Report From Japan
REPORT FROM JAPAN
YAMAHA TRIAL TY250
Yamaha will soon introduce a new trials model, designated Yamaha Trial TY250, for sale in Japan and abroad. The model has been designed and engineered based on suggestions and advice given by reigning European champion Mick Andrews.
Andrews is riding the works Yamaha in each round of the ’73 European Championship Trials Series, thereby collecting very valuable and workable data for the development and improvement of the new machine. Andrews has already ridden the Yamaha to wins in the French and Italian rounds, thus launching a strong bid for clinching the title for the third successive year.
In addition, in this year’s Scottish Six Days Trial, he finished 2nd overall and was the top performer in the 250cc class.
A 7-port torque induction singlecylinder engine features impressive flat torque characteristics, thereby enabling a rider to handle the machine at ultralow rpm, down even to idling. The engine also responds to the slightest throttle opening.
Ratios in the constant-mesh fivespeed gearbox are ideal. Every trials condition was taken into account. This enables a rider to successfully negotiate both tricky observation trials sections and tough speed courses, as is the case with the Scottish event.
The bodywork is typically trials like, being very slim, with the handlebars, fuel tank, seat, footrests and powerplant all well positioned and arranged for proper weight distribution. This model also features excellent steering qualities, allowing a rider to take a more comfortable riding position.
The front fork has a longer cushion stroke and improved rigidity to ensure more efficient, lasting damper action. Rear suspension also works well.
The seat, air cleaner case and engine guard are made of light but rugged fiberglass reinforced plexiglass. In addition, the E-type section aluminum alloy front fork and forged aluminum bracket have noticeably reduced total machine weight.
The frame is made from high tension steel, and is of fairly conventional double downtube design. However, to increase ground clearance, the frame tubes do not wrap under the engine, as with the Bultaco Trials machine. In fact, the new Yamaha resembles the MAR Ossa to some degree, not surprisingly, since they were designed by the same man.
KAWASAKI 250 MX REPLICA
Kawasaki has just unveiled its new production motocross model developed from the 250 works machine. The works bike is being ridden by T. Hansen of Sweden in each round of this year’s championship series.
Use of magnesium and aluminum for the bodywork and powerplant has appreciably reduced the total weight of the bike, to 207 lb. The race-bred two-stroke single-cylinder engine is claimed to develop 34 bhp at 8000 rpm.
This model was put on sale recently in Japan. It is the regular production version of the experimental model tested in the July issue of CYCLE WORLD.
