Yamaha New-For-'94 Update

YAMAHA NEW-FOR-’94 UPDATE

HEREWITH, CONFIRMATION not only of the machine Yamaha is scheduled to introduce as a 1994 replacement for the long-in-tooth FZR600 (see Cycle World, July, 1993), but also, some other new-for-’94 Yamahas.

According to reports in the European motorcycle media, the all-new YZF600RR, currently undergoing final testing in Europe and Japan, draws in equal measure from the YZF750R and the beautiful little FZR400RR. The engine abandons the old 600’s long-stroke philosophy in favor of a short stroke that reportedly yields a rev limit of 14,000 rpm-good for a claimed 100 horsepower. Carburetor bore size is up from the current FZR’s 32mm to 36mm, with no final word on whether the bike will use four valves per cylinder or five. Apparently, Yamaha’s EXUP exhaust powervalve will be adapted to the bike as a way to overcome the weak midrange associated with a short-stroke, high-rpm engine.

An alloy Deltabox frame replaces the steel beam frame used on the current FZR600, and the bike uses an adjustable upside-down fork and six-piston brake calipers, as well as a short swingarm and steep steering geometry.

Asked to comment on the U.S. availability of this new bike, the styling of which is said to bear a close resemblance to that of the YZF750, a Yamaha press-relations official said, “At this time, we can’t confirm or deny anything about our 1994 product line.”

Maybe not, but other sources close to Yamaha tell us that the company, its sportbike line updated, also is readying a new line of Virago cruisers. In addition to revised styling, these reportedly will use all-new, liquid-cooled, four-valve V-Twin engines and, perhaps, redesigned chassis. Even more tantalizing is word that those engines-in 750cc and 1100 or 1200cc configurations-might also show up in a pair of new V-Twin-powered sportbikes. No official word from Yamaha about these bikes.

Jon F. Thompson