Yamaha
YD and YDS Gallery
Yamaha’s
YDS series had evolved steadily from the YDS-1
introduced in 1959 through the YDS-2 of ’62
and then this YDS-3. One of the foremost Japanese
sports models, it also won great popularity
in the USA. As the first 2-cylinder model to
adopt the Autolube system, it achieved unchallenged
reliability and high-speed durability. Also
adopting features like a 3-step adjustable shock
absorber, this model represented a high-level
marriage of engine performance, running performance
and utility.
| Bike |
Image |
Description |
| Yamaha YD-1 (1957) |
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This is a model born out of a pursuit
of design originality. In the development
as well, the design elements proceeded the
engineering. Taking as its key words “A
250cc for the Japanese,” it was given
a compact and easy to ride body size that
fit the Japanese physique. What’s
more, it embodied a “Dynamic design”
that gave the impression of powerful dynamism
in any situation. It also mounted Yamaha’s
first 2-cylinder engine. In a Japanese market
dominated at the time by utility models,
the YD-1 brought a new image of sports performance.
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| Yamaha YDS-1 (1959) |
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Further developing on the sporty performance
of the YD-1, this new model mounted a 20hp
engine on a steel-pipe cradle frame to achieve
unprecedented running performance. Features
like the first domestic-made 5-speed transmission
and combination type instrument panel with
engine tachometer caught the imagination
of sports riders, who quickly nicknamed
it “Japan’s first sports model.”
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| 1959 Yamaha YDS1R "Asama Racer" |
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| 1960 Yamaha YDS2R |
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250cc. |
| Yamaha YDT1 |
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| Yamaha YD2 |
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| Yamaha YD3 |
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Yamaha YDS-3 |
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| 1962 Yamaha YD3 |
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This is one of the first Yamahas available
in the USA in the early 60's. It is
a 2 stroke 250. |
| 1963 Yamaha YDS2 |
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| 1964 Yamaha YDS3C |
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| 1969 Yamaha YDS6-C |
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250cc |
1971 Yamaha YDS-7 |
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The YDS7 differed greatly from it's YDS6
predecessor.
One of the most important changes was the
use of horizontally split crankcases. These
had already been used by the 350cc YR series
since its introduction in 1967. The position
of the final drive chain also changed from
the right to the left side. This was due
to the re-introduction of the pushrod clutch
release mechanism. Also, the over complex
gear selection mechanism was done away with
to be replaced by a rotating drum mechanism
that was similar to the ones already in
use on the YR range of bikes. A complete
new set of gearbox ratios was also used.
The frame was redsigned with particular
attention paid to the rear sub-frame and
the gusseting around this area. The styling
was also heavily altered with the engine
cases being painted satin black with two
horizontal stipes on either side being polished.
The barrels and heads were also painted
black and the sides of the heads and the
edges of the fins were polished. The styling
was common to most Yamaha's (AS3, CS5, DS7
and YR5)at this time and the range was known
as the Europa range. |
1972 Yamaha YDS-7 |
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The little Yamaha YDS7’s were little
gems in their day, the building blocks for
the RD250’s and the later RD250LC “Elsie”
which are famous for launching a thousand
racing careers, in the one make series. With
24hp being served up at 7500rpm they were
as near to racing bikes as you could get and
they were in fact raced quite successfully,
this little air cooled 250cc twin was a 5
speed machine with drum brakes at the back
and the front. The engine numbers were the
same as the frame numbers so it is easy to
see if the engine has been changed. |
| 1972 Yamaha YDS7 |
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German import. |
| 1972 Yamaha YDS7 |
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| 1972 Yamaha YDS7 |
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This is a 1972 Yamaha YDS7 and is in TZ
style with TZ tank and seat unit. It has
TLS front brake, fork brace, twin alloy
bell mouthed mikuni’s, quick action
Doherty race throttle and an expensive total
loss electronic race ignition system. |
| 1972 Yamaha YDS7 |
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249cc. |
| 1973 Yamaha YDS7 |
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| 1973 Yamaha YDS7 |
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