New V-twin Yamahas

Press, 25 September 1980, Page 23

New V-twin Yamahas

Yamaha has announced two new V-twins, two new fours, and a water-cooled YZI2S moto-cross machine for 1981.

The top bike in the new range is the XV92ORH, a 920 cu. cm air-cooled, 75degree V-t.win with monoshock suspension and an enclosed grease-bath drive chain. The machine has been designed for the European market, but will be sold in the United States with minor styling changes. The slightly smaller Virago 748 cu. cm V-twin was designed for the United States market. This is reflected in the semichopper styling and shaft drive. It also. has monoshock rear suspension. The. shaft-driven four, the Seca 750. is intended for the sporting segment of the United States market. The Seca is fitted with conventional dual rear shocks, but has an anti-dive system on the

front forks. The master cylinder for the dual front disc brakes is located underneath the fuel tank and is operated by cable from the brake lever. The cafe racer theme is carried a stage further in the Seca 550, a 528 cu. cm four with racy styling and a small sports fairing. It is chain-driven. The same engine is available in a semi-chopper machine, the Maxim 550. The YZI2S moto-cross mount has been watercooled so that peak power can be maintained throughout a long race. The engine is kept at a constant temperature. This also reduces maintenance. The water-cooled racer has more horsepower than its 1980 air-cooled counterpart. The coolant is routed through the triple clamps and frame downtube to the engine. The radiator is fitted into a scoop-like, screened number plate housing.