Report From Japan

REPORT FROM JAPAN

FUJI SPEEDWAY MOTOCROSS

The MCFAJ sponsored their 23rd All-Japan motocross at the 1.25-mile Fuji Speedway. The volcanic ash and red clay circuit attracted 450 entries, the majority mounted on Yamahas, Kawasakis and Suzukis. Factory headliner Tadao Suzuki on his Yamaha DT-1 handily won the senior 250 class, while H. Miyoshi won both the 125-cc Semi-expert and Expert races on a Yamaha AT-1.

REED VALVE SUZUKI

Suzuki has begun production of its first two-wheeler using reed valve induc tion. Designated the F50, the new bike is of a step-through configuration and displaces 49 cc. With such intake con trol, the factory claims that low speed power is greatly enhanced while con suming fuel at the rate of only 240 mpg. The F50 also features a three-speed transmission, automatic clutch and the tried and true Posi-Force oil injection. It's fun to speculate about plans, if any, regarding reed valves and higher performance applications. After all, reed valves have proved feasible in experi mental applications, not to mention all those modified Hodakas and the like. Reed valves are also used to realize very high power outputs from chain saw engines. Another point in their favor is the relative ease of adaptability com pared to rotary valves. For a manufac turer to increase engine power through additional induction control, the reed valve requires much less tool, die and machine work than would a rotary valve design. Don't be too surprised if you see more reed-valved motorcycle engines in the near future.

POLICE MOTORCYCLE CONTEST

Sponsored by the Metropolitan Police Department, 60 Japanese motorcycle patrolmen participated in a riding con test at the Suzuka Circuit. The gymkhana featured four tests: a speed sensitivity test, where the riders are to maintain a given speed on their bikes without benefit of speedometer; an at tention test in which the patrolmen note the license number, number of occupants and speed of a passing car; a motorcycle slalom; and a motocross. The contest was designed to aid riding technique of the patrolmen and also boost morale. E~J