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The era of flares, side-burns and KISS also brought us some ground breaking motorcycles. It was a decade of "firsts"for Yamaha. We launched our first 4-stoke machine, first production 750cc and we won our first of many Paris-Dakar Rallys.
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1970
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FT-1 (1970)
A pioneer of the “mini-trail” category, the FT-1 mounted a rotary disk valve 2-stroke 50cc engine on a compact chassis. Despite its small displacement, this model boasted features like a full-fledged double-cradle frame, Ceriani front fork and separate meters. Its spirited running performance and full array of features won it solid popularity.
- 'Overall length x width x height: 1.585mm x 700mm x 930mm
- Weight: 59kg
- Engine-type: Air-cooled Rotary disk valve 2-stroke 1-cylinder 49cc
- Maximum power output: 4.0ps/7,500rpm
- Maximum torque: 2.52kg-m/6,000rp
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XS-1 (1970)
After making only 2-stroke models for the 15 years since its founding, to the point that its brand name had become synonymous with 2-strokes, Yamaha introduced its first 4-stroke engine on this model, which quickly won a popular following. The goal of building a “lightweight, slim and compact big-displacement sports model,” was achieved by mounting a vertical OHC twin engine characterized mainly by its slimness on a slim double cradle frame.
- 'Overall length x width x height: 2,175mm x 905mm x 1,115mm
- Weight: 185kg
- Engine-type: Air-cooled 4-stroke OHC 2-cylinder 653cc
- Maximum power output: 53ps/7,000rpm
- Maximum torque: 5.5kg-m/6,000rpm
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1972
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TX750 (1972)
Yamaha’s first production 750cc model sold on the market. In a time when multi-cylinder engines were most common in the bigger 4-stroke road sports models, Yamaha exhibited its originality with features such as an SOHC vertical in-line 2-cylinder engine with balancer that had a big twin’s unique sense of torque and pulse, as well as a slim body for nimble handling. Its advanced mechanics included such as a anti-vibration structure which was a first for a motorcycle, dry sump lubrication, opposed-piston type double disc brakes and the first aluminum frame ever on a street model.
- 'Overall length x width x height: 2,205mm x 910mm x 1,165mm
- Weight: 210kg
- Engine-type: Air-cooled 4-stroke SOHC 2-cylinder 743cc
- Maximum power output: 63ps/6,500rpm
- Maximum torque: 7.0kg-m/6,000rpm
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1973
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TY250 (1973)
Yamaha developed the TY250 as a competition model at a time when trial competition was booming. Mic “the Magician” Andrews was one of the riders involved in the development. The TY250J was released as a model that could also be ridden on public roads. With its 250cc engine known for flat torque characteristics and solid low-speed-range torque so strong that the machine would move forward even at idle, its slim body and fat rear tire, this model’s pedigree as a trial machine was beyond question. Its many records in competition speak for themselves.
- 'Overall length x width x height: 1,980mm x 840mm x 1,125mm
- Weight: 93kg
- Engine-type: Air-cooled 2-stroke 1-cylinder 246cc
- Maximum power output: 16.5ps/6,000rpm
- Maximum torque: 2.1kg-m/5,000rpm
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TX500 (1973)
The third model of Yamaha’s 4-stroke road sports category, this racy Super Sports model was, very different from its predecessors, the 650 and 750, being the first road bike to have a DOHC 4-valve per cylinder high output engine. Functions such as the worldﾕs first IC regulator, a CV carburetor, an aluminum frame and front disc brakes were also featured on this model.
- 'Overall length x width x height: 2,150mm X 855mm X 1,130mm
- Weight: 182kg
- Engine-type: Air-cooled 4-stroke DOHC 4-valve 2-cylinder 498cc
- Maximum power output: 48ps/8500rpm
- Maximum torque: 4.5kg-m/6500rpm
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1976
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GX750 (1976)
This model embodied a high-level marriage of comfort when cruising on the expressway, running stability and the kind of spirited riding feel that customers wanted in a motorcycle. In the quest for high performance, high durability and high reliability, this model adopted unique Yamaha technologies in features like its compact, laterally-aligned DOHC 3-cylinder engine and a maintenance-free shaft drive. The next year the GX750II was introduced with a 3 into 2 muffler and a big boost in power up to 67 ps.
- 'Overall length x width x height: 2,180mm x 835mm x 1,150mm
- Weight: 229kg
- Engine-type: Air-cooled 4-stroke DOHC Parallel 3-cylinder 747cc
- Maximum power output: 60ps/7,500rpm
- Maximum torque: 6.0kg-m/6,500rpm
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XT500 (1976)
This model was developed as a desert race enduro machine. Released as a street-legal version of the TT500 enduro machine launched the year before, this model became the pioneer of the big single off-road genre. It was the focus of attention also for the bold adoption for the first time ever of a forward inclining upside-down rear suspension on a trail model. It was on an XT500 that the Sonauto Yamaha team’s Cyril Neveu won the motorcycle division of the 1st Paris Dakar Rally in 1979.
- 'Overall length x width x height: 2,170mm x 875mm x 1,180mm
- Weight: 139kg
- Engine-type: Air-cooled 4-stroke OHC 1-cylinder 499cc
- Maximum power output: 30ps/5,800rpm
- Maximum torque: 3.9kg-m/5,400rpm
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1977
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XS1100 (1977)
An export-only model that ushered in the over-one-liter era. The DOHC in-line 4-cylinder 1102cc engine’s awesome power created new excitement among European and American enthusiasts. The rear wheel was shaft-driven. A European version with continental handlebars and an oil cooler as well as an American version with up-slanted handlebars were available.
- 'Overall length x width x height: 2260mm x 920mm x 1175mm
- Weight: 222kg
- Engine-type: Air-cooled 4-stroke DOHC 4-cylinder 1102cc
- Maximum power output: 95ps/8000rpm
- Maximum torque: 9.2kg-m/6500rpm
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1978
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XS650 Special (1978)
This model was the one that set the fire under a boom in American style bikes based on the traditional vertical twin engine of the TX650. With features like a teardrop tank, and chopper style handlebars along with a King & Queen seat and short megaphone type muffler, all mounted on 16-inch wheels, this model achieved a true horseback type riding feeling. As the predecessor to the Special series bikes to follow, this model was popular both for long-distance touring and around-town riding.
- 'Overall length x width x height: 2,130mm x 930mm x 1,255mm
- Weight: 205kg
- Engine-type: Air-cooled 4-stroke SOHC 2-cylinder 653cc
- Maximum power output: 51ps/7,500rpm
- Maximum torque: 5.4kg-m/5,500rpm
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