Friday, November 9, 2007

First Yamaha Motorcycle 1955

The Yamaha YA-1 was the first Yamaha Motorcycle model ever produced. The 125cc, single cylinder, 2-stroke, street bike had unique features including a cantilever seat, a plunger rear suspension system and a glove compartment in the fuel tank area.

In 1955 when Yamaha developed its first motorcycle, the Yamaha YA-1, there were about 150 motorcycle makers struggling to compete in Japan's young motorcycle industry, and Yamaha Motors was the last company to enter the fray. At this time, the company had 274 employees working in two single-story wooden buildings that served as factories where they produced about 200 motorcycles a month.

Sunday, March 11, 2007

Harley-Davidson XL1200N Nightster

Harley-Davidson Sportster motorcycles get a burst of adrenalin with the launch of the new XL 1200N Nightster. With a wicked combination of exceptional performance, unique design and a low seat height, the Nightster has a gritty, urban feel offering a sharp ride for the street.

"The XL 1200N Nightster is a blacked-out street bike that continues a half century of Sportster tradition of innovative, fun and versatile motorcycles," said Bill Davidson, Harley-Davidson Director of Motorcycle Product Development. "With loads of truly select features and components, the Nightster takes all the enhancements made to the Sportster family in recent years to an entirely different level."

Features

Rubber-mounted 1200cc XL Evolution engine
Medium Gray powder-coated engine with polished and black treatments
Electronic Sequential Port Fuel Injection (ESPFI)
High-compression, high-flow cylinder heads
High-performance cams
Smooth, quiet transmission
Light clutch lever effort
25.3-inch solo seat height
Low front and rear suspension
Black front forks with gaiters
Bullet hole rear belt guard and front fender clamps
Black, low rise handlebar with brake and clutch levers, turn signals and air cleaner insert
Side-mounted license plate holder (dealer-installed rear mount option)
Brake and tail lights integrated with rear turn signals
Black mid-mount foot controls
Black-rimmed, Laced Steel wheels
Chrome staggered shorty slash cut dual exhaust
Silver Satin finish fuel cap, headlamp trim ring and oil dipstick cover
Optional Smart Security System

Engine

Engine: Air-cooled, Evolution
Valve Train: Pushrod-operated,
overhead valves with hydraulic,
self-adjusting lifters;
two valves per cylinder
Bore x Stroke: 3.50 in. x 3.81 in.(88.90 mm x 96.77 mm)
Displacement: 73.20 cu. in. (1859.28 cc)
Compression Ratio: 9.7:1
Fuel System: Electronic Sequential Port Fuel Injection (ESPFI)
Air Cleaner: Paper cartridge type Lubrication System: Dry-sump