Report From Japan
REPORT FROM JAPAN
JACK YAMAGUCHI
SUZUKI 125 MOTOCROSS
At a recent All Japan Motocross meeting, still another Susuki MX prototype made its debut. This time, it's a 125, which looks very similar in design to both the RH and RN 71s reported in this column last month. Prototypes rarely win the first few races in which they are entered.
reported in this column last month. Prototypes rarely win the first few races in which they are entered. Suspension components, carburetion, gearing and the like usually need sorting out. But, this apparently is not the case with the 125,
as Yoshimura rode it to a convincing class win its first time out. The expansion chamber is mounted low and curves up at the rear, like those on works machines. The entire pistonport, two-stroke Single is painted black for better heat dissipation, and the countershaft sprocket
is entirely exposed for quick gear changes. Fiberglass body components and alloy rims complete the package. Technical details are not yet available, but the rumor has it that this 125 prototype will compete in Furope in 1971. Suzuki's 125 Single is compact, powerful. Note exposed coun tersha ft sprocket.
motocrosser. Yoshimura rode the Suzuki 125 MX to a class victory in the A/I Japan Motocross. 126
YAMAHA AX 125 SPORTS
Yamaha’s latest road bike is the AX 125, an ultra lightweight with a race proven, diamond-type pipe frame.
Like larger Yamaha road models, it features a twin-cylinder, five-port, twostroke engine with dual carburetors. Bore and stroke of each cylinder is 43 by 43mm. Compression ratio on the 124-cc Twin is 7.0:1, and 15 bhp is produced at 8000 rpm. Ignition is by battery and coil.
A five-speed, close-ratio, return-type gearbox is fitted, and the shift mechanism is of the link variety, just like a
YAMAHA HT 90 TRAIL
One of the most interesting and attractive trail machines recently developed in Japan is the Yamaha HT 90 Trail.
It is a larger machine than Yamaha’s other 90, the HT1, and features an all new reed-valve, five-port, two-stroke Single for higher performance. Cylinder head fins face forward for improved cooling efficiency.
Actual displacement is 89cc; 10 bhp is produced at 8000 rpm. Bore and stroke is 50 by 45.6mm and the compression ratio is 6.9:1. Ignition is by
racer. Primary kick starting enables the machine to be started in any gear.
Overall, the 125 AX is larger than its predecessors. Wheelbase is now 49.6 in. Weight is 2 18 lb.
Suspension, as on all Yamaha road models, is by an oil dampened telescopic fork and five-way adjustable rear shocks. The front tire is a 2.50-18. Rear is slightly larger at 2.75-18. Brakes are 6 in. in diameter.
A newly designed fuel tank with a distinctive styling stripe, side reflectors, and a larger stoplight than on previous models complete the package.
magneto and the primary kick starter enables starting in any of the five gears.
The double-cradle frame is suspended by internal spring telescopic fork and swinging arm, with five-way adjustable rear shocks. Wheelbase is 50.4 in.; weight is 192 lb.
The low mounted silencer/spark arrester, high front fender, and slim lines add to the machine’s functional appearance. Turn signals and complete lighting equipment are standard. Because the H I 90 is completely street legal and quiet, it will undoubtedly be as popular as other Yamaha off-road models.
