Yamaha will reveal this new prototype retro motorcycle at the Tokyo Motor Show next week.
The Yamaha XS-V1 Sakura is designed to hark back to the firm’s first four-stroke machine, the 650cc XS-1 of 1970, but is fitted with a new 1000cc Yamaha air-cooled V-twin.
The bike shows Yamaha is following in the footsteps of Honda, which will also use Tokyo to reveal its retro-styled Honda CB1100F and R models - also using air-cooled motors, albeit four-cylinder designs, and featuring the looks of Honda’s 1970s bikes.
Officially a prototype, rather than a concept, there’s a hint that the Yamaha XS-V1 could become a production machine in the future. It doesn’t feature the wacky design of many concept machines, and might easily be given the green light if there’s a positive reaction to the prototype. Only the odd-looking headlight, slimline dash and over-styled brake discs look difficult to be turned into production parts.
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December 10th, 2007 at 6:48 pm
I love the xs650, and have owed four of them. Looking at the picture I could handle the v twin thing but, those pipes and mufflers look like crap ( hope they dont make the same mistake as Triumph did).Are we talking shaft or chain ? A bit more protection from the rear fender would be good. Chrome rims would be a nice touch too ! OH, and one more thing,it must have a sound to match its heritage, with the option of being almost offensive. a Tach and speedo side by side as before is a must! Maybe they should just have me check it out before they give it the stamp of approval. That way they for sure would touch all the bases.
-Polski-
December 19th, 2007 at 4:26 pm
WOW!!!!can’t wait for the production bike….needs different mufflers tho…..will definitly look into purchase when available….
January 7th, 2008 at 7:33 am
My buddy Greg here sold me my most recent XS, a 1978E
and those are good questions, but let’s face it Greg, with 1000CC it ain’t about to sound the same. Those pipes do look kinda funny, I like the gauges idea too I would hope there to be an options selection as they have in the VStar and other markets these days. I can see by looking at it there wll be a good following, but you know how these people can be about individuality. Interesting color sceme on this one. Don’t miss the Motorcycle show at the MPLS Convention Center at the end of January!!- seeya, jc-