Clean-cut youthful College types with their girlfriends heading off to a picnic or social gathering was the type of image portrayed. Soon Japanese motorcycles became household names in America. Motorcyclist were normal people.

The Japanese motorcycle was the start of this change in the way we perceived motorcycles and their riders.

Sales of motorcycles increased dramatically. People bought motorcycles who years before never dreamed of such an idea. The Japanese motorcycles were inexpensive, well made and easy to ride machines.

Something the American public had been waiting for.

 

The Yamaha YD Racer was the start of this movement.

It was the first exposure to Japanese machines for the American public.