Yamaha For 1976
YAMAHA FOR 1976
Yamaha, in an effort to gain back the number-two sales position from Kawasaki, has announced a startling lineup of new models for 1976. Spearheaded by the all-new, top-of-the-line XS750C, the machines for the most part represent sweeping changes and extensive revisions in street, enduro and competition categories.
It was no secret that Yamaha was particularly lacking in both large and commuter displacement street equipment and that Kawasaki’s big sales gains were in both those areas. With nothing to compete directly against the 900 Z1 or the KX400, and with enduro bike sales at an all-time low, Yamaha had a lot to cry the blues about. But those problems should be a thing of the past now.
Of course, regular readers of CYCLE WORLD were treated to an ultra-sneak preview and the world’s first 1976 Yamaha road test in our October issue; and the 500 four-stroke Single appearing in that test was a neat hint of things to come. Here’s the rest.
A notch below on the displacement ladder is the XS650C, for those who thrive on more conventional fourstroke vertical Twins. Minor paint changes update it to ’76 specs, but its smaller cousin, the XS500C, has been given a serious going over.
The four-valve Twin has all new styling, which includes Yamaha cast aluminum wheels, disc brakes front and rear and a rich looking paint scheme. The engine has important changes for increased power and the chassis has been beefed up for better handling. Right down to the front master cylinder, there’s a bunch new on this one.
tarting with the biggie, an XS750, Yamaha has given us a large-bore, four-stroke Multi with three cylinders instead of the more common four. The new Triple features double overhead cams, five-speed transmission, three into-one exhaust system, wet-sump lubrication, PCV crankcase ventilation, three constant-velocity 34mm Mikuni carbs, and naturally, electric starting.
Also included on the new model are front and rear disc brakes, automatic canceling turn signals and standard equipment cast aluminum wheels. And the best of all. . .shaft drive. This is, without a doubt, Yamaha's first true superbike.
Several New Models And Major Innovations Decorate The Big Y's Lineup For The Coming Year.
D. Randy Riggs
Fans of the RD 350 now have a new RD400C to look up to.. A longer stroke picks up the displacement size, but not enough to keep it out of the Lightweight Production racing class. There's new instrumentation and cast wheels, a better seat and more. No doubt still a winner.
` Ihe RD250 has been dropped, but more importantly, there's a new commuter machine called the XS3GOC. It's an sohc, four-stroke Twin with 359cc of displacement. Electric starting is standard, as is a front disc brake and six-speed gearbox. We’ll be letting you know how this one performs very soon
Smaller street machines in the Yamaha line get larger headlights and paint changes, the RD200C has a new brake.
1 I he famed line of dual-purpose machines from Yamaha gets subtle improvements; a few models come with longer-travel front forks, and the DT175C benefits from better rear sus pension. A new addition to this line includes one of the fabulous new four stroke Singles, the XT500C, a street legal version of the TT500 we tested in October. The same features are part of the package; just tack on lighting and battery and you've pictured the latest in street-going Thumpers!
eet-going Thumpers!
I , amaha, of course, made lots of headway in motocross the last couple of years, and pioneered its "Monocross" rear suspension. For 1976, Monocross gets expanded to include the 100 and 175 machines, all designated YZ models. The only MX model left is a budget 125 with forward-mounted nitrogen/oil shocks. All the motocross ers benefit from longer-travel forks and rear suspension, stronger swinging arms and subtle paint changes. Improvements are internal, as well. Overall, the YZs should be more reliable than ever.
% erious enduro competitors haven't % been forgotten either. The new and overdue IT400C is equipped with offroad lighting and Monocross suspension, a large capacity fuel tank, odometer! speedo, fork boots and giant knobby tires. In brilliant light blue and black, with white accents, the new 400 looks to be one of the most exciting of the 1976 models.
Both the TY175 and TY250 trialers are back again and with some im portant changes. New sidecases narrow engine width, and heavier flywheels improve engine performance. Carbure tion is changed and the 250 has some neat little tricks that’ll make owners happy. Paint colors are new too.
If the economy cooperates, Yamaha should have itself a boom year. We’re excited and will soon be bringing you the new model tests to let you know how they stack up.
