YAMAHA SINGLE

Press, 27 October 1977, Page 23

YAMAHA SINGLE

By

ROD DEW

The big surprise of recent weeks was the announcement of Yamaha's new SRSOO single-cylinder four-stroke roadster. It has been designed, apparently, as a result of public demand. In a sense, it is a road going version of Yamaha’s successful TTSOO and XTSOO off-road bikes. The 500 cu cm engine is the same, although there is a small change in the carburettor which makes starting easier. The simplicity and basic appeal of the big single might be classic but the details are modern. There are disc brakes, hydraulically operated, at the front and rear, cast alloy wheels, self cancelling turning indicators, and a modem seat. The basic frame and suspension is the same as that on the trail version, although the exhaust pipe

is low and the mudguards are closer to the tyres. The street version was produced in response to thousands of letters from riders who had seen or ridden either the TTSOO or the XTSOO. They asked for a road version — and now they have got it. Yamaha’s mighty XSII, unveiled at the same time, proved to be even bigger than expected. The fourcylinder engine is 1100 cu cm and has already gained a reputation for power without fuss. It is capable of speeds in the vicinity of 140 m.p.h. and, as with the XS7SO, is driven through a shaft instead of the more common chain. An unusual feature is the square headlight. There are alloy wheels, and double hydraulic discs at the front. The four-cylinder fourstroke engine churns out in excess of 90 b.h.p.

Several other manufacturers have also announced new models of similar sizes in recent weeks in what appears to have become a horsepower competition. The expected Suzuki GSIOOO four was unveiled at Paris, recently. It is essentially an enlarged version of the very popular GS7SO four. It has a bore and stroke of 70 x 64.8 mm and, according to Suzuki, more than 90 b.h.p. at 8500 r.p.m. It is reputed to have a top speed of 141 m.p.h. and can cover a standing quar-ter-mile in 11.45 sec. Kawasaki, already well known for the success of its Z9OO and ZlOOO roadsters, has produced a customised version of the 1015 cu cm ZlOOO with power up-rated from 83 b.h.p. to 90 b.h.p. This has a top speed of 140 m.p.h. and covers a quarter-mile from a standing start in 11.85 sec.