World famous Yamaha motorcycles: review of legendary models

Yamaha really produces amazing equipment, and this is not surprising. After all, the Japanese company is one of the big four manufacturers. Yamaha chopper, by the way, has an extensive line of choppers, the first of which were produced, when do you think? Back in the 80s, the company began its creative journey and was aimed at conquering part of the market from the popular Harley-Davidson.

Chopper Yamaha

The designers thought for a very long time about the features of their brainchild, but decided to rely on the American style and, to be honest, they were not mistaken. The first to appear was the Yamaha Virago line, so to speak. The series mostly contained classic Virago 920j motorcycles with 400 and 750 cc engines. Then, after a successful debut, it was decided to shift the style towards choppers. Although for the most part, Virago remains something average between a Yamaha chopper and the classics.

From first class:

• 1) Landing;
• 2) Frame;
• 3) Short wheelbase;
• 4) V-shaped twin with air cooling function.

From second grade:

• 1) Excellent traction at low and high speeds;
• 2) Appearance and finishing.

Harley Davidson Cosmic Starship

The Harley Davidson brand is well-known by a large number of people, and its creations constantly find their way into one or another top list.
Cosmic Starship rightfully takes sixth place on our list due to its “cosmic” price. Partly, this price tag was due to the fact that the famous American artist, Jack Armstrong, worked on tuning the bike. LikeDislike

He applied an intricate design to the surface of the motorcycle, which he secured with 37 layers of clear varnish. In addition to gold paint, Harley received unusual bows on the body. Cosmic Starship does not have any outstanding technical characteristics.

The buyer pays only for the uniqueness and prestige of the model. It would seem that there is nothing special in appearance; moreover, not all ordinary people will like the design of the product. But truly rich collectors are willing to shell out a lot of money for an exclusive.

This motorcycle was placed in the show-room of an official dealer in Los Angeles. The public premiere was attended by media personalities, celebrities and politicians. An inscription was installed near the bike, which prohibited anyone except Lady Gaga and Sylvester Stallone from touching the exhibit.

Ten legendary Soviet motorcycles

Attention should be paid to 10 famous motorcycles that were produced in the Soviet Union:

1. Vyatka VP-150. This scooter was assembled at the Vyatsko-Polyansky Machine-Building Plant from 1957 to 1966. Vyatka’s prototype is the Vespa GS150, an iconic scooter that was assembled in Italy. In total, more than a million models were sold in 50 countries.
2. L-300 "Red October". This is the first motorcycle in the USSR. It was developed by Leningrad designers on the basis of the German model DKW Luxus 300. It was produced for 8 years from 1930. The engine capacity of the L-300 was 300 cc. The power of the motorcycle at a maximum of 3000 rpm was 6-6.5 hp. L-300 reached speeds of up to 80 km/h. Gasoline consumption - 4.5 liters per 100 km. The IZH-8 motorcycle, depicted on New Zealand coins, was produced on the basis of the L-300.

1. M-72.
   The first combat motorcycle produced in the USSR. Its prototype was the BMW R71, which was assembled in Germany. The M-72 began to be produced in 1941 in two versions: three-wheeled (with a sidecar) and two-wheeled. The model served throughout World War II as a motorized rifle vehicle. Then the motorcycle became popular among civilians and police. Production ended in '60. Over the course of 20 years, 8,500 copies were produced.
2. Ural M-62. A police motorcycle that has proven itself well during patrols and performing important tasks. Produced from 1961 to 1965 by Irbitsky Motorcycle). Includes the following characteristics:

• engine power 28 hp;
• acceleration up to 95 km/h;
• fuel consumption - 6 liters per 100 km.

1. IZH-49. The best off-road motorcycle, produced from 1951 to 1958 by the Izhevsk plant, adapted for difficult road conditions. IZH-49 was the dream of many motorcyclists of that time. The motorcycle was known for its powerful, special growl.
2. IZh Planet-Sport. The first domestic sports motorcycle, designed in the image of the best light Japanese models: Kawasaki, Yamaha, Suzuki (70s). It was mass-produced from 73 to 84 by the Izhevsk plant. The characteristics of Planet-Sport are as follows:

• Max. speed - 140 km/h;
• power - 32 hp;
• acceleration to 100 km in 11 s;
• fuel consumption - 7 liters per 100 km.

1. JAWA 360. Motorcycles supplied to the USSR began to be produced in Czechoslovakia in the 70s. The name is an abbreviation of the name of the owner František Janíček and the title. Every third Soviet motorcyclist could boast of a magnificent Java in his garage. JAWA 360 is often seen in films, for example, in the famous film “The Diamond Arm”.
2. JAWA 350-683. The motorcycle began to be produced in 1984. The model immediately entered the list of people's favorites. This was the last Java of Soviet motorsport. JAWA 350-683 was used in the frames of such famous films: “Accident - the Cop’s Daughter”, “Rats, or the Night Mafia”.

In the 80s they sold 3 million copies. This indicator has become a sign of popularity and success.

1. Dnepr 11. This is a recognized model among Soviet motorcycle tuning enthusiasts. The heavy motorcycle, which was assembled in Kyiv, was perfect for constant improvement in a garage environment. Currently, some copies, modified by tuning masters, are used to participate in exhibitions.
2. Minsk M1A. The prototype was the German DKW RT125. They started producing the motorcycle in 1951. In 2007, the company was privatized. The host of the Top Gear program spoke about Minsk as a reliable, simple and lightweight motorcycle after a trip on it in Vietnam.

A new version

The new Yamaha XJ6 Diversion is a completely different motorcycle. It doesn't have the disadvantages of the first generation. And the price is very, very attractive. The model is perfect for beginner motorcyclists.

In general, the Yamaha XJ6 is a kind of variation of the Yamaha FZ6 (this unit has been sold in Europe instead of the XJ6 since 2009). In the American market, the XJ6 is called the Yamaha FZ6R. The appearance of the Yamaha XJ6 motorcycle in Europe is associated with the desire of the company's management to offer motorcyclists a low-power and budget model that would be aimed at the maximum number of potential buyers. The XJ6 is much cheaper in price, taxes and insurance than the original Yamaha FZ6 (98 horsepower engine).

It is worth noting that many manufacturers try to create very powerful and fast motorcycles, but for some reason they sometimes forget about transport for beginners. But this is more than it seems at first. This is a model for beginners, for girls, and for those who simply love measured motorcycle riding. It is very gratifying that at least someone produces real things for this large category of buyers.

Midnight Star 1300 and Stryker

The first variation was a typical cruiser, but Stryker was classified as a chopper. Yamaha has outdone itself in terms of engines for these motorcycles by implementing liquid cooling in the internal combustion engine. There was practically no traction at the bottom, it was important to choose the right gear and this alone made it possible to develop speed in a minimum time.

These motorcycles had an unusual filling for their generation and the temperament that the manufacturer adhered to. However, it was this duo that replaced the previous Drag Star line. Although, to be frank, the hardware of the equipment remained the same, but the appearance acquired a number of changes.

Yamaha Stryker 2011

Best among the best

The first model of the Yamaha YZF-R1 was shown at the EICMA exhibition in Milan in 1997, and it went on sale in 1998 and created a real sensation, because the Yamaha R1 brought sportbikes to a new level. This is not surprising, because then not a single bike of this class went faster, which today is the most popular and in demand urban sports motorcycle in the whole world. To do this, Yamaha reduced the size of the Genesis engine, while increasing power to 150 hp. The P1 received a new aluminum frame and KYB inverted fork.

The YZF-R1 is constantly being refined and improved.

In 2022, the R1M was released, equipped with a 200 hp engine, a 6-speed transmission with quickshifter systems (QSS) for upshifts and auto-blip for downshifts, allowing gear changes without using the clutch

These functions can be disabled, which is important and convenient for the pilot

YZF-R1 (M) – produced from 1998 to the present.

YZF-R3 – introduced in 2015, the two-cylinder engine produces 42 hp, with an engine capacity of 321 cc. see. Competitors of this model, such as the Honda CBR 300 (250), are less interesting due to the simple single-cylinder engine.

YZF-R25 – produced since 2014. This model was developed for the Asian market and is assembled in Indonesia. Yamaha 250cc cm - two-cylinder, power 35.5 hp, with a torque of 22.6 N m.

YZF - R125 - has been produced since 2008 and is still in production. This Yamaha 125 cc model with one cylinder is intended for beginners, as it is the lightest and lowest-power version of the sportbike.

See you again!

Reasons for the brand's worldwide popularity

Yamaha motorcycles are one of the most popular in the world. They compete in the most prestigious championships, the Dakar Rally.

The greatest fame in our time was brought to Yamaha by the Italian motorcycle racer Valentino Rossi. The Italian is a nine-time world champion. He won several important victories while competing for the Yamaha brand team in the Moto Grand Prix Championship. (Moto Gp).

In the 2014 season, Rossi again competes for Yamaha and at the time of writing this article was in 3rd position in the overall standings, second only to two other giants - Pedrosa and Marquez.

Another celebrity also plays for the team - Spaniard Jorge Lorenzo - Rossi's eternal rival in past seasons.

Yamaha motorcycles for champions. Therefore, it is not surprising that the riders of this team regularly win races. In the 2013 Grand Prix, Lorenzo and Rossi won 9 victories between them. In 2012, the Spaniard rose to the highest level six times. One of the best seasons for Rossi, Lorenzo and Yamaha was the 2010 season. 11 victories (2 for Rossi and 9 for the Spaniard).

The best racers in the world traditionally compete for the team, so internal competition is very high. And also, many girls on motorcycles prefer Yamaha motorcycles.

Yamaha XJ6: characteristics

The Diversion produces 77 horsepower (59.7 Nm of torque). Models of 2010 and subsequent releases are sold for the European market with ABS as standard. The motorcycle frame is steel. This is a typical option for budget motorcycles. The engine displacement is 600 cubic meters, the engine is four-stroke, with four cylinders arranged in a row. Liquid cooling. Six-speed gearbox (constant mesh), chain drive.

The “tidy” is made of an analog tachometer and a display with an electronic speedometer. All instrument panel values ​​are quite easy to read even at night, and the white backlight is not tiring.

The front suspension is presented in the form of a telescopic fork with a stroke of 13 centimeters. The rear suspension is designed as a monoshock absorber with preload adjustment; the travel is also 13 centimeters, as in the front.

The maximum speed is 215 km/h, the weight of the motorcycle is 211 kg. Acceleration to the first hundred is 3.9 seconds. Tank capacity 17 liters. Claimed fuel consumption is 5.8 liters per 100 km. In reality it turns out to be a little more, but it all depends on your riding style. The technical characteristics of the Yamaha XJ6 can be called balanced, thoughtful and sufficient for its class.

The model is available in three factory colors, namely:

• yellow (Extreme Yellow);
• black (Midnight Black);
• white (Cloudy White).

If you see an XJ6 in a different color, it means the bike has been repainted. Do not believe fraudulent sellers who tell you about some special limited versions of the model in a different color. There were no such series (with the exception of Dark Menace, but this series had a carbon fiber design; below we will tell you more about this series. A repainted motorcycle can be either stolen or broken. But there are also simply repainted models at the request of the owner, check everything carefully and thoroughly when purchasing this motorcycle.

Custom motorcycles and choppers

“The Devil's Dozen” is a lucky number for a biker. Exactly 13 models of choppers, cruisers and customs were produced at different times, or are currently being produced at Yamaha factories.

Yamaha motorcycles model range of choppers:

• Stratoliner. Model 2011. It was also produced in Stratoliner S and Deluxe trim levels. This is a classic motorcycle for a biker. Large, with a powerful engine, volume 1854 cm3. A two-cylinder, four-stroke, fuel-injected V4 with a power of 89 hp allows the motorcycle to accelerate to 120 km/h. The gearbox is five-speed. Tomosa - disc, front - double. The frame is aluminum.
• Stryker. Powerful machine with a steel frame. The engine capacity is smaller than that of the Stratoliner - 1.3 liters. Fuel consumption is 5.7 liters per 100 km. ways. Developed in 2011. Still in production today. Classic middle class bike. Front wheel 21 inches.
• V – Star 1100. Produced in Classic, Custom and Silverado versions. An interesting motorcycle with a cardan drive. The engine is carburetor, volume 1065 cm3. Consumes only 5.3/100km.

The fashion for “bobbers” has also returned from oblivion - custom motorcycles, from which everything that the owner or tuning workshop employee does not consider important has been removed. These are motorcycles for riding. A purely applied technique that does not pretend to have any special aesthetics. Such devices first appeared in the 50s. Then there were no “extra” details at all. Only what is provided by the factory. They are now in full swing tuning the Izh Planeta 5 and it drives like a monster, but this never happened before.

One of the most interesting models of this type is the XV950 “Bolt”. It came to Russia quite recently and is listed in catalogs without a name. Our people love to joke too much, giving nicknames to technology. However, those who understand motorcycles already know about the name of the model outside the Russian Federation.

You may also be interested in: Honda motorcycles: the history of a great company

Instead of the classic arrow on the speedometer, there is an electronic display with large numbers under shaded glass. After all, a real biker doesn’t give a damn about how fast he goes. As well as the traffic cop who stops him. The biker exceeds the default speed limit.

It’s not a sin to buy such a Yamaha motorcycle even for ardent Harley Davidson fans. There's not much chrome here. But no cheap plastic. By the way, the Yamaha tuning catalog for this model looks three times thicker than usual. Any other Japanese company will envy him.

He got the engine from the XVS1300, so everything here is as it should be, and air-cooled.

The height and geometry of the landing are optimal for both men and women of average height. So everyone will be as comfortable as possible.

You can buy a Yamaha Bolt motorcycle almost all over the world. Its price is about 8 thousand dollars. For comparison, a new Ural motorcycle sold for export costs from 9 to 14 thousand. So it’s hard to call the new Beaver too expensive.

Another legend of the road and the best friend of every biker is the Yamaha XV 1900. This beast is available in modifications XV 1900 A Midnight Star, Raider, Raider S, Roadliner Midnight, Roadliner S. Sales of Yamaha XV 1900 motorcycles began in 2011.

Midnight Star was released in different versions in 2011, 2012 and 2013. Let's look at the most recent one.

The two-cylinder V-shaped engine has a volume of 1854 cm3. Its power is 90.3 hp at 4750 rpm. The engine is injection, air-cooled.

Like all Yamaha choppers, the “star” is ideal in design. There is moderate chrome, and some modifications are completely painted and do not have shiny chrome surfaces. And then a photo of the Yamaha motorcycle model XV 1900 a midnight star:

It may also be interesting: Which motorcycle to choose for beginner bikers?

There are different prices for these Yamaha motorcycles. The 2013 model can be purchased for an average of 17.5 thousand dollars. For comparison, the Yamaha RoadStar Warrior 1700 can be found for 13-14 thousand US dollars. At the same time, the company does not experience any problems with selling these models in the world. Bikers really appreciate the Japanese quality and style of these motorcycles. No matter how much someone appreciates the Indiana and Harley classic models, retro is seriously inferior to modern “Japanese” ones, although both have common roots. However, the new generation Yamaha has almost nothing left of those German models that were taken as a basis more than half a century ago.

Yamaha Virago motorcycle series

Yamaha Virago motorcycles were discontinued more than 15 years ago, but they are still the favorites of many motorcyclists. For the first time, representatives of this model range appeared on the market in 1995. The Yamaha Virago series in the first year of production was represented by the Virago XV 1100 motorcycle.

This line of motorcycles includes motorcycles with engine displacement from 125 to 1100 cubic meters. Now on the secondary market you can easily purchase a Yamaha Virago motorcycle. There are such representatives of this family as: XV 400, 535, 750. XV 1100 is also found.

It should be noted that the characteristics of the Yamaha Virago allow motorcycles in this line to be very popular among novice bikers who are just beginning to explore the world of motorcycle technology.

Yamaha lineup

The Yamaha Virago 920j motorcycle allowed it to become a leader and after 10 years of production, the motorcycles became highly popular. There was no need to worry about success; it was important to lay the initial solid foundation. Yes, the result was not long in coming, and after the line was discontinued, the Yamaha chopper was still around for quite a long time.

Yamaha motorcycle Yamaha Virago

Virago xv 400 became the chopper not only of its generation, but of the whole century. Then this series was replaced by the new Yamaha Drag Star, which remained at the top of the motorcycle industry many years later. Yes, Yamaha Drag Star was discontinued back in 2008, having captivated the public with its relatively inexpensive, reliable, beautiful and balanced motorcycles.

The cubic capacity interval was 125-1100 cubic centimeters, and any option can be found on the secondary market. The liter variants exceeded all expectations in terms of popularity, taking away the popularity of Harleys in their own homeland in the USA. Choppers have acquired a whole army of fans. The American market has not yet managed to move away from the Virag generation, and the Japanese again began to bomb this market with new products.

Only Yamaha acted much more cunningly, calling the American subsidiary V-Star. The Star Motorcycles project paid for itself in full, allowing the manufacturer to gain a foothold in the market.

Why? Relatively budget price, at least much lower than the Americans, high power, high level of reliability and style.

Yamaha Drag Star, photo of Yamaha Dragstar

Soon such terrifying models as XVS 650, XV 1600 Road Star appeared on the international market. The company decided to step forward and test its strength in a new segment, with one and a half liter naturally aspirated engines. The vibration of the internal combustion engines of such motorcycles is at a high level, especially in the case of the XV 1600.

Then the cause of the problem was determined and it lay in the second balancing shaft. This greatly disturbed the owners during operation, and by 2000 the model was restyled. Then a liquid-cooled V-4 engine was installed, and such progress had already been made in the 80s.

Yamaha Road Star, Yamaha lineup

The predecessor was replaced by the Yamaha XV 1700 chopper with a completely modified internal combustion engine, an installed injector and a couple of minor modifications. Now the cruiser has three versions, including Venture. It was a luxury option for traveling long distances with the proper level of comfort. Otherwise, the model has not changed, remaining the same big, heavy motorcycle with the good old V-4.

Have you heard about the city bully XV 1700 Warrior? If not, then you will probably be interested in this technique. It stands out among the entire lineup of the model range, because it has a compact size, easily develops high speed and is famous for its aggressive driving.

Hidden inside this unit are 80 beaver forces with enormous torque. The injector works great, the belt drive, impeccable handling and incredible engine melody. Externally, the motorcycle is generally devoid of classic features, but that’s what Yamaha was aiming for. More precisely, she wanted to achieve a kitschy appearance, so she acted for sure.

Yamaha XV 1700 Warrior, Yamaha chopper

The Yamaha Warrior XV 1700B and the entire Drag Star series were discontinued by the year 2000, gradually being replaced by the Midnight Star series. A model range with 950, 1300 and 1900 cc engines was presented here. All variations were already fuel-injected, had a belt drive and V-twins.

950 and 1900 cubes were exclusively air-cooled, but the version with 1300 cubes was liquid-cooled. From this generation, the XVS 950 and XV 950 Bolt were available in the price range. These models had only one thing in common, and that was only the engine. Let's talk more about some of the models!

Japanese motorcycle Suzuki TL 1000

do not buy Suzuki TL 1000 motorcycles

The sporting success of the V2 Ducati Superbos forced the Japanese to act. In 1997 they introduced two V-twins - the successful Honda VTR 1000 liter motorcycle and the troublesome Suzuki TL 1000 S liter motorcycle (which was joined a year later by the same-flawed TL 1000 R).

Biggest Disadvantages

The TL was scary - it had a tendency to vibrate, which even caused fatal accidents. Therefore, a year after the premiere, the company installed steering shock absorbers not only for new, but also for sold motorcycles. Unfortunately, the tendency for the steering wheel to turn over continued; the shock absorber only extinguished it.

Result? On rough roads it is scary to exceed 140 km/h.

The engine also had shortcomings - through leaking pistons/rings, it pumped oil into the air filter - under warranty there was a replacement (depending on the mileage) either on the piston rings themselves or on the pistons.

Another problem was the electronics. The engine could jerk and stall at idle. It was necessary to ensure that the idle speed was set correctly (1300–1400 rpm), after which the ECM was modified.

Oil dilution by fuel is another disadvantage. The thermostat was replaced under warranty. The engine was “too cold” and was trying to take too long to suck. This condition also caused high fuel consumption.

Suzuki spare parts (Suzuki), online order

Cracks in a tank that was not properly secured.

The frame of the eye, which protrudes from the vane damper due to the non-standard shock absorber (such were, for example, on GAZ cars) with which the TL was equipped. The quality of its damping, despite the possibility of adjustment, was not the best.

Cracked frames on the head. At first they argued that this was due to frequent driving, but then it turned out that this was not the case - the frames were breaking.

So you will never know which bike you will get or how many defects have been fixed on it, because all the improvements and repairs were done on a regular basis. Which doesn't change the fact that some of them are indelible.

Video

• Review of the Yamaha XV1900 Raider motorcycle.
• A quick look at the Yamaha Roadliner (2014).
• A quick look at the Yamaha Stratoliner S motorcycle.

Every motorcycle line has a flagship model, and some even have two. Yamaha XV 1900 Raider

- this is exactly the case, it is one of the two top cruisers in the modern line of motorcycles of this class from Yamaha, along with the XV 1900 Stratoliner model. This is a consequence of the manufacturer’s habit of making several different motorcycles based on the same engine, styling one of them as a chopper and the other as a cruiser, as was the case, for example, with the Classic and Custom versions of the famous Yamaha Drag Star 1100 and 400/650. More recent examples include the Yamaha Stryker and Yamaha Midnight Star 1300.

Be that as it may, the subject of our article is related to the Stratoliner by the engine, injector and part of the light-alloy frame (it is collapsible on the XV 1900). The name Yamaha Raider is translated from English as “Raider”, and it fully reflects the character of this motorcycle. A huge, powerful, evil chopper, charged with a hundred horsepower, it seems to look down on all other road users, knowing that one turn of the gas handle will be enough to leave them all behind, announcing the surrounding area with the hellish roar of an almost two-liter engine.

Speaking of the engine, this air-cooled V-twin was inherited from the aforementioned Stratoliner, but was slightly retuned. It feels great in the lower and middle speed range, inferior, however, in the abundance of “lower end” to the model standing slightly lower on the Yamaha hierarchical ladder - the Yamaha XV1700 Road Star. In total, the Yamaha Raider engine is capable of producing 98 horsepower and 167 Nm of torque, and the wide rear wheel will ensure that all this power is put to the best use. It is better to be careful if you open the gas suddenly on the XV 1900 - this is fraught with skidding.

The Raider engine is powered by an injector, thanks to which consumption at a speed of 120 km/h does not exceed 5-5.5 liters, which is very beneficial for it, since for an unknown reason its creators decided to install only a 15-liter gas tank on their brainchild. However, this does not prevent many Raider owners from traveling on their steel horse not only throughout Russia, but also abroad. The rear wheel drive of the motorcycle is belt driven, and the instrument panel located on the gas tank is laconic and informative. The only thing that is not clear is the designers’ decision to deprive the Raider of the small oil cooler that was installed on the same engine on the Stratoliner - without it, the engine began to heat up a little more.

The entire appearance of the Yamaha Raider suggests that this is not a heavy cruiser, but a lean chopper, or at least a motorcycle that really wants to seem like one. The seating position on it is very comfortable for adherents of this class - the legs and arms are extended forward, so you can relax. The metal trim on the gas tank looks unusual, but it is another stylish highlight of the XV 1900 Raider’s appearance, along with the standard mufflers, which follow the curve of the motorcycle frame in their shape. By the way, this is one of the few cases when standard exhaust pipes look better on a bike than any tuning ones.

The Yamaha XV 1900 Raider refutes the stereotype that a chopper is a heavy, clumsy, completely archaic design. No, this bike weighs a lot, no doubt about it, but thanks to the thoughtful arrangement of internal components, the center of mass is shifted down. The technologically advanced and phenomenally reliable engine cannot be called archaic either, although it is structurally quite simple, and the Raider’s chassis is very good. The conventional telescopic fork and rear monoshock absorber work like a charm, and this motorcycle shakes much less when riding on bad roads than on previous generations of cruisers.

The brakes are also good - two discs with powerful calipers at the front and a disc at the rear, so this whole design is quite enough to effectively slow down. Vibrations also do not bother the motorcyclist - unlike the Yamaha Road Star, the Raider has balancer shafts that successfully dampen these same vibrations. So this motorcycle has, perhaps, only one drawback - it is too powerful for a beginner. But an experienced biker will undoubtedly appreciate this combination of reliability, power and beauty, embodied in metal.

Yamaha chopper XVS 1300 Midnight Star

Proudly sitting on the throne of all existing Yamaha choppers is the Yamaha XVS 1300 Midnight Star along with the XV 1900 Raider and XV 1900. They were supplied to both the European and American markets, had V-shaped air-cooled gasoline engines, and the displacement was increased up to two liters of fuel. These motorcycles represented the pinnacle of Japanese technology, with one being a chopper and the other a cruiser.

Yamaha XVS 1300 Midnight Star

You can talk endlessly about Yamaha’s creations, but it is this technique that meets all the requirements of modern bikers. There are no problems, there are no complex designs, and even vice versa - the manufacturer has followed the simplest, most reliable and even stylish path.

The terribly powerful engine saves fuel, provides excellent dynamics and handling, but we can assure people with confidence that Japanese-made motorcycles will probably soon dictate their terms.

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Aprilia RSV 1000R Mille

Produced since 2004, the Aprilia RSV 1000R Mille never ceases to amaze with its beautiful lines and body features. Its strong feature is its chassis and suspension, its suspension does not require any additional adjustments and immediately after purchase, you can go to the track on it. Even at high speed you will never feel uncomfortable and the bike will always cater to the riders' wishes.

His characteristics are not record-breaking, but this is enough for such an extraordinary Italian. The engine displacement is 998.9 cubic centimeters, the maximum power is 180 horsepower, the dry weight is 184 kilograms, the fuel tank volume is 17 liters, and the ground clearance is 130 mm. The cost of this bike from scratch is $13,000, but you can buy such a unit for about 5 thousand dollars.

The most famous motorcycle manufacturers

The concept of the motorcycle appeared almost simultaneously with the concept of the car at the end of the 19th century. The first two-wheeled vehicle was created by the German inventor Gottlieb Daimler, who later became the founder of the Mercedes-Benz company (in partnership with the equally famous Karl Benz).

The production of the first production motorcycle belongs to the brothers Heinrich and Wilhelm Hildebrand and their partner Alois Wolfmüller. German engineers and inventors launched the first mass production of a two-wheeled new product in 1894.

Since that time, the active development of the motorcycle owner movement began, which provoked the emergence of many successful manufacturers around the world:

• Ducati is an Italian company that dates back to 1926, but started producing two-wheelers after World War II. Today it is part of the Audi AG group and produces about 40 thousand motorcycles per year.
• BMW is a famous German company that released the first motorbike in 1923. Today, the models of this manufacturer are considered one of the most reliable among European suppliers.
• Harley-Davidson is a legendary American company with more than 100 years of history. Thanks to smart marketing, she managed to create a huge movement of fans of her brand.
• Honda is a Japanese company that launched the production of two-wheeled vehicles in 1955, and since 1982 began producing more than 3 million motorcycles annually. In 2022, the company sold 17 million motorbikes, earning a net profit of $15 billion (more than 1 trillion rubles!).
• Kawasaki is a Japanese manufacturer that began producing two-wheeled vehicles in 1961. Today it produces models of different classes, but the Ninja sportbike is considered the most famous.
• Yamaha - the motorcycle division was founded in 1955, the very first model of this manufacturer, the Yamaha YA-1, won a race at the foot of Mount Fuji. Today Yamaha is considered one of the leaders among manufacturers of road and sports motorcycles.
• Aprilia is an Italian company that appeared in 1968. Today the company produces scooters and motorcycles for on- and off-road use. Models from this company became champions in such legendary competitions as MotoGP and Superbike World Championship.
• Suzuki - the Japanese company released its first bike in 1952. Today, the company annually produces more than 3.2 million motorcycles of various classes, and the racing achievements of these models have become one of the most significant in the history of motorsports.
• KTM is an Austrian company founded in 1934. It gained worldwide fame thanks to the production of off-road motorcycles, but since 2010 it has been actively developing a range of sports and city motorcycles.
• Triumph is a British company opened in 1902. During its history, it has experienced unprecedented success and bankruptcy. In 1990 it was revived. Today the company produces models of various classes, but special preference is given to retro motorcycles.
• MV Agusta is an Italian manufacturer created in 1945. In post-war Europe, the main emphasis was on the production of popular budget class models. Gradually the brand gained recognition among motorcycle racers. Today, MV Agusta motorcycles are popular among both ordinary bikers and racing teams.
• "Ural" - a manufacturer from Russia, founded in 1941, began its activities with the release of the first model M-72, which was a copy of the German BMW R71 motorcycle. Today the company produces standard models “Retro Solo” and “Solo sT”, as well as models with a sidecar: “Ural-T”, “Tourist”, “Patrol 2WD”, Gear-UP and “Retro”. At the same time, only 3% of the produced equipment is sold in the CIS countries, the rest is sent abroad, since the manufacturer is quite popular in foreign markets.

Today, motorcycles are becoming increasingly popular on the city streets of Russia, Europe and Asia. This is the answer to many kilometers of traffic jams: now among the owners of high-speed and sometimes extremely expensive motorcycles there are not only men, but also women who masterfully master the art of motorcycle control.

You can easily overcome traffic jams in large cities on a motorcycle

Japanese motorcycle Yamaha FZ 750

don't buy Yamaha FZ 750 motorcycles

This would be a great bike - it has excellent suspension, ride and ride - if not for a defect that practically disqualifies it. This was the first time Yamaha used a 20-valve head. Each tank had two outlet valves and three suction valves to improve filling.

Biggest disadvantages

The spread in the initial period was greatly underdeveloped. The factory provided for adjusting the valve clearance (not very complicated) every 42,000 km, but models with support valves (i.e. without clearance) ended up with thirty and several thousand km. After adjusting the clearance, the gaps erased even faster. The only solution is to replace the valves and wait for the problem to reoccur.

But this is completely unprofitable - the cost of replacement is extremely expensive (12 suction valves, plus a cylinder head gasket). It's more than the price of a motorcycle. If you're a risk taker and want to buy a Yamaha FZ 750, first measure the compression pressure on site (especially if the engine has low mid-speed power and is emitting exhaust gases). You will immediately understand that repairs will come to you immediately after purchase.

Yamaha spare parts, online order

The 20-valve valve timing also has another important drawback. To adjust the valves, check the clearances, unscrew the camshaft caps (half-bushes) and remove the shafts. After replacing the plates and assembly, as well as control measurements, it may be necessary to correct the tiles and re-disassemble the nozzles, which may not work. Lack of factory materials.

Only with the injectors and the factory book in hand will you know which version of the motorcycle you are dealing with. And there were 12 of them. For example, the VN 750 for the Canadian market had 68 hp, for the European market 66 hp. and for the Swiss 37 hp. Without knowing the version, it is impossible to properly tune the motorcycle. After reassembly, shafts may not rotate in clamped half-shells despite being tightened in the correct sequence. It's just that the lids are too delicate.

If after the first adjustment of the valves the rollers rotate, they are secured on the second or third. Interestingly, the same flaws were found in the FZR and even in the first YZF 750. Only later did Yamaha deal with this problem.

Harley-Davidson Softail Slim

The legendary Harley-Davidson Softail Slim is a motorcycle that has nothing superfluous, but rather only the essentials. Namely: the famous “Hollywood” steering wheel, chrome parts, black wheel rims, massive parts, an air filter with a black round cover. All this is done in the spirit of minimalism, and these are not all the external advantages that help it combine the style elements of the brutal bobbers of the good old 1950s.

The Twin Cam engine itself, with a displacement of 103 cc. inches gives the motorcycle enough power to handle steep climbs with ease and feeling confident on the trail is no problem.

Cool motorcycles

Ducati-1098 is a very powerful motorcycle from a Japanese manufacturer. An engine with a volume of 1098 cm3 and producing 145 hp is installed here. Acceleration to hundreds takes only 3 seconds, maximum speed exceeds 200 km/h. Thanks to such technical characteristics, the Ducati-1098 has repeatedly taken first places in the most premium races and competitions. Thanks to Ducati's signature feature, this motorcycle can confidently be called a cool bike, since it has a desmodromic gas distribution system that allows the engine to spin up to a record 25,000 rpm.

Honda Blackbird CBR 1100XX is another cool bike from the family of Japanese motorcycles. This motorcycle is famous for its reliability, comfort and excellent handling. One cannot fail to mention the powerful engine, the volume of which is 1137 cm3. Despite this, almost all owners note a smooth ride and incredible comfort. This is largely due to the 6-speed gearbox, adjustable suspension and inertial supercharging. By the way, the motorcycle was produced in three modifications - carburetor, injection and injection with a catalyst and lambda probe.

The Kawasaki Ninja ZX-14 is one motorcycle that has created a huge buzz since its launch. It sold so fast and was such a success that other motorcycle manufacturers were tearing their hair out. It's not just about appearance. The motorcycle accelerates to more than 300 km/h and accelerates to hundreds in just 2.8 seconds. If you are asked what are the coolest motorcycles you know, then you can confidently answer that the Kawasaki Ninja ZX-14 is one of them. Particularly impressive is the sound of its exhaust, which growls beautifully even at idle.

Suzuki Hayabusa is a successor to the Kawasaki Ninja ZX-14. After manufacturer Suzuki saw how well the new Ninjas were selling, he decided it was time to make a worthy competitor. And it is worth saying that the engineers succeeded. Everything about this motorcycle is perfect - appearance, amazing dynamics, handling and powerful engine. The engine power is 197 hp, and its volume is 1300 cm3. As a result, the mass-produced motorcycle breaks all records, accelerating up to 330 km/h.

Yamaha motocross motorcycles

The company has long been involved in cross-country, enduro, rally racing and other competitions where high reliability and “endurance” are required from motorcycles.

In 2013-2014, Yamaha updated its lineup of motocross equipment. Models such as the YZ250 appeared. It has a 249 cc single-cylinder two-stroke engine, a five-speed transmission, and hydraulic disc brakes. Tank volume – 8 liters.

The engine was seriously modified, and it became more revving. At the same time, he began to weigh 8 percent less. The Yamaha cross-country motorcycle YZ250 received a more durable frame and reliable suspension.

And here is a video about the Yamaha P1:

The best classic motorcycles

Classics were created for city roads and highways; they are easy to control, inexpensive to maintain and have quite a lot of functionality. Such motorcycles are suitable for daily riding, they have a title, and some can even be attached to a cradle for transporting passengers. In this category, two nominees are considered, which are considered the best.

Royal Enfield Bullet

This is a model from India, equipped with a single-cylinder four-stroke engine, developing power of 27 hp and reaching 42 Nm of torque.

We should also praise the retro design of the Enfield Bullet in the spirit of the 50s, which attracts attention at first glance, but at the same time the functionality and technical features of the bike are modern. Innovations include fuel injection system, hydraulic drive and multi-plate wet clutch

Also, absolutely all elements of the motorbike are made of metal. There are no plastic parts at all, which further gives the Royal Enfield Bullet an impressive look despite its compact size.

Advantages

• Large fuel tank volume;
• Steel frame made of round pipes;
• Chrome muffler and tank;
• Extended reservoir of rear shock absorbers;
• Wide seat with shock absorption;
• Economical fuel consumption.

Flaws

• Slight acceleration;
• Strong vibrations at high speeds.

Users note that the most comfortable speed for this model is 70-90 km/h, which is quite optimal for city roads. This is the best motorcycle for a beginner and does not require much maintenance.

Racer Magnum RC200-C5B

The makers of this classic road bike can also be praised for their design, which makes the model stand out from others. The Magnum is available in red, blue, green and black, has sporty, smooth body kits and excellent driving characteristics. The engine is capable of producing 14 hp, and the engine capacity is 225 cc, reaching speeds of up to 120 km/h. Thanks to a telescopic fork and two reinforced shock absorbers at the rear, uneven road surfaces are more than compensated for, so the bike can be driven even off-road. The fuel tank holds up to 18 liters of fuel and consumes it economically, which, combined with the price of the motorcycle and maintenance, makes it an economical model.

Advantages

• Electric, kickstarter;
• Disc brakes;
• Informative instrument panel;
• LED brake lights;
• Light weight;
• Low price.

Flaws

• Short passes;
• Poor quality of the standard chain.

It is noteworthy that this model has advanced innovative solutions, such as an incoming mobile phone call indicator on the dashboard and LED tachometer illumination. The build quality is also rated top notch, despite the fact that the motorcycle was made in China.

The most famous Yamaha models

The company produces many popular models of sports motorcycles. Among them there are models that are used only in competitions and modifications for the city. We will tell you about some of the most interesting in our opinion.

1. Sports motorcycle Yamaha R1 (Yamaha YZF R1). Four-stroke injection engine, volume 1000 cm3, 180-190 hp. Speed ​​up to 350 km/h. The transmission is manual, 6-speed. This model began to be produced back in 1998. This is a flagship sportbike, in which all the technological innovations that existed at that time were introduced. The Genesis engine has been significantly modified. Until 2001, a carburetor engine was used, which was then replaced by an injector. The 2009-2011 Yamaha R1 motorcycle has been significantly improved. The engine has received modern technologies from Motto GP and now meets international Euro-3 standards.
2. The next one on our list – the ranking of the best of the best – appeared much later, already in 2008. It has a 125 cm3 engine. In design, it resembles the aforementioned R1 and R6. The Uamaha YBR 125 motorcycle has a 6-speed manual transmission and a tank with a capacity of 13.8 liters. and reaches a speed of 120 km/h. The dimensions of the model are 2.01 x 0.66 x 0.97 m. When the new Yamaha 125 motorcycle was created, all the mistakes made in the work on the CBR125R were taken into account. The new product was more powerful and heavier, but much better and more popular. In general, it can be called one of the most successful motorcycles in the class of that period.
3. Yamaha YBR125. The best-selling motorcycle in Russia (top 10 winner, beating everyone, including choppers). And this is not surprising, because this model has excellent speed performance and excellent control. The design is also impeccable. All parts and assembly are of very high quality.
4. YZF15. An excellent sports motorcycle with a single-cylinder, four-stroke fuel-injected engine with a volume of 150 cc and a power of 17 hp. With. at 8500 rpm. The gearbox is 6-speed. Brakes: front – disc, rear – drum. Tank volume – 12 l. Equipped with an electric starter.

You may also be interested in: The best sports motorcycles and their characteristics