XJR/Yamaha Histories

Yamaha History

Yamaha's name can be traced back to 1889 and was founded by Torakusu Yamaha who set up the Yamaha Organ Manufacturing Company. In 1897 it became Nippon Gakki Ltd and manufactured a wide range of reed organs and pianos.

Nippon Gakki's first motorbike went on sale in 1955 and was named the 125 YA-1 Red Dragonfly. It was copied from the German DKW RT 125 and was a single cylinder 2 Stroke with 4 gears.  It was an outstanding success, this prompted the separation of the motor cycle part of the company from Nippon Gakki in July 1955 and the Yamaha Motor Company was formed.

The YA-1 received acclaim by winning two of Japan's biggest road races, the Mount Fuji climbing race and the Asama Volcano race. The high demand for the YA-1 led to the development of a whole series of two stroke singles and twins.

Having done very well on the home market, Yamaha's were exported to the USA in 1958 and then the UK in 1962.  The signing of the Anglo-Japanese trade agreement in 1962 allowed the sale of lightweight motorcycles and scooters in Britain.  At that time the competition between many motorcycle manufacturers in Japan had significantly reduced the numbers and by the end of the 60's only the big four, Yamaha, Kawasaki, Suzuki and Honda remained.

Yamaha Europe was founded in 1968 in Holland and originally set up for Marine products, it is now the official European Headquarters and distribution centre. Motorcycles are now built in Holland, Denmark, Norway, Italy, France, Spain and Portugal. Yamaha motorcycles are imported to the UK by the Yamaha Motor Company UK Ltd.

Based on technology derived from the motorcycle operation, they have produced Automobile and lightweight aircraft engines, marine engines, boats, generators, pumps, ATV's, snowmobiles, golf cars, industrial robots, lawnmowers, swimming pools and archery equipment.

XJR History

1995 - The XJR appears as a 1200cc 'Naked Retro Muscle Bike'. Although I have heard that it was on the market in Europe in 1994 (correct me if I am wrong). Colours available - Colours available - Dark Red or Black.

1996 - The only change in this years model was the relocation of the choke lever from on the Carburetors to the familiar position on the left hand control set. New control sets were added to accommodate this.  Colours available - again Dark Red and Black.

1997 - The starter clutch was modified. Colours available - Red, Black and Blue/Black.

1998 - There were the addition of new Brake and Clutch levers that incorporated span adjusters. Colours available -  Black and Metallic Grey.

1999 - Big changes with the introduction of the XJR 1300, the larger engine capacity gained through a 2 mm increase in bore size. The cylinder block was made from Aluminium and the bores were plated.  Front forks got preload adjustment, the new calipers were those from the R1.  There were a couple of cosmetic changes to the Rear light lens and the tailpiece and side panels. Colours available -  Black and Metallic Cyan.

2000 - No significant changes to the standard version.

2000 - Saw the first 1300 SP (Sports Production) Model. This was brought about through the French inventing an XJR race series for them. The SP cost around another £500 on top of the standard XJR.  It was basically the same as the standard version with a nice paint job and a new seat. The most significant and noticeable addition was of course the set of Ohlins rear shocks and the Gold side plates on the chain. Colours available - Red and Metallic Purplish Blue.

2001 - Saw no significant changes in either the standard or SP version, The standard version was available in either Black or Metallic Silver.  The SP version was available in either Yellow or Metallic Purplish Blue.

2002 - Saw the end of the Standard and SP models in favour of one model. The 2002 model has Ohlins shocks but no SP seat, gold chain or chromed horns. Larger 37mm carbs, changes to wheels and swingarm,  one piece yamaha brake calipers allround, different paint jobs and an overall saving of 6kg's in weight.  Available in , Blue, Black, Yellow and Silver.

2003 -No changes apart from a slightly different paint scheme (Graphics) and the Yamaha on the tank replaced with the round tuning fork logo. Available in Blue, Black and Yellow.

2004 - No major changes again apart from the fuel gauge being replaced with an LCD readout, the dash changes look and subtle changes to the Exhaust Silencers which now incorporate Catalytic Converters.  Seems to only be available in the Blue and Black