a 150-mph motorcycle, Yamaha offers the SRX250. This electric-start Single has been popular in Japan for the last two years, and now Americans will have the chance to own a motorcycle that feels as light and agile as a 125,
but with 250cc four-stroke power.
Also equipped with electric start and aimed at new riders is arguably Yamaha’s most radical machine for 1985: the TrailWay TW200. This street-legal machine seems to have resulted from the cross-breeding of a dual-purpose bike and Yamaha’s Big Wheel 200. Its unique feature is its use of fat, ATV-like tires.
If the TrailWay isn’t the most radical new Yamaha, then the YSR50 is. The YSR is nothing less than a streetlegal replica of Eddie Lawson’s world championship winning GP bike, only equipped with a 50cc two-stroke engine, and built to a matching scale. Yamaha promises that the YSR50’s price tag will be proportionately small as well.
More traditional is the new Virago 535. This 45-horsepower cruiser combines a long wheelbase, a low seat and light weight into what should be a comfortable, easy-to-ride bike. Its V-Twin engine may have its roots in the Virago 500 of several years ago, but if so, it has been extensively updated and fitted into a chassis that’s half Harley, half V-Max.
In the end, what these seven new motorcycles tell about Yamaha’s marketing approach is this: For the enthusiasts, Yamaha will build exciting, if expensive, performance machines. And at the same time, it will offer the less-involved as many alternatives as possible, in the hopes of leading them someday to that highest level of enthusiasm.
