A Brief History of Yamaha

Although the first Yamaha motorcycle didn’t appear until the mid fifties, the company’s history dates back to 1887, when the father of the company, Torakusa Yamaha began producing red organs. The Yamaha Motor Corporation sprang into life on July 1st 1955, and remains part of the Yamaha Group. It has grown to be the second largest motorcycle manufacturer in the world, which is no mean feat for what was a fledgling company that arrived late in the motorcycle market.

Their first offering was the YA1, a 125cc, single cylinder two-stroke, was a copy of a German motorbike. The Japanese have often been accused of copying European models, but let’s not forget that BSA also used this very same design to produce their Bantam. This machine, fondly known as the Red Dragonfly, laid the foundation of Yamaha’s reputation for reliability, and success on the race track contributed to the bike’s popularity.

The twin cylinder YD, the first machine designed by Yamaha, was introduced in 1957. A win a Mount Asama boosted sales, but at less than 16,00 models a year output was still way behind Honda and Suzuki. However, the company flourished during the following years, and in 1959 Yamaha were the first Japanese company to offer a sports model, the twin cylinder YDS1, complete with five speed gearbox. A kit was available which allowed the owner to adapt the bike for racing, both on and off road.

By 1960 the company’s output had increased by a massive 600%, but a period of recession forced Japanese companies to look further afield to sell their products, and in 1961 Yamaha entered a tem in the European Grand Prix. In the early sixties, America’s economy was on the rise and Yamaha managed to sell 12,000 motorcycles in the States. In 1963 the figure was 36,000 rising to 87,000 in 1964. Yamaha’s first factory outside Japan was opened in Siam (present day Thailand) in 1966, in order to supply Southeast Asia. By 1967, with 406,000 bikes built, production had overtaken that of Suzuki. Racing was important to Yamaha, so much so that in 1969 they constructed a full size race track near to their Iwata factory.

In 1970, Yamaha’s catalogue carried 20 models, with a range from 50cc to 350cc. Production had reached 574,000 units per year, the majority of which went to overseas markets. That year also saw the introduction of the first four-stroke machine, in the shape of the 650cc XSI, although two-stroke engines were were still favoured for bikes below 400cc.

By 1973, Yamaha were producing over a million bikes annually, leaving Suzuki firmly in their wake. That year, Honda turned out 1,836,000 machines. During the seventies, Yamaha’s RD twin cylinder sports bikes were proving a big hit and the company had once again backed a winner. As the eighties arrived, over two million bikes were passing through the factory gates. During this period, the four cylinder XJ’s were developed with displacements ranging from 550cc to 1100cc.

One of Yamaha’s most successful projects was the Virago, which introduced as a 750cc, but 500cc and 920cc models were soon available. This bike was the first cruiser to come out of Japan, and proved to be immensely successful, so successful in fact, that Harley Davidson was running scared. They pressed for a tariff on imported motorcycles over 750cc, so Yamaha had to replace their 750cc Virago with the 699cc version, but at the same time, the 920cc grew to 1000cc. It eventually became the 1100cc. One of the most loved versions of the Virago is the XV535; their reliability and easy handling has delighted riders worldwide. The larger Virago’s were replaced by the V-Star and Road Star models and the last model to carry the Virago name was the 2007, 250cc version.

It’s understandable how Yamaha have accrued such a dedicated following. Over the years, their bikes have married cutting edge technology with reliability, which is no mean feat. Their designs have earned admiration from far and wide, and continue to do so today.


By Alan Liptrot
About the author:
Alan Liptrot is the founder of Motorbike Tours.co.uk The Company offers guided motorcycle tours in Spain, Portugal and Morocco.

Article Source: http://www.Free-Articles-Zone.com

Basics of choosing an auto transport company

With such a wide variety if the international car shipping companies it is not at all difficult to find the company which offers you with the cheap auto transport services, however it is important to note the fact that it is more difficult to find for an auto transport which can offer you the required services at some of the most best services at the most reasonable prices, it is important that the price at which they are offering you should fit your budget. Further it is important to ascertain the fact that you should be ready for the auto transport quotes for the international vehicle shipping are very much higher than the usual prices. Nevertheless it is important to understand the fact that if you follow the below listed you can get the service of car shipping service of a good quality at a quite affordable price.

Inquire about the different quotes and services of the auto transport of as many auto movers as possible. You can have the track of this information on the internet at the international auto shipper’s official sites, or you can even have the access to the information if you dial to any of the company’s toll free number or even to its call centre, the other option that you can have is to fill in the request form on the car mover’s official website and then after that the company will respond to you via an e-mail.

After this it is important that you pick out some of the auto shippers which suit the concerning services provided to you, it is important that you look in for the companies that offer you with the required type of services. Thus making a choice between the companies that you are looking for it is important that this list will help you to have a brief of the list of companies that you can select and you can also be aware of the list of the companies that do not cater to the needs of the company.

After this it is important to assess the fact that you should look in for the prices at which the companies offer their car transport services and do weed out the companies that are asking for an amount which is not reasonable on any of the grounds or the services which they offer does not match to requirements that you are looking for.

Finally after this it is important that you do a deep analysis of the quote at which they are offering and what are the kinds of services they are offering and what are the kinds of service and price combination at which they are offering. Do remember the fact that you select the auto transport company based on the different requirement of the service that you are expecting from the auto transport company. Further it is also important to assess the fact that the auto transport company should easily match in accordance with the financial and the economical aspects.


By joseph zelter
About the author:
Joseph Letzelter is the seo copywriter for vehicle shipping. He has written many articles like car transport, auto shipping, vehicle transport, vehicle shipping and more. For more information visit our site www.movetransport.com. Contact him at josephletzelter12@gmail.com

Article Source: http://www.Free-Articles-Zone.com

Overview of Vehicle Shipping

Auto transport as the term itself indicates its meaning. It means transporting of automobiles from one place to another through various means more over safely. Certain class of people has the habit of using their age old vehicles and would like to maintain them in the same form as they are. Hence they don’t prefer shifting or either transporting their vehicle. Another certain class of people is familiar with the wear and tear which occurs during vehicle transportation, while shifting they were forced to sell their vehicles in order to avoid such damages. With the advent of auto transport there was a great pause on these age old problems and this concept provided the clients with the solution of safer vehicle transport.

Vehicles are generally huge objects and they need considerable care in handling it as the owner of the vehicle will generally not with stand a minute scratch on his vehicle. Hence generally employers should make sure that he employs such people who can identify the worth of a particular car or any other vehicle to its owner and take the utmost level which is possible by him. The workers employed should be professionals and even if they are not they should be given adequate training so that the company can satisfy its clients by delivering the vehicles unharmed.

There is a high technological growth day by day. Hence auto transporters should make use of the latest technology possible in order to transport the vehicle in the best secured way.

Generally now-a -day’s car shipping is not herculean task still there are people who are still scared of shifting. As technology is booming day by day there is a growth in the technology used in activities of transportation such as car shipping, auto shipping, vehicle shipping and the like. People face difficulties when they shift from one country to another as generally the safety of cars is not guaranteed, but with the use of latest technology car shipping can be done in a much easier way.

The next aspect to be seen in auto shipping is time management. Time management means effective utilization of time. A customer cannot wait for months to get his vehicle shipped. He needs it as early as possible of course in a good condition. Hence effective time management is very much necessary. Almost all companies promises their clients for on date delivery but how many keep up their promises and deliver the vehicle promptly? Hence all companies should cultivate the habit of effective time management.

Companies should also give their clients advanced services of informing them about the advanced proceedings of their vehicles. This gives the customer a sense of belongingness. Hence vehicle shipping is no more a burden and has become a much easier task with the proper use of time and technology hand in hand.


By joseph zelter
About the author:
Joseph Letzelter is the seo copywriter for vehicle shipping. He has written many articles like auto transport, car shipping, auto transport, vehicle transport and more. For more information visit our site www.movetransport.com. Contact him at josephletzelter12@gmail.com

Article Source: http://www.Free-Articles-Zone.com

Kawasaki History

As with the story of many other motorcycle manufacturing companies, Kawasaki’s history began on entirely different lines. Although by 1949 they were producing engines that could be adapted for motorcycle use, the first real motorbike didn’t appear until 1954. Historically, the company had been involved in heavy industry, including the manufacture of aircraft, ships and trains.

The company’s first offerings were a 60cc two-stroke, and a150cc and 250cc four-stroke respectively, which were developed using German technology. Kawasaki and BMW had enjoyed a close relationship that stemmed from their days as aircraft builders. Meihatsu, a subsidiary of the Kawasaki Aircraft Company, gave its name to the first complete motorbike produced by the company. Around this time, an unsuccessful attempt was made to break into the scooter sector; the Fuji Rabbit and the Mitsubishi Silver Penguin proving too strong an opposition.

In 1960, the company signed a deal with the oldest motorcycle company in Japan, Meguro Motorcycles, whose fortunes had declined since being a major motorcycle manufacturer from their birth in 1937. Having once been regarded as ‘the senior make and king of four-strokes’, Meguro turned away from their British influence with disastrous results. By 1962, their name had disappeared.

Having initially produced low powered machines, Kawasaki, using the knowledge acquired from Meguro, turned their attention towards bigger bikes, and in 1966 produced the W1, a 650cc machine that was heavier and slower than its rivals, so enjoyed limited success. Lighter versions were developed in the shape of the 250cc Samurai and the 350cc A7 Avenger, but again, these machines didn’t capture the imagination of the public.

By 1969, Kawasaki were beginning to get things right, and the introduction of the 500cc H1 kick-started the company’s reputation of quality, high performance machines. Smaller versions were released; the 250cc and 350cc S1’s. A 748cc H2 became available in 1972 and stayed in production until the mid 70’s, when emission laws drew a curtain on the project.

The introduction of the Z1 in 1973, proved a milestone for Kawasaki. At first intended to have a 750cc power unit, the company eventually settled on a 903cc engine, after they had seen Honda reveal their CB750. The Z1, having great performance and a good price, became an instant success and soon became the Z900, with the Z1000 following hot on its heels.

In 1984, the introduction of the GPz900r caused quite a stir. This was in line with the company’s development of liquid cooled, DOHC, 16 valve, four cylinder engines. This power unit combined with a light, compact chassis would carry you across the first 400 metres of your journey in just over ten and a half seconds. It had a top speed of 250km/h and took the title of ‘The World’s Fastest Bike’. It was also named ‘Bike of the Year’ in 1984.

1984 also saw the introduction of Kawasaki’s first Cruiser, the Vulcan 750, whilst the 900cc Eliminator came along a year later, using the engine from the GPz900r. The CS250 (Casual Sports) appeared in the same year, featuring a liquid cooled, DOHC, single cylinder motor.

During the90’s, Japanese motorcycle manufacturers were in serious competition in the Superbike sector, and Kawasaki’s contribution was the 1052cc, ZZR-1100, a motorcycle that was to remain the fastest production bike for the next five years. Its power, combined with a strong frame and good suspension, made it a popular touring machine. In 2002, it was replaced by the ZZR-1200, which offered better handling. A ZZR-600 also entered the fray.

2002 saw the Ninja ZX-12R arrive with an aluminium, monocoque frame, and a 16 valve in line, four cylinder engine.

In 2003, the 638cc, ZX-6R replaced the 1995 version. This completely redesigned machine was all that a fast bike should be; quick and aggressive. The Z1000 appeared as a street bike in this same year. It seemed that Kawasaki was top of the tree.

Their motorcycle history has been relatively short, but Kawasaki have achieved more in that time than some manufacturers have done in a hundred years. It’s no surprise then, that owners stay loyal to the company and the product, as we all wait eagerly for the next exciting development o come along and blow our minds.


By Alan Liptrot
About the author:
Alan Liptrot is the founder of http://www.motorbike-tours.co.uk The Company offers guided motorcycle tours in Spain, Portugal and Morocco. We will guide you through the plains and mountains of Southern Europe and North Africa. The tours can be seen at http://www.motorbike-tours.co.uk/tour.htm

Article Source: http://www.Free-Articles-Zone.com

The Triumph of Triumph

History sometimes throws up some strange truths, no more so than that which tells us, that the most British of motorcycles owes its existence to a German. One Seigfried Bettmann, an immigrant from Nuremberg, began a company named the ‘S.Betmann & Co. Import Export Agency’ in London in 1884. As an ambitious 20 year old, Bettmann bought and sold bicycles and imported sewing machines from Germany. In 1886, when he changed the name of the company to the ‘Triumph Cycle Company’, a name synonymous with British bikes was born. A further name change along with financial backing from Dunlop a year later, saw the birth of the ‘New Triumph Co. Ltd’. Another significant development of that same year was the arrival of fellow countryman Moritz Schulte.

With encouragement and capital from Schulte, Bettman purchased a site in Coventry, and in 1889, began building the first bicycles to carry the Triumph badge, but it wasn’t until 1902 that the marquee was attached to a motorcycle. This first motorbike was in fact a bicycle fitted with a Belgian engine. In 1903, as production rose to more than 500 units, Triumph began building machines in their German factory. At the outset, the company built motorbikes based on models from other manufacturers, however, in 1904/5 Triumph came up with their own design which reached sales of 250.

When production topped 1,000, the company opened a larger factory and launched the ‘Gloria’ brand, aimed at the lower end of the market. At this time, a decision was made to rebrand the German made motorbikes as ‘Orial’. Unfortunately, ‘Orial’ already existed in France, so the company became ‘TWN’; ‘Triumph Werke Nurnberg’.

As so often happens, conflict brings dividends to some, and Triumph flourished during the First World War, supplying in excess of 30,000 units to the allies. It was at this time that the Model H Roadster gained its tag of ‘The Trusty Triumph’. The irony of two Germans producing the archetypal British motorbike to fight the Kaiser has been lost on many. After the war, Bettmann and Schulte couldn’t agree about the issue of car manufacture, and Schulte decided to leave the company. In 1920, the company bought the former Hillman car factory in Coventry, and by 1923 had produced the first car bearing the name of The Triumph Motor Company.

By the middle of the 20’s, the company had grown into one of the leading car and motorcycle producers in the country, with a capacity of 30,000 cars and motorcycles annually. However, the good times were about to end with the arrival of the Great Depression. The German arm became a separate company and continued producing TWN motorbikes until 1957. The bicycle manufacturing side of the company was sold to Raleigh in 1932, and Bettmann was under pressure. He retired in 1933.

In 1936, the car and motorcycle sectors were separated and became independent companies. The car division had always struggled to make a profit, and went bankrupt in 1939, finally being purchased by the Standard Motor Company. The motorcycle division found things easier, and after being acquired by Jack Sangster, the owner of the rival Ariel Company, began exporting machines to the USA. Sangster brought his design team with him, including Edward Turner, the designer of the 500cc Speed Twin, which became the bedrock for all Triumph twins until the 1980’s. Coventry remained the home of Triumph motorcycles until the Second World War, however, the city was all but destroyed by German bombing, and moved to a new plant at Meridan, West Midlands in 1942.

The post war years were Triumph’s Golden days, and the company received a huge fillip when Marlon Brando rode a Thunderbird 6T in the film ‘The Wild One’. In 1951, the company was sold to rivals BSA, with Sangster becoming a member of the BSA board. Eventually, he rose to the position of Chairman.

After struggling to compete with Japanese imports, the company’s fortunes declined, and after various changes in ownership, was acquired by former plasterer John Bloor in 1983. He was determined to keep the company alive, and preserve the title of ‘ The World’s Longest Continuous Production Motorcycle Manufacturer’. The new company was initially named ‘Bonneville Coventry Ltd.’. Spares manufacturer Lee Harris continued with production of the Triumph Bonneville until 1988. Triumph now produce a range of motorcycles that preserve the past model names, such as the Bonneville Twin.


By Alan Liptrot
About the author:
Alan Liptrot is the founder of http://www.motorbike-tours.co.uk The Company offers guided motorcycle tours in Spain, Portugal and Morocco. We will guide you through the plains and mountains of Southern Europe and North Africa. The tours can be seen at http://www.motorbike-tours.co.uk/tour.htm

Article Source: http://www.Free-Articles-Zone.com

Motorcycle Touring

Some riders like to travel alone, and if you can cope with the solitude, this has many advantages. You decide the route, the duration of the tour and you get out of bed when you please, be it early or late. If you’re heading down the motorway in France, see the sign for Spain and think ‘I’ll have some of that’, there’s no problem, you just do it. This once happened to me by the way; I ended up in Spain without really meaning to, and had a great time. On the other side of the coin, it can be a problem when things go wrong. A breakdown is always a headache, but if you’re alone it can prove very troublesome, especially if you have to leave your bike unattended. Another issue is illness; no one plans to be sick, but it can happen. Being sick is bad; being sick and alone in a foreign country is worse. Which brings us on to insurance; whether you are travelling alone or in a group, do the sensible thing, and make sure both you and your bike are covered.

Most people will be riding with a group, so there are a few things to consider at the planning stage. It is imperative that the route is decided before the start of the tour. Talk to each other and agree exactly where you are going, how many hours a day you will ride and how often you will stop. Do you have both fast and slow riders in your group? If you intend to stick together, you will need to reach a compromise, but don’t try and make slow riders go faster; that’s a sure fire recipe for trouble. Do your homework and know exactly where you are going to end each day, and where you will be sleeping, whether it be in a city hotel or a campsite. If you are staying in a city hotel, it could be a wise move to select one that has private, secure parking. Even if nothing happens to your bike parked on the street, you could spend a sleepless night worrying about it. A well organised, group tour can be a memorable occasion, but skimp on the planning and it may all end in tears.

When riding in a group, it’s your job to keep an eye on the bike in front of you, whilst occasionally checking the one behind. If you can, it’s a good idea to have communication between the lead and last bike, that way, if anything happens, the trail bike can contact the lead rider immediately. However, it’s important to keep a reasonable distance between bikes. Assuming that you’re going to travel within the specified speed limits, there are going to be other road users who will want to overtake. If you’re bunched up, an overtaking vehicle can cause serious problems if you have effectively created one elongated vehicle.

If you want to go on a motorcycle tour, can’t find anyone to go with and don’t fancy going it alone, an organised motorcycle tour with a reputable motorcycle tour company could be the answer. Gone are the worries of sourcing and booking accommodation, planning routes and finding places of interest. A good company will generally have a back up vehicle available to carry your luggage, along with other essentials such as water and first aid kit. They will meet you at a designated point; from there on, you hand over your luggage and enjoy the ride. All the hotels will have been pre-booked and places of interest checked out. Of course, it costs a little extra to do it this way, but it’s well worth it. You can so easily sail past an amazing place that lies a few short miles from the well worn path. A prime example of this is the Spanish Motorcycle Museum, which sits at the edge of the village of Hervas, a place no one would ever pass through to go anywhere. Many of the gems to be found on tour are off the beaten track, but hopefully, your tour operator will have researched the area and discovered them for you. The friendships forged on this type of tours can last a lifetime.

Whether you are going alone, with a group or on an organised tour, ride safely and sensibly and enjoy yourself. Look after your fellow riders, and they will in turn, take care of you. Once bitten by the touring bug, it’s very difficult to leave it alone, so here’s to many years of happy touring.

Did you know that you can get a free motorcycle ebook via the Motorbike-Tours.co.uk website?


By Alan Liptrot
About the author:
Alan Liptrot is the founder of http://www.motorbike-tours.co.uk The Company offers guided motorcycle tours in Spain, Portugal and Morocco. We will guide you through the plains and mountains of Southern Europe and North Africa. The tours can be seen at http://www.motorbike-tours.co.uk/tour.htm

Article Source: http://www.Free-Articles-Zone.com

Know more about Cruiser Bikes

Come summertime and the beaches will be crowded with adults and kids all having a good time. Bike riding at the beach is one of the most sought after activity. Biking at the beach is both fun as well as a great form of exercise. One of the most popular types of bikes nowadays is the cruisers.

Introduced in mid twentieth century, cruiser bikes are known by their extended handlebars, large seat, fenders and a front basket. As time passed a much lighter frame replaced the heavier one. In the present times we have cruiser bikes in much lighter frames which are equally sturdy and strong. They are available in stores as well as online in a vast range. These cruisers are mostly assembled and about 20% of it has to be done by you.

1. Cruiser bikes have broad tires which permit better riding on soft or shifty surfaces. They also have 3-speed shifting gears which allow you to maintain the same pace across different terrain.

2. The frames are made of steel which is strong and durable. This also ensures you a safe ride on your bike.

3. The seats are flat, broad and provide ample support. It is perfectly suited for both men and women.

4. They are available in trend-setting, elegant and stylish designs for people of all ages.

5. The unique feature of cruisers is its elongated frame which allows you to stretch your body. This gives you the freedom of movement and allows you to recline and relax yourself while you enjoy your ride.

6. Cruiser bikes are low-ride bikes which allow you to rest your feet on the ground. This makes it a lot easier for you if you are not so tall.

7. Modern day cruisers have the gears attached to the grips of the bike. This makes changing gears more convenient. You certainly don’t want to fumble for the gears while coming down a slope do you?

You can also enhance the look and utility of your bike with accessories such as rear or front racks, bottle holders, rear view mirrors, bells, etc. When you want your bike to be an extension of your persona, customization plays an important role. Most bike brands give you the option of customizing your bike to your choice. They come in exclusive detailing and graphics and you can also add on from your imagination. Keeping comfort, style and performance in mind, cruisers are bikes you should definitely experience.


By melville jackson
About the author:
Beachbikes.net sells well made stylish beach cruisers from major brands like Electra, Nirve, Schwinn, Felt, Kustom Kruisers, sixthreezero and more at prices that are affordable.

Article Source: http://www.Free-Articles-Zone.com