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 Yamaha - 125 YA 1 Acatombo
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Yamaha YA 1 Acatombo motocyclette motorrad motorcycle vintage classic classique scooter roller moto scooter
Photo ou archives : F-M. Dumas
2305

Capacity : 125
Model : YA 1 Acatombo
Production : 1954 - 1956
Category : (R) Street Bike

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.

 




Le fichier Moto Passion réalisé par François-Marie Dumas réunit près de deux mille photos accompagnées d'un historique très complet des machines présentées.
Il sera progressivement mis à jour ici et toute information complémentaire est la bienvenue sur info@moto-collection.org.

Cette documentation unique, qui constitue sans doute l'encyclopédie la plus exhaustive jamais écrite sur l'histoire de la moto, a été réalisée avec l'assistance de nombreux spécialistes dont principalement Didier Ganneau, Christophe Gaime, Mick Woollett, Jean Goyard, Bernard Salvat, Christian Rey, Yves Campion, Helmut Krackowizer, Michael Dregni, Michel Montange, etc. que je remercie ici.

Disponible sur demande :
- Les fiches originales sur papier
- Les photos et archives signées de mon nom en haute définition ou les documents originaux.
Me contacter sur info@moto-collection.org pour les conditions et droits d'utilisation.