Report From Japan

REPORT FROM JAPAN

JACK YAMAGUCHI

19TH TOKYO MOTOR SHOW

The 19th Tokyo Motor Show opened on a grand scale at the Harumi Seaside Court, Tokyo Bay. The show, as the biggest-scale event of this kind, is expected to attract approximately 1,400,000 spectators throughout the session.

The big four motorcycle manufacturers convincingly exhibited their respective new models amid evergrowing motorization and keener public attention to the problem of safety and anti-pollution. Reflecting the internationality of the Tokyo Motor Show, 1 1 foreign makers of automobiles joined this year’s event.

The big four arranged their respective corners under the motto “Safe andfl Pleasurable Motorcycling,” intending to publicize the posture of the worldleading industry at a time when riding safety is becoming a matter of increased concern all over the world.

SUZUKI MOTOR

Suzuki laid greater emphasis on safety by establishing the safe driving corner where enthusiasts had a chance to experiment with their own correct riding position aboard the 750 GT. Also, Suzuki-approved safety instructors answered questions and gave lectures on riding safety, aided by moving pictures on a back screen.

The Van Van (the RV-series Suzukis in the U.S.) corner was bright and cheerful. There was a winter Van Van for the Antarctic Region, a beach Van Van for seashore pleasure, a fishing Van Van, a fishing Van Van for sea, a soccer Van Van, a western Van Van, a roofed Van Van, a shopping Van Van, a college Van Van, etc.

Suzuki also convincingly demonstrated its world motocross successe^^ with the title-winning 250 and 50j^B works machines exhibited, together with moving pictures of world GP motocross on a large-size screen.

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HONDA MOTOR

Attention, first of all, was given to a colorful turning stand in motion, where delightful leisure bikes such as Chaly, Dax, Monkey, Little Honda, etc., ridden by funny dolls, were exhibited under the motto “Everybody can ride Honda.”

Visitors were also interested in the TL125, Honda’s first two-cycle trials bike which was introduced as a reference model at the show. Honda introduced trials bikes by means of moving pictures.

This model was interpreted by thg press as another Honda aggression int* the two-cycle field, following its rather successful launching into motocross with the RC 125M and RC 250M machines.

Youthful interest focused on the four-cycle CB500 racer which had won this year’s Japan GP, beating H. Kanaya’s fantastic Yamaha TR3.

KAWASAKI HEAVY INDUSTRIES

The newly marketed 900 Zl, the largest displacement model ever built in Japan, definitely reflected this maker’s unusual enthusiasm for “Big Machines.”

This model never failed to provide one of the biggest highlights at motorcycle hall, under the motto of “Safe and Honorable Big Four.” The corner was arranged in white and green colors overall, designed to appeal to action^ loving youth.

Kawasaki’s new off-the-road model was also introduced under the designation of “125 TR Bob Cat.” Maximum power is 15 bhp at 7500 rpm. Climbing ability is 34 degrees and weight is 231 lb.

Three different types of 90cc models were also exhibited as new additions to the line. They were the 90 SS, 90 TR and 90 DX intended for road sports, trail and utility, respectively.

YAMAHA MOTOR

It is fair to say that Yamaha monopolized the absolute highlight of this year’s Tokyo Motor Show. Much to the ^Dublic’s surprise, Yamaha unveiled its ^^ewly developed rotary engine prototype motorcycle, under the name of “Yamaha Rotary RZ 201.” Naturally, the Yamaha corner enjoyed the largest number of spectators each day.

Enthusiasts’ interest was also drawn to the racing corner where the watercooled Twin production racer TZ 350, developed from the works racer, was exhibited together with the GP winning TD3 and the production motocross series.

The sports corner featured an attractive line of sports models including the four-cycle TX 750 as well as the forthcoming TX 500, together with the new export RD 250 model.

The trail corner showed a renowned line of models ranging from the 50cc MR to the 360cc RT to consolidate this «aker’s leadership in this field. Eight lall displacement utility models and five snowmobile models were also exhibited. In addition, Yamaha’s newly developed mini leisure bikes aroused fresh interest among fans. m