(7) H3D of April '69 and (8) HB90 of Dec. '70, nearly the same model. (9) is the FB50 of Dec. '70, also sold in Europe, the YB90 of Nov. '72 (10) was sold for a long time, (11) YB50 was identical in shape. The new YB90 (12) of Mar. '76 was the last with this "7-bone" frame as Yamaha called it. (13) and (14) are the '76 YB50 and YB100 models, which were both extremely popular in many markets.

Yamaha H3D, Apr. '69

The F5S of Dec. '67 (1) is more or less the start of the 50 cc Sport Series of Yamaha. The FS1 (2) (Apr. '64) was going to be the most popular model and the moped versions sold in the hundred thousands in Europe in all its different versions. (3) is the FS50 of Dec. '70 and (4) a Jun. '68 FS1 prototype with F5C trail tank. (5) is the "pedal-type" moped version ready for Europe. The pedal construction was "invented" by the workshopmanager of the Dutch Importer. (6) is the L5T which qwas also sold as H3C (90 cc) in parallel with the FS1.

Yamaha F5S, Dec. '67

The RD50 was the smallest capacity road sports machine. It starts with the FX50 of May '72 (above left), followed by the RD50 of Jan '74. The later 2 models had the same styling as the larger street bikes. The YA6 of April '64 looked very much like a larger version of the YG1. 16 inch wheels and a strong rotary valve engien. This bike became the A7 ( Oct. '68) and then the YB125 series. Starting in Feb. '73 the first model still had a pressed steel frame, from Oct. '76 (4) the machine had a stiff duplex cradle frame, with a seven-port 12 hp engine.

Yamaha YA6, Apr. '64

After the misery with the MF1, Yamaha introduced a completely new model, the MF2, in April '62. It was styled like the Honda Cub. The engine was a completely new rotary-valve unit, again with a 3-speed gearbox, 4.5 hp at 7.000 rpm. Tyres were 2.25-16. A 60 cc version, the MJ2 you see above right. This MF2 was followed by the U5 and U5A, the larger images on this page. These models looked more smooth than Honda's Cub and had certainly more "flair". Some of these styling points were taken over by Honda for their '71 MkII Super Cub.

Yamaha MF2, Apr. '64

In Feb '71 the U5 models were replaced by the "V " series, here on top of the page.

On the left is the V50 Mate, as it was called, it would stay like that for many years to come, like a Volkswagen "beetle", just details were improved all the time. Picture 2 shows the Jan. '76 version of the V50 and the third one is the V90IID of Mar. '75.

Early touring sports models were the YAT1 of Mar. '63 and the YDT1 of Jan. '63. The YAT1 was nicely designed but when finalized it became far too heavy for the the performance of the engine. The frame was also entirely new. Yamaha even planned a 127 cc version called the YBT1. The YDT1 was essentially a de-tuned YDS1 with the electrics hidden nicely under the side covers. The engine was actually just the YD3 motor. A 260 cc version for the Japanese market (YET1) also existed. Sales of the YDT1 were very low as in Japan the price difference with the YDS1 was only about $ 14,00.......!

Yamaha YAT1, Mar. '63

The small capacity twin AT90 and its derivates.

The AT90 arrived in Dec. '65 when the Japanese market peaked at 2.2 million units. It had a YG1 type frame with the smallest twin in production slung underneath, just 90 cc. Bore stroke was 36,5 x 43 mm giving 8,2 hp at 8000 rpm. it was a cross between a small capacity street sportster and an utility bike. It was redesigned into the (2) HS1 in Dec. '68, same engine but with 89 kg 10 kg less than the AT90. (3) is the HS90 from Dec. '70, followed by the HX90 (Aug. '71) which was the last of these 90 cc models. This bike was the base for the later RD125 series. The RD90 (Apr. '74) looked as the HX90 but had a single cylinder engien and already a hydraulic front brake. In Mar. '77 the machine got more angular looks andreceived also the 7-port engine, giving 10,5 hp at 8.000 rpm. (7) RX125 is a 125 cc export version of the RD90 with enclosed chaincase making it very practical for commuting.

Yamaha AT90, Dec. '65

The road sport 125 cc twins, or from AS1 to RD125.

The AS1 arrived in Oct. '67 and it was Yamaha second challenge into the 125 cc road sports market (first was the abortive YAT1). The AT90 engine was bore-up to 124 cc capacity to produce 15 hp at 8.000 rpm and was fitted into a diamond shaped frame. This frame was later-on also used for the HS1 90 cc model. Length was 1855 mm, wheelbase 1200 mm and weight was less than 100 kg. transmission was with a proper 5-speed gearbox. (2) shows the "Project 39" mockup No. 1, one of the presentation models to the management in Sept. '66. This design was rejected. (3) Mockup No. 2, which was basically accepted. (4) was a parallel project to the "39", probably leading to the 90 cc HS1. (5) An alternative design to the project "39". This was presented to Yamaha's Los Angeles branch office. (6) Final prototype in March '67, which was to become the AS1. (7) Prototype for the AS1C for color scheme study.

(8) The AS2 of Dec. '69 was an evolution of the AS1 with a softer looking tank, a kind of teardrop shape. The front forks where Ceriani-type. This was followed by (9) the AX125 (Apr. '71), a more modern, slim 125 ccm bike, with larger cylinderfins, giving the engine a more robust appearance. Length was 1915 mm, wheelbase 1240 mm, weight 99 kg. Tire size 2.50-18. Then came the RD125 (10)in Apr. '73 with a matt black crankcase and front disc brake. (11) is the RD125 of Dec. '73 (1974 model). (12) is the RD125 second generation, fueltank, seatbase, sidecovers and mudguards became more angular in section. Cylinderbarrels were now also painted black. Power went up to 16 hp at 8.500 rpm. (13) shows thew RD125C in export version with a more colorful finish.

Yamaha AS2, Dec. '69

Evolution of 250/350 cc 2-stroke road sports.

(1) The YDS2 appeared in Mar. '62. Styling was a little changed from the YDS1, but the 2-cylinder 246 cc engine was tuned to produce 23 hp at 7.500 rpm, and tire sizes were changed to 2.75-18 front and 3.00-18 rear. The YES1 was a 260 cc version with the same power rating. (2) YDS3 (Jun. '64) A separate oil tank was added for the "Autolube" oil injection system, which hid the carburettors as well, giving the motorcycle a smoother appearance, rather like that of the YDT1. (3) YM! (Feb. '65). Similar appearance to the YDS3, but the engine was enlarged to 305 cc, to produce 26 hp, two more than the smaller displacement model. Supercede the E series. (4) YDS3 (Jan. '66), (5) DS5E (Feb. '67) Tank shape began to change, which was common also for the YM2. Horsepower race was becoming more serious among the competing factories. Max. power was 29,5 hp @ 8.000 rpm. An electric starter was fitted. (6) M2 (Feb. '67) Max. power 31 hp @ 7.000 rpm. Initially produced side by side with the new R1, but was discontinued after 2 years. (7) R1 (Feb. '67), Yamaha's first full 350 cc model. The engineering and design team poured everything into this biggest and most luxurious Yamaha. Perhaps they carried it a little bit too far, making it overly bulky and heavy. overall length 2060 mm, wheelbase 1335 mm, weight 170 kg. Aircooled 2-stroke parallel 2-cylinder engine, max power 36 hp @ 7.000 rpm, 5-speed gearbox. Max. speed 173 km/h (108 mph) claimed. Tire size front 3.00-18, rear 3.50-18. It set a potential buyer cool 228,000 yen in Japan, roughly equivalent of $ 633,00, which was 33,000 yen dearer than the 305 cc M2.

Yamaha YDS2, Mar. '62

On this page we have pictures of the rare "Project YX03", which was to become the YR1 350 cc. It had to compete with Suzuki's T20 and Kawasaki's A1 Samurai bikes. The machine had an enormous fueltank. The cylindrical aircleaner had to go but the tank cut-out stayed. The instruments were arranged asymmetrical.

Yamaha YX03 mock-up

Top left shows a modified proposal in clay and next to that a final design mockup. Exposed shockabsorber springs were covered later. 18) bottom left shows that the instruments were placed in the headlamp a la DS5E. The designers tried immediately the upswept exhausts. This was at first rejected, but later the R3C was introduced. 21) shows the CS1E (Feb. '67). This machine was or course not related directly to the 250/350 series but the styling was similar, a bit heavy for the size of the bike. When Yamaha introduced the R2 (Mar. '68) it had a much more slimmer and painted fuel tank which made the model less "heavy" in appearance.