Photo ou archives : F-M. Dumas
2305
YAMAHA
125 YA-1 Acatombo · 1955
Yamahas varied career
The history of Yamaha can be traced back to 1861, when Torakusu Yamaha began his apprenticeship as a clockmaker. He then set up business in Hamamatsu, repairing and manufacturing reed organs. His business prospered, becoming Nippon Gakki ("Japanese Musical Instruments") in the 1890s, and added pianos to its range in 1899.
From Pianos to Airscrews
When Japan invaded China in 1931, it needed a manufacturer capable of making variablepitch airscrews for its warplanes. With its experience in woodworking and precision engineering, Yamaha was a natural choice. This was the start of the company's diversion into other fields. In the 1950s, Yamaha decided to try its luck among the hundred or so companies vying to conquer the Japanese motorcycle market. Like so many other manufacturers around the world, Yamaha took the excellent DKW RT 125 as its model.
Racing for Publicity
Known as the "Acatombo" ("Red Dragonfly"), the first Yamaha was a faithful copy of the little DKW right down to the styling. The only difference was that the gearbox had four
speeds instead of three. Production began at the rate of 300 units a month. The Acatombo was a huge success, and some 11,000 were built during its three-year production span. From the beginning of motorcycle manufacturing in 1955, Yamaha considered racing as the best form of publicity. Modified Acatombos dominated the first race held on the cinder track around the volcano at Mount Asama, 75 miles north of Tokyo.
SPECIFICATIONS
Engine: 123cc (52x58mm) air-cooled singlecylinder two-stroke
Power Rating: 5.6 hp @ 5000 rpm
Valves: intake ports controlled by piston skirt
Fuel System: carburetor
Transmission: 4-speed, chain final drive
Suspension: hydraulic telescopic forks (front); plunger (rear)
Brakes: dmm (front & rear)
Wheels: 18 inch wire (front & rear)
Weight: 209 lb
Maximum Speed: 50 mph
The original Yamaha made a brilliant debut, winning the first Mount Asama hill climb. This version, transformed into a motocross machine, dates from 1957.