Yammie Four-Stroke Flyer

YAMMIE FOUR-STROKE FLYER

On the heels of Honda's V-Five 500cc Grand Prix entry, Yamaha has announced its four-stroke plans for the class. The OW-M1's prototype inline-Four is currently mated to a twin-spar-aluminum YZR500 frame, and has been tested by factory riders Max Biaggi and Carlos Checa. "It was good to be able to test Yamaha's four-stroke so early, and give feedback and direction in the development process," said Biaggi. "It's really compact like the 500," added Checa, "but the increased engine braking and traction are quite noticeable. It handles very well, and has a wide power range. It sounds good, too!" American John Kocinski is charged with future R&D. "I'll be testing throughout 2001," said the former World 250cc and Superbike Champion. "I'm really excited."

Matthew Miles