wkid_one
11th July 2004, 17:18
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Yoshimura Motors commenced operations in Fukuoka, Japan, in 1954 and quickly started to build for themselves an excellent reputation in performance tuning. After winning the Suzuka endurance race in 1964, Yoshimura moved premises to Fussa. It was here that they started producing aftermarket exhaust systems in 1971 to complement their range of tuning services.
1973 saw Yoshimura expand in to the United States market under the brand, ‘Yoshimura Racing’, this later became ‘Yoshimura R&D of America’. Yoshimura continued to expand their huge range of aftermarket exhaust systems and experienced major racetrack success all around the world.
In 1992 Yoshimura started producing their new MJN carburettors and also commenced production of titanium and carbon-fibre mufflers. A new manufacturing facility then came on-line and mass production of titanium exhaust systems kicked off in 1995. While 1995 saw some great new developments for the company, it also marked the passing of company founder, Hideo ‘Pop’ Yoshimura.
The company continued to go from strength to strength though with a new Tri-Oval range coming on stream in the late nineties.
In recent times Yoshimura have showcased their wares by creating and then showing off some truly spectacular limited edition motorcycles at the Tokyo Show. In 2000 Yoshimura produced a special X-1 Hayabusa before taking a step back in time in 2001 with a special edition Katana 1135R machine. Only five of the Katana machines were produced but Yoshimura stepped things up in 2002 with a new Tornado S-1 model, of which the company produced 50 machines.
For 2004 Yoshimura have produced a new machine dubbed the ‘Zero-Fifty’. The name 'Zero-Fifty' recognises how company founder, 'Pop Yoshimura', first learned his craft working on the Zero fighter, and the fifty years that has passed since Yoshimura commenced their performance tuning operations.
But only the most well-heeled of bike enthusiasts will be able to secure one of the five machines being produced, a price tag in excess of $105,000 Australian ensures that. This special machine is based on a 2004 GSX-R1000 Suzuki but little remains from the donor.
The already formidable GSX-R engine receives a specially ported Yoshimura cylinder head along with a modified and balanced crankshaft. 13.0:1 high compression pistons swing off Carrillo rods. These modifications along with some hotter cams and a free flowing Yoshimura exhaust system release over 130kw (175hp) at the rear wheel.
Helping to harness all that power are Ohlins FG470 forks and an Ohlins 46PRXLS shock absorber. Also from Ohlins is the adjustable steering damper. The special swingarm is produced by Yoshimura, as is the rear suspension linkage and adjustable steering stem.
Dunlop rubber rolls on some exquisite forged magnesium BBS rims. Brembo supplies the 305mm front discs, radial mono-block calipers and radial master cylinder.
Carbon-fibre is used liberally throughout the machine with the fairing, fenders and mirrors all crafted from the exotic material. The fuel tank is hand beaten from Aluminium.
Yoshimura have made this machine to showcase their wide range of performance accessories. They do seem to be going from strength to strength and I am sure we will see a whole lot more desirable gear from them as the next fifty years unfold.
</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>
http://www.mcnews.com.au/NewBikeCatalogue/2005/yoshimura/zero-fifty/rhr_700p.jpg
http://www.mcnews.com.au/NewBikeCatalogue/2005/yoshimura/zero-fifty/rhs.jpg
http://www.mcnews.com.au/NewBikeCatalogue/2005/yoshimura/zero-fifty/lhs.jpg
Yoshimura Motors commenced operations in Fukuoka, Japan, in 1954 and quickly started to build for themselves an excellent reputation in performance tuning. After winning the Suzuka endurance race in 1964, Yoshimura moved premises to Fussa. It was here that they started producing aftermarket exhaust systems in 1971 to complement their range of tuning services.
1973 saw Yoshimura expand in to the United States market under the brand, ‘Yoshimura Racing’, this later became ‘Yoshimura R&D of America’. Yoshimura continued to expand their huge range of aftermarket exhaust systems and experienced major racetrack success all around the world.
In 1992 Yoshimura started producing their new MJN carburettors and also commenced production of titanium and carbon-fibre mufflers. A new manufacturing facility then came on-line and mass production of titanium exhaust systems kicked off in 1995. While 1995 saw some great new developments for the company, it also marked the passing of company founder, Hideo ‘Pop’ Yoshimura.
The company continued to go from strength to strength though with a new Tri-Oval range coming on stream in the late nineties.
In recent times Yoshimura have showcased their wares by creating and then showing off some truly spectacular limited edition motorcycles at the Tokyo Show. In 2000 Yoshimura produced a special X-1 Hayabusa before taking a step back in time in 2001 with a special edition Katana 1135R machine. Only five of the Katana machines were produced but Yoshimura stepped things up in 2002 with a new Tornado S-1 model, of which the company produced 50 machines.
For 2004 Yoshimura have produced a new machine dubbed the ‘Zero-Fifty’. The name 'Zero-Fifty' recognises how company founder, 'Pop Yoshimura', first learned his craft working on the Zero fighter, and the fifty years that has passed since Yoshimura commenced their performance tuning operations.
But only the most well-heeled of bike enthusiasts will be able to secure one of the five machines being produced, a price tag in excess of $105,000 Australian ensures that. This special machine is based on a 2004 GSX-R1000 Suzuki but little remains from the donor.
The already formidable GSX-R engine receives a specially ported Yoshimura cylinder head along with a modified and balanced crankshaft. 13.0:1 high compression pistons swing off Carrillo rods. These modifications along with some hotter cams and a free flowing Yoshimura exhaust system release over 130kw (175hp) at the rear wheel.
Helping to harness all that power are Ohlins FG470 forks and an Ohlins 46PRXLS shock absorber. Also from Ohlins is the adjustable steering damper. The special swingarm is produced by Yoshimura, as is the rear suspension linkage and adjustable steering stem.
Dunlop rubber rolls on some exquisite forged magnesium BBS rims. Brembo supplies the 305mm front discs, radial mono-block calipers and radial master cylinder.
Carbon-fibre is used liberally throughout the machine with the fairing, fenders and mirrors all crafted from the exotic material. The fuel tank is hand beaten from Aluminium.
Yoshimura have made this machine to showcase their wide range of performance accessories. They do seem to be going from strength to strength and I am sure we will see a whole lot more desirable gear from them as the next fifty years unfold.
</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>
http://www.mcnews.com.au/NewBikeCatalogue/2005/yoshimura/zero-fifty/rhr_700p.jpg
http://www.mcnews.com.au/NewBikeCatalogue/2005/yoshimura/zero-fifty/rhs.jpg
http://www.mcnews.com.au/NewBikeCatalogue/2005/yoshimura/zero-fifty/lhs.jpg