Letter From Japan

LETTER FROM Japan

The multi-play TDR50

Yamaha continues as the company most ready to innovate and create new motorcycle categories, the latest being a mini-version of a Superbikers machine, the TDR50.

Running against the currents of specialization, the TDR is multi-functional: an enjoyable city bike, a dirt bike, and, yes, even a racing bike. Yamaha plans to sponsor a Japanese racing series for TDRs on Superbikersstyle part-pavement/part-dirt tracks.

Built around a 50cc liquid-cooled two-stroke Single-much like that used in Yamaha’s DT50LC— and a pair of 12-inch wheels as used on the very successful YSR50, the TDR might be expected to be tiny and uncomfortable. But it isn’t. Because of its larger-than-minibike bodywork and high handlebars, the TDR has a riding position that is

suprisingly comfortable.

Performance is also good for a 50. The machine is quicker and faster than the air-cooled YSR, and its disc brakes front and rear offer strong stopping power. You can reach the limits of the dual-purpose-style tires

fairly easily on pavement (soft-compound, purestreet tires are optional), and the TDR is unlikely to threaten a YZ80 on a motocross track. But overall, the TDR is a frisky little bike, extremely maneuverable while still stable, and just asking to

be tossed about. On one of Yamaha’s miniSuperbikers tracks, it’s about as much fun as is possible to stuff into a 50cc package.

That combination of fun and low costs is exactly how Yamaha hopes to entice more people to try motorcycling. Given that, don’t be too surprised if the TDR50 leaves Japan and makes it to American Yamaha dealers, as well.

Koichi Hirose