gp500.org

GP500 motorcycle windshields

The history of Yamaha Motorcycles

"I want to carry out trial manufacture of motorcycle engines." It was from these words spoken by Genichi Kawakami (Yamaha Motor's first president) in 1953, that today's Yamaha Motor Company was born.

"If you're going to do something, be the best."

Genichi Kawakami

Genichi Kawakami was the first son of Kaichi Kawakami, the third-generation president of Nippon Gakki (musical instruments and electronics; presently Yamaha Corporation). Genichi studied and graduated from Takachiho Higher Commercial School in March of 1934. In July of 1937, he was the second Kawakami to join the Nippon Gakki Company.

He quickly rose to positions of manager of the company's Tenryu Factory Company (musical instruments) and then Senior General Manager, before assuming the position of fourth-generation President in 1950 at the young age of 38.

In 1953, Genichi was looking for a way to make use of idle machining equipment that had previously been used to make aircraft propellers. Looking back on the founding of Yamaha Motor Company, Genichi had this to say. "While the company was performing well and had some financial leeway, I felt the need to look for our next area of business. So, I did some research." He explored producing many products, including sewing machines, auto parts, scooters, three-wheeled utility vehicles, and…motorcycles. Market and competitive factors led him to focus on the motorcycle market. Genichi actually visited the United States many times during this period.

When asked about this decision, he said, "I had my research division chief and other managers visit leading motorcycle factories around the country. They came back and told me there was still plenty of opportunity, even if we were entering the market late. I didn't want to be completely unprepared in this unfamiliar business so we toured to German factories before setting out to build our first 125cc bike. I joined in this tour around Europe during which my chief engineers learned how to build motorbikes. We did as much research as possible to insure that we could build a bike as good as any out there. Once we had that confidence, we started going."

The first Yamaha motorcycle... the YA-1.

"If you are going to make it, make it the very best there is." With these words as their motto, the development team poured all their energies into building the first prototype, and ten months later in August of 1954 the first model was complete. It was the Yamaha YA-1. The bike was powered by an air-cooled, 2-stroke, single cylinder 125cc engine. Once finished, it was put through an unprecedented 10,000 km endurance test to ensure that its quality was top-class. This was destined to be the first crystallization of what has now become a long tradition of Yamaha creativity and an inexhaustible spirit of challenge.

Then, in January of 1955 the Hamakita Factory of Nippon Gakki was built and production began on the YA-1. With confidence in the new direction that Genichi was taking, Yamaha Motor Co., Ltd. was founded on July 1, 1955. Staffed by 274 enthusiastic employees, the new motorcycle manufacturer built about 200 units per month.

That same year, Yamaha entered its new YA-1 in the two biggest race events in Japan. They were the 3rd Mt. Fuji Ascent Race and the 1st Asama Highlands Race. In these debut races Yamaha won the 125cc class. And, the following year the YA-1 won again in both the Light and Ultra-light classes of the Asama Highlands Race.

By 1956, a second model was ready for production. This was the YC1, a 175cc single cylinder two-stroke. In 1957 Yamaha began production of its first 250cc, two-stroke twin, the YD1.

The first Yamaha to compete in America (1957).

Based on Genichi's firm belief that a product isn't a product until it can hold it's own around the world, in 1958 Yamaha became the first Japanese maker to venture into the international race arena. The result was an impressive 6th place in the Catalina Grand Prix race in the USA. News of this achievement won immediate recognition for the high level of Yamaha technology not only in Japan but among American race fans, as well. This was only the start, however.

Yamaha took quick action using the momentum gained in the USA and began marketing their motorcycles through an independent distributor in California. In 1958, Cooper Motors began selling the YD-1 250 and the MF-1 (50cc, two-stroke, single cylinder, step through street bike). Then in 1960, Yamaha International Corporation began selling motorcycles in the USA through dealers.

With the overseas experiences under his belt, in 1960, Genichi then turned his attention to the Marine industry and the production of the first Yamaha boats and outboard motors. This was the beginning of an aggressive expansion into new fields utilizing the new engines and FRP (fiberglass reinforced plastic) technologies. The first watercraft model was the CAT-21, followed by the RUN-13 and the P-7 123cc outboard motor.

In 1963, Yamaha demonstrated its focus on cutting-edge, technological innovations by developing the Autolube System. This landmark solution was a separate oil injection system for two-stroke models, eliminating the inconvenience of pre-mixing fuel and oil.

Yamaha was building a strong reputation as a superior manufacturer which was reflected in its first project carried out in the new Iwata, Japan Plant, built in 1966. (The YMC headquarters was moved to Iwata in 1972.) Toyota and Yamaha teamed up to produce the highly regarded Toyota 2000 GT sports car. This very limited edition vehicle, still admired for its performance and craftsmanship, created a sensation among enthusiast in Japan and abroad.

Genichi said, "I believe that the most important thing when building a product is to always keep in mind the standpoint of the people who will use it." An example of the commitment to "walking in the customers' shoes" was the move in 1966 by Yamaha to continue its expansion. Overseas motorcycle manufacturing was established in Thailand and Mexico. In 1968, the globalization continued with Brazil and the Netherlands. With manufacturing bases, distributors and R&D operations in a market, Yamaha could be involved in grassroots efforts to build products that truly met the needs of each market by respecting and valuing the distinct national sensibilities and customs of each country. Yamaha continues that tradition, today.

By the late 1960s, Yamaha had quality products that had proven themselves in the global marketplace based on superior performance and innovation. Distribution and product diversity were on the right track. But Genichi knew that beyond quality, success would demand more. He had this view on the power of original ideas. "In the future, a company's future will hinge on ideas over and above quality. Products that have no character, nothing unique about them, will not sell no matter how well made or affordable…and that would spell doom for any company."

He also knew that forward vision, walking hand in hand with original ideas, would create an opportunity for the company and its customers that could mean years of happiness and memorable experiences. Genichi said, "In the business world today, so many people are obsessed with figures. They become fixated on the numbers of the minute and without them are too afraid to do any real work. But in fact, every situation is in flux from moment to moment, developing with a natural flow. Unless one reads that flow, it is impossible to start out in a new field of business."

A real-world illustration of this belief is the Yamaha DT-1. The world's first true off-road motorcycle debuted in 1968 to create an entirely new genre we know today as trail bikes. The DT-1 made a huge impact on motorcycling in the USA because it was truly dirt worthy. Yamaha definitely "read the flow" when it produced

"Make every challenge an opportunity."

Genichi Kawakami

the 250cc, single cylinder, 2-stroke, Enduro that put Yamaha On/Off-Road motorcycles on the map in the USA. The DT-1 exemplified the power of original ideas, forward vision, and quick action coupled with keeping in mind the customers' desires.

In years to come Yamaha continued to grow (and continues to this day). Diversity increased with the addition of products including snowmobiles, race kart engines, generators, scooters, ATVs, personal watercraft and more.

Genichi Kawakami set the stage for Yamaha Motor Company's success with his vision and philosophies. Total honesty towards the customer and making products that hold their own enables the company that serves people in thirty-three countries, to provide an improved lifestyle through exceptional quality, high performance products.

Yamaha Motor Corporation, USA Cypress, California

Genichi Kawakami's history with Yamaha was long and rich. He saw the new corporate headquarters in Cypress, California and the 25th Anniversary of Yamaha become a reality in 1980. He also watched bike #20 million roll off the assembly line in 1982. Genichi passed away on May 25, 2002 yet his vision lives on through the people and products of Yamaha, throughout the world.

History Timeline of Yamaha (USA)

Year Yamaha Motor Origin

1955

The first Yamaha motorized product was the YA-1 Motorcycle (125cc, 2-stroke, single cylinder, streetbike). It was produced and sold in Japan.

Year USA History

1958 The first Yamaha Motorcycles sold in the USA were by Cooper Motors, an independent distributor. The models were the YD1 (250cc, 2-stroke, twin cylinder, streetbike) and MF-1 (50cc, 2-stroke, single cylinder, streetbike, step-through).

1960 Yamaha International Corporation began selling motorcycles in the USA.

1968

The DT-1 Enduro was introduced. The world's first dual purpose motorcycle which had on & off-road capability. Its impact on Motorcycling in the USA was enormous.

Yamaha's first Snowmobile, the SL350 (2-stroke, twin cylinder) was introduced. This was the first Snowmobile with slide valve carburetors.

1970

Yamaha’s first 4-stroke motorcycle model, the XS-1 (650cc vertical twin) was introduced.

1971

The SR433 high performance Snowmobile was introduced.

1973 Yamaha continued expansion into new markets by introducing Generators (ET1200).

1975

Yamaha pioneered the very first single-shock, production motocross bikes. This was the beginning of the YZ Monocross machines that changed motocross forever.

1976 The legendary SRX440 snowmobile hits the market and quickly catapults Yamaha to the forefront of the snowmobile racing scene.

1977

Yamaha Motor Corporation, USA, was founded in order to better appeal to the American market and establish a separate identity (from music & electronics) for Yamaha motorized products.

1978

The XS1100 motorcycle (four cylinder, shaft drive) was introduced.

XS650 Special was introduced. This was the first production Cruiser built by a Japanese manufacturer.

Golf Cars were introduced in the USA with the G1 gas model.

1979

YICS (Yamaha Induction Control System), a fuel-saving engine system, was developed for 4-stroke engines.

1980

The new Yamaha Motor Corporation, USA, corporate office was opened in Cypress, California.

The first 3-wheel ATV was sold in USA… the Tri-Moto (YT125).

The G1-E electric powered Golf Car model was introduced.

1981

The first air-cooled, V-twin cruiser, the Virago 750, was introduced.

1984

The first production 5-valve per cylinder engine was introduced on the FZ750 motorcycle.

Yamaha’s first 4-wheel ATV, the YFM200, was introduced in the USA.

The Phazer snowmobile was introduced. Known for its light weight and agile handling.

Yamaha begins marketing Outboard Motors in the USA.

1985

The V-Max 1200 musclebike hits the streets.

1986

Yamaha Motor Manufacturing Corporation of America was founded in Newnan, Georgia.

1987

A new exhaust system for 4-stroke engines, “EXUP,” was developed to provide higher horsepower output throughout an engine's powerband.

Yamaha introduces personal watercraft...the sit-down WaveRunner and the stand-up WaveJammer.

Yamaha Motor Manufacturing Company begins Golf Car and Water Vehicle production for USA and overseas markets.

1992

The Vmax-4 Snowmobile (2-stroke, four cylinder) was introduced.

1994

Yamaha expands its product offerings by acquiring the Cobia boat company.

1995

The Century and Skeeter boat companies are acquired by Yamaha.

1996

Yamaha introduces its first Star model with the 1300cc, V4 Royal Star.

Tennessee Watercraft produces Sport Boats and later, the SUV WaveRunner.

1997

Yamaha acquires the G3 boat company.

At the Newnan, Georgia, manufacturing facility, the first ATV (the BearTracker) rolls off the assembly line.

Yamaha opens southeastern offices in Kennesaw, Georgia.

1998

The YZ400F four-stroke motocross bike was introduced. This was the first mass produced 4-stroke motocrosser.

The YZF-R1 sport bike was introduced. It set the standard for open class sport bikes for several years.

The Grizzly 600 4x4 ATV with Ultramatic transmission was introduced.

The EF2800i generator with Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) was introduced. PMW allows use with equipment that requires stable frequency and voltage.

2000

The Buckmaster® Edition Big Bear 400 4x4 was introduced. This was the first ATV with camouflage bodywork.

2002

The F225 Outboard was introduced. It was the largest 4-stroke Outboard at the time.

The FX140 WaveRunner (1000cc, 4-stroke, four cylinder) was introduced. The world's first high performance 4-stroke personal watercraft.

2003

The RX-1 Snowmbile (1000cc, 4-stroke, four cylinder) was introduced. The world's first high performance 4-stroke Snowmobile.

2004 Rhino Side x Side model introduced. Combined performance, terrainability, utility capabilities, and take-along-a-friend convenience to lead the way in a new category of off-road recreation.

FBI Stolen motorcycles

gp500.org/FBI_stolen_motorcycles.html

Motorcycles VIN Decoder

gp500.org/VIN_Decoder.html

gp500.org

GP500 motorcycle windshields

GP500.Org Part # 22600 Yamaha motorcycle windshields

The history of Yamaha Motorcycles

"I want to carry out trial manufacture of motorcycle engines." It was from these words spoken by Genichi Kawakami (Yamaha Motor's first president) in 1953, that today's Yamaha Motor Company was born.

"If you're going to do something, be the best."

Genichi Kawakami

Genichi Kawakami was the first son of Kaichi Kawakami, the third-generation president of Nippon Gakki (musical instruments and electronics; presently Yamaha Corporation). Genichi studied and graduated from Takachiho Higher Commercial School in March of 1934. In July of 1937, he was the second Kawakami to join the Nippon Gakki Company.

He quickly rose to positions of manager of the company's Tenryu Factory Company (musical instruments) and then Senior General Manager, before assuming the position of fourth-generation President in 1950 at the young age of 38.

In 1953, Genichi was looking for a way to make use of idle machining equipment that had previously been used to make aircraft propellers. Looking back on the founding of Yamaha Motor Company, Genichi had this to say. "While the company was performing well and had some financial leeway, I felt the need to look for our next area of business. So, I did some research." He explored producing many products, including sewing machines, auto parts, scooters, three-wheeled utility vehicles, and…motorcycles. Market and competitive factors led him to focus on the motorcycle market. Genichi actually visited the United States many times during this period.

When asked about this decision, he said, "I had my research division chief and other managers visit leading motorcycle factories around the country. They came back and told me there was still plenty of opportunity, even if we were entering the market late. I didn't want to be completely unprepared in this unfamiliar business so we toured to German factories before setting out to build our first 125cc bike. I joined in this tour around Europe during which my chief engineers learned how to build motorbikes. We did as much research as possible to insure that we could build a bike as good as any out there. Once we had that confidence, we started going."

The first Yamaha motorcycle... the YA-1.

"If you are going to make it, make it the very best there is." With these words as their motto, the development team poured all their energies into building the first prototype, and ten months later in August of 1954 the first model was complete. It was the Yamaha YA-1. The bike was powered by an air-cooled, 2-stroke, single cylinder 125cc engine. Once finished, it was put through an unprecedented 10,000 km endurance test to ensure that its quality was top-class. This was destined to be the first crystallization of what has now become a long tradition of Yamaha creativity and an inexhaustible spirit of challenge.

Then, in January of 1955 the Hamakita Factory of Nippon Gakki was built and production began on the YA-1. With confidence in the new direction that Genichi was taking, Yamaha Motor Co., Ltd. was founded on July 1, 1955. Staffed by 274 enthusiastic employees, the new motorcycle manufacturer built about 200 units per month.

That same year, Yamaha entered its new YA-1 in the two biggest race events in Japan. They were the 3rd Mt. Fuji Ascent Race and the 1st Asama Highlands Race. In these debut races Yamaha won the 125cc class. And, the following year the YA-1 won again in both the Light and Ultra-light classes of the Asama Highlands Race.

By 1956, a second model was ready for production. This was the YC1, a 175cc single cylinder two-stroke. In 1957 Yamaha began production of its first 250cc, two-stroke twin, the YD1.

The first Yamaha to compete in America (1957).

Based on Genichi's firm belief that a product isn't a product until it can hold it's own around the world, in 1958 Yamaha became the first Japanese maker to venture into the international race arena. The result was an impressive 6th place in the Catalina Grand Prix race in the USA. News of this achievement won immediate recognition for the high level of Yamaha technology not only in Japan but among American race fans, as well. This was only the start, however.

Yamaha took quick action using the momentum gained in the USA and began marketing their motorcycles through an independent distributor in California. In 1958, Cooper Motors began selling the YD-1 250 and the MF-1 (50cc, two-stroke, single cylinder, step through street bike). Then in 1960, Yamaha International Corporation began selling motorcycles in the USA through dealers.

With the overseas experiences under his belt, in 1960, Genichi then turned his attention to the Marine industry and the production of the first Yamaha boats and outboard motors. This was the beginning of an aggressive expansion into new fields utilizing the new engines and FRP (fiberglass reinforced plastic) technologies. The first watercraft model was the CAT-21, followed by the RUN-13 and the P-7 123cc outboard motor.

In 1963, Yamaha demonstrated its focus on cutting-edge, technological innovations by developing the Autolube System. This landmark solution was a separate oil injection system for two-stroke models, eliminating the inconvenience of pre-mixing fuel and oil.

Yamaha was building a strong reputation as a superior manufacturer which was reflected in its first project carried out in the new Iwata, Japan Plant, built in 1966. (The YMC headquarters was moved to Iwata in 1972.) Toyota and Yamaha teamed up to produce the highly regarded Toyota 2000 GT sports car. This very limited edition vehicle, still admired for its performance and craftsmanship, created a sensation among enthusiast in Japan and abroad.

Genichi said, "I believe that the most important thing when building a product is to always keep in mind the standpoint of the people who will use it." An example of the commitment to "walking in the customers' shoes" was the move in 1966 by Yamaha to continue its expansion. Overseas motorcycle manufacturing was established in Thailand and Mexico. In 1968, the globalization continued with Brazil and the Netherlands. With manufacturing bases, distributors and R&D operations in a market, Yamaha could be involved in grassroots efforts to build products that truly met the needs of each market by respecting and valuing the distinct national sensibilities and customs of each country. Yamaha continues that tradition, today.

By the late 1960s, Yamaha had quality products that had proven themselves in the global marketplace based on superior performance and innovation. Distribution and product diversity were on the right track. But Genichi knew that beyond quality, success would demand more. He had this view on the power of original ideas. "In the future, a company's future will hinge on ideas over and above quality. Products that have no character, nothing unique about them, will not sell no matter how well made or affordable…and that would spell doom for any company."

He also knew that forward vision, walking hand in hand with original ideas, would create an opportunity for the company and its customers that could mean years of happiness and memorable experiences. Genichi said, "In the business world today, so many people are obsessed with figures. They become fixated on the numbers of the minute and without them are too afraid to do any real work. But in fact, every situation is in flux from moment to moment, developing with a natural flow. Unless one reads that flow, it is impossible to start out in a new field of business."

A real-world illustration of this belief is the Yamaha DT-1. The world's first true off-road motorcycle debuted in 1968 to create an entirely new genre we know today as trail bikes. The DT-1 made a huge impact on motorcycling in the USA because it was truly dirt worthy. Yamaha definitely "read the flow" when it produced

"Make every challenge an opportunity."

Genichi Kawakami

the 250cc, single cylinder, 2-stroke, Enduro that put Yamaha On/Off-Road motorcycles on the map in the USA. The DT-1 exemplified the power of original ideas, forward vision, and quick action coupled with keeping in mind the customers' desires.

In years to come Yamaha continued to grow (and continues to this day). Diversity increased with the addition of products including snowmobiles, race kart engines, generators, scooters, ATVs, personal watercraft and more.

Genichi Kawakami set the stage for Yamaha Motor Company's success with his vision and philosophies. Total honesty towards the customer and making products that hold their own enables the company that serves people in thirty-three countries, to provide an improved lifestyle through exceptional quality, high performance products.

Yamaha Motor Corporation, USA Cypress, California

Genichi Kawakami's history with Yamaha was long and rich. He saw the new corporate headquarters in Cypress, California and the 25th Anniversary of Yamaha become a reality in 1980. He also watched bike #20 million roll off the assembly line in 1982. Genichi passed away on May 25, 2002 yet his vision lives on through the people and products of Yamaha, throughout the world.

History Timeline of Yamaha (USA)

Year Yamaha Motor Origin

1955

The first Yamaha motorized product was the YA-1 Motorcycle (125cc, 2-stroke, single cylinder, streetbike). It was produced and sold in Japan.

Year USA History

1958 The first Yamaha Motorcycles sold in the USA were by Cooper Motors, an independent distributor. The models were the YD1 (250cc, 2-stroke, twin cylinder, streetbike) and MF-1 (50cc, 2-stroke, single cylinder, streetbike, step-through).

1960 Yamaha International Corporation began selling motorcycles in the USA.

1968

The DT-1 Enduro was introduced. The world's first dual purpose motorcycle which had on & off-road capability. Its impact on Motorcycling in the USA was enormous.

Yamaha's first Snowmobile, the SL350 (2-stroke, twin cylinder) was introduced. This was the first Snowmobile with slide valve carburetors.

1970

Yamaha’s first 4-stroke motorcycle model, the XS-1 (650cc vertical twin) was introduced.

1971

The SR433 high performance Snowmobile was introduced.

1973 Yamaha continued expansion into new markets by introducing Generators (ET1200).

1975

Yamaha pioneered the very first single-shock, production motocross bikes. This was the beginning of the YZ Monocross machines that changed motocross forever.

1976 The legendary SRX440 snowmobile hits the market and quickly catapults Yamaha to the forefront of the snowmobile racing scene.

1977

Yamaha Motor Corporation, USA, was founded in order to better appeal to the American market and establish a separate identity (from music & electronics) for Yamaha motorized products.

1978

The XS1100 motorcycle (four cylinder, shaft drive) was introduced.

XS650 Special was introduced. This was the first production Cruiser built by a Japanese manufacturer.

Golf Cars were introduced in the USA with the G1 gas model.

1979

YICS (Yamaha Induction Control System), a fuel-saving engine system, was developed for 4-stroke engines.

1980

The new Yamaha Motor Corporation, USA, corporate office was opened in Cypress, California.

The first 3-wheel ATV was sold in USA… the Tri-Moto (YT125).

The G1-E electric powered Golf Car model was introduced.

1981

The first air-cooled, V-twin cruiser, the Virago 750, was introduced.

1984

The first production 5-valve per cylinder engine was introduced on the FZ750 motorcycle.

Yamaha’s first 4-wheel ATV, the YFM200, was introduced in the USA.

The Phazer snowmobile was introduced. Known for its light weight and agile handling.

Yamaha begins marketing Outboard Motors in the USA.

1985

The V-Max 1200 musclebike hits the streets.

1986

Yamaha Motor Manufacturing Corporation of America was founded in Newnan, Georgia.

1987

A new exhaust system for 4-stroke engines, “EXUP,” was developed to provide higher horsepower output throughout an engine's powerband.

Yamaha introduces personal watercraft...the sit-down WaveRunner and the stand-up WaveJammer.

Yamaha Motor Manufacturing Company begins Golf Car and Water Vehicle production for USA and overseas markets.

1992

The Vmax-4 Snowmobile (2-stroke, four cylinder) was introduced.

1994

Yamaha expands its product offerings by acquiring the Cobia boat company.

1995

The Century and Skeeter boat companies are acquired by Yamaha.

1996

Yamaha introduces its first Star model with the 1300cc, V4 Royal Star.

Tennessee Watercraft produces Sport Boats and later, the SUV WaveRunner.

1997

Yamaha acquires the G3 boat company.

At the Newnan, Georgia, manufacturing facility, the first ATV (the BearTracker) rolls off the assembly line.

Yamaha opens southeastern offices in Kennesaw, Georgia.

1998

The YZ400F four-stroke motocross bike was introduced. This was the first mass produced 4-stroke motocrosser.

The YZF-R1 sport bike was introduced. It set the standard for open class sport bikes for several years.

The Grizzly 600 4x4 ATV with Ultramatic transmission was introduced.

The EF2800i generator with Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) was introduced. PMW allows use with equipment that requires stable frequency and voltage.

2000

The Buckmaster® Edition Big Bear 400 4x4 was introduced. This was the first ATV with camouflage bodywork.

2002

The F225 Outboard was introduced. It was the largest 4-stroke Outboard at the time.

The FX140 WaveRunner (1000cc, 4-stroke, four cylinder) was introduced. The world's first high performance 4-stroke personal watercraft.

2003

The RX-1 Snowmbile (1000cc, 4-stroke, four cylinder) was introduced. The world's first high performance 4-stroke Snowmobile.

2004 Rhino Side x Side model introduced. Combined performance, terrainability, utility capabilities, and take-along-a-friend convenience to lead the way in a new category of off-road recreation.

FBI Stolen motorcycles

gp500.org/FBI_stolen_motorcycles.html

Motorcycles VIN Decoder

gp500.org/VIN_Decoder.html

GP500.Org Part # 22900 Yamaha motorcycle windshields

gp500.org

GP500 motorcycle windshields

The history of Yamaha Motorcycles

"I want to carry out trial manufacture of motorcycle engines." It was from these words spoken by Genichi Kawakami (Yamaha Motor's first president) in 1953, that today's Yamaha Motor Company was born.

"If you're going to do something, be the best."

Genichi Kawakami

Genichi Kawakami was the first son of Kaichi Kawakami, the third-generation president of Nippon Gakki (musical instruments and electronics; presently Yamaha Corporation). Genichi studied and graduated from Takachiho Higher Commercial School in March of 1934. In July of 1937, he was the second Kawakami to join the Nippon Gakki Company.

He quickly rose to positions of manager of the company's Tenryu Factory Company (musical instruments) and then Senior General Manager, before assuming the position of fourth-generation President in 1950 at the young age of 38.

In 1953, Genichi was looking for a way to make use of idle machining equipment that had previously been used to make aircraft propellers. Looking back on the founding of Yamaha Motor Company, Genichi had this to say. "While the company was performing well and had some financial leeway, I felt the need to look for our next area of business. So, I did some research." He explored producing many products, including sewing machines, auto parts, scooters, three-wheeled utility vehicles, and…motorcycles. Market and competitive factors led him to focus on the motorcycle market. Genichi actually visited the United States many times during this period.

When asked about this decision, he said, "I had my research division chief and other managers visit leading motorcycle factories around the country. They came back and told me there was still plenty of opportunity, even if we were entering the market late. I didn't want to be completely unprepared in this unfamiliar business so we toured to German factories before setting out to build our first 125cc bike. I joined in this tour around Europe during which my chief engineers learned how to build motorbikes. We did as much research as possible to insure that we could build a bike as good as any out there. Once we had that confidence, we started going."

The first Yamaha motorcycle... the YA-1.

"If you are going to make it, make it the very best there is." With these words as their motto, the development team poured all their energies into building the first prototype, and ten months later in August of 1954 the first model was complete. It was the Yamaha YA-1. The bike was powered by an air-cooled, 2-stroke, single cylinder 125cc engine. Once finished, it was put through an unprecedented 10,000 km endurance test to ensure that its quality was top-class. This was destined to be the first crystallization of what has now become a long tradition of Yamaha creativity and an inexhaustible spirit of challenge.

Then, in January of 1955 the Hamakita Factory of Nippon Gakki was built and production began on the YA-1. With confidence in the new direction that Genichi was taking, Yamaha Motor Co., Ltd. was founded on July 1, 1955. Staffed by 274 enthusiastic employees, the new motorcycle manufacturer built about 200 units per month.

That same year, Yamaha entered its new YA-1 in the two biggest race events in Japan. They were the 3rd Mt. Fuji Ascent Race and the 1st Asama Highlands Race. In these debut races Yamaha won the 125cc class. And, the following year the YA-1 won again in both the Light and Ultra-light classes of the Asama Highlands Race.

By 1956, a second model was ready for production. This was the YC1, a 175cc single cylinder two-stroke. In 1957 Yamaha began production of its first 250cc, two-stroke twin, the YD1.

The first Yamaha to compete in America (1957).

Based on Genichi's firm belief that a product isn't a product until it can hold it's own around the world, in 1958 Yamaha became the first Japanese maker to venture into the international race arena. The result was an impressive 6th place in the Catalina Grand Prix race in the USA. News of this achievement won immediate recognition for the high level of Yamaha technology not only in Japan but among American race fans, as well. This was only the start, however.

Yamaha took quick action using the momentum gained in the USA and began marketing their motorcycles through an independent distributor in California. In 1958, Cooper Motors began selling the YD-1 250 and the MF-1 (50cc, two-stroke, single cylinder, step through street bike). Then in 1960, Yamaha International Corporation began selling motorcycles in the USA through dealers.

With the overseas experiences under his belt, in 1960, Genichi then turned his attention to the Marine industry and the production of the first Yamaha boats and outboard motors. This was the beginning of an aggressive expansion into new fields utilizing the new engines and FRP (fiberglass reinforced plastic) technologies. The first watercraft model was the CAT-21, followed by the RUN-13 and the P-7 123cc outboard motor.

In 1963, Yamaha demonstrated its focus on cutting-edge, technological innovations by developing the Autolube System. This landmark solution was a separate oil injection system for two-stroke models, eliminating the inconvenience of pre-mixing fuel and oil.

Yamaha was building a strong reputation as a superior manufacturer which was reflected in its first project carried out in the new Iwata, Japan Plant, built in 1966. (The YMC headquarters was moved to Iwata in 1972.) Toyota and Yamaha teamed up to produce the highly regarded Toyota 2000 GT sports car. This very limited edition vehicle, still admired for its performance and craftsmanship, created a sensation among enthusiast in Japan and abroad.

Genichi said, "I believe that the most important thing when building a product is to always keep in mind the standpoint of the people who will use it." An example of the commitment to "walking in the customers' shoes" was the move in 1966 by Yamaha to continue its expansion. Overseas motorcycle manufacturing was established in Thailand and Mexico. In 1968, the globalization continued with Brazil and the Netherlands. With manufacturing bases, distributors and R&D operations in a market, Yamaha could be involved in grassroots efforts to build products that truly met the needs of each market by respecting and valuing the distinct national sensibilities and customs of each country. Yamaha continues that tradition, today.

By the late 1960s, Yamaha had quality products that had proven themselves in the global marketplace based on superior performance and innovation. Distribution and product diversity were on the right track. But Genichi knew that beyond quality, success would demand more. He had this view on the power of original ideas. "In the future, a company's future will hinge on ideas over and above quality. Products that have no character, nothing unique about them, will not sell no matter how well made or affordable…and that would spell doom for any company."

He also knew that forward vision, walking hand in hand with original ideas, would create an opportunity for the company and its customers that could mean years of happiness and memorable experiences. Genichi said, "In the business world today, so many people are obsessed with figures. They become fixated on the numbers of the minute and without them are too afraid to do any real work. But in fact, every situation is in flux from moment to moment, developing with a natural flow. Unless one reads that flow, it is impossible to start out in a new field of business."

A real-world illustration of this belief is the Yamaha DT-1. The world's first true off-road motorcycle debuted in 1968 to create an entirely new genre we know today as trail bikes. The DT-1 made a huge impact on motorcycling in the USA because it was truly dirt worthy. Yamaha definitely "read the flow" when it produced

"Make every challenge an opportunity."

Genichi Kawakami

the 250cc, single cylinder, 2-stroke, Enduro that put Yamaha On/Off-Road motorcycles on the map in the USA. The DT-1 exemplified the power of original ideas, forward vision, and quick action coupled with keeping in mind the customers' desires.

In years to come Yamaha continued to grow (and continues to this day). Diversity increased with the addition of products including snowmobiles, race kart engines, generators, scooters, ATVs, personal watercraft and more.

Genichi Kawakami set the stage for Yamaha Motor Company's success with his vision and philosophies. Total honesty towards the customer and making products that hold their own enables the company that serves people in thirty-three countries, to provide an improved lifestyle through exceptional quality, high performance products.

Yamaha Motor Corporation, USA Cypress, California

Genichi Kawakami's history with Yamaha was long and rich. He saw the new corporate headquarters in Cypress, California and the 25th Anniversary of Yamaha become a reality in 1980. He also watched bike #20 million roll off the assembly line in 1982. Genichi passed away on May 25, 2002 yet his vision lives on through the people and products of Yamaha, throughout the world.

History Timeline of Yamaha (USA)

Year Yamaha Motor Origin

1955

The first Yamaha motorized product was the YA-1 Motorcycle (125cc, 2-stroke, single cylinder, streetbike). It was produced and sold in Japan.

Year USA History

1958 The first Yamaha Motorcycles sold in the USA were by Cooper Motors, an independent distributor. The models were the YD1 (250cc, 2-stroke, twin cylinder, streetbike) and MF-1 (50cc, 2-stroke, single cylinder, streetbike, step-through).

1960 Yamaha International Corporation began selling motorcycles in the USA.

1968

The DT-1 Enduro was introduced. The world's first dual purpose motorcycle which had on & off-road capability. Its impact on Motorcycling in the USA was enormous.

Yamaha's first Snowmobile, the SL350 (2-stroke, twin cylinder) was introduced. This was the first Snowmobile with slide valve carburetors.

1970

Yamaha’s first 4-stroke motorcycle model, the XS-1 (650cc vertical twin) was introduced.

1971

The SR433 high performance Snowmobile was introduced.

1973 Yamaha continued expansion into new markets by introducing Generators (ET1200).

1975

Yamaha pioneered the very first single-shock, production motocross bikes. This was the beginning of the YZ Monocross machines that changed motocross forever.

1976 The legendary SRX440 snowmobile hits the market and quickly catapults Yamaha to the forefront of the snowmobile racing scene.

1977

Yamaha Motor Corporation, USA, was founded in order to better appeal to the American market and establish a separate identity (from music & electronics) for Yamaha motorized products.

1978

The XS1100 motorcycle (four cylinder, shaft drive) was introduced.

XS650 Special was introduced. This was the first production Cruiser built by a Japanese manufacturer.

Golf Cars were introduced in the USA with the G1 gas model.

1979

YICS (Yamaha Induction Control System), a fuel-saving engine system, was developed for 4-stroke engines.

1980

The new Yamaha Motor Corporation, USA, corporate office was opened in Cypress, California.

The first 3-wheel ATV was sold in USA… the Tri-Moto (YT125).

The G1-E electric powered Golf Car model was introduced.

1981

The first air-cooled, V-twin cruiser, the Virago 750, was introduced.

1984

The first production 5-valve per cylinder engine was introduced on the FZ750 motorcycle.

Yamaha’s first 4-wheel ATV, the YFM200, was introduced in the USA.

The Phazer snowmobile was introduced. Known for its light weight and agile handling.

Yamaha begins marketing Outboard Motors in the USA.

1985

The V-Max 1200 musclebike hits the streets.

1986

Yamaha Motor Manufacturing Corporation of America was founded in Newnan, Georgia.

1987

A new exhaust system for 4-stroke engines, “EXUP,” was developed to provide higher horsepower output throughout an engine's powerband.

Yamaha introduces personal watercraft...the sit-down WaveRunner and the stand-up WaveJammer.

Yamaha Motor Manufacturing Company begins Golf Car and Water Vehicle production for USA and overseas markets.

1992

The Vmax-4 Snowmobile (2-stroke, four cylinder) was introduced.

1994

Yamaha expands its product offerings by acquiring the Cobia boat company.

1995

The Century and Skeeter boat companies are acquired by Yamaha.

1996

Yamaha introduces its first Star model with the 1300cc, V4 Royal Star.

Tennessee Watercraft produces Sport Boats and later, the SUV WaveRunner.

1997

Yamaha acquires the G3 boat company.

At the Newnan, Georgia, manufacturing facility, the first ATV (the BearTracker) rolls off the assembly line.

Yamaha opens southeastern offices in Kennesaw, Georgia.

1998

The YZ400F four-stroke motocross bike was introduced. This was the first mass produced 4-stroke motocrosser.

The YZF-R1 sport bike was introduced. It set the standard for open class sport bikes for several years.

The Grizzly 600 4x4 ATV with Ultramatic transmission was introduced.

The EF2800i generator with Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) was introduced. PMW allows use with equipment that requires stable frequency and voltage.

2000

The Buckmaster® Edition Big Bear 400 4x4 was introduced. This was the first ATV with camouflage bodywork.

2002

The F225 Outboard was introduced. It was the largest 4-stroke Outboard at the time.

The FX140 WaveRunner (1000cc, 4-stroke, four cylinder) was introduced. The world's first high performance 4-stroke personal watercraft.

2003

The RX-1 Snowmbile (1000cc, 4-stroke, four cylinder) was introduced. The world's first high performance 4-stroke Snowmobile.

2004 Rhino Side x Side model introduced. Combined performance, terrainability, utility capabilities, and take-along-a-friend convenience to lead the way in a new category of off-road recreation.

FBI Stolen motorcycles

gp500.org/FBI_stolen_motorcycles.html

Motorcycles VIN Decoder

gp500.org/VIN_Decoder.html

GP500.Org Part # 22100 Yamaha motorcycle windshields

gp500.org

GP500 motorcycle windshields

The history of Yamaha Motorcycles

"I want to carry out trial manufacture of motorcycle engines." It was from these words spoken by Genichi Kawakami (Yamaha Motor's first president) in 1953, that today's Yamaha Motor Company was born.

"If you're going to do something, be the best."

Genichi Kawakami

Genichi Kawakami was the first son of Kaichi Kawakami, the third-generation president of Nippon Gakki (musical instruments and electronics; presently Yamaha Corporation). Genichi studied and graduated from Takachiho Higher Commercial School in March of 1934. In July of 1937, he was the second Kawakami to join the Nippon Gakki Company.

He quickly rose to positions of manager of the company's Tenryu Factory Company (musical instruments) and then Senior General Manager, before assuming the position of fourth-generation President in 1950 at the young age of 38.

In 1953, Genichi was looking for a way to make use of idle machining equipment that had previously been used to make aircraft propellers. Looking back on the founding of Yamaha Motor Company, Genichi had this to say. "While the company was performing well and had some financial leeway, I felt the need to look for our next area of business. So, I did some research." He explored producing many products, including sewing machines, auto parts, scooters, three-wheeled utility vehicles, and…motorcycles. Market and competitive factors led him to focus on the motorcycle market. Genichi actually visited the United States many times during this period.

When asked about this decision, he said, "I had my research division chief and other managers visit leading motorcycle factories around the country. They came back and told me there was still plenty of opportunity, even if we were entering the market late. I didn't want to be completely unprepared in this unfamiliar business so we toured to German factories before setting out to build our first 125cc bike. I joined in this tour around Europe during which my chief engineers learned how to build motorbikes. We did as much research as possible to insure that we could build a bike as good as any out there. Once we had that confidence, we started going."

The first Yamaha motorcycle... the YA-1.

"If you are going to make it, make it the very best there is." With these words as their motto, the development team poured all their energies into building the first prototype, and ten months later in August of 1954 the first model was complete. It was the Yamaha YA-1. The bike was powered by an air-cooled, 2-stroke, single cylinder 125cc engine. Once finished, it was put through an unprecedented 10,000 km endurance test to ensure that its quality was top-class. This was destined to be the first crystallization of what has now become a long tradition of Yamaha creativity and an inexhaustible spirit of challenge.

Then, in January of 1955 the Hamakita Factory of Nippon Gakki was built and production began on the YA-1. With confidence in the new direction that Genichi was taking, Yamaha Motor Co., Ltd. was founded on July 1, 1955. Staffed by 274 enthusiastic employees, the new motorcycle manufacturer built about 200 units per month.

That same year, Yamaha entered its new YA-1 in the two biggest race events in Japan. They were the 3rd Mt. Fuji Ascent Race and the 1st Asama Highlands Race. In these debut races Yamaha won the 125cc class. And, the following year the YA-1 won again in both the Light and Ultra-light classes of the Asama Highlands Race.

By 1956, a second model was ready for production. This was the YC1, a 175cc single cylinder two-stroke. In 1957 Yamaha began production of its first 250cc, two-stroke twin, the YD1.

The first Yamaha to compete in America (1957).

Based on Genichi's firm belief that a product isn't a product until it can hold it's own around the world, in 1958 Yamaha became the first Japanese maker to venture into the international race arena. The result was an impressive 6th place in the Catalina Grand Prix race in the USA. News of this achievement won immediate recognition for the high level of Yamaha technology not only in Japan but among American race fans, as well. This was only the start, however.

Yamaha took quick action using the momentum gained in the USA and began marketing their motorcycles through an independent distributor in California. In 1958, Cooper Motors began selling the YD-1 250 and the MF-1 (50cc, two-stroke, single cylinder, step through street bike). Then in 1960, Yamaha International Corporation began selling motorcycles in the USA through dealers.

With the overseas experiences under his belt, in 1960, Genichi then turned his attention to the Marine industry and the production of the first Yamaha boats and outboard motors. This was the beginning of an aggressive expansion into new fields utilizing the new engines and FRP (fiberglass reinforced plastic) technologies. The first watercraft model was the CAT-21, followed by the RUN-13 and the P-7 123cc outboard motor.

In 1963, Yamaha demonstrated its focus on cutting-edge, technological innovations by developing the Autolube System. This landmark solution was a separate oil injection system for two-stroke models, eliminating the inconvenience of pre-mixing fuel and oil.

Yamaha was building a strong reputation as a superior manufacturer which was reflected in its first project carried out in the new Iwata, Japan Plant, built in 1966. (The YMC headquarters was moved to Iwata in 1972.) Toyota and Yamaha teamed up to produce the highly regarded Toyota 2000 GT sports car. This very limited edition vehicle, still admired for its performance and craftsmanship, created a sensation among enthusiast in Japan and abroad.

Genichi said, "I believe that the most important thing when building a product is to always keep in mind the standpoint of the people who will use it." An example of the commitment to "walking in the customers' shoes" was the move in 1966 by Yamaha to continue its expansion. Overseas motorcycle manufacturing was established in Thailand and Mexico. In 1968, the globalization continued with Brazil and the Netherlands. With manufacturing bases, distributors and R&D operations in a market, Yamaha could be involved in grassroots efforts to build products that truly met the needs of each market by respecting and valuing the distinct national sensibilities and customs of each country. Yamaha continues that tradition, today.

By the late 1960s, Yamaha had quality products that had proven themselves in the global marketplace based on superior performance and innovation. Distribution and product diversity were on the right track. But Genichi knew that beyond quality, success would demand more. He had this view on the power of original ideas. "In the future, a company's future will hinge on ideas over and above quality. Products that have no character, nothing unique about them, will not sell no matter how well made or affordable…and that would spell doom for any company."

He also knew that forward vision, walking hand in hand with original ideas, would create an opportunity for the company and its customers that could mean years of happiness and memorable experiences. Genichi said, "In the business world today, so many people are obsessed with figures. They become fixated on the numbers of the minute and without them are too afraid to do any real work. But in fact, every situation is in flux from moment to moment, developing with a natural flow. Unless one reads that flow, it is impossible to start out in a new field of business."

A real-world illustration of this belief is the Yamaha DT-1. The world's first true off-road motorcycle debuted in 1968 to create an entirely new genre we know today as trail bikes. The DT-1 made a huge impact on motorcycling in the USA because it was truly dirt worthy. Yamaha definitely "read the flow" when it produced

"Make every challenge an opportunity."

Genichi Kawakami

the 250cc, single cylinder, 2-stroke, Enduro that put Yamaha On/Off-Road motorcycles on the map in the USA. The DT-1 exemplified the power of original ideas, forward vision, and quick action coupled with keeping in mind the customers' desires.

In years to come Yamaha continued to grow (and continues to this day). Diversity increased with the addition of products including snowmobiles, race kart engines, generators, scooters, ATVs, personal watercraft and more.

Genichi Kawakami set the stage for Yamaha Motor Company's success with his vision and philosophies. Total honesty towards the customer and making products that hold their own enables the company that serves people in thirty-three countries, to provide an improved lifestyle through exceptional quality, high performance products.

Yamaha Motor Corporation, USA Cypress, California

Genichi Kawakami's history with Yamaha was long and rich. He saw the new corporate headquarters in Cypress, California and the 25th Anniversary of Yamaha become a reality in 1980. He also watched bike #20 million roll off the assembly line in 1982. Genichi passed away on May 25, 2002 yet his vision lives on through the people and products of Yamaha, throughout the world.

History Timeline of Yamaha (USA)

Year Yamaha Motor Origin

1955

The first Yamaha motorized product was the YA-1 Motorcycle (125cc, 2-stroke, single cylinder, streetbike). It was produced and sold in Japan.

Year USA History

1958 The first Yamaha Motorcycles sold in the USA were by Cooper Motors, an independent distributor. The models were the YD1 (250cc, 2-stroke, twin cylinder, streetbike) and MF-1 (50cc, 2-stroke, single cylinder, streetbike, step-through).

1960 Yamaha International Corporation began selling motorcycles in the USA.

1968

The DT-1 Enduro was introduced. The world's first dual purpose motorcycle which had on & off-road capability. Its impact on Motorcycling in the USA was enormous.

Yamaha's first Snowmobile, the SL350 (2-stroke, twin cylinder) was introduced. This was the first Snowmobile with slide valve carburetors.

1970

Yamaha’s first 4-stroke motorcycle model, the XS-1 (650cc vertical twin) was introduced.

1971

The SR433 high performance Snowmobile was introduced.

1973 Yamaha continued expansion into new markets by introducing Generators (ET1200).

1975

Yamaha pioneered the very first single-shock, production motocross bikes. This was the beginning of the YZ Monocross machines that changed motocross forever.

1976 The legendary SRX440 snowmobile hits the market and quickly catapults Yamaha to the forefront of the snowmobile racing scene.

1977

Yamaha Motor Corporation, USA, was founded in order to better appeal to the American market and establish a separate identity (from music & electronics) for Yamaha motorized products.

1978

The XS1100 motorcycle (four cylinder, shaft drive) was introduced.

XS650 Special was introduced. This was the first production Cruiser built by a Japanese manufacturer.

Golf Cars were introduced in the USA with the G1 gas model.

1979

YICS (Yamaha Induction Control System), a fuel-saving engine system, was developed for 4-stroke engines.

1980

The new Yamaha Motor Corporation, USA, corporate office was opened in Cypress, California.

The first 3-wheel ATV was sold in USA… the Tri-Moto (YT125).

The G1-E electric powered Golf Car model was introduced.

1981

The first air-cooled, V-twin cruiser, the Virago 750, was introduced.

1984

The first production 5-valve per cylinder engine was introduced on the FZ750 motorcycle.

Yamaha’s first 4-wheel ATV, the YFM200, was introduced in the USA.

The Phazer snowmobile was introduced. Known for its light weight and agile handling.

Yamaha begins marketing Outboard Motors in the USA.

1985

The V-Max 1200 musclebike hits the streets.

1986

Yamaha Motor Manufacturing Corporation of America was founded in Newnan, Georgia.

1987

A new exhaust system for 4-stroke engines, “EXUP,” was developed to provide higher horsepower output throughout an engine's powerband.

Yamaha introduces personal watercraft...the sit-down WaveRunner and the stand-up WaveJammer.

Yamaha Motor Manufacturing Company begins Golf Car and Water Vehicle production for USA and overseas markets.

1992

The Vmax-4 Snowmobile (2-stroke, four cylinder) was introduced.

1994

Yamaha expands its product offerings by acquiring the Cobia boat company.

1995

The Century and Skeeter boat companies are acquired by Yamaha.

1996

Yamaha introduces its first Star model with the 1300cc, V4 Royal Star.

Tennessee Watercraft produces Sport Boats and later, the SUV WaveRunner.

1997

Yamaha acquires the G3 boat company.

At the Newnan, Georgia, manufacturing facility, the first ATV (the BearTracker) rolls off the assembly line.

Yamaha opens southeastern offices in Kennesaw, Georgia.

1998

The YZ400F four-stroke motocross bike was introduced. This was the first mass produced 4-stroke motocrosser.

The YZF-R1 sport bike was introduced. It set the standard for open class sport bikes for several years.

The Grizzly 600 4x4 ATV with Ultramatic transmission was introduced.

The EF2800i generator with Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) was introduced. PMW allows use with equipment that requires stable frequency and voltage.

2000

The Buckmaster® Edition Big Bear 400 4x4 was introduced. This was the first ATV with camouflage bodywork.

2002

The F225 Outboard was introduced. It was the largest 4-stroke Outboard at the time.

The FX140 WaveRunner (1000cc, 4-stroke, four cylinder) was introduced. The world's first high performance 4-stroke personal watercraft.

2003

The RX-1 Snowmbile (1000cc, 4-stroke, four cylinder) was introduced. The world's first high performance 4-stroke Snowmobile.

2004 Rhino Side x Side model introduced. Combined performance, terrainability, utility capabilities, and take-along-a-friend convenience to lead the way in a new category of off-road recreation.

FBI Stolen motorcycles

gp500.org/FBI_stolen_motorcycles.html

Motorcycles VIN Decoder

gp500.org/VIN_Decoder.html

GP500.Org Part # 22000 Yamaha motorcycle windshields

gp500.org

GP500 motorcycle windshields

The history of Yamaha Motorcycles

"I want to carry out trial manufacture of motorcycle engines." It was from these words spoken by Genichi Kawakami (Yamaha Motor's first president) in 1953, that today's Yamaha Motor Company was born.

"If you're going to do something, be the best."

Genichi Kawakami

Genichi Kawakami was the first son of Kaichi Kawakami, the third-generation president of Nippon Gakki (musical instruments and electronics; presently Yamaha Corporation). Genichi studied and graduated from Takachiho Higher Commercial School in March of 1934. In July of 1937, he was the second Kawakami to join the Nippon Gakki Company.

He quickly rose to positions of manager of the company's Tenryu Factory Company (musical instruments) and then Senior General Manager, before assuming the position of fourth-generation President in 1950 at the young age of 38.

In 1953, Genichi was looking for a way to make use of idle machining equipment that had previously been used to make aircraft propellers. Looking back on the founding of Yamaha Motor Company, Genichi had this to say. "While the company was performing well and had some financial leeway, I felt the need to look for our next area of business. So, I did some research." He explored producing many products, including sewing machines, auto parts, scooters, three-wheeled utility vehicles, and…motorcycles. Market and competitive factors led him to focus on the motorcycle market. Genichi actually visited the United States many times during this period.

When asked about this decision, he said, "I had my research division chief and other managers visit leading motorcycle factories around the country. They came back and told me there was still plenty of opportunity, even if we were entering the market late. I didn't want to be completely unprepared in this unfamiliar business so we toured to German factories before setting out to build our first 125cc bike. I joined in this tour around Europe during which my chief engineers learned how to build motorbikes. We did as much research as possible to insure that we could build a bike as good as any out there. Once we had that confidence, we started going."

The first Yamaha motorcycle... the YA-1.

"If you are going to make it, make it the very best there is." With these words as their motto, the development team poured all their energies into building the first prototype, and ten months later in August of 1954 the first model was complete. It was the Yamaha YA-1. The bike was powered by an air-cooled, 2-stroke, single cylinder 125cc engine. Once finished, it was put through an unprecedented 10,000 km endurance test to ensure that its quality was top-class. This was destined to be the first crystallization of what has now become a long tradition of Yamaha creativity and an inexhaustible spirit of challenge.

Then, in January of 1955 the Hamakita Factory of Nippon Gakki was built and production began on the YA-1. With confidence in the new direction that Genichi was taking, Yamaha Motor Co., Ltd. was founded on July 1, 1955. Staffed by 274 enthusiastic employees, the new motorcycle manufacturer built about 200 units per month.

That same year, Yamaha entered its new YA-1 in the two biggest race events in Japan. They were the 3rd Mt. Fuji Ascent Race and the 1st Asama Highlands Race. In these debut races Yamaha won the 125cc class. And, the following year the YA-1 won again in both the Light and Ultra-light classes of the Asama Highlands Race.

By 1956, a second model was ready for production. This was the YC1, a 175cc single cylinder two-stroke. In 1957 Yamaha began production of its first 250cc, two-stroke twin, the YD1.

The first Yamaha to compete in America (1957).

Based on Genichi's firm belief that a product isn't a product until it can hold it's own around the world, in 1958 Yamaha became the first Japanese maker to venture into the international race arena. The result was an impressive 6th place in the Catalina Grand Prix race in the USA. News of this achievement won immediate recognition for the high level of Yamaha technology not only in Japan but among American race fans, as well. This was only the start, however.

Yamaha took quick action using the momentum gained in the USA and began marketing their motorcycles through an independent distributor in California. In 1958, Cooper Motors began selling the YD-1 250 and the MF-1 (50cc, two-stroke, single cylinder, step through street bike). Then in 1960, Yamaha International Corporation began selling motorcycles in the USA through dealers.

With the overseas experiences under his belt, in 1960, Genichi then turned his attention to the Marine industry and the production of the first Yamaha boats and outboard motors. This was the beginning of an aggressive expansion into new fields utilizing the new engines and FRP (fiberglass reinforced plastic) technologies. The first watercraft model was the CAT-21, followed by the RUN-13 and the P-7 123cc outboard motor.

In 1963, Yamaha demonstrated its focus on cutting-edge, technological innovations by developing the Autolube System. This landmark solution was a separate oil injection system for two-stroke models, eliminating the inconvenience of pre-mixing fuel and oil.

Yamaha was building a strong reputation as a superior manufacturer which was reflected in its first project carried out in the new Iwata, Japan Plant, built in 1966. (The YMC headquarters was moved to Iwata in 1972.) Toyota and Yamaha teamed up to produce the highly regarded Toyota 2000 GT sports car. This very limited edition vehicle, still admired for its performance and craftsmanship, created a sensation among enthusiast in Japan and abroad.

Genichi said, "I believe that the most important thing when building a product is to always keep in mind the standpoint of the people who will use it." An example of the commitment to "walking in the customers' shoes" was the move in 1966 by Yamaha to continue its expansion. Overseas motorcycle manufacturing was established in Thailand and Mexico. In 1968, the globalization continued with Brazil and the Netherlands. With manufacturing bases, distributors and R&D operations in a market, Yamaha could be involved in grassroots efforts to build products that truly met the needs of each market by respecting and valuing the distinct national sensibilities and customs of each country. Yamaha continues that tradition, today.

By the late 1960s, Yamaha had quality products that had proven themselves in the global marketplace based on superior performance and innovation. Distribution and product diversity were on the right track. But Genichi knew that beyond quality, success would demand more. He had this view on the power of original ideas. "In the future, a company's future will hinge on ideas over and above quality. Products that have no character, nothing unique about them, will not sell no matter how well made or affordable…and that would spell doom for any company."

He also knew that forward vision, walking hand in hand with original ideas, would create an opportunity for the company and its customers that could mean years of happiness and memorable experiences. Genichi said, "In the business world today, so many people are obsessed with figures. They become fixated on the numbers of the minute and without them are too afraid to do any real work. But in fact, every situation is in flux from moment to moment, developing with a natural flow. Unless one reads that flow, it is impossible to start out in a new field of business."

A real-world illustration of this belief is the Yamaha DT-1. The world's first true off-road motorcycle debuted in 1968 to create an entirely new genre we know today as trail bikes. The DT-1 made a huge impact on motorcycling in the USA because it was truly dirt worthy. Yamaha definitely "read the flow" when it produced

"Make every challenge an opportunity."

Genichi Kawakami

the 250cc, single cylinder, 2-stroke, Enduro that put Yamaha On/Off-Road motorcycles on the map in the USA. The DT-1 exemplified the power of original ideas, forward vision, and quick action coupled with keeping in mind the customers' desires.

In years to come Yamaha continued to grow (and continues to this day). Diversity increased with the addition of products including snowmobiles, race kart engines, generators, scooters, ATVs, personal watercraft and more.

Genichi Kawakami set the stage for Yamaha Motor Company's success with his vision and philosophies. Total honesty towards the customer and making products that hold their own enables the company that serves people in thirty-three countries, to provide an improved lifestyle through exceptional quality, high performance products.

Yamaha Motor Corporation, USA Cypress, California

Genichi Kawakami's history with Yamaha was long and rich. He saw the new corporate headquarters in Cypress, California and the 25th Anniversary of Yamaha become a reality in 1980. He also watched bike #20 million roll off the assembly line in 1982. Genichi passed away on May 25, 2002 yet his vision lives on through the people and products of Yamaha, throughout the world.

History Timeline of Yamaha (USA)

Year Yamaha Motor Origin

1955

The first Yamaha motorized product was the YA-1 Motorcycle (125cc, 2-stroke, single cylinder, streetbike). It was produced and sold in Japan.

Year USA History

1958 The first Yamaha Motorcycles sold in the USA were by Cooper Motors, an independent distributor. The models were the YD1 (250cc, 2-stroke, twin cylinder, streetbike) and MF-1 (50cc, 2-stroke, single cylinder, streetbike, step-through).

1960 Yamaha International Corporation began selling motorcycles in the USA.

1968

The DT-1 Enduro was introduced. The world's first dual purpose motorcycle which had on & off-road capability. Its impact on Motorcycling in the USA was enormous.

Yamaha's first Snowmobile, the SL350 (2-stroke, twin cylinder) was introduced. This was the first Snowmobile with slide valve carburetors.

1970

Yamaha’s first 4-stroke motorcycle model, the XS-1 (650cc vertical twin) was introduced.

1971

The SR433 high performance Snowmobile was introduced.

1973 Yamaha continued expansion into new markets by introducing Generators (ET1200).

1975

Yamaha pioneered the very first single-shock, production motocross bikes. This was the beginning of the YZ Monocross machines that changed motocross forever.

1976 The legendary SRX440 snowmobile hits the market and quickly catapults Yamaha to the forefront of the snowmobile racing scene.

1977

Yamaha Motor Corporation, USA, was founded in order to better appeal to the American market and establish a separate identity (from music & electronics) for Yamaha motorized products.

1978

The XS1100 motorcycle (four cylinder, shaft drive) was introduced.

XS650 Special was introduced. This was the first production Cruiser built by a Japanese manufacturer.

Golf Cars were introduced in the USA with the G1 gas model.

1979

YICS (Yamaha Induction Control System), a fuel-saving engine system, was developed for 4-stroke engines.

1980

The new Yamaha Motor Corporation, USA, corporate office was opened in Cypress, California.

The first 3-wheel ATV was sold in USA… the Tri-Moto (YT125).

The G1-E electric powered Golf Car model was introduced.

1981

The first air-cooled, V-twin cruiser, the Virago 750, was introduced.

1984

The first production 5-valve per cylinder engine was introduced on the FZ750 motorcycle.

Yamaha’s first 4-wheel ATV, the YFM200, was introduced in the USA.

The Phazer snowmobile was introduced. Known for its light weight and agile handling.

Yamaha begins marketing Outboard Motors in the USA.

1985

The V-Max 1200 musclebike hits the streets.

1986

Yamaha Motor Manufacturing Corporation of America was founded in Newnan, Georgia.

1987

A new exhaust system for 4-stroke engines, “EXUP,” was developed to provide higher horsepower output throughout an engine's powerband.

Yamaha introduces personal watercraft...the sit-down WaveRunner and the stand-up WaveJammer.

Yamaha Motor Manufacturing Company begins Golf Car and Water Vehicle production for USA and overseas markets.

1992

The Vmax-4 Snowmobile (2-stroke, four cylinder) was introduced.

1994

Yamaha expands its product offerings by acquiring the Cobia boat company.

1995

The Century and Skeeter boat companies are acquired by Yamaha.

1996

Yamaha introduces its first Star model with the 1300cc, V4 Royal Star.

Tennessee Watercraft produces Sport Boats and later, the SUV WaveRunner.

1997

Yamaha acquires the G3 boat company.

At the Newnan, Georgia, manufacturing facility, the first ATV (the BearTracker) rolls off the assembly line.

Yamaha opens southeastern offices in Kennesaw, Georgia.

1998

The YZ400F four-stroke motocross bike was introduced. This was the first mass produced 4-stroke motocrosser.

The YZF-R1 sport bike was introduced. It set the standard for open class sport bikes for several years.

The Grizzly 600 4x4 ATV with Ultramatic transmission was introduced.

The EF2800i generator with Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) was introduced. PMW allows use with equipment that requires stable frequency and voltage.

2000

The Buckmaster® Edition Big Bear 400 4x4 was introduced. This was the first ATV with camouflage bodywork.

2002

The F225 Outboard was introduced. It was the largest 4-stroke Outboard at the time.

The FX140 WaveRunner (1000cc, 4-stroke, four cylinder) was introduced. The world's first high performance 4-stroke personal watercraft.

2003

The RX-1 Snowmbile (1000cc, 4-stroke, four cylinder) was introduced. The world's first high performance 4-stroke Snowmobile.

2004 Rhino Side x Side model introduced. Combined performance, terrainability, utility capabilities, and take-along-a-friend convenience to lead the way in a new category of off-road recreation.

FBI Stolen motorcycles

gp500.org/FBI_stolen_motorcycles.html

Motorcycles VIN Decoder

gp500.org/VIN_Decoder.html

GP500.Org Part # 22510 Yamaha motorcycle windshields

gp500.org

GP500 motorcycle windshields

The history of Yamaha Motorcycles

"I want to carry out trial manufacture of motorcycle engines." It was from these words spoken by Genichi Kawakami (Yamaha Motor's first president) in 1953, that today's Yamaha Motor Company was born.

"If you're going to do something, be the best."

Genichi Kawakami

Genichi Kawakami was the first son of Kaichi Kawakami, the third-generation president of Nippon Gakki (musical instruments and electronics; presently Yamaha Corporation). Genichi studied and graduated from Takachiho Higher Commercial School in March of 1934. In July of 1937, he was the second Kawakami to join the Nippon Gakki Company.

He quickly rose to positions of manager of the company's Tenryu Factory Company (musical instruments) and then Senior General Manager, before assuming the position of fourth-generation President in 1950 at the young age of 38.

In 1953, Genichi was looking for a way to make use of idle machining equipment that had previously been used to make aircraft propellers. Looking back on the founding of Yamaha Motor Company, Genichi had this to say. "While the company was performing well and had some financial leeway, I felt the need to look for our next area of business. So, I did some research." He explored producing many products, including sewing machines, auto parts, scooters, three-wheeled utility vehicles, and…motorcycles. Market and competitive factors led him to focus on the motorcycle market. Genichi actually visited the United States many times during this period.

When asked about this decision, he said, "I had my research division chief and other managers visit leading motorcycle factories around the country. They came back and told me there was still plenty of opportunity, even if we were entering the market late. I didn't want to be completely unprepared in this unfamiliar business so we toured to German factories before setting out to build our first 125cc bike. I joined in this tour around Europe during which my chief engineers learned how to build motorbikes. We did as much research as possible to insure that we could build a bike as good as any out there. Once we had that confidence, we started going."

The first Yamaha motorcycle... the YA-1.

"If you are going to make it, make it the very best there is." With these words as their motto, the development team poured all their energies into building the first prototype, and ten months later in August of 1954 the first model was complete. It was the Yamaha YA-1. The bike was powered by an air-cooled, 2-stroke, single cylinder 125cc engine. Once finished, it was put through an unprecedented 10,000 km endurance test to ensure that its quality was top-class. This was destined to be the first crystallization of what has now become a long tradition of Yamaha creativity and an inexhaustible spirit of challenge.

Then, in January of 1955 the Hamakita Factory of Nippon Gakki was built and production began on the YA-1. With confidence in the new direction that Genichi was taking, Yamaha Motor Co., Ltd. was founded on July 1, 1955. Staffed by 274 enthusiastic employees, the new motorcycle manufacturer built about 200 units per month.

That same year, Yamaha entered its new YA-1 in the two biggest race events in Japan. They were the 3rd Mt. Fuji Ascent Race and the 1st Asama Highlands Race. In these debut races Yamaha won the 125cc class. And, the following year the YA-1 won again in both the Light and Ultra-light classes of the Asama Highlands Race.

By 1956, a second model was ready for production. This was the YC1, a 175cc single cylinder two-stroke. In 1957 Yamaha began production of its first 250cc, two-stroke twin, the YD1.

The first Yamaha to compete in America (1957).

Based on Genichi's firm belief that a product isn't a product until it can hold it's own around the world, in 1958 Yamaha became the first Japanese maker to venture into the international race arena. The result was an impressive 6th place in the Catalina Grand Prix race in the USA. News of this achievement won immediate recognition for the high level of Yamaha technology not only in Japan but among American race fans, as well. This was only the start, however.

Yamaha took quick action using the momentum gained in the USA and began marketing their motorcycles through an independent distributor in California. In 1958, Cooper Motors began selling the YD-1 250 and the MF-1 (50cc, two-stroke, single cylinder, step through street bike). Then in 1960, Yamaha International Corporation began selling motorcycles in the USA through dealers.

With the overseas experiences under his belt, in 1960, Genichi then turned his attention to the Marine industry and the production of the first Yamaha boats and outboard motors. This was the beginning of an aggressive expansion into new fields utilizing the new engines and FRP (fiberglass reinforced plastic) technologies. The first watercraft model was the CAT-21, followed by the RUN-13 and the P-7 123cc outboard motor.

In 1963, Yamaha demonstrated its focus on cutting-edge, technological innovations by developing the Autolube System. This landmark solution was a separate oil injection system for two-stroke models, eliminating the inconvenience of pre-mixing fuel and oil.

Yamaha was building a strong reputation as a superior manufacturer which was reflected in its first project carried out in the new Iwata, Japan Plant, built in 1966. (The YMC headquarters was moved to Iwata in 1972.) Toyota and Yamaha teamed up to produce the highly regarded Toyota 2000 GT sports car. This very limited edition vehicle, still admired for its performance and craftsmanship, created a sensation among enthusiast in Japan and abroad.

Genichi said, "I believe that the most important thing when building a product is to always keep in mind the standpoint of the people who will use it." An example of the commitment to "walking in the customers' shoes" was the move in 1966 by Yamaha to continue its expansion. Overseas motorcycle manufacturing was established in Thailand and Mexico. In 1968, the globalization continued with Brazil and the Netherlands. With manufacturing bases, distributors and R&D operations in a market, Yamaha could be involved in grassroots efforts to build products that truly met the needs of each market by respecting and valuing the distinct national sensibilities and customs of each country. Yamaha continues that tradition, today.

By the late 1960s, Yamaha had quality products that had proven themselves in the global marketplace based on superior performance and innovation. Distribution and product diversity were on the right track. But Genichi knew that beyond quality, success would demand more. He had this view on the power of original ideas. "In the future, a company's future will hinge on ideas over and above quality. Products that have no character, nothing unique about them, will not sell no matter how well made or affordable…and that would spell doom for any company."

He also knew that forward vision, walking hand in hand with original ideas, would create an opportunity for the company and its customers that could mean years of happiness and memorable experiences. Genichi said, "In the business world today, so many people are obsessed with figures. They become fixated on the numbers of the minute and without them are too afraid to do any real work. But in fact, every situation is in flux from moment to moment, developing with a natural flow. Unless one reads that flow, it is impossible to start out in a new field of business."

A real-world illustration of this belief is the Yamaha DT-1. The world's first true off-road motorcycle debuted in 1968 to create an entirely new genre we know today as trail bikes. The DT-1 made a huge impact on motorcycling in the USA because it was truly dirt worthy. Yamaha definitely "read the flow" when it produced

"Make every challenge an opportunity."

Genichi Kawakami

the 250cc, single cylinder, 2-stroke, Enduro that put Yamaha On/Off-Road motorcycles on the map in the USA. The DT-1 exemplified the power of original ideas, forward vision, and quick action coupled with keeping in mind the customers' desires.

In years to come Yamaha continued to grow (and continues to this day). Diversity increased with the addition of products including snowmobiles, race kart engines, generators, scooters, ATVs, personal watercraft and more.

Genichi Kawakami set the stage for Yamaha Motor Company's success with his vision and philosophies. Total honesty towards the customer and making products that hold their own enables the company that serves people in thirty-three countries, to provide an improved lifestyle through exceptional quality, high performance products.

Yamaha Motor Corporation, USA Cypress, California

Genichi Kawakami's history with Yamaha was long and rich. He saw the new corporate headquarters in Cypress, California and the 25th Anniversary of Yamaha become a reality in 1980. He also watched bike #20 million roll off the assembly line in 1982. Genichi passed away on May 25, 2002 yet his vision lives on through the people and products of Yamaha, throughout the world.

History Timeline of Yamaha (USA)

Year Yamaha Motor Origin

1955

The first Yamaha motorized product was the YA-1 Motorcycle (125cc, 2-stroke, single cylinder, streetbike). It was produced and sold in Japan.

Year USA History

1958 The first Yamaha Motorcycles sold in the USA were by Cooper Motors, an independent distributor. The models were the YD1 (250cc, 2-stroke, twin cylinder, streetbike) and MF-1 (50cc, 2-stroke, single cylinder, streetbike, step-through).

1960 Yamaha International Corporation began selling motorcycles in the USA.

1968

The DT-1 Enduro was introduced. The world's first dual purpose motorcycle which had on & off-road capability. Its impact on Motorcycling in the USA was enormous.

Yamaha's first Snowmobile, the SL350 (2-stroke, twin cylinder) was introduced. This was the first Snowmobile with slide valve carburetors.

1970

Yamaha’s first 4-stroke motorcycle model, the XS-1 (650cc vertical twin) was introduced.

1971

The SR433 high performance Snowmobile was introduced.

1973 Yamaha continued expansion into new markets by introducing Generators (ET1200).

1975

Yamaha pioneered the very first single-shock, production motocross bikes. This was the beginning of the YZ Monocross machines that changed motocross forever.

1976 The legendary SRX440 snowmobile hits the market and quickly catapults Yamaha to the forefront of the snowmobile racing scene.

1977

Yamaha Motor Corporation, USA, was founded in order to better appeal to the American market and establish a separate identity (from music & electronics) for Yamaha motorized products.

1978

The XS1100 motorcycle (four cylinder, shaft drive) was introduced.

XS650 Special was introduced. This was the first production Cruiser built by a Japanese manufacturer.

Golf Cars were introduced in the USA with the G1 gas model.

1979

YICS (Yamaha Induction Control System), a fuel-saving engine system, was developed for 4-stroke engines.

1980

The new Yamaha Motor Corporation, USA, corporate office was opened in Cypress, California.

The first 3-wheel ATV was sold in USA… the Tri-Moto (YT125).

The G1-E electric powered Golf Car model was introduced.

1981

The first air-cooled, V-twin cruiser, the Virago 750, was introduced.

1984

The first production 5-valve per cylinder engine was introduced on the FZ750 motorcycle.

Yamaha’s first 4-wheel ATV, the YFM200, was introduced in the USA.

The Phazer snowmobile was introduced. Known for its light weight and agile handling.

Yamaha begins marketing Outboard Motors in the USA.

1985

The V-Max 1200 musclebike hits the streets.

1986

Yamaha Motor Manufacturing Corporation of America was founded in Newnan, Georgia.

1987

A new exhaust system for 4-stroke engines, “EXUP,” was developed to provide higher horsepower output throughout an engine's powerband.

Yamaha introduces personal watercraft...the sit-down WaveRunner and the stand-up WaveJammer.

Yamaha Motor Manufacturing Company begins Golf Car and Water Vehicle production for USA and overseas markets.

1992

The Vmax-4 Snowmobile (2-stroke, four cylinder) was introduced.

1994

Yamaha expands its product offerings by acquiring the Cobia boat company.

1995

The Century and Skeeter boat companies are acquired by Yamaha.

1996

Yamaha introduces its first Star model with the 1300cc, V4 Royal Star.

Tennessee Watercraft produces Sport Boats and later, the SUV WaveRunner.

1997

Yamaha acquires the G3 boat company.

At the Newnan, Georgia, manufacturing facility, the first ATV (the BearTracker) rolls off the assembly line.

Yamaha opens southeastern offices in Kennesaw, Georgia.

1998

The YZ400F four-stroke motocross bike was introduced. This was the first mass produced 4-stroke motocrosser.

The YZF-R1 sport bike was introduced. It set the standard for open class sport bikes for several years.

The Grizzly 600 4x4 ATV with Ultramatic transmission was introduced.

The EF2800i generator with Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) was introduced. PMW allows use with equipment that requires stable frequency and voltage.

2000

The Buckmaster® Edition Big Bear 400 4x4 was introduced. This was the first ATV with camouflage bodywork.

2002

The F225 Outboard was introduced. It was the largest 4-stroke Outboard at the time.

The FX140 WaveRunner (1000cc, 4-stroke, four cylinder) was introduced. The world's first high performance 4-stroke personal watercraft.

2003

The RX-1 Snowmbile (1000cc, 4-stroke, four cylinder) was introduced. The world's first high performance 4-stroke Snowmobile.

2004 Rhino Side x Side model introduced. Combined performance, terrainability, utility capabilities, and take-along-a-friend convenience to lead the way in a new category of off-road recreation.

FBI Stolen motorcycles

gp500.org/FBI_stolen_motorcycles.html

Motorcycles VIN Decoder

gp500.org/VIN_Decoder.html

gp500.org

GP500 motorcycle windshields

GP500.Org Part # 23701 Yamaha R1 motorcycle windshields

The history of Yamaha Motorcycles

"I want to carry out trial manufacture of motorcycle engines." It was from these words spoken by Genichi Kawakami (Yamaha Motor's first president) in 1953, that today's Yamaha Motor Company was born.

"If you're going to do something, be the best."

Genichi Kawakami

Genichi Kawakami was the first son of Kaichi Kawakami, the third-generation president of Nippon Gakki (musical instruments and electronics; presently Yamaha Corporation). Genichi studied and graduated from Takachiho Higher Commercial School in March of 1934. In July of 1937, he was the second Kawakami to join the Nippon Gakki Company.

He quickly rose to positions of manager of the company's Tenryu Factory Company (musical instruments) and then Senior General Manager, before assuming the position of fourth-generation President in 1950 at the young age of 38.

In 1953, Genichi was looking for a way to make use of idle machining equipment that had previously been used to make aircraft propellers. Looking back on the founding of Yamaha Motor Company, Genichi had this to say. "While the company was performing well and had some financial leeway, I felt the need to look for our next area of business. So, I did some research." He explored producing many products, including sewing machines, auto parts, scooters, three-wheeled utility vehicles, and…motorcycles. Market and competitive factors led him to focus on the motorcycle market. Genichi actually visited the United States many times during this period.

When asked about this decision, he said, "I had my research division chief and other managers visit leading motorcycle factories around the country. They came back and told me there was still plenty of opportunity, even if we were entering the market late. I didn't want to be completely unprepared in this unfamiliar business so we toured to German factories before setting out to build our first 125cc bike. I joined in this tour around Europe during which my chief engineers learned how to build motorbikes. We did as much research as possible to insure that we could build a bike as good as any out there. Once we had that confidence, we started going."

The first Yamaha motorcycle... the YA-1.

"If you are going to make it, make it the very best there is." With these words as their motto, the development team poured all their energies into building the first prototype, and ten months later in August of 1954 the first model was complete. It was the Yamaha YA-1. The bike was powered by an air-cooled, 2-stroke, single cylinder 125cc engine. Once finished, it was put through an unprecedented 10,000 km endurance test to ensure that its quality was top-class. This was destined to be the first crystallization of what has now become a long tradition of Yamaha creativity and an inexhaustible spirit of challenge.

Then, in January of 1955 the Hamakita Factory of Nippon Gakki was built and production began on the YA-1. With confidence in the new direction that Genichi was taking, Yamaha Motor Co., Ltd. was founded on July 1, 1955. Staffed by 274 enthusiastic employees, the new motorcycle manufacturer built about 200 units per month.

That same year, Yamaha entered its new YA-1 in the two biggest race events in Japan. They were the 3rd Mt. Fuji Ascent Race and the 1st Asama Highlands Race. In these debut races Yamaha won the 125cc class. And, the following year the YA-1 won again in both the Light and Ultra-light classes of the Asama Highlands Race.

By 1956, a second model was ready for production. This was the YC1, a 175cc single cylinder two-stroke. In 1957 Yamaha began production of its first 250cc, two-stroke twin, the YD1.

The first Yamaha to compete in America (1957).

Based on Genichi's firm belief that a product isn't a product until it can hold it's own around the world, in 1958 Yamaha became the first Japanese maker to venture into the international race arena. The result was an impressive 6th place in the Catalina Grand Prix race in the USA. News of this achievement won immediate recognition for the high level of Yamaha technology not only in Japan but among American race fans, as well. This was only the start, however.

Yamaha took quick action using the momentum gained in the USA and began marketing their motorcycles through an independent distributor in California. In 1958, Cooper Motors began selling the YD-1 250 and the MF-1 (50cc, two-stroke, single cylinder, step through street bike). Then in 1960, Yamaha International Corporation began selling motorcycles in the USA through dealers.

With the overseas experiences under his belt, in 1960, Genichi then turned his attention to the Marine industry and the production of the first Yamaha boats and outboard motors. This was the beginning of an aggressive expansion into new fields utilizing the new engines and FRP (fiberglass reinforced plastic) technologies. The first watercraft model was the CAT-21, followed by the RUN-13 and the P-7 123cc outboard motor.

In 1963, Yamaha demonstrated its focus on cutting-edge, technological innovations by developing the Autolube System. This landmark solution was a separate oil injection system for two-stroke models, eliminating the inconvenience of pre-mixing fuel and oil.

Yamaha was building a strong reputation as a superior manufacturer which was reflected in its first project carried out in the new Iwata, Japan Plant, built in 1966. (The YMC headquarters was moved to Iwata in 1972.) Toyota and Yamaha teamed up to produce the highly regarded Toyota 2000 GT sports car. This very limited edition vehicle, still admired for its performance and craftsmanship, created a sensation among enthusiast in Japan and abroad.

Genichi said, "I believe that the most important thing when building a product is to always keep in mind the standpoint of the people who will use it." An example of the commitment to "walking in the customers' shoes" was the move in 1966 by Yamaha to continue its expansion. Overseas motorcycle manufacturing was established in Thailand and Mexico. In 1968, the globalization continued with Brazil and the Netherlands. With manufacturing bases, distributors and R&D operations in a market, Yamaha could be involved in grassroots efforts to build products that truly met the needs of each market by respecting and valuing the distinct national sensibilities and customs of each country. Yamaha continues that tradition, today.

By the late 1960s, Yamaha had quality products that had proven themselves in the global marketplace based on superior performance and innovation. Distribution and product diversity were on the right track. But Genichi knew that beyond quality, success would demand more. He had this view on the power of original ideas. "In the future, a company's future will hinge on ideas over and above quality. Products that have no character, nothing unique about them, will not sell no matter how well made or affordable…and that would spell doom for any company."

He also knew that forward vision, walking hand in hand with original ideas, would create an opportunity for the company and its customers that could mean years of happiness and memorable experiences. Genichi said, "In the business world today, so many people are obsessed with figures. They become fixated on the numbers of the minute and without them are too afraid to do any real work. But in fact, every situation is in flux from moment to moment, developing with a natural flow. Unless one reads that flow, it is impossible to start out in a new field of business."

A real-world illustration of this belief is the Yamaha DT-1. The world's first true off-road motorcycle debuted in 1968 to create an entirely new genre we know today as trail bikes. The DT-1 made a huge impact on motorcycling in the USA because it was truly dirt worthy. Yamaha definitely "read the flow" when it produced

"Make every challenge an opportunity."

Genichi Kawakami

the 250cc, single cylinder, 2-stroke, Enduro that put Yamaha On/Off-Road motorcycles on the map in the USA. The DT-1 exemplified the power of original ideas, forward vision, and quick action coupled with keeping in mind the customers' desires.

In years to come Yamaha continued to grow (and continues to this day). Diversity increased with the addition of products including snowmobiles, race kart engines, generators, scooters, ATVs, personal watercraft and more.

Genichi Kawakami set the stage for Yamaha Motor Company's success with his vision and philosophies. Total honesty towards the customer and making products that hold their own enables the company that serves people in thirty-three countries, to provide an improved lifestyle through exceptional quality, high performance products.

Yamaha Motor Corporation, USA Cypress, California

Genichi Kawakami's history with Yamaha was long and rich. He saw the new corporate headquarters in Cypress, California and the 25th Anniversary of Yamaha become a reality in 1980. He also watched bike #20 million roll off the assembly line in 1982. Genichi passed away on May 25, 2002 yet his vision lives on through the people and products of Yamaha, throughout the world.

History Timeline of Yamaha (USA)

Year Yamaha Motor Origin

1955

The first Yamaha motorized product was the YA-1 Motorcycle (125cc, 2-stroke, single cylinder, streetbike). It was produced and sold in Japan.

Year USA History

1958 The first Yamaha Motorcycles sold in the USA were by Cooper Motors, an independent distributor. The models were the YD1 (250cc, 2-stroke, twin cylinder, streetbike) and MF-1 (50cc, 2-stroke, single cylinder, streetbike, step-through).

1960 Yamaha International Corporation began selling motorcycles in the USA.

1968

The DT-1 Enduro was introduced. The world's first dual purpose motorcycle which had on & off-road capability. Its impact on Motorcycling in the USA was enormous.

Yamaha's first Snowmobile, the SL350 (2-stroke, twin cylinder) was introduced. This was the first Snowmobile with slide valve carburetors.

1970

Yamaha’s first 4-stroke motorcycle model, the XS-1 (650cc vertical twin) was introduced.

1971

The SR433 high performance Snowmobile was introduced.

1973 Yamaha continued expansion into new markets by introducing Generators (ET1200).

1975

Yamaha pioneered the very first single-shock, production motocross bikes. This was the beginning of the YZ Monocross machines that changed motocross forever.

1976 The legendary SRX440 snowmobile hits the market and quickly catapults Yamaha to the forefront of the snowmobile racing scene.

1977

Yamaha Motor Corporation, USA, was founded in order to better appeal to the American market and establish a separate identity (from music & electronics) for Yamaha motorized products.

1978

The XS1100 motorcycle (four cylinder, shaft drive) was introduced.

XS650 Special was introduced. This was the first production Cruiser built by a Japanese manufacturer.

Golf Cars were introduced in the USA with the G1 gas model.

1979

YICS (Yamaha Induction Control System), a fuel-saving engine system, was developed for 4-stroke engines.

1980

The new Yamaha Motor Corporation, USA, corporate office was opened in Cypress, California.

The first 3-wheel ATV was sold in USA… the Tri-Moto (YT125).

The G1-E electric powered Golf Car model was introduced.

1981

The first air-cooled, V-twin cruiser, the Virago 750, was introduced.

1984

The first production 5-valve per cylinder engine was introduced on the FZ750 motorcycle.

Yamaha’s first 4-wheel ATV, the YFM200, was introduced in the USA.

The Phazer snowmobile was introduced. Known for its light weight and agile handling.

Yamaha begins marketing Outboard Motors in the USA.

1985

The V-Max 1200 musclebike hits the streets.

1986

Yamaha Motor Manufacturing Corporation of America was founded in Newnan, Georgia.

1987

A new exhaust system for 4-stroke engines, “EXUP,” was developed to provide higher horsepower output throughout an engine's powerband.

Yamaha introduces personal watercraft...the sit-down WaveRunner and the stand-up WaveJammer.

Yamaha Motor Manufacturing Company begins Golf Car and Water Vehicle production for USA and overseas markets.

1992

The Vmax-4 Snowmobile (2-stroke, four cylinder) was introduced.

1994

Yamaha expands its product offerings by acquiring the Cobia boat company.

1995

The Century and Skeeter boat companies are acquired by Yamaha.

1996

Yamaha introduces its first Star model with the 1300cc, V4 Royal Star.

Tennessee Watercraft produces Sport Boats and later, the SUV WaveRunner.

1997

Yamaha acquires the G3 boat company.

At the Newnan, Georgia, manufacturing facility, the first ATV (the BearTracker) rolls off the assembly line.

Yamaha opens southeastern offices in Kennesaw, Georgia.

1998

The YZ400F four-stroke motocross bike was introduced. This was the first mass produced 4-stroke motocrosser.

The YZF-R1 sport bike was introduced. It set the standard for open class sport bikes for several years.

The Grizzly 600 4x4 ATV with Ultramatic transmission was introduced.

The EF2800i generator with Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) was introduced. PMW allows use with equipment that requires stable frequency and voltage.

2000

The Buckmaster® Edition Big Bear 400 4x4 was introduced. This was the first ATV with camouflage bodywork.

2002

The F225 Outboard was introduced. It was the largest 4-stroke Outboard at the time.

The FX140 WaveRunner (1000cc, 4-stroke, four cylinder) was introduced. The world's first high performance 4-stroke personal watercraft.

2003

The RX-1 Snowmbile (1000cc, 4-stroke, four cylinder) was introduced. The world's first high performance 4-stroke Snowmobile.

2004 Rhino Side x Side model introduced. Combined performance, terrainability, utility capabilities, and take-along-a-friend convenience to lead the way in a new category of off-road recreation.

FBI Stolen motorcycles

gp500.org/FBI_stolen_motorcycles.html

Motorcycles VIN Decoder

gp500.org/VIN_Decoder.html

GP500.Org Part # 71700 Triumph motorcycle windshields

gp500.org/Yamaha.html

gp500.org

GP500 motorcycle windshields

The history of Yamaha Motorcycles

"I want to carry out trial manufacture of motorcycle engines." It was from these words spoken by Genichi Kawakami (Yamaha Motor's first president) in 1953, that today's Yamaha Motor Company was born.

"If you're going to do something, be the best."

Genichi Kawakami

Genichi Kawakami was the first son of Kaichi Kawakami, the third-generation president of Nippon Gakki (musical instruments and electronics; presently Yamaha Corporation). Genichi studied and graduated from Takachiho Higher Commercial School in March of 1934. In July of 1937, he was the second Kawakami to join the Nippon Gakki Company.

He quickly rose to positions of manager of the company's Tenryu Factory Company (musical instruments) and then Senior General Manager, before assuming the position of fourth-generation President in 1950 at the young age of 38.

In 1953, Genichi was looking for a way to make use of idle machining equipment that had previously been used to make aircraft propellers. Looking back on the founding of Yamaha Motor Company, Genichi had this to say. "While the company was performing well and had some financial leeway, I felt the need to look for our next area of business. So, I did some research." He explored producing many products, including sewing machines, auto parts, scooters, three-wheeled utility vehicles, and…motorcycles. Market and competitive factors led him to focus on the motorcycle market. Genichi actually visited the United States many times during this period.

When asked about this decision, he said, "I had my research division chief and other managers visit leading motorcycle factories around the country. They came back and told me there was still plenty of opportunity, even if we were entering the market late. I didn't want to be completely unprepared in this unfamiliar business so we toured to German factories before setting out to build our first 125cc bike. I joined in this tour around Europe during which my chief engineers learned how to build motorbikes. We did as much research as possible to insure that we could build a bike as good as any out there. Once we had that confidence, we started going."

The first Yamaha motorcycle... the YA-1.

"If you are going to make it, make it the very best there is." With these words as their motto, the development team poured all their energies into building the first prototype, and ten months later in August of 1954 the first model was complete. It was the Yamaha YA-1. The bike was powered by an air-cooled, 2-stroke, single cylinder 125cc engine. Once finished, it was put through an unprecedented 10,000 km endurance test to ensure that its quality was top-class. This was destined to be the first crystallization of what has now become a long tradition of Yamaha creativity and an inexhaustible spirit of challenge.

Then, in January of 1955 the Hamakita Factory of Nippon Gakki was built and production began on the YA-1. With confidence in the new direction that Genichi was taking, Yamaha Motor Co., Ltd. was founded on July 1, 1955. Staffed by 274 enthusiastic employees, the new motorcycle manufacturer built about 200 units per month.

That same year, Yamaha entered its new YA-1 in the two biggest race events in Japan. They were the 3rd Mt. Fuji Ascent Race and the 1st Asama Highlands Race. In these debut races Yamaha won the 125cc class. And, the following year the YA-1 won again in both the Light and Ultra-light classes of the Asama Highlands Race.

By 1956, a second model was ready for production. This was the YC1, a 175cc single cylinder two-stroke. In 1957 Yamaha began production of its first 250cc, two-stroke twin, the YD1.

The first Yamaha to compete in America (1957).

Based on Genichi's firm belief that a product isn't a product until it can hold it's own around the world, in 1958 Yamaha became the first Japanese maker to venture into the international race arena. The result was an impressive 6th place in the Catalina Grand Prix race in the USA. News of this achievement won immediate recognition for the high level of Yamaha technology not only in Japan but among American race fans, as well. This was only the start, however.

Yamaha took quick action using the momentum gained in the USA and began marketing their motorcycles through an independent distributor in California. In 1958, Cooper Motors began selling the YD-1 250 and the MF-1 (50cc, two-stroke, single cylinder, step through street bike). Then in 1960, Yamaha International Corporation began selling motorcycles in the USA through dealers.

With the overseas experiences under his belt, in 1960, Genichi then turned his attention to the Marine industry and the production of the first Yamaha boats and outboard motors. This was the beginning of an aggressive expansion into new fields utilizing the new engines and FRP (fiberglass reinforced plastic) technologies. The first watercraft model was the CAT-21, followed by the RUN-13 and the P-7 123cc outboard motor.

In 1963, Yamaha demonstrated its focus on cutting-edge, technological innovations by developing the Autolube System. This landmark solution was a separate oil injection system for two-stroke models, eliminating the inconvenience of pre-mixing fuel and oil.

Yamaha was building a strong reputation as a superior manufacturer which was reflected in its first project carried out in the new Iwata, Japan Plant, built in 1966. (The YMC headquarters was moved to Iwata in 1972.) Toyota and Yamaha teamed up to produce the highly regarded Toyota 2000 GT sports car. This very limited edition vehicle, still admired for its performance and craftsmanship, created a sensation among enthusiast in Japan and abroad.

Genichi said, "I believe that the most important thing when building a product is to always keep in mind the standpoint of the people who will use it." An example of the commitment to "walking in the customers' shoes" was the move in 1966 by Yamaha to continue its expansion. Overseas motorcycle manufacturing was established in Thailand and Mexico. In 1968, the globalization continued with Brazil and the Netherlands. With manufacturing bases, distributors and R&D operations in a market, Yamaha could be involved in grassroots efforts to build products that truly met the needs of each market by respecting and valuing the distinct national sensibilities and customs of each country. Yamaha continues that tradition, today.

By the late 1960s, Yamaha had quality products that had proven themselves in the global marketplace based on superior performance and innovation. Distribution and product diversity were on the right track. But Genichi knew that beyond quality, success would demand more. He had this view on the power of original ideas. "In the future, a company's future will hinge on ideas over and above quality. Products that have no character, nothing unique about them, will not sell no matter how well made or affordable…and that would spell doom for any company."

He also knew that forward vision, walking hand in hand with original ideas, would create an opportunity for the company and its customers that could mean years of happiness and memorable experiences. Genichi said, "In the business world today, so many people are obsessed with figures. They become fixated on the numbers of the minute and without them are too afraid to do any real work. But in fact, every situation is in flux from moment to moment, developing with a natural flow. Unless one reads that flow, it is impossible to start out in a new field of business."

A real-world illustration of this belief is the Yamaha DT-1. The world's first true off-road motorcycle debuted in 1968 to create an entirely new genre we know today as trail bikes. The DT-1 made a huge impact on motorcycling in the USA because it was truly dirt worthy. Yamaha definitely "read the flow" when it produced

"Make every challenge an opportunity."

Genichi Kawakami

the 250cc, single cylinder, 2-stroke, Enduro that put Yamaha On/Off-Road motorcycles on the map in the USA. The DT-1 exemplified the power of original ideas, forward vision, and quick action coupled with keeping in mind the customers' desires.

In years to come Yamaha continued to grow (and continues to this day). Diversity increased with the addition of products including snowmobiles, race kart engines, generators, scooters, ATVs, personal watercraft and more.

Genichi Kawakami set the stage for Yamaha Motor Company's success with his vision and philosophies. Total honesty towards the customer and making products that hold their own enables the company that serves people in thirty-three countries, to provide an improved lifestyle through exceptional quality, high performance products.

Yamaha Motor Corporation, USA Cypress, California

Genichi Kawakami's history with Yamaha was long and rich. He saw the new corporate headquarters in Cypress, California and the 25th Anniversary of Yamaha become a reality in 1980. He also watched bike #20 million roll off the assembly line in 1982. Genichi passed away on May 25, 2002 yet his vision lives on through the people and products of Yamaha, throughout the world.

History Timeline of Yamaha (USA)

Year Yamaha Motor Origin

1955

The first Yamaha motorized product was the YA-1 Motorcycle (125cc, 2-stroke, single cylinder, streetbike). It was produced and sold in Japan.

Year USA History

1958 The first Yamaha Motorcycles sold in the USA were by Cooper Motors, an independent distributor. The models were the YD1 (250cc, 2-stroke, twin cylinder, streetbike) and MF-1 (50cc, 2-stroke, single cylinder, streetbike, step-through).

1960 Yamaha International Corporation began selling motorcycles in the USA.

1968

The DT-1 Enduro was introduced. The world's first dual purpose motorcycle which had on & off-road capability. Its impact on Motorcycling in the USA was enormous.

Yamaha's first Snowmobile, the SL350 (2-stroke, twin cylinder) was introduced. This was the first Snowmobile with slide valve carburetors.

1970

Yamaha’s first 4-stroke motorcycle model, the XS-1 (650cc vertical twin) was introduced.

1971

The SR433 high performance Snowmobile was introduced.

1973 Yamaha continued expansion into new markets by introducing Generators (ET1200).

1975

Yamaha pioneered the very first single-shock, production motocross bikes. This was the beginning of the YZ Monocross machines that changed motocross forever.

1976 The legendary SRX440 snowmobile hits the market and quickly catapults Yamaha to the forefront of the snowmobile racing scene.

1977

Yamaha Motor Corporation, USA, was founded in order to better appeal to the American market and establish a separate identity (from music & electronics) for Yamaha motorized products.

1978

The XS1100 motorcycle (four cylinder, shaft drive) was introduced.

XS650 Special was introduced. This was the first production Cruiser built by a Japanese manufacturer.

Golf Cars were introduced in the USA with the G1 gas model.

1979

YICS (Yamaha Induction Control System), a fuel-saving engine system, was developed for 4-stroke engines.

1980

The new Yamaha Motor Corporation, USA, corporate office was opened in Cypress, California.

The first 3-wheel ATV was sold in USA… the Tri-Moto (YT125).

The G1-E electric powered Golf Car model was introduced.

1981

The first air-cooled, V-twin cruiser, the Virago 750, was introduced.

1984

The first production 5-valve per cylinder engine was introduced on the FZ750 motorcycle.

Yamaha’s first 4-wheel ATV, the YFM200, was introduced in the USA.

The Phazer snowmobile was introduced. Known for its light weight and agile handling.

Yamaha begins marketing Outboard Motors in the USA.

1985

The V-Max 1200 musclebike hits the streets.

1986

Yamaha Motor Manufacturing Corporation of America was founded in Newnan, Georgia.

1987

A new exhaust system for 4-stroke engines, “EXUP,” was developed to provide higher horsepower output throughout an engine's powerband.

Yamaha introduces personal watercraft...the sit-down WaveRunner and the stand-up WaveJammer.

Yamaha Motor Manufacturing Company begins Golf Car and Water Vehicle production for USA and overseas markets.

1992

The Vmax-4 Snowmobile (2-stroke, four cylinder) was introduced.

1994

Yamaha expands its product offerings by acquiring the Cobia boat company.

1995

The Century and Skeeter boat companies are acquired by Yamaha.

1996

Yamaha introduces its first Star model with the 1300cc, V4 Royal Star.

Tennessee Watercraft produces Sport Boats and later, the SUV WaveRunner.

1997

Yamaha acquires the G3 boat company.

At the Newnan, Georgia, manufacturing facility, the first ATV (the BearTracker) rolls off the assembly line.

Yamaha opens southeastern offices in Kennesaw, Georgia.

1998

The YZ400F four-stroke motocross bike was introduced. This was the first mass produced 4-stroke motocrosser.

The YZF-R1 sport bike was introduced. It set the standard for open class sport bikes for several years.

The Grizzly 600 4x4 ATV with Ultramatic transmission was introduced.

The EF2800i generator with Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) was introduced. PMW allows use with equipment that requires stable frequency and voltage.

2000

The Buckmaster® Edition Big Bear 400 4x4 was introduced. This was the first ATV with camouflage bodywork.

2002

The F225 Outboard was introduced. It was the largest 4-stroke Outboard at the time.

The FX140 WaveRunner (1000cc, 4-stroke, four cylinder) was introduced. The world's first high performance 4-stroke personal watercraft.

2003

The RX-1 Snowmbile (1000cc, 4-stroke, four cylinder) was introduced. The world's first high performance 4-stroke Snowmobile.

2004 Rhino Side x Side model introduced. Combined performance, terrainability, utility capabilities, and take-along-a-friend convenience to lead the way in a new category of off-road recreation.

FBI Stolen motorcycles

gp500.org/FBI_stolen_motorcycles.html

Motorcycles VIN Decoder

gp500.org/VIN_Decoder.html

Prague Castle (Pražský hrad)

For more than a thousand years, has the Prague Castle been an important symbol of the Czech state. Founded in the 9th century, it became the permanent seat of the Czech rulers and, most recently, also of the Presidents. One of the largest castle complexes in the world consists of palaces, offices, churches and fortification buildings, gardens and picturesque corners. The castle covers an area of ​​45 hectares. The unique view to the Prague Castle is one of the most amazing panorama views in the world.

Prague Castle is the most important folk-cultural and historical monument, and is the symbol of the more than one thousand years of development of the Czech and all-Czech states. It is a monumental symbol of the palace, church, fortification, official and residential buildings which represent very valuable monuments, included in all style epochs. It covers an area of ​​45 hectares, was the seat of the Bohemian princes, kings and emperors, and since the Republic was founded in 1918, it was also the residence of the presidents. Since 1962, the Prague Castle has been known for its archaeological discoveries.

History

The initial phases of the Prague Castle are connected with the first historically documented Přemyslid Bořivoj (Bořivoj I (Czech pronunciation: [ˈbɔr̝ɪvɔj], Latin: Borzivogius, c. 852 – c. 889) was the first historically documented Duke of Bohemia from about 870 and progenitor of the Přemyslid dynasty.] The Duchy of Bohemia was at those times subordinated to Great Moravia.). This one transferred in the 80s of the 9th century his original seat from Levý Hradec to the place where on the raised spot above the river Vltava/Moldau already existed a Slavic castle and was very well situated.

The first princely palace apparently only consisted of wood. The first stone building and the oldest Christian sanctuary was the Virgin Mary Church. Its remains have been found between the Second Courtyard and the Bastion garden (original name of the garden: Na Baště). This Bořivoj church was soon reconstructed by the prince Spytihněv I, who was buried here in 915. The second church in the castle was the St. George Basilica founded by Prince Vratislaus I. The next Přemyslide, Prince Wenceslas (Saint), the third sanctuary - the St Veit Rotunda - in the twenties of the 10th century nearby had built which in the 11th century by Prince Spytihnev II was transformed into a huge basilica.

In 973, when the bishopric was established in Prague, the castle was not only the seat of the head of state, but also the seat of the Prague bishop, the highest representative of the church. At the same time arose the first monastery in Bohemia at St. George's basilica.

In the 10th century the castle occupied an area of ​​about 6 ha. In the Romanesque epoch the former fortress, especially after the year 1135 thanks to Soběslaus I, as the stony princely palace and the new masonry fortified with some towers were erected, was turned into a fortified medieval castle. Of the towers is the eastern blacktower best preserved.

Very significantly the Gothic period in the appearance of Prague Castle intervened, most of all Charles IV (1346 - 1378), who, with his father, John of Luxemburg (1310 - 1346), obtained from the pope the promotion of the Prague bishopric to the archbishopric and laid the foundations for the construction of St. Vitus Cathedral. Under Charles IV, the castle for the first time was turned into the imperial residence. Charles IV the defense of the Prague Castle had consolidated, the Royal Palace with the Chapel of All Saints he rebuilt generously. The roofs he had covered with gilded plates, which were the foundation for the binding of words "Golden Prague". Since 1382, Bohemian rulers ceased to occupy the Prague Castle for more than 100 years. The royal court was moved to the place of today's Community hall and back to the Prague castle it came only in 1483 under Wladislaus from the Jagiellonian dynasty.

Although the ruler already in 1490 moved to Ofen (Buda), he had the Prague castle renovated in the late Gothic style under the supervision of Benedikt Ried. He was the master builder of the magnificent Vladislav Hall, the largest secular vaulted room of the then Europe, with which the first Renaissance signs came to Prague. He carried out major construction works, including the construction of a new masonry, the defensive towers and the expansion of the Royal Palace. At his time, the Gothic died away and a new architectural style, the Renaissance, gradually prevailed.

The direct influence of the Italian art on the new style was most frequently observed in Prague under the reign of Ferdinand I (von Habsburg) and after his departure from Prague under the influence of the governor Ferdinand of Tyrol. At that time, the medieval castle was converted into a comfortable Renaissance castle with gardens. The typical Italian architecture of the Royal Pleasure palace arose in the northern King's garden.

For a large building activity in 1541 contributed a fire devastating the castle objects as well as the surrounding area quite a lot. Within the framework of the restoration, both the housing estates and the church buildings were rebuilt. Under the reign of the first Habsburgs, nobility palaces were added to the castle grounds (for example, the Pernstein Palace - later Lobkowicz Palace, Rosenberg Palace and others). Horse stable buildings were built in the north-west.

Under the reign of the Emperor Rudolph II (1576 - 1611), the Renaissance and Mannerism transformation of the castle, which for the second time became the center of the empire, and especially the center of European culture and science, reached its peak. On the second courtyard, new rooms were built for the collections of Rudolph - the new (now Spanish) hall and the Rudolph gallery. Also arose the connection tract between the northwestern and the southwestern part of the castle. Just here the famous Kunstkammer (Art chamber) and other rooms for Rudolph's collective activities were located. Additionally further horse stable properties were built for his rare Spanish horses. During the Rudolph times also the foundation stone of the famous Golden Alley was laid. Laboratories of the Rudolph-Alchymists were supposed to have been in the Powder tower above the Hirschgraben (Deer's ditch). The castle suffered again considerable damages when it was occupied by the Saxon army in 1631 and by the Swedes in 1648 not only was occupied but also plundered. After the Thirty Years' War, the Habsburgs did not care too much about the Prague royal seat.

Only Maria Theresia carried out an extensive reconstruction of the Prague Castle from 1755 - 1775 into a representative castle complex. The reason for the massive construction action were war damages, caused by the intense bombing of the castle during war conflicts at the beginning of her reign. The reconstruction was designed by the Viennese architect Nicolo Pacassi, who also planned the first courtyard with the monumental entrance gate. From the time of the Theresian reconstruction stems also the chapel of the Holy Cross on the 2nd castle forecourt and other buildings, especially the noblewomen institute. The south wing he imprinted the uniform monumental late Baroque facade of a representative seat. His plans influenced by Viennese Rococo and French Classicism the builders Anselmo Lurago, Anton Kunz and Anton Haffenecker brought into life.

In the 19th century, the castle fell into ruin, in several objects after the Josephine reforms the army settled. In connection with the stay of Ferdinand I the Good in the castle after his abdication in 1848 and further in connection with the preparation for the coronation of Franz Joseph I in the sixties it came to building modifications of several objects. After 1859, when the community for the completion of St Veit cathedral emerged, began first the repair, and then, under the influence of the architect Joseph Mocker, the work on the actual completion of St Veit's cathedral was started, completed in 1929.

In the years 1920 - 35, carried out extensive regulations of the Prague Castle as the seat of the Czechoslovak President the great Slovenian architect Josip Plečnik, who masterfully combined the valuable historical space with modern civilization claims. His modifications mainly concerned the 1st and 3rd court, the southern gardens of the castle, the fourth forecourt with the Bastion garden as well as numerous interiors. He created e.g. the pillared hall, private rooms of the presidential residence, including the Masaryk workroom. His pupil, Otto Rothmayer, brought to an end the incomplete solutions of some castle interior spaces after the Second World War in comparable quality.

In 1936, Pavel Janák and after him, in 1959, Jaroslav Fragner became castle architect.

After the year of change of 1989, the Prague Castle was opened to the public in many places. During the term of President Havel, at the castle it came to modulations of the interiors and to the expansion of two new entrances into the second courtyard after the project of the creator and designer Bořek Šípek. The puncture through the rampart of the Powder bridge in Hirschgraben was rewarded with a significant prize (Arch. Josef Pleskot). Also interesting is the modern greenhouse of the world-famous architect Eva Jiřičná. The Georgian Square (Jiřské náměstí) was re-paved and modulated. The Mosaic of the Last Judgment was renovated in collaboration with the specialists from the Getti Institute. In 1990, the Prague Castle was solemnly illuminated and this situation lasts from dusk to midnight until today. In the main tourist season, the lighting time even lasts an hour longer until 1 o'clock. The tradition of electric lighting, but on a much smaller scale, began in 1928, when the lamps were installed for the 10th anniversary of the elevation to a Republic. A little bit the present daylight resembles of those from the end of the sixties, but today it is much more detailed and in communist times it was only switched on at solemn occasions. At that time, illuminative days were state holidays or significant day of republic, which, however, did not lack recognition from the communist point of view.

In recent years the reconstruction and renovation work has been developed in many buildings of the castle and a considerable attention has been devoted to the archaeological investigation, which has been going on since 1925 and has brought many insights into the history of the castle. The investigation as well as the renovation of the individual rooms and objects is motivated by the idea of ​​invigorating them as much as possible by making them accessible to the public.

Prager Burg (Pražský hrad)

Die Prager Burg ist seit über tausend Jahren ein bedeutendes Symbol des tschechischen Staates. Gegründet im 9. Jahrhundert wurde sie zum ständigen Sitz der tschechischen Herrscher und zuletzt auch der Präsidenten. Einer der größten Burgkomplexe weltweit setzt sich aus Palästen, Amts-, Kirchen- und Fortifikationsgebäuden, aus Gärten und malerischen Ecken zusammen. Die Burg erstreckt sich auf einer Fläche von 45 Hektar. Der alleinige Blick auf die Prager Burg stellt einen der überwältigendsten Panoramablicke der Welt dar.

Die Prager Burg ist das bedeutendste Volkskultur- und Historiedenkmal, sie ist das Symbol der mehr als eintausendjährigen Entwicklung des böhmischen sowie gesamttschechischen Staats. Es ist ein monumentales Symbol der Palast-, Kirchen-, Fortifikations-, Amts- und Wohngebäude, die sehr wertvolle Denkmäler darstellen, einbezogen auf alle Stilepochen. Sie erstreckt sich auf einer Fläche von 45 ha, war der Sitz der böhmischen Fürsten, Könige und Kaiser und seit der Republikentstehung im Jahre 1918 war sie auch die Residenz der Präsidenten. Seit 1962 steht die Prager Burg mit ihren archäologischen Funden als bekanntester.

Geschichte

Die Anfangszeiten der Prager Burg sind mit dem ersten historisch belegten Přemysliden Bořivoj verbunden. Dieser übertrug in den 80er Jahren des 9. Jahrhunderts seinen ursprünglichen Sitz von Levý Hradec an den Ort, wo auf der erhabenen Stelle über der Moldau eine slawische Burgstätte bereits bestand und sehr gut gelegen war.

Der erste Fürstenpalast bestand offenbar aus Holz. Der erste Steinbau und das älteste christliche Heiligtum war die Jungfrau Maria Kirche. Ihre Reste wurden zwischen dem II. Vorhof und dem Basteigarten (Originalname des Gartens: Na Baště) gefunden. Diese Bořivoj-Kirche wurde durch den hier im Jahre 915 beigesetzten Fürsten Spytihněv I. bald umgebaut. Die zweite Kirche im Burgraum war die vom Fürsten Vratislaus I. gegründete St. Georg Basilika. Der nächste Přemyslide, der Fürst Wenzel (der Heilige), ließ in der Nähe in den 20er Jahren des 10. Jahrhunderts das dritte Heiligtum - die St. Veit Rotunde - bauen, die im 11. Jahrhundert vom Fürsten Spytihněv II. zu einer gewaltigen Basilika umgebaut wurde.

Im Jahre 973, als in Prag das Bistum gegründet wurde, war die Burg nicht nur der Sitz des Staatsoberhaupts, sondern auch der Sitz des Prager Bischofs, des höchsten Repräsentanten der Kirche. Zu demselben Zeitpunkt entstand an der St. Georg Basilika das erste Kloster in Böhmen.

Im 10. Jahrhundert nahm die Burg eine Fläche von ca. 6 ha in Anspruch. In der romanischen Epoche wurde die einstige Burgstätte, insbesondere nach dem Jahr 1135 dank Soběslaus I., als der steinige Fürstenpalast und das neue mit einigen Türmen verstärkte Mauerwerk aufgebaut wurden, zu einer festen mittelalterlichen Burg umgebaut. Von den Türmen ist der östliche Schwarzturm am besten erhalten.

Sehr bedeutend griff ins Aussehen der Prager Burg die Gotikzeit ein, insbesondere Karl IV. (1346 - 1378), der mit seinem Vater Johann von Luxemburg (1310 - 1346) vom Papst die Beförderung des Prager Bistums zum Erzbistum erwirkte und den Grundstein für den Bau der St. Veit Kathedrale legte. Unter Karl IV. wurde die Burg zum ersten Mal zur Kaiserlichen Residenz. Karl IV. ließ die Verschanzung der Prager Burg festigen, den Königspalast mit der Kapelle Aller Heiligen baute er großzügig um. Die Dächer ließ er mit vergoldeten Blechen decken, die das Fundament für die Wörterbindung „Goldenes Prag“ darstellten. Seit 1382 hörten böhmische Herrscher auf, die Prager Burg für mehr als 100 Jahre zu bewohnen. Der Königshof wurde an den Ort des heutigen Gemeindehauses umgezogen und zurück auf die Prager Burg kehrte er erst im Jahre 1483 unter Wladislaus aus der Jagiellonen-Dynastie.

Obwohl der Herrscher bereits 1490 nach Ofen (Buda) umsiedelte, ließ er die Prager Burg im spätgotischen Stil unter der Bauleitung von Benedikt Ried umbauen. Er war der Baumeister des großartigen Wladislaus-Saals, des größten weltlichen gewölbten Raums des damaligen Europas, mit dem die ersten Renaissancezeichen nach Prag kamen. Er führte großartige Bauregelungen einschließlich des Ausbaus eines neuen Mauerwerks, der Wehrtürme und der Erweiterung des Königspalastes durch. Zu seiner Zeit klang die Gotik aus und es setzte sich allmählich ein neuer Baustil durch, die Renaissance.

Der direkte Einfluss der italienischen Kunst des neuen Stils wurde in Prag unter der Regierung von Ferdinand I. (von Habsburg) und nach seinem Weggang von Prag unter der Wirkung des Statthalters Ferdinand von Tirol am meisten beobachtet. Damals wurde die mittelalterliche Burg in ein bequemes Renaissanceschloss mit Gärten umgewandelt. Im nördlichen Königsgarten entstand die typisch italienische Architektur des Königlichen Lustschlosses.

Zu einer großen Bauaktivität trug im Jahre 1541 ein Brand bei, der die Burgobjekte sowie die Umgebung ziemlich viel kaputt machte. Im Rahmen der Wiederherstellung wurden sowohl die Wohnräume als auch die Kirchenobjekte umgebaut. Unter der Regierung der ersten Habsburger kamen ins Burggelände auch Adelspaläste dazu (zum Beispiel der Pernstein-Palast - später Lobkowicz-Palast, Rosenberg-Palast und weitere). Im Nordwesten wurden Pferdestallgebäude erbaut.

Unter der Regierung des Kaisers Rudolph II. (1576 - 1611) erreichte der Renaissance- und Manierismusumbau der Burg, die zum zweiten Mal zum Zentrum des Reiches und insbesondere zum Zentrum der europäischen Kultur und Wissenschaft wurde, seinen Gipfel. Auf dem II. Vorhof wurden neue Räume für die Sammlungen Rudolphs erbaut - der Neue (heute Spanische) Saal und die Rudolph-Galerie. Es entstand auch der Verbindungstrakt zwischen dem Nordwest- und dem Südwestteil der Burg. Eben hier befanden sich die berühmte Kunstkammer und weitere Räume für die Sammeltätigkeit Rudolphs. Es wurden auch weitere Pferdestallobjekte für seine seltenen spanischen Pferde aufgebaut. Während der Rudolph-Zeiten wurde auch der Grundstein der berühmten Goldenen Gasse gelegt. Laboratorien der Rudolph-Alchymisten sollen im Pulverturm über dem Hirschgraben gewesen sein. Die Burg erlitt erneut erhebliche Schäden, als sie 1631 vom sächsischen Heer und 1648 von den Schweden besetzt und ausgeplündert wurde. Nach dem Dreißigjährigen Krieg kümmerten sich die Habsburger um den Prager königlichen Sitz nicht allzu sehr.

Erst Maria Theresia führte in den Jahren 1755 - 1775 einen umfangreichen Umbau der Prager Burg zu einem repräsentativen Schlosskomplex durch. Der Grund für die massive Bauaktion waren Kriegsschäden, verursacht durch die intensive Bombardierung der Burg bei Kriegskonflikten zu Beginn ihrer Regierung. Den Umbau entwarf der Wiener Architekt Nicolo Pacassi, der auch den I. Vorhof mit dem monumentalen Eingangstor projektierte. Aus der Zeit des theresianischen Umbaus stammt auch die Kapelle des Heiligen Kreuzes auf dem II. Burgvorhof und weitere Gebäude, insbesondere die Edeldamenanstalt. Dem Südflügel prägte er die einheitliche monumentale Spätbarockfassade eines Repräsentationssitzes ein. Seine durch das Wiener Rokoko und den französischen Klassizismus beeinflussten Pläne brachten die Baumeister Anselmo Lurago, Anton Kunz und Anton Haffenecker zustande.

Im 19. Jahrhundert verfiel die Burg, in mehreren Objekten ließ sich nach den josephinischen Reformen das Heer nieder. Zu Bauregelungen einiger Objekte kam es im Zusammenhang mit dem Aufenthalt von Ferdinand I. dem Guten auf der Burg nach seiner Abdikation im Jahre 1848 und weiter im Zusammenhang mit der Vorbereitung auf die vorgesehene Krönung von Franz Joseph I. in den 60er Jahren. Nach 1859, als die Gemeinde für die Fertigstellung der St. Veit Kathedrale entstand, begann zuerst die Reparatur und anschließend unter der Wirkung des Architekten Joseph Mocker wurde die Arbeit an der eigentlichen Fertigstellung der St. Veit Kathedrale aufgenommen, abgeschlossen im Jahre 1929.

In den Jahren 1920 - 35 führte ausgedehnte Regelungen der Prager Burg als des Sitzes des tschechoslowakischen Präsidenten der bedeutende slowenische Architekt Josip Plečnik durch, der den wertvollen historischen Raum mit modernen Zivilisationsansprüchen meisterlich zusammenfügte. Seine Regelungen betrafen vor allem den 1. und 3. Vorhof, die Südgärten der Burg, den 4. Vorhof mit dem Basteigarten sowie zahlreiche Innenräume. Er schuf z.B. die Säulenhalle, Privaträume der Präsidentenwohnung einschließlich des Arbeitszimmers Masaryks. Sein Schüler Otto Rothmayer brachte die unvollendeten Lösungen einiger Burginnenräume nach dem 2. Weltkrieg in vergleichbarer Qualität zu Ende.

Im Jahre 1936 ist Pavel Janák und nach ihm seit 1959 Jaroslav Fragner Burgarchitekt geworden.

Nach dem Wendejahr 1989 wurde die Prager Burg an vielen Stellen für die Öffentlichkeit geöffnet. Während der Amtszeit des Präsidenten Havel kam es auf der Burg zu Regelungen der Innenräume und zum Ausbau zweier neuer Eingänge in den 2. Vorhof nach dem Projekt des Bildners und Designers Bořek Šípek. Mit einem bedeutenden Preis wurde der Durchstich durch den Wall der Pulverbrücke im Hirschgraben belohnt (Arch. Josef Pleskot). Interessant ist auch das moderne Gewächshaus der weltberühmten Architektin Eva Jiřičná. Der Georg-Platz (Jiřské náměstí) wurde neu bepflastert und geregelt. In Zusammenarbeit mit den Fachleuten aus dem Getti-Institut wurde die Mosaik „des Letzten Gerichts“ renoviert. Im Jahre 1990 wurde die Prager Burg feierlich beleuchtet und dieser Zustand dauert von der Dämmerung bis zur Mitternacht bis heute. In der touristischen Hauptsaison dauert die Beleuchtungszeit sogar eine Stunde länger, bis 1 Uhr. Die Tradition der elektrischen Beleuchtung, jedoch im viel kleineren Umfang, begann im Jahre 1928, als die Lampen zum 10. Jubiläum der Republikentstehung installiert wurden. Ein wenig ähnelte die heutige feierliche Beleuchtung jener aus dem Ende der 60er Jahren, heute ist sie allerdings viel detaillierter und in den Kommunistenzeiten wurde sie nur bei feierlichen Gelegenheiten angemacht. Beleuchtungswürdige Tage waren damals Staatsfeiertage oder bedeutende Republiktage, denen allerdings aus der kommunistischen Sicht die Anerkennung nicht fehlte.

In den letzten Jahren entwickelte sich die Umbau- bzw. Renovierungstätigkeit in vielen Objekten der Burg und eine erhebliche Aufmerksamkeit wurde der archäologischen Untersuchung gewidmet, die bereits seit 1925 läuft und viele Erkenntnisse über die Burggeschichte brachte. Die Untersuchung sowie die Renovierung der einzelnen Räume und Objekte ist von der Idee motiviert, sie dadurch, dass sie der Öffentlichkeit zugänglich gemacht werden, möglichst viel zu beleben.

www.prague.eu/de/objekt/orte/31/prager-burg-prazsky-hrad

In memory of

Janet Patricia

Dearly loved daughter of

H Temple and Edna L White

Born 17th March 1920

Died 30th November 1921

Evening Post, Volume CII, Issue 131, 30 November 1921, Page 1

WHITE.—On the 30th November, 1921, at Christchurch, Janet Patricia, infant daughter of Mr. and Mrs. H. Temple White; aged 1 year and 8 months.[1]

Block 29 Plot 86SEC

Address: 17 Jefferson St, Wellington

Born: Wellington[2]

Janet’s mother:

Edna Lucie nee CRABB

•On the 11th September 1916 at the residence of E. H. CRABB. Esq., Palmerston North married to Harold[9]

•A lovely portrait here and also on page photo of Harold and Edna with young son and Edna holding a child that looks to be a girl. Quite possibly Janet?

kiwicrabb.blogspot.co.nz/2010/06/edna-lucie-crabb-and-har...

Janet’s father:

Harold Temple White

Conductor; music teacher; composer

Harold Temple White was born in Laceby, Lincolnshire, England, on 24 December 1881, the son of Emma Jane Wales and her husband, John Hobson White, a grocer. The family were ardent Methodists (John White was to become a minister at Kimbolton) and Harold's religious upbringing strongly influenced his later activities and personal life.

The family arrived in New Zealand on the Rimutaka in 1893 as part of an emigration scheme organised by John White. They settled in New Plymouth and Harold won a scholarship to New Plymouth High School. He then trained as a schoolteacher and taught at Rahotu, Omata and Eltham Road schools before establishing himself as a professional music teacher. He had received his first piano lessons from his mother but was otherwise self-taught.

He married Marguerite Amy Tichbon on 31 March 1904 at Stratford. There were three sons of the marriage, two of whom survived to adulthood. In August 1904 the couple moved to Feilding where Temple White, as he was always known, conducted the Feilding Choral Society and was organist and choirmaster at the Methodist church. His choir had considerable success in provincial competitions, and as conductor he 'set a new standard in this form of singing – in delicacy, precision, phrasing, and modulation'.

His reputation grew and in 1913 he secured an appointment as organist and choirmaster to the Wesleyan Methodist Church in Taranaki Street, Wellington. He was to hold this position for 46 years. His wife was in continuous poor health and soon after the shift to Wellington took her own life. On 11 September 1916 at Palmerston North Harold Temple White married Edna Lucie Crabb. Three sons and two daughters were born to them, one daughter dying in infancy.

Temple White soon became a central figure in Wellington's musical life. Under his direction the Wesleyan Methodist Church choir achieved high standards and he was soon involved in other choral activities. In 1914 he established the Wellington Harmonic Society and was its conductor until 1957. In 1918 he became conductor of the Wellington Commercial Travellers' Male Voice Choir, a position he held until 1930, and in 1919 was appointed conductor of the Royal Wellington Choral Union.

In spite of his innate gentleness, there was underneath a firm fibre of determination, and when roused he could support his strongly held beliefs in fearless exchange. His eight-year association with the choral union, which was then Wellington's major choir, came to an abrupt end in 1927 when he resigned on a matter of principle. One source of disagreement was his salary, but he was also unhappy about lack of consultation over the selection of soloists and repertoire. On this occasion his views did not prevail with the choir committee, but such was his popularity with ordinary choir members that they presented him with a grandfather clock.

When the radio station 2YA began broadcasting in Wellington in 1927, Temple White was appointed music adviser and the scope of his musical activities broadened. He played the organ for regular community singing in the town hall during the 1930s, gave organ recitals and conducted carol services at Christmas. In 1939 his old friend Aunt Daisy (Maud Basham) enlisted his help in establishing Easter dawn services.

In the 1930s Temple White formed new choirs: the Wellington Apollo Singers, the Wellington Boys' Choir, and the Wellington Girls' junior and senior choirs, all of which he led until 1947. He also conducted the Tudor Singers from 1936 until 1941. The highlight of these years was his association with the composer Percy Grainger, who visited New Zealand in 1935. Temple White had the challenging task of welding together two separate choirs, the Harmonic Society and the Apollo Singers, to perform Grainger's programme in the Wellington Town Hall. Grainger later wrote, 'I don't know that I can recall any choral programme of my works, in any city of the world, in which every item was rendered with the unvarying perfection attained on November 23'.

Besides giving private music lessons in piano, organ and singing, Temple White taught singing at Rongotai College from 1940 until 1945. During school holidays he was in demand throughout New Zealand as a judge for regional music competitions, and he adjudicated at the City of Sydney Eisteddfod in 1936. He also composed works, mainly choral, that reflected his intense religious and patriotic feelings. During the 1953–54 royal visit he conducted a choir of 13,000 children in a performance of his own work, 'Aotearoa'. The singing was accompanied by six strategically placed brass bands. That year he was made an OBE for services to music.

Temple White served on the Music Teachers' Registration Board of New Zealand, the Music Teachers' Association of New Zealand, the Department of Internal Affairs Music Bursary Selection Committee, the New Zealand Church Music Society and the Wellington Organists' Association. He was appointed honorary city organist in 1961. When he resigned in 1966 the council conferred on him the title honorary city organist emeritus. A bust of Temple White was placed outside the Ilott Concert Chamber in the Wellington Town Hall.

Instantly recognisable by his neatly clipped beard and erect elegant figure, Harold Temple White walked from his Brooklyn home to the city every day, even when he was past 80. He was an avid reader and loved reading aloud; chess was another interest. He was unfailingly courteous and won many friends. After his wife's death in 1950 he and his daughter stayed on in the family home until frailty necessitated his care in Woburn Presbyterian Home and Hospital, Lower Hutt. He died there on 8 September 1972 in his 91st year. [3]

Evening Post, Volume XCVI, Issue 27, 31 July 1918, Page 8

WAR ANNIVERSARY

MEETING AT TOWN HALL.

Sunday will be the fourth anniversary of the declaration of war between Great Britain and Germany, and the occasion will be marked by patriotic meetings to he held all over New Zealand on Monday night next. The Wellington meeting in the Town Hall promises to be a memorable gathering. The motion reaffirming New Zealand's “inflexable [sic] determination to continue to the victorious end of, a reighteous [sic] war" will be moved by the Mayor (Mr. J. P. Luke, C.M.G., M.P.) and supported by several prominent speakers, whose names will be announced later. The Trentham Band will be in attendance, and the City Organist (Mr. Bernard Page) will play suitable selections on the grand organ. Mr. Temple White has, agreed to arrange a .programme of musical items, which in itself should be a big attraction. [5]

Hawera & Normanby Star, Volume LXV, 23 December 1913, Page 5

Harold Temple WHITE’S first wife, missing for 10 days and found suicided by drowning. She had been depressed for some time.[10]

She was 33 years old.[12]

Janet’s siblings:

Brother: Douglas Hallam WHITE married Florence Marianne LAWTON 2 March 1928[8]

Other family connections:

Janet’s uncle

Feilding Star, Volume XIII, Issue 3287, 9 July 1917, Page 2

Mr Sydney Wales WHITE brother of Mr Temple White has one of his paintings (a portrait of Flight-Lieut. Williams, of the Royal Naval Service) hung in the exhibition of the Royal Academy this year.[4]

Sydney married 1906 at Fulletby, Lincolnshire to Miss Alice Mary TARTTELIN and received gifts from amongst others – Prince and Princess Alexis Dolgorouki; The Marchioness of Tullibardine; Sir James Tamsay Bart. Of Banff; the Hon. Mrs. Claud Hamilton. [13]

Janet’s grandmother

Feilding Star, Volume VII, Issue 1880, 21 September 1912, Page 2

DEATH OF MRS J. H. WHITE.

News came through this morning of the death of Mrs White, wife of the Rev. J. H. White, at one time of Kimbolton, and mother of Mr H. Temple White, of Feilding. She passed away peacefully at Patea last evening. Throughout Feilding and district deep sympathy will be felt with the members of the bereaved family, especially with the Rev. J. H. White, in. whose constant companionship in his work in the Kimbolton Methodist Circuit Mrs White made many friends. [11]

Janet’s grandfather

Evening Post, Volume XCVI, Issue 31, 5 August 1918, Page 8

The sudden death of Mr Joseph Temple White brother of the Rev. J H White of Brooklyn and uncle of Mr. H Temple White the Wellington organist, occurred at Stanley Building, Auckland, last Thursday. Deceased, who arrive din New Zealand in the 80’s, lived in Taranaki before going to Auckland. He was prominent in temperance circles.[6]

Two of his sons served long periods at the war and one was recently decorated. He has a brother, a Methodist minister, at Kelbur, Wellington and is survived by a widow and a grown up family.[7]

SOURCES:

[1]

paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/cgi-bin/paperspast?a=d&d=EP...

[2]

librarydata.christchurch.org.nz/Cemeteries/interment.asp?...

[3]

Judith White. 'White, Harold Temple - White, Harold Temple', from the Dictionary of New Zealand Biography. Te Ara - the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, updated 30-Oct-2012

URL: www.TeAra.govt.nz/en/biographies/3w11/white-harold-temple

[4]

paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/cgi-bin/paperspast?a=d&cl=s...

[5]

paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/cgi-bin/paperspast?a=d&cl=s...

[6]

paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/cgi-bin/paperspast?a=d&cl=s...

[7]

paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/cgi-bin/paperspast?a=d&cl=s...

[8]

paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/cgi-bin/paperspast?a=d&cl=s...

[9]

paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/cgi-bin/paperspast?a=d&cl=s...

[10]

paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/cgi-bin/paperspast?a=d&cl=s...

[11]

paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/cgi-bin/paperspast?a=d&cl=s...

[12]

paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/cgi-bin/paperspast?a=d&cl=s...

[13]

paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/cgi-bin/paperspast?a=d&d=WC...

gp500.org

GP500 motorcycle windshields

The history of Yamaha Motorcycles

"I want to carry out trial manufacture of motorcycle engines." It was from these words spoken by Genichi Kawakami (Yamaha Motor's first president) in 1953, that today's Yamaha Motor Company was born.

"If you're going to do something, be the best."

Genichi Kawakami

Genichi Kawakami was the first son of Kaichi Kawakami, the third-generation president of Nippon Gakki (musical instruments and electronics; presently Yamaha Corporation). Genichi studied and graduated from Takachiho Higher Commercial School in March of 1934. In July of 1937, he was the second Kawakami to join the Nippon Gakki Company.

He quickly rose to positions of manager of the company's Tenryu Factory Company (musical instruments) and then Senior General Manager, before assuming the position of fourth-generation President in 1950 at the young age of 38.

In 1953, Genichi was looking for a way to make use of idle machining equipment that had previously been used to make aircraft propellers. Looking back on the founding of Yamaha Motor Company, Genichi had this to say. "While the company was performing well and had some financial leeway, I felt the need to look for our next area of business. So, I did some research." He explored producing many products, including sewing machines, auto parts, scooters, three-wheeled utility vehicles, and…motorcycles. Market and competitive factors led him to focus on the motorcycle market. Genichi actually visited the United States many times during this period.

When asked about this decision, he said, "I had my research division chief and other managers visit leading motorcycle factories around the country. They came back and told me there was still plenty of opportunity, even if we were entering the market late. I didn't want to be completely unprepared in this unfamiliar business so we toured to German factories before setting out to build our first 125cc bike. I joined in this tour around Europe during which my chief engineers learned how to build motorbikes. We did as much research as possible to insure that we could build a bike as good as any out there. Once we had that confidence, we started going."

The first Yamaha motorcycle... the YA-1.

"If you are going to make it, make it the very best there is." With these words as their motto, the development team poured all their energies into building the first prototype, and ten months later in August of 1954 the first model was complete. It was the Yamaha YA-1. The bike was powered by an air-cooled, 2-stroke, single cylinder 125cc engine. Once finished, it was put through an unprecedented 10,000 km endurance test to ensure that its quality was top-class. This was destined to be the first crystallization of what has now become a long tradition of Yamaha creativity and an inexhaustible spirit of challenge.

Then, in January of 1955 the Hamakita Factory of Nippon Gakki was built and production began on the YA-1. With confidence in the new direction that Genichi was taking, Yamaha Motor Co., Ltd. was founded on July 1, 1955. Staffed by 274 enthusiastic employees, the new motorcycle manufacturer built about 200 units per month.

That same year, Yamaha entered its new YA-1 in the two biggest race events in Japan. They were the 3rd Mt. Fuji Ascent Race and the 1st Asama Highlands Race. In these debut races Yamaha won the 125cc class. And, the following year the YA-1 won again in both the Light and Ultra-light classes of the Asama Highlands Race.

By 1956, a second model was ready for production. This was the YC1, a 175cc single cylinder two-stroke. In 1957 Yamaha began production of its first 250cc, two-stroke twin, the YD1.

The first Yamaha to compete in America (1957).

Based on Genichi's firm belief that a product isn't a product until it can hold it's own around the world, in 1958 Yamaha became the first Japanese maker to venture into the international race arena. The result was an impressive 6th place in the Catalina Grand Prix race in the USA. News of this achievement won immediate recognition for the high level of Yamaha technology not only in Japan but among American race fans, as well. This was only the start, however.

Yamaha took quick action using the momentum gained in the USA and began marketing their motorcycles through an independent distributor in California. In 1958, Cooper Motors began selling the YD-1 250 and the MF-1 (50cc, two-stroke, single cylinder, step through street bike). Then in 1960, Yamaha International Corporation began selling motorcycles in the USA through dealers.

With the overseas experiences under his belt, in 1960, Genichi then turned his attention to the Marine industry and the production of the first Yamaha boats and outboard motors. This was the beginning of an aggressive expansion into new fields utilizing the new engines and FRP (fiberglass reinforced plastic) technologies. The first watercraft model was the CAT-21, followed by the RUN-13 and the P-7 123cc outboard motor.

In 1963, Yamaha demonstrated its focus on cutting-edge, technological innovations by developing the Autolube System. This landmark solution was a separate oil injection system for two-stroke models, eliminating the inconvenience of pre-mixing fuel and oil.

Yamaha was building a strong reputation as a superior manufacturer which was reflected in its first project carried out in the new Iwata, Japan Plant, built in 1966. (The YMC headquarters was moved to Iwata in 1972.) Toyota and Yamaha teamed up to produce the highly regarded Toyota 2000 GT sports car. This very limited edition vehicle, still admired for its performance and craftsmanship, created a sensation among enthusiast in Japan and abroad.

Genichi said, "I believe that the most important thing when building a product is to always keep in mind the standpoint of the people who will use it." An example of the commitment to "walking in the customers' shoes" was the move in 1966 by Yamaha to continue its expansion. Overseas motorcycle manufacturing was established in Thailand and Mexico. In 1968, the globalization continued with Brazil and the Netherlands. With manufacturing bases, distributors and R&D operations in a market, Yamaha could be involved in grassroots efforts to build products that truly met the needs of each market by respecting and valuing the distinct national sensibilities and customs of each country. Yamaha continues that tradition, today.

By the late 1960s, Yamaha had quality products that had proven themselves in the global marketplace based on superior performance and innovation. Distribution and product diversity were on the right track. But Genichi knew that beyond quality, success would demand more. He had this view on the power of original ideas. "In the future, a company's future will hinge on ideas over and above quality. Products that have no character, nothing unique about them, will not sell no matter how well made or affordable…and that would spell doom for any company."

He also knew that forward vision, walking hand in hand with original ideas, would create an opportunity for the company and its customers that could mean years of happiness and memorable experiences. Genichi said, "In the business world today, so many people are obsessed with figures. They become fixated on the numbers of the minute and without them are too afraid to do any real work. But in fact, every situation is in flux from moment to moment, developing with a natural flow. Unless one reads that flow, it is impossible to start out in a new field of business."

A real-world illustration of this belief is the Yamaha DT-1. The world's first true off-road motorcycle debuted in 1968 to create an entirely new genre we know today as trail bikes. The DT-1 made a huge impact on motorcycling in the USA because it was truly dirt worthy. Yamaha definitely "read the flow" when it produced

"Make every challenge an opportunity."

Genichi Kawakami

the 250cc, single cylinder, 2-stroke, Enduro that put Yamaha On/Off-Road motorcycles on the map in the USA. The DT-1 exemplified the power of original ideas, forward vision, and quick action coupled with keeping in mind the customers' desires.

In years to come Yamaha continued to grow (and continues to this day). Diversity increased with the addition of products including snowmobiles, race kart engines, generators, scooters, ATVs, personal watercraft and more.

Genichi Kawakami set the stage for Yamaha Motor Company's success with his vision and philosophies. Total honesty towards the customer and making products that hold their own enables the company that serves people in thirty-three countries, to provide an improved lifestyle through exceptional quality, high performance products.

Yamaha Motor Corporation, USA Cypress, California

Genichi Kawakami's history with Yamaha was long and rich. He saw the new corporate headquarters in Cypress, California and the 25th Anniversary of Yamaha become a reality in 1980. He also watched bike #20 million roll off the assembly line in 1982. Genichi passed away on May 25, 2002 yet his vision lives on through the people and products of Yamaha, throughout the world.

History Timeline of Yamaha (USA)

Year Yamaha Motor Origin

1955

The first Yamaha motorized product was the YA-1 Motorcycle (125cc, 2-stroke, single cylinder, streetbike). It was produced and sold in Japan.

Year USA History

1958 The first Yamaha Motorcycles sold in the USA were by Cooper Motors, an independent distributor. The models were the YD1 (250cc, 2-stroke, twin cylinder, streetbike) and MF-1 (50cc, 2-stroke, single cylinder, streetbike, step-through).

1960 Yamaha International Corporation began selling motorcycles in the USA.

1968

The DT-1 Enduro was introduced. The world's first dual purpose motorcycle which had on & off-road capability. Its impact on Motorcycling in the USA was enormous.

Yamaha's first Snowmobile, the SL350 (2-stroke, twin cylinder) was introduced. This was the first Snowmobile with slide valve carburetors.

1970

Yamaha’s first 4-stroke motorcycle model, the XS-1 (650cc vertical twin) was introduced.

1971

The SR433 high performance Snowmobile was introduced.

1973 Yamaha continued expansion into new markets by introducing Generators (ET1200).

1975

Yamaha pioneered the very first single-shock, production motocross bikes. This was the beginning of the YZ Monocross machines that changed motocross forever.

1976 The legendary SRX440 snowmobile hits the market and quickly catapults Yamaha to the forefront of the snowmobile racing scene.

1977

Yamaha Motor Corporation, USA, was founded in order to better appeal to the American market and establish a separate identity (from music & electronics) for Yamaha motorized products.

1978

The XS1100 motorcycle (four cylinder, shaft drive) was introduced.

XS650 Special was introduced. This was the first production Cruiser built by a Japanese manufacturer.

Golf Cars were introduced in the USA with the G1 gas model.

1979

YICS (Yamaha Induction Control System), a fuel-saving engine system, was developed for 4-stroke engines.

1980

The new Yamaha Motor Corporation, USA, corporate office was opened in Cypress, California.

The first 3-wheel ATV was sold in USA… the Tri-Moto (YT125).

The G1-E electric powered Golf Car model was introduced.

1981

The first air-cooled, V-twin cruiser, the Virago 750, was introduced.

1984

The first production 5-valve per cylinder engine was introduced on the FZ750 motorcycle.

Yamaha’s first 4-wheel ATV, the YFM200, was introduced in the USA.

The Phazer snowmobile was introduced. Known for its light weight and agile handling.

Yamaha begins marketing Outboard Motors in the USA.

1985

The V-Max 1200 musclebike hits the streets.

1986

Yamaha Motor Manufacturing Corporation of America was founded in Newnan, Georgia.

1987

A new exhaust system for 4-stroke engines, “EXUP,” was developed to provide higher horsepower output throughout an engine's powerband.

Yamaha introduces personal watercraft...the sit-down WaveRunner and the stand-up WaveJammer.

Yamaha Motor Manufacturing Company begins Golf Car and Water Vehicle production for USA and overseas markets.

1992

The Vmax-4 Snowmobile (2-stroke, four cylinder) was introduced.

1994

Yamaha expands its product offerings by acquiring the Cobia boat company.

1995

The Century and Skeeter boat companies are acquired by Yamaha.

1996

Yamaha introduces its first Star model with the 1300cc, V4 Royal Star.

Tennessee Watercraft produces Sport Boats and later, the SUV WaveRunner.

1997

Yamaha acquires the G3 boat company.

At the Newnan, Georgia, manufacturing facility, the first ATV (the BearTracker) rolls off the assembly line.

Yamaha opens southeastern offices in Kennesaw, Georgia.

1998

The YZ400F four-stroke motocross bike was introduced. This was the first mass produced 4-stroke motocrosser.

The YZF-R1 sport bike was introduced. It set the standard for open class sport bikes for several years.

The Grizzly 600 4x4 ATV with Ultramatic transmission was introduced.

The EF2800i generator with Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) was introduced. PMW allows use with equipment that requires stable frequency and voltage.

2000

The Buckmaster® Edition Big Bear 400 4x4 was introduced. This was the first ATV with camouflage bodywork.

2002

The F225 Outboard was introduced. It was the largest 4-stroke Outboard at the time.

The FX140 WaveRunner (1000cc, 4-stroke, four cylinder) was introduced. The world's first high performance 4-stroke personal watercraft.

2003

The RX-1 Snowmbile (1000cc, 4-stroke, four cylinder) was introduced. The world's first high performance 4-stroke Snowmobile.

2004 Rhino Side x Side model introduced. Combined performance, terrainability, utility capabilities, and take-along-a-friend convenience to lead the way in a new category of off-road recreation.

FBI Stolen motorcycles

gp500.org/FBI_stolen_motorcycles.html

Motorcycles VIN Decoder

gp500.org/VIN_Decoder.html

gp500.org

GP500 motorcycle windshields

GP500.Org Part # 23701 Yamaha R1 motorcycle windshields

The history of Yamaha Motorcycles

"I want to carry out trial manufacture of motorcycle engines." It was from these words spoken by Genichi Kawakami (Yamaha Motor's first president) in 1953, that today's Yamaha Motor Company was born.

"If you're going to do something, be the best."

Genichi Kawakami

Genichi Kawakami was the first son of Kaichi Kawakami, the third-generation president of Nippon Gakki (musical instruments and electronics; presently Yamaha Corporation). Genichi studied and graduated from Takachiho Higher Commercial School in March of 1934. In July of 1937, he was the second Kawakami to join the Nippon Gakki Company.

He quickly rose to positions of manager of the company's Tenryu Factory Company (musical instruments) and then Senior General Manager, before assuming the position of fourth-generation President in 1950 at the young age of 38.

In 1953, Genichi was looking for a way to make use of idle machining equipment that had previously been used to make aircraft propellers. Looking back on the founding of Yamaha Motor Company, Genichi had this to say. "While the company was performing well and had some financial leeway, I felt the need to look for our next area of business. So, I did some research." He explored producing many products, including sewing machines, auto parts, scooters, three-wheeled utility vehicles, and…motorcycles. Market and competitive factors led him to focus on the motorcycle market. Genichi actually visited the United States many times during this period.

When asked about this decision, he said, "I had my research division chief and other managers visit leading motorcycle factories around the country. They came back and told me there was still plenty of opportunity, even if we were entering the market late. I didn't want to be completely unprepared in this unfamiliar business so we toured to German factories before setting out to build our first 125cc bike. I joined in this tour around Europe during which my chief engineers learned how to build motorbikes. We did as much research as possible to insure that we could build a bike as good as any out there. Once we had that confidence, we started going."

The first Yamaha motorcycle... the YA-1.

"If you are going to make it, make it the very best there is." With these words as their motto, the development team poured all their energies into building the first prototype, and ten months later in August of 1954 the first model was complete. It was the Yamaha YA-1. The bike was powered by an air-cooled, 2-stroke, single cylinder 125cc engine. Once finished, it was put through an unprecedented 10,000 km endurance test to ensure that its quality was top-class. This was destined to be the first crystallization of what has now become a long tradition of Yamaha creativity and an inexhaustible spirit of challenge.

Then, in January of 1955 the Hamakita Factory of Nippon Gakki was built and production began on the YA-1. With confidence in the new direction that Genichi was taking, Yamaha Motor Co., Ltd. was founded on July 1, 1955. Staffed by 274 enthusiastic employees, the new motorcycle manufacturer built about 200 units per month.

That same year, Yamaha entered its new YA-1 in the two biggest race events in Japan. They were the 3rd Mt. Fuji Ascent Race and the 1st Asama Highlands Race. In these debut races Yamaha won the 125cc class. And, the following year the YA-1 won again in both the Light and Ultra-light classes of the Asama Highlands Race.

By 1956, a second model was ready for production. This was the YC1, a 175cc single cylinder two-stroke. In 1957 Yamaha began production of its first 250cc, two-stroke twin, the YD1.

The first Yamaha to compete in America (1957).

Based on Genichi's firm belief that a product isn't a product until it can hold it's own around the world, in 1958 Yamaha became the first Japanese maker to venture into the international race arena. The result was an impressive 6th place in the Catalina Grand Prix race in the USA. News of this achievement won immediate recognition for the high level of Yamaha technology not only in Japan but among American race fans, as well. This was only the start, however.

Yamaha took quick action using the momentum gained in the USA and began marketing their motorcycles through an independent distributor in California. In 1958, Cooper Motors began selling the YD-1 250 and the MF-1 (50cc, two-stroke, single cylinder, step through street bike). Then in 1960, Yamaha International Corporation began selling motorcycles in the USA through dealers.

With the overseas experiences under his belt, in 1960, Genichi then turned his attention to the Marine industry and the production of the first Yamaha boats and outboard motors. This was the beginning of an aggressive expansion into new fields utilizing the new engines and FRP (fiberglass reinforced plastic) technologies. The first watercraft model was the CAT-21, followed by the RUN-13 and the P-7 123cc outboard motor.

In 1963, Yamaha demonstrated its focus on cutting-edge, technological innovations by developing the Autolube System. This landmark solution was a separate oil injection system for two-stroke models, eliminating the inconvenience of pre-mixing fuel and oil.

Yamaha was building a strong reputation as a superior manufacturer which was reflected in its first project carried out in the new Iwata, Japan Plant, built in 1966. (The YMC headquarters was moved to Iwata in 1972.) Toyota and Yamaha teamed up to produce the highly regarded Toyota 2000 GT sports car. This very limited edition vehicle, still admired for its performance and craftsmanship, created a sensation among enthusiast in Japan and abroad.

Genichi said, "I believe that the most important thing when building a product is to always keep in mind the standpoint of the people who will use it." An example of the commitment to "walking in the customers' shoes" was the move in 1966 by Yamaha to continue its expansion. Overseas motorcycle manufacturing was established in Thailand and Mexico. In 1968, the globalization continued with Brazil and the Netherlands. With manufacturing bases, distributors and R&D operations in a market, Yamaha could be involved in grassroots efforts to build products that truly met the needs of each market by respecting and valuing the distinct national sensibilities and customs of each country. Yamaha continues that tradition, today.

By the late 1960s, Yamaha had quality products that had proven themselves in the global marketplace based on superior performance and innovation. Distribution and product diversity were on the right track. But Genichi knew that beyond quality, success would demand more. He had this view on the power of original ideas. "In the future, a company's future will hinge on ideas over and above quality. Products that have no character, nothing unique about them, will not sell no matter how well made or affordable…and that would spell doom for any company."

He also knew that forward vision, walking hand in hand with original ideas, would create an opportunity for the company and its customers that could mean years of happiness and memorable experiences. Genichi said, "In the business world today, so many people are obsessed with figures. They become fixated on the numbers of the minute and without them are too afraid to do any real work. But in fact, every situation is in flux from moment to moment, developing with a natural flow. Unless one reads that flow, it is impossible to start out in a new field of business."

A real-world illustration of this belief is the Yamaha DT-1. The world's first true off-road motorcycle debuted in 1968 to create an entirely new genre we know today as trail bikes. The DT-1 made a huge impact on motorcycling in the USA because it was truly dirt worthy. Yamaha definitely "read the flow" when it produced

"Make every challenge an opportunity."

Genichi Kawakami

the 250cc, single cylinder, 2-stroke, Enduro that put Yamaha On/Off-Road motorcycles on the map in the USA. The DT-1 exemplified the power of original ideas, forward vision, and quick action coupled with keeping in mind the customers' desires.

In years to come Yamaha continued to grow (and continues to this day). Diversity increased with the addition of products including snowmobiles, race kart engines, generators, scooters, ATVs, personal watercraft and more.

Genichi Kawakami set the stage for Yamaha Motor Company's success with his vision and philosophies. Total honesty towards the customer and making products that hold their own enables the company that serves people in thirty-three countries, to provide an improved lifestyle through exceptional quality, high performance products.

Yamaha Motor Corporation, USA Cypress, California

Genichi Kawakami's history with Yamaha was long and rich. He saw the new corporate headquarters in Cypress, California and the 25th Anniversary of Yamaha become a reality in 1980. He also watched bike #20 million roll off the assembly line in 1982. Genichi passed away on May 25, 2002 yet his vision lives on through the people and products of Yamaha, throughout the world.

History Timeline of Yamaha (USA)

Year Yamaha Motor Origin

1955

The first Yamaha motorized product was the YA-1 Motorcycle (125cc, 2-stroke, single cylinder, streetbike). It was produced and sold in Japan.

Year USA History

1958 The first Yamaha Motorcycles sold in the USA were by Cooper Motors, an independent distributor. The models were the YD1 (250cc, 2-stroke, twin cylinder, streetbike) and MF-1 (50cc, 2-stroke, single cylinder, streetbike, step-through).

1960 Yamaha International Corporation began selling motorcycles in the USA.

1968

The DT-1 Enduro was introduced. The world's first dual purpose motorcycle which had on & off-road capability. Its impact on Motorcycling in the USA was enormous.

Yamaha's first Snowmobile, the SL350 (2-stroke, twin cylinder) was introduced. This was the first Snowmobile with slide valve carburetors.

1970

Yamaha’s first 4-stroke motorcycle model, the XS-1 (650cc vertical twin) was introduced.

1971

The SR433 high performance Snowmobile was introduced.

1973 Yamaha continued expansion into new markets by introducing Generators (ET1200).

1975

Yamaha pioneered the very first single-shock, production motocross bikes. This was the beginning of the YZ Monocross machines that changed motocross forever.

1976 The legendary SRX440 snowmobile hits the market and quickly catapults Yamaha to the forefront of the snowmobile racing scene.

1977

Yamaha Motor Corporation, USA, was founded in order to better appeal to the American market and establish a separate identity (from music & electronics) for Yamaha motorized products.

1978

The XS1100 motorcycle (four cylinder, shaft drive) was introduced.

XS650 Special was introduced. This was the first production Cruiser built by a Japanese manufacturer.

Golf Cars were introduced in the USA with the G1 gas model.

1979

YICS (Yamaha Induction Control System), a fuel-saving engine system, was developed for 4-stroke engines.

1980

The new Yamaha Motor Corporation, USA, corporate office was opened in Cypress, California.

The first 3-wheel ATV was sold in USA… the Tri-Moto (YT125).

The G1-E electric powered Golf Car model was introduced.

1981

The first air-cooled, V-twin cruiser, the Virago 750, was introduced.

1984

The first production 5-valve per cylinder engine was introduced on the FZ750 motorcycle.

Yamaha’s first 4-wheel ATV, the YFM200, was introduced in the USA.

The Phazer snowmobile was introduced. Known for its light weight and agile handling.

Yamaha begins marketing Outboard Motors in the USA.

1985

The V-Max 1200 musclebike hits the streets.

1986

Yamaha Motor Manufacturing Corporation of America was founded in Newnan, Georgia.

1987

A new exhaust system for 4-stroke engines, “EXUP,” was developed to provide higher horsepower output throughout an engine's powerband.

Yamaha introduces personal watercraft...the sit-down WaveRunner and the stand-up WaveJammer.

Yamaha Motor Manufacturing Company begins Golf Car and Water Vehicle production for USA and overseas markets.

1992

The Vmax-4 Snowmobile (2-stroke, four cylinder) was introduced.

1994

Yamaha expands its product offerings by acquiring the Cobia boat company.

1995

The Century and Skeeter boat companies are acquired by Yamaha.

1996

Yamaha introduces its first Star model with the 1300cc, V4 Royal Star.

Tennessee Watercraft produces Sport Boats and later, the SUV WaveRunner.

1997

Yamaha acquires the G3 boat company.

At the Newnan, Georgia, manufacturing facility, the first ATV (the BearTracker) rolls off the assembly line.

Yamaha opens southeastern offices in Kennesaw, Georgia.

1998

The YZ400F four-stroke motocross bike was introduced. This was the first mass produced 4-stroke motocrosser.

The YZF-R1 sport bike was introduced. It set the standard for open class sport bikes for several years.

The Grizzly 600 4x4 ATV with Ultramatic transmission was introduced.

The EF2800i generator with Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) was introduced. PMW allows use with equipment that requires stable frequency and voltage.

2000

The Buckmaster® Edition Big Bear 400 4x4 was introduced. This was the first ATV with camouflage bodywork.

2002

The F225 Outboard was introduced. It was the largest 4-stroke Outboard at the time.

The FX140 WaveRunner (1000cc, 4-stroke, four cylinder) was introduced. The world's first high performance 4-stroke personal watercraft.

2003

The RX-1 Snowmbile (1000cc, 4-stroke, four cylinder) was introduced. The world's first high performance 4-stroke Snowmobile.

2004 Rhino Side x Side model introduced. Combined performance, terrainability, utility capabilities, and take-along-a-friend convenience to lead the way in a new category of off-road recreation.

FBI Stolen motorcycles

gp500.org/FBI_stolen_motorcycles.html

Motorcycles VIN Decoder

gp500.org/VIN_Decoder.html

GP500.Org Part # 22510 Yamaha motorcycle windshields

gp500.org

GP500 motorcycle windshields

The history of Yamaha Motorcycles

"I want to carry out trial manufacture of motorcycle engines." It was from these words spoken by Genichi Kawakami (Yamaha Motor's first president) in 1953, that today's Yamaha Motor Company was born.

"If you're going to do something, be the best."

Genichi Kawakami

Genichi Kawakami was the first son of Kaichi Kawakami, the third-generation president of Nippon Gakki (musical instruments and electronics; presently Yamaha Corporation). Genichi studied and graduated from Takachiho Higher Commercial School in March of 1934. In July of 1937, he was the second Kawakami to join the Nippon Gakki Company.

He quickly rose to positions of manager of the company's Tenryu Factory Company (musical instruments) and then Senior General Manager, before assuming the position of fourth-generation President in 1950 at the young age of 38.

In 1953, Genichi was looking for a way to make use of idle machining equipment that had previously been used to make aircraft propellers. Looking back on the founding of Yamaha Motor Company, Genichi had this to say. "While the company was performing well and had some financial leeway, I felt the need to look for our next area of business. So, I did some research." He explored producing many products, including sewing machines, auto parts, scooters, three-wheeled utility vehicles, and…motorcycles. Market and competitive factors led him to focus on the motorcycle market. Genichi actually visited the United States many times during this period.

When asked about this decision, he said, "I had my research division chief and other managers visit leading motorcycle factories around the country. They came back and told me there was still plenty of opportunity, even if we were entering the market late. I didn't want to be completely unprepared in this unfamiliar business so we toured to German factories before setting out to build our first 125cc bike. I joined in this tour around Europe during which my chief engineers learned how to build motorbikes. We did as much research as possible to insure that we could build a bike as good as any out there. Once we had that confidence, we started going."

The first Yamaha motorcycle... the YA-1.

"If you are going to make it, make it the very best there is." With these words as their motto, the development team poured all their energies into building the first prototype, and ten months later in August of 1954 the first model was complete. It was the Yamaha YA-1. The bike was powered by an air-cooled, 2-stroke, single cylinder 125cc engine. Once finished, it was put through an unprecedented 10,000 km endurance test to ensure that its quality was top-class. This was destined to be the first crystallization of what has now become a long tradition of Yamaha creativity and an inexhaustible spirit of challenge.

Then, in January of 1955 the Hamakita Factory of Nippon Gakki was built and production began on the YA-1. With confidence in the new direction that Genichi was taking, Yamaha Motor Co., Ltd. was founded on July 1, 1955. Staffed by 274 enthusiastic employees, the new motorcycle manufacturer built about 200 units per month.

That same year, Yamaha entered its new YA-1 in the two biggest race events in Japan. They were the 3rd Mt. Fuji Ascent Race and the 1st Asama Highlands Race. In these debut races Yamaha won the 125cc class. And, the following year the YA-1 won again in both the Light and Ultra-light classes of the Asama Highlands Race.

By 1956, a second model was ready for production. This was the YC1, a 175cc single cylinder two-stroke. In 1957 Yamaha began production of its first 250cc, two-stroke twin, the YD1.

The first Yamaha to compete in America (1957).

Based on Genichi's firm belief that a product isn't a product until it can hold it's own around the world, in 1958 Yamaha became the first Japanese maker to venture into the international race arena. The result was an impressive 6th place in the Catalina Grand Prix race in the USA. News of this achievement won immediate recognition for the high level of Yamaha technology not only in Japan but among American race fans, as well. This was only the start, however.

Yamaha took quick action using the momentum gained in the USA and began marketing their motorcycles through an independent distributor in California. In 1958, Cooper Motors began selling the YD-1 250 and the MF-1 (50cc, two-stroke, single cylinder, step through street bike). Then in 1960, Yamaha International Corporation began selling motorcycles in the USA through dealers.

With the overseas experiences under his belt, in 1960, Genichi then turned his attention to the Marine industry and the production of the first Yamaha boats and outboard motors. This was the beginning of an aggressive expansion into new fields utilizing the new engines and FRP (fiberglass reinforced plastic) technologies. The first watercraft model was the CAT-21, followed by the RUN-13 and the P-7 123cc outboard motor.

In 1963, Yamaha demonstrated its focus on cutting-edge, technological innovations by developing the Autolube System. This landmark solution was a separate oil injection system for two-stroke models, eliminating the inconvenience of pre-mixing fuel and oil.

Yamaha was building a strong reputation as a superior manufacturer which was reflected in its first project carried out in the new Iwata, Japan Plant, built in 1966. (The YMC headquarters was moved to Iwata in 1972.) Toyota and Yamaha teamed up to produce the highly regarded Toyota 2000 GT sports car. This very limited edition vehicle, still admired for its performance and craftsmanship, created a sensation among enthusiast in Japan and abroad.

Genichi said, "I believe that the most important thing when building a product is to always keep in mind the standpoint of the people who will use it." An example of the commitment to "walking in the customers' shoes" was the move in 1966 by Yamaha to continue its expansion. Overseas motorcycle manufacturing was established in Thailand and Mexico. In 1968, the globalization continued with Brazil and the Netherlands. With manufacturing bases, distributors and R&D operations in a market, Yamaha could be involved in grassroots efforts to build products that truly met the needs of each market by respecting and valuing the distinct national sensibilities and customs of each country. Yamaha continues that tradition, today.

By the late 1960s, Yamaha had quality products that had proven themselves in the global marketplace based on superior performance and innovation. Distribution and product diversity were on the right track. But Genichi knew that beyond quality, success would demand more. He had this view on the power of original ideas. "In the future, a company's future will hinge on ideas over and above quality. Products that have no character, nothing unique about them, will not sell no matter how well made or affordable…and that would spell doom for any company."

He also knew that forward vision, walking hand in hand with original ideas, would create an opportunity for the company and its customers that could mean years of happiness and memorable experiences. Genichi said, "In the business world today, so many people are obsessed with figures. They become fixated on the numbers of the minute and without them are too afraid to do any real work. But in fact, every situation is in flux from moment to moment, developing with a natural flow. Unless one reads that flow, it is impossible to start out in a new field of business."

A real-world illustration of this belief is the Yamaha DT-1. The world's first true off-road motorcycle debuted in 1968 to create an entirely new genre we know today as trail bikes. The DT-1 made a huge impact on motorcycling in the USA because it was truly dirt worthy. Yamaha definitely "read the flow" when it produced

"Make every challenge an opportunity."

Genichi Kawakami

the 250cc, single cylinder, 2-stroke, Enduro that put Yamaha On/Off-Road motorcycles on the map in the USA. The DT-1 exemplified the power of original ideas, forward vision, and quick action coupled with keeping in mind the customers' desires.

In years to come Yamaha continued to grow (and continues to this day). Diversity increased with the addition of products including snowmobiles, race kart engines, generators, scooters, ATVs, personal watercraft and more.

Genichi Kawakami set the stage for Yamaha Motor Company's success with his vision and philosophies. Total honesty towards the customer and making products that hold their own enables the company that serves people in thirty-three countries, to provide an improved lifestyle through exceptional quality, high performance products.

Yamaha Motor Corporation, USA Cypress, California

Genichi Kawakami's history with Yamaha was long and rich. He saw the new corporate headquarters in Cypress, California and the 25th Anniversary of Yamaha become a reality in 1980. He also watched bike #20 million roll off the assembly line in 1982. Genichi passed away on May 25, 2002 yet his vision lives on through the people and products of Yamaha, throughout the world.

History Timeline of Yamaha (USA)

Year Yamaha Motor Origin

1955

The first Yamaha motorized product was the YA-1 Motorcycle (125cc, 2-stroke, single cylinder, streetbike). It was produced and sold in Japan.

Year USA History

1958 The first Yamaha Motorcycles sold in the USA were by Cooper Motors, an independent distributor. The models were the YD1 (250cc, 2-stroke, twin cylinder, streetbike) and MF-1 (50cc, 2-stroke, single cylinder, streetbike, step-through).

1960 Yamaha International Corporation began selling motorcycles in the USA.

1968

The DT-1 Enduro was introduced. The world's first dual purpose motorcycle which had on & off-road capability. Its impact on Motorcycling in the USA was enormous.

Yamaha's first Snowmobile, the SL350 (2-stroke, twin cylinder) was introduced. This was the first Snowmobile with slide valve carburetors.

1970

Yamaha’s first 4-stroke motorcycle model, the XS-1 (650cc vertical twin) was introduced.

1971

The SR433 high performance Snowmobile was introduced.

1973 Yamaha continued expansion into new markets by introducing Generators (ET1200).

1975

Yamaha pioneered the very first single-shock, production motocross bikes. This was the beginning of the YZ Monocross machines that changed motocross forever.

1976 The legendary SRX440 snowmobile hits the market and quickly catapults Yamaha to the forefront of the snowmobile racing scene.

1977

Yamaha Motor Corporation, USA, was founded in order to better appeal to the American market and establish a separate identity (from music & electronics) for Yamaha motorized products.

1978

The XS1100 motorcycle (four cylinder, shaft drive) was introduced.

XS650 Special was introduced. This was the first production Cruiser built by a Japanese manufacturer.

Golf Cars were introduced in the USA with the G1 gas model.

1979

YICS (Yamaha Induction Control System), a fuel-saving engine system, was developed for 4-stroke engines.

1980

The new Yamaha Motor Corporation, USA, corporate office was opened in Cypress, California.

The first 3-wheel ATV was sold in USA… the Tri-Moto (YT125).

The G1-E electric powered Golf Car model was introduced.

1981

The first air-cooled, V-twin cruiser, the Virago 750, was introduced.

1984

The first production 5-valve per cylinder engine was introduced on the FZ750 motorcycle.

Yamaha’s first 4-wheel ATV, the YFM200, was introduced in the USA.

The Phazer snowmobile was introduced. Known for its light weight and agile handling.

Yamaha begins marketing Outboard Motors in the USA.

1985

The V-Max 1200 musclebike hits the streets.

1986

Yamaha Motor Manufacturing Corporation of America was founded in Newnan, Georgia.

1987

A new exhaust system for 4-stroke engines, “EXUP,” was developed to provide higher horsepower output throughout an engine's powerband.

Yamaha introduces personal watercraft...the sit-down WaveRunner and the stand-up WaveJammer.

Yamaha Motor Manufacturing Company begins Golf Car and Water Vehicle production for USA and overseas markets.

1992

The Vmax-4 Snowmobile (2-stroke, four cylinder) was introduced.

1994

Yamaha expands its product offerings by acquiring the Cobia boat company.

1995

The Century and Skeeter boat companies are acquired by Yamaha.

1996

Yamaha introduces its first Star model with the 1300cc, V4 Royal Star.

Tennessee Watercraft produces Sport Boats and later, the SUV WaveRunner.

1997

Yamaha acquires the G3 boat company.

At the Newnan, Georgia, manufacturing facility, the first ATV (the BearTracker) rolls off the assembly line.

Yamaha opens southeastern offices in Kennesaw, Georgia.

1998

The YZ400F four-stroke motocross bike was introduced. This was the first mass produced 4-stroke motocrosser.

The YZF-R1 sport bike was introduced. It set the standard for open class sport bikes for several years.

The Grizzly 600 4x4 ATV with Ultramatic transmission was introduced.

The EF2800i generator with Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) was introduced. PMW allows use with equipment that requires stable frequency and voltage.

2000

The Buckmaster® Edition Big Bear 400 4x4 was introduced. This was the first ATV with camouflage bodywork.

2002

The F225 Outboard was introduced. It was the largest 4-stroke Outboard at the time.

The FX140 WaveRunner (1000cc, 4-stroke, four cylinder) was introduced. The world's first high performance 4-stroke personal watercraft.

2003

The RX-1 Snowmbile (1000cc, 4-stroke, four cylinder) was introduced. The world's first high performance 4-stroke Snowmobile.

2004 Rhino Side x Side model introduced. Combined performance, terrainability, utility capabilities, and take-along-a-friend convenience to lead the way in a new category of off-road recreation.

FBI Stolen motorcycles

gp500.org/FBI_stolen_motorcycles.html

Motorcycles VIN Decoder

gp500.org/VIN_Decoder.html

gp500.org

GP500 motorcycle windshields

GP500.Org Part # 23701 Yamaha R1 motorcycle windshields

The history of Yamaha Motorcycles

"I want to carry out trial manufacture of motorcycle engines." It was from these words spoken by Genichi Kawakami (Yamaha Motor's first president) in 1953, that today's Yamaha Motor Company was born.

"If you're going to do something, be the best."

Genichi Kawakami

Genichi Kawakami was the first son of Kaichi Kawakami, the third-generation president of Nippon Gakki (musical instruments and electronics; presently Yamaha Corporation). Genichi studied and graduated from Takachiho Higher Commercial School in March of 1934. In July of 1937, he was the second Kawakami to join the Nippon Gakki Company.

He quickly rose to positions of manager of the company's Tenryu Factory Company (musical instruments) and then Senior General Manager, before assuming the position of fourth-generation President in 1950 at the young age of 38.

In 1953, Genichi was looking for a way to make use of idle machining equipment that had previously been used to make aircraft propellers. Looking back on the founding of Yamaha Motor Company, Genichi had this to say. "While the company was performing well and had some financial leeway, I felt the need to look for our next area of business. So, I did some research." He explored producing many products, including sewing machines, auto parts, scooters, three-wheeled utility vehicles, and…motorcycles. Market and competitive factors led him to focus on the motorcycle market. Genichi actually visited the United States many times during this period.

When asked about this decision, he said, "I had my research division chief and other managers visit leading motorcycle factories around the country. They came back and told me there was still plenty of opportunity, even if we were entering the market late. I didn't want to be completely unprepared in this unfamiliar business so we toured to German factories before setting out to build our first 125cc bike. I joined in this tour around Europe during which my chief engineers learned how to build motorbikes. We did as much research as possible to insure that we could build a bike as good as any out there. Once we had that confidence, we started going."

The first Yamaha motorcycle... the YA-1.

"If you are going to make it, make it the very best there is." With these words as their motto, the development team poured all their energies into building the first prototype, and ten months later in August of 1954 the first model was complete. It was the Yamaha YA-1. The bike was powered by an air-cooled, 2-stroke, single cylinder 125cc engine. Once finished, it was put through an unprecedented 10,000 km endurance test to ensure that its quality was top-class. This was destined to be the first crystallization of what has now become a long tradition of Yamaha creativity and an inexhaustible spirit of challenge.

Then, in January of 1955 the Hamakita Factory of Nippon Gakki was built and production began on the YA-1. With confidence in the new direction that Genichi was taking, Yamaha Motor Co., Ltd. was founded on July 1, 1955. Staffed by 274 enthusiastic employees, the new motorcycle manufacturer built about 200 units per month.

That same year, Yamaha entered its new YA-1 in the two biggest race events in Japan. They were the 3rd Mt. Fuji Ascent Race and the 1st Asama Highlands Race. In these debut races Yamaha won the 125cc class. And, the following year the YA-1 won again in both the Light and Ultra-light classes of the Asama Highlands Race.

By 1956, a second model was ready for production. This was the YC1, a 175cc single cylinder two-stroke. In 1957 Yamaha began production of its first 250cc, two-stroke twin, the YD1.

The first Yamaha to compete in America (1957).

Based on Genichi's firm belief that a product isn't a product until it can hold it's own around the world, in 1958 Yamaha became the first Japanese maker to venture into the international race arena. The result was an impressive 6th place in the Catalina Grand Prix race in the USA. News of this achievement won immediate recognition for the high level of Yamaha technology not only in Japan but among American race fans, as well. This was only the start, however.

Yamaha took quick action using the momentum gained in the USA and began marketing their motorcycles through an independent distributor in California. In 1958, Cooper Motors began selling the YD-1 250 and the MF-1 (50cc, two-stroke, single cylinder, step through street bike). Then in 1960, Yamaha International Corporation began selling motorcycles in the USA through dealers.

With the overseas experiences under his belt, in 1960, Genichi then turned his attention to the Marine industry and the production of the first Yamaha boats and outboard motors. This was the beginning of an aggressive expansion into new fields utilizing the new engines and FRP (fiberglass reinforced plastic) technologies. The first watercraft model was the CAT-21, followed by the RUN-13 and the P-7 123cc outboard motor.

In 1963, Yamaha demonstrated its focus on cutting-edge, technological innovations by developing the Autolube System. This landmark solution was a separate oil injection system for two-stroke models, eliminating the inconvenience of pre-mixing fuel and oil.

Yamaha was building a strong reputation as a superior manufacturer which was reflected in its first project carried out in the new Iwata, Japan Plant, built in 1966. (The YMC headquarters was moved to Iwata in 1972.) Toyota and Yamaha teamed up to produce the highly regarded Toyota 2000 GT sports car. This very limited edition vehicle, still admired for its performance and craftsmanship, created a sensation among enthusiast in Japan and abroad.

Genichi said, "I believe that the most important thing when building a product is to always keep in mind the standpoint of the people who will use it." An example of the commitment to "walking in the customers' shoes" was the move in 1966 by Yamaha to continue its expansion. Overseas motorcycle manufacturing was established in Thailand and Mexico. In 1968, the globalization continued with Brazil and the Netherlands. With manufacturing bases, distributors and R&D operations in a market, Yamaha could be involved in grassroots efforts to build products that truly met the needs of each market by respecting and valuing the distinct national sensibilities and customs of each country. Yamaha continues that tradition, today.

By the late 1960s, Yamaha had quality products that had proven themselves in the global marketplace based on superior performance and innovation. Distribution and product diversity were on the right track. But Genichi knew that beyond quality, success would demand more. He had this view on the power of original ideas. "In the future, a company's future will hinge on ideas over and above quality. Products that have no character, nothing unique about them, will not sell no matter how well made or affordable…and that would spell doom for any company."

He also knew that forward vision, walking hand in hand with original ideas, would create an opportunity for the company and its customers that could mean years of happiness and memorable experiences. Genichi said, "In the business world today, so many people are obsessed with figures. They become fixated on the numbers of the minute and without them are too afraid to do any real work. But in fact, every situation is in flux from moment to moment, developing with a natural flow. Unless one reads that flow, it is impossible to start out in a new field of business."

A real-world illustration of this belief is the Yamaha DT-1. The world's first true off-road motorcycle debuted in 1968 to create an entirely new genre we know today as trail bikes. The DT-1 made a huge impact on motorcycling in the USA because it was truly dirt worthy. Yamaha definitely "read the flow" when it produced

"Make every challenge an opportunity."

Genichi Kawakami

the 250cc, single cylinder, 2-stroke, Enduro that put Yamaha On/Off-Road motorcycles on the map in the USA. The DT-1 exemplified the power of original ideas, forward vision, and quick action coupled with keeping in mind the customers' desires.

In years to come Yamaha continued to grow (and continues to this day). Diversity increased with the addition of products including snowmobiles, race kart engines, generators, scooters, ATVs, personal watercraft and more.

Genichi Kawakami set the stage for Yamaha Motor Company's success with his vision and philosophies. Total honesty towards the customer and making products that hold their own enables the company that serves people in thirty-three countries, to provide an improved lifestyle through exceptional quality, high performance products.

Yamaha Motor Corporation, USA Cypress, California

Genichi Kawakami's history with Yamaha was long and rich. He saw the new corporate headquarters in Cypress, California and the 25th Anniversary of Yamaha become a reality in 1980. He also watched bike #20 million roll off the assembly line in 1982. Genichi passed away on May 25, 2002 yet his vision lives on through the people and products of Yamaha, throughout the world.

History Timeline of Yamaha (USA)

Year Yamaha Motor Origin

1955

The first Yamaha motorized product was the YA-1 Motorcycle (125cc, 2-stroke, single cylinder, streetbike). It was produced and sold in Japan.

Year USA History

1958 The first Yamaha Motorcycles sold in the USA were by Cooper Motors, an independent distributor. The models were the YD1 (250cc, 2-stroke, twin cylinder, streetbike) and MF-1 (50cc, 2-stroke, single cylinder, streetbike, step-through).

1960 Yamaha International Corporation began selling motorcycles in the USA.

1968

The DT-1 Enduro was introduced. The world's first dual purpose motorcycle which had on & off-road capability. Its impact on Motorcycling in the USA was enormous.

Yamaha's first Snowmobile, the SL350 (2-stroke, twin cylinder) was introduced. This was the first Snowmobile with slide valve carburetors.

1970

Yamaha’s first 4-stroke motorcycle model, the XS-1 (650cc vertical twin) was introduced.

1971

The SR433 high performance Snowmobile was introduced.

1973 Yamaha continued expansion into new markets by introducing Generators (ET1200).

1975

Yamaha pioneered the very first single-shock, production motocross bikes. This was the beginning of the YZ Monocross machines that changed motocross forever.

1976 The legendary SRX440 snowmobile hits the market and quickly catapults Yamaha to the forefront of the snowmobile racing scene.

1977

Yamaha Motor Corporation, USA, was founded in order to better appeal to the American market and establish a separate identity (from music & electronics) for Yamaha motorized products.

1978

The XS1100 motorcycle (four cylinder, shaft drive) was introduced.

XS650 Special was introduced. This was the first production Cruiser built by a Japanese manufacturer.

Golf Cars were introduced in the USA with the G1 gas model.

1979

YICS (Yamaha Induction Control System), a fuel-saving engine system, was developed for 4-stroke engines.

1980

The new Yamaha Motor Corporation, USA, corporate office was opened in Cypress, California.

The first 3-wheel ATV was sold in USA… the Tri-Moto (YT125).

The G1-E electric powered Golf Car model was introduced.

1981

The first air-cooled, V-twin cruiser, the Virago 750, was introduced.

1984

The first production 5-valve per cylinder engine was introduced on the FZ750 motorcycle.

Yamaha’s first 4-wheel ATV, the YFM200, was introduced in the USA.

The Phazer snowmobile was introduced. Known for its light weight and agile handling.

Yamaha begins marketing Outboard Motors in the USA.

1985

The V-Max 1200 musclebike hits the streets.

1986

Yamaha Motor Manufacturing Corporation of America was founded in Newnan, Georgia.

1987

A new exhaust system for 4-stroke engines, “EXUP,” was developed to provide higher horsepower output throughout an engine's powerband.

Yamaha introduces personal watercraft...the sit-down WaveRunner and the stand-up WaveJammer.

Yamaha Motor Manufacturing Company begins Golf Car and Water Vehicle production for USA and overseas markets.

1992

The Vmax-4 Snowmobile (2-stroke, four cylinder) was introduced.

1994

Yamaha expands its product offerings by acquiring the Cobia boat company.

1995

The Century and Skeeter boat companies are acquired by Yamaha.

1996

Yamaha introduces its first Star model with the 1300cc, V4 Royal Star.

Tennessee Watercraft produces Sport Boats and later, the SUV WaveRunner.

1997

Yamaha acquires the G3 boat company.

At the Newnan, Georgia, manufacturing facility, the first ATV (the BearTracker) rolls off the assembly line.

Yamaha opens southeastern offices in Kennesaw, Georgia.

1998

The YZ400F four-stroke motocross bike was introduced. This was the first mass produced 4-stroke motocrosser.

The YZF-R1 sport bike was introduced. It set the standard for open class sport bikes for several years.

The Grizzly 600 4x4 ATV with Ultramatic transmission was introduced.

The EF2800i generator with Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) was introduced. PMW allows use with equipment that requires stable frequency and voltage.

2000

The Buckmaster® Edition Big Bear 400 4x4 was introduced. This was the first ATV with camouflage bodywork.

2002

The F225 Outboard was introduced. It was the largest 4-stroke Outboard at the time.

The FX140 WaveRunner (1000cc, 4-stroke, four cylinder) was introduced. The world's first high performance 4-stroke personal watercraft.

2003

The RX-1 Snowmbile (1000cc, 4-stroke, four cylinder) was introduced. The world's first high performance 4-stroke Snowmobile.

2004 Rhino Side x Side model introduced. Combined performance, terrainability, utility capabilities, and take-along-a-friend convenience to lead the way in a new category of off-road recreation.

FBI Stolen motorcycles

gp500.org/FBI_stolen_motorcycles.html

Motorcycles VIN Decoder

gp500.org/VIN_Decoder.html

Presented to Prof. Dr. C. K. Atal for discovery and validation of world's first bioenhancer Piperine, thereby leading to scientific validation of bioenhancers concept and consequently resulting in development of world's first bioenhanced antitubercular formulation Risorine officially released on world TB day may 2011 by Govt. of India and which was also presented to Philanthropist Mr Bill gates by the Indian Government.

CONTRIBUTIONS IN MEDICINE

REFERENCES-

www.jaim.in/text.asp?2010/1/2/96/65073 www.linknaturalproducts.com/downloads/lnp-digest-v6-2010-.... webcache.googleusercontent.com/search?q=cache:L5kfQKgjkMw... www.herbalnet.org/events.htm www.dailyexcelsior.com/dr-atal-conferred-edpa-award-appre...

www.flickr.com/photos/13059662@N06/13401939445/

HEALTH, MEDICINE, DRUGS, TOXICOLOGY

PHARMACOGNOSY, DRUG RESEARCH, DRUG DISCOVERY, DRUG DEVELOPMENT, NEW CONCEPTS, NEW MECHANISMS OF ACTION OF DRUGS, MEDICINAL PLANTS, AYURVEDA ETC

“It takes more than 10-15 years and approximately 500-600 million dollars to put a new drug into the market. Dr. Atal has provided a basket of drugs, molecules, medical concepts and novel mechanisms of action of drugs for the benefit of patients, researchers and medical community.

1.MEDICAL FRATERNITY AWARDS & HONOURS- drug research and development, medicinal plants research,–details in award section.

A.IMA AWARD- Indian Medical Association Award (IMA- EDB) Chikitsa Seva rattan (ratna) award for bioenhancers.

B.EDPA AWARD of appreciation, 2014.

C.Guest of honor at seminar on Bioenhancers jointly organized by Indian Medical Association (EDB) and East Delhi Physicians association at Delhi.

D.Inaugurated the annual conference, Hematology and blood transfusion at Govt. Medical College, Jammu.

2.OTHER AWARDS(drug development , medicinal plants)

A.Dr. I. C. Chopra Science and Technology award to Dr. Atal for several pioneering drug discoveries and drug development.

B.Professor P. N. Mehra Memorial botany award for plant sciences including work on medicinal plants.

3.AWARD WINNING RURAL HEALTH, NUTRITION, RURAL RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT DONE AT RRL

A.FICCI AWARD presented to RRL for rural development projects including work on rural health

B.UN GRANT for rural aquaculture development given to RRL (rural nutrition).

4.MEDICINAL CONSULTANCIES

A.World Health Organization projects in Bangladesh and USA (see toxicology).

B.UNDP projects on medicinal plants in Vietnam.

5.LITERATURE (Serial no 184-211,details in author section) -

A.World reference book on medicinal plants used globally in research institutes/universities

B.Numerous research papers in reputed national & international journals.

6.TOXICOLOGY- INTERNATIONAL AUTHORITY on Crotalaria and its Toxicity in Human Food Chain (Crotalaria Adulteration and Toxicity) and WHO / USA Consultancy

A.Solving the mysterious disease in Sarguja district, Madhya Pradesh, India as crotalaria toxicity.

B.Appointed as consultant by WHO to USA (WHO, PAHO and USFDA) as world authority on Crotalaria and toxicity in human food chain.

C.Published several serial research articles on Crotalaria.

7.PUBLIC & RURAL HEALTH- projects include successful control of external parasites (ectoparasites) like louse control using bio-antiparasitic agents , example-(1975-76) by use of Acorus calamus oil and mustard oil, Guinea worm infection (1976-77) by anti zooplankton measures like introduction of pond fishes in villages which thrive on zooplanktons. Aquaculture (rural supplementation of income and nutrition won the UN grant).

8.WORLD’S FIRST GEOTHERMAL ENERGY BORAX EXTRACTION PLANT (Puga-Ladakh-1976)- world’s highest-factory of its time, first in India and perhaps first and only example in the world to extract borax by innovative use of geothermal energy having medicinal use.

9.INDIA’S FIRST IN DRUGS AND MEDICINE

A.Breakthrough technology in mint - technology for manufacture of bolder crystals of menthol//marc into boards which is used in medical formulations.

B.Xanthotoxin manufacture from two plant sources-(ammi majus & heracleum candicans).

C.Risorine-only Indian drug from India released on world TB day, and presented by Indian government to world dignitary Mr. Bill Gates.

D.Sallaki- the second Indian “single plant based scientifically researched modern drug based on traditional Indian system”.

E.First to introduce / popularize superior imported eucalyptus macrorhynea seeds, a source of Rutin used in medicine.

F.Founder/signatory-CCRAS system of medicine.

10.DISCOVERY OF NEW MECHANISMS OF ACTION IN DRUGS

A.Bioenhancers- they increase blood levels of drug (bioavailability) and drug efficacy (bioefficacy) by inhibiting first pass metabolism and increased absorption of drug. Several more mechanisms have been studied / postulated for this effect.

B.Plant Immunomodulators from Rasayanas - first reporting in science.

11.DISCOVERY OF NOVEL OR BETTER MECHANISMS OF ACTION OF DRUGS- (Drug discovery, mechanisms of action of those drugs and first reporting in science in drugs are overlapping topics) see details in next topic and (Serial no 105-112,first reporting in science)

A.Potassium Embelate (centrally acting non narcotic orally effective analgesic acting on new undiscovered receptors in the brain).

B.Sallaki-Non steroidal anti inflammatory gastro protective plant analgesic (active ingredient Boswellic acid) working through inflammatory pathways (all other existing NSAID drugs are ulcerogenic).

C.Vasicine- bronchodilatory, oxytocic and platelet dysfunction/platelet number corrector actions.

D.Anti urolithiatic drug Debelysin (internationally marketed)-See details below.

E.RLX- Anti inflammatory cum bronchodilator drug. All other asthma drugs are either bronchodilators or else anti-inflammatory drugs.

12.WORLD’S FIRST IN BIOENHANCERS

A.Discovery of world’s first bioenhancer Piperine which is also the world’s first plant based bioenhancer. Research includes first deriving the mechanism of action.

B.First coining of the term Bioavailability enhancers (Bioenhancers).

C.This discovery was proven on world’s first experimentally bioenhanced drugs Sparteine and Vasicine.

D.Published the first scientific evidence based reference on Bioenahncers (IDMA bulletin).

E.This discovery scientifically established a new chapter in medical science.

F.Starting the first bioehnanced antitubercular project which led to development of world’s first bioenhanced antitubercular drug Risorine developed by IIIM Jammu, released by Govt. of India on world TB day 2011 and presented to Mr. Bill Gates of Microsoft.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

DISCOVERY OF NEW CONCEPTS /FIRST REPORTINGS IN MEDICAL SCIENCE

13.DISCOVERY OF WORLD’S FIRST BIOENHANCER PIPERINE (COMMERCIALISED):

A.PIPERINE is the world’s first proven bioenhancer which was discovered and established by Dr. Atal. Spartine and Vasicine were the first experimental bioenhanced drugs, which established the world’s first bioenhancer concept (See next topic) and which ultimately led to development of world’s first bioenhanced antitubercular formulation Risorine.

B.SIGNIFICANCE OF DISCOVERY OF PIPERINE - It was the first time that a molecule was discovered which could increase the potency of several classes of existing drugs even after being administered at reduced dosed. This made the formulation more effective (bioefficacy) while dose reduction meant reduced cost of drug and reduced side effects of the drug. Prior to this the existing methods were confined to Physical methods only, like micronisation, timed release, site release formulations etc.

C.HISTORY-Bioenhancers were first scientifically documented in 1979 at RRL, Jammu. The reason for arriving at the Bioenhancer hypothesis by Dr. Atal was based on a clue on Trikatu obtained after scrutiny of Ayurvedic handbook compiled by another research institute of CSIR. He observed that a large number (about 75%) of herbal formulations used for a large variety of diseases incorporated Trikatu, or one of the ingredients of Trikatu, namely Piper longum. He posed two questions. What was piper doing in so many formulations? Is it effective against all the illnesses? Since piper cannot be a panacea, so other reasons were thought of and one likely postulation was that it probably increased the potency/ bioavailability of formulations. Further research established the bioenhancer concept. Radiolabelled Vasicine and Spartine which were already being used in other experiments at RRL, were used for bioenhancing experiments, and became the first experimental drugs in the world to be scientifically bioenhanced by Piperine in 1979 at RRL, which established the concept. Subsequently several other classes of drugs were also bioenhanced successfully, research papers were published by RRL , Piperine was patented internationally, research scholars were granted doctorate degrees on bioenhancer research and drug development project on anti tubercular formulation was initiated at RRL. With further research by others, bioavailability enhancers were renamed bioenhancers in short, because research has indicated that Piperine may increase efficacy of drugs due to mechanisms other than increased bioavailability (bioefficacy enhancer + bioavailability enhancer = bioenhancers). About 50 years earlier, Bose in his Pharmacopoea Indica while describing the antiasthmatic activity of Vasaka leaves had made an observation that addition of long pepper to Vasaka increased its efficacy. However, no explanation for this observation was put forth by anyone in science, and it remained an observation overlooked and uninvestigated for about 50 years till the discovery of bioenhancers at RRL, Jammu in 1979 based on a clue from Ayurveda.

14.ESTABLISHING NEW CHAPTER OF BIOENHANCERS IN MEDICINE-

A.NEW CHAPTER IN SCIENCE- With the discovery of Bioenhancer Piperine a new chapter in Medicine was established. The term “Bioavailability enhancers” (later renamed bioenhancers or drug boosters) was first /coined at RRL Jammu. The breakthrough was first published by Dr. Atal in 1979 in IDMA bulletin (Atal. C.K., I.D.M.A. Bull, 1979, 10, 36- “A breakthrough in Drug Bioavailability” – A clue from age old wisdom of Ayurveda”. This term did not exist anywhere in medical treatment, drug industry; textbook or scientific literature till bioavailability enhancer Piperine was discovered and authenticated.

B.SIGNIFICANCE OF DISCOVERY BIOENHANCER CONCEPT -This revolutionary award winning globally recognized breakthrough is a basic discovery which has opened new concept/chapters of Bioenhancers in science in the field of drug bioavailability. As a result, it has opened endless new molecules, drugs, classes of drugs waiting to be bioenhanced and newer bioenhancers waiting to be discovered. Several bioenhancers have been discovered after this discovery, but Piperine still remains the most potent bioenhancer till date. This is also an example of traditional drug influencing multiple classes of modern drugs, nutrients and Xenobiotics. Details are provided at the last page.

C.BENEFITS OF BIOENHANCERS- Bioenhancers act like a catalyst and make the formulations more potent even at lesser dose. Reduced dose also makes the formulation safer, cheaper, and better tolerated by patient, with lesser chance of drug resistance (due to better acceptance, better compliance and increased bioefficacy). Moreover added ecological benefits are due to reduced requirement of raw material needed for plant based drugs, particularly for “less bioavailable” plant based drugs or for rare and scarce plants, example being anti cancer drug Taxol. www.jaim.in/text.asp?2010/1/2/96/65073(J-AIM-journal). docs.google.com/viewer?a=v&q=cache:BULgW-7SSm8J:www.n... ( CSIR newsletter).

15.DRUG DEVELOPMENT PROJECT ON WORLD’ FIRST BIOENHANCED ANTITUBERCULAR DRUG - (Risorine/Kit based on Piperine officially released on World TB day, 2011)- Work was started by Dr. Atal on developing Piperine based antitubercular formulation (reference given below) keeping in mind the dire need of the society . Thereafter the world’s first Piperine bioenhanced anti tubercular formulation Risorine/Risorine kit was developed by CSIR (public private partnership) as a novel safer cheaper TB drug with fewer side effects. It was released on world Tuberculosis day 24th March 2011 in presence of current and former ministers for science and technology, India, Director General CSIR and others at Delhi, India and also presented to Mr. Bill Gates. It is almost 50 long years after which something new has happened in the field of tuberculosis research and treatment. Piperine was extensively investigated, researched and took unusually long time to get the concerned permission for launching it in market as Risorine (company launching in 2009 by Cadila Pharmaceuticals and official CSIR launching on world tuberculosis day 2011).In the meantime keletra (Lopinavir/ritonavir) was discovered and officially launched as bioenhanced antiretroviral drug(US FDA approval in 2000). Thus Risorine became the second officially marketed bioenhanced drug in world after keletra even though Rifampicin was experimentally bioenhanced much earlier. However Risorine is still the world’s first bioenhanced marketed antitubercular drug. For details of the World TB day events, See two links below. Reference- Influence of piperine on rifampicin blood levels in patients of pulmonary tuberculosis, J Assoc Physicians India. 1985 Mar; 33 (3) : 223-4 www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/4044481http://pib.nic.in/news... csirindia.wordpress.com/2011/03/26/world-tuberculosis-day... RECOGNITION OF PIPERINE DISCOVERY - Bioenhancer discovery has led to the successful development of world’s first bioenhanced antitubercular drug Risorine in market.

A.Globally recognized and accepted discovery by scientific community, Wide media coverage, DD news coverage of Risorine release, internet reports.

B.Dr. I. C. Chopra award, 2000 given to Dr. Atal for plant based drug discoveries including Piperine.

C.Indian Medical Association’s Chikitsa Seva Rattan (ratna) award, IMA-EDB given to Dr. Atal for bioenhancers.

D.EDPA award of appreciation, 2014 given to Dr. Atal for bioenhancer research.

E.Many Medical Conferences on bioenhancers have been held like the one jointly conducted by Indian Medical association (EDB) and East Delhi Physician association at IMA hall (EDB) on 8th May, 2010.

F.CSIR/Govt. of India’s official launching of bioenhanced Risorine on world TB day, 2011 at Anusandhan Bhawan, Delhi.

G.Presentation of Risorine to visiting dignitary Mr. Bill Gates on world TB day, 2011.

H.IDMA research award 1981-82, discipline Pharmacology, at hotel Centaur, Mumbai (erstwhile Bombay) presented to Dr. Usha Zutshi / J. L. Kaul-on best original research paper on “The impact of Ayurvedic herbals on drug bioavailability” in Indian drugs 1982 Sep vol. 19, pg 476-79.

I.CSIR National Technology award 1993 presented to Dr. Usha Zutshi and Dr. K. L. Bedi, for work on piperine.

J.RRL Jammu alone published more than 25 research papers on Piperine based on 10 PhDs dissertations and doctorate degrees awarded on bioenhancers.

K.Worldwide recognition, research and publication of Piperine and bioenhancers.

16.DISCOVERY OF PLANT BASED IMMUNOMODULATORS (discovered from Rasayanas in Ayurveda and available as formulations in market)-First reported case of plant based immunomodulators from plant sources, discovered from Ayurvedic list of Rasayanas class of drugs, a new concept and a major contribution to science. (Serial no 17,award section-Dr. I. C. Chopra award ).Out of 16 plant drugs, 6 were studied in more detail and thus classified on the type of immune modulation produced, as immunosupressants, immunostimulants and immunocorrecting agents (immunoequiliberating). Example includes Picrorhiza kurroa that went into clinical trials has become a part of numerous modern herbal formulations. Some References - Immunomodulating agents of plant origin. I: Preliminary screening, J Ethnopharmacol. 1986 Nov; 18(2): 133 - 41. C. K. Atal, M. L. Sharma, A. Kaul, A. Khajuria, (See links below and events, CSIR, IIIM , first Dr. I. C. Chopra award)

A.http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/3560991

B.http://www.herbalnet.org/events.htm

17.DEBELYSIN (COMMERCIALISED, INTERNATIONALLY MARKETED) patented renal antilithiatic (lithio-lytic or renal calculi dissolving drugs), based on Dolichos biflora Seeds. Not much is available in allopathic system for renal calculi, although methods exist like surgery, cystoscopic removal, lithotripsy, some uncommon methods to dissolve renal calculi, besides some herbal formulations available in market. Debelysin is a patented, safe, scientifically established drug for renal calculi with an international marketed in Poland, Byelorussia and Ukraine. Reference article -Clinical evaluation of a new antilithiatic drug," Debelysin". T Krzeski, A Borowka, W Gustowski, C.K. Atal, A. Pol J Pharmacol Pharm, 1983 - 35(1):1-6. www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/6889184

18.ANTIARTHRITIC DRUG SALLAKI – BOSWELLIC ACID AS ACTIVE INGREDIENT- (COMMERCIALISED, INTERNATIONALLY MARKETED)- SECOND HERBAL DRUG IN INDIA- Apart from Rauwolfia discovered by Col. Sir R. N. Chopra in late forties, Sallaki, launched in March 1982, became the second other important scientifically proven major herbal drug based on Indian system of medicine (Ayurvedic and Unani) to formally enter Indian market in five decades post independence ( RRL newsletter April 1982). Belladonna was one more such launch elsewhere but it was not a drug in the true sense because it was launched as tincture for its non specific effects/activity on salivation and pain or else as belladonna plaster for boils which are not “activity” specific. Later Atropine extracted from Belladonna became a pure modern drug. After Rauwolfia, Sallaki was “second” in India for the following reasons. It was the second formally launched “single plant” based drug like Rauwolfia, its alcoholic extract was validated for activity in animals, activity was also established to be equivalent to crude drug, and lastly, its scientific validation in animals was reproducible (reference-Dr.K.L.Bedi). The Dr. I. C. Chopra award, 2000 was given to Dr. C. K. Atal for plant based drug discoveries particularly Sallaki, (See award section and internet link). Sallaki is also successfully marketed internationally, particularly Europe, as a safe, effective antiarthritic drug and the only non steroidal anti-inflammatory drug devoid of gastrointestinal side effects (ulceration) and instead it has gastroprotective action. www.phytomedicinejournal.com/article/S0944-7113%2808%2900... The effects on lipids were also investigated for the first time which was also done by CDRI, Lucknow, which progressed further into anti lipidaemic drug development. Mechanism of cholesterol lowering effect of Salai guggal ex. boswellia serrata roxb - U Zutshi, PG Rao, S Kaur, GB Singh, S Surjeet, CK Atal Indian Journal of Pharmacology – 1986, vol. 18,issue 3,pg 182-183.Sallaki is also reportedly being manufactured by Gufic Company in Uzbekistan and has a reported market in Russia and Europe, especially Germany. Boswellic acid is marketed by other companies like Himalaya (as Shallaki) and Amway. www.ijp-online.com/article.asp?issn=0253-7613;year=1986;v...

19.VASICINE, VASICINONE, AND ITS ANALOGUES (MARKETED AS AYURVEDIC FORMULATIONS) -OFFER OF US DOLLARS 80,000/- FOR INDO-US COLLABORATION ON THIS DRUG-exhibiting bronchodilatory, oxytocic and platelet dysfunction/platelet number corrector actions. Vasicine from Adhatoda vasica was discovered to control capillary bleeding through action on Bone Marrow. Dr. Atal while on a visit to USA in 1981 was offered Indo US collaborative research on vasicine. A provisional agreement was signed in USA with Farmacon dated 29th Oct, 1981, and agreed that the data be provided to Farmacon research Corporation, 39, South Lasalle street , Chicago Illinois, USA for a sum of US dollars eighty thousand(US $ 80,000/-) plus additional negotiable royalty , subject to CSIR Head office approval and retaining justified rights by CSIR. This was meant to be researched further in USA for possible marketing in USA (& Pakistan) as per agreement with Alan J, Schroeder, Vice President of the company. Since approval was delayed so the advance cheque was returned back to the company in USAL. This was the highest ever recorded amount of that time offered to any of the CSIR laboratories from international companies and original signed documents of agreement are still preserved. www.flickr.com/photos/13059662@N06/6506562555/in/photostream

20.RLX-a significant work on bronchodilatory effects of Deoxy vasicinone (RLX). This molecule is a wonderful anti inflammatory bronchodilator with minimal side effects as compared to conventional existing drugs and having a novel mechanism of action entirely different from others. The existing anti asthmatic drugs possesses either anti-inflammatory or else bronchodilatory effect, whereas RLX has both the properties.

21.POTASSIUM EMBELLATE-THE ONLY DRUG OF ITS KIND- a centrally acting, non narcotic orally effective analgesic, the only molecule of its kind known to exist. This is new molecule acting on so far unknown and undiscovered receptors in the brain (as peripherally it is devoid of anti-inflammatory action and centrally its effect is not reversed by opioid antagonists suggesting some different site of action/receptors in brain). Reference-

A.http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/2561116

B.http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/6541278

22.HEPATOPROTECTIVE FORMULATIONS (COMMERCIALISED): - significant work on plant based hepatoprotective formulations based on many plants. It was launched in the market as Livzone, a hepatoprotective formulation (Hind Chemicals, Kanpur). www.herbalnet.org/events.htm (CSIR- IIIM , Serial no 17 ,first Dr. I. C. Chopra award)

23.TECHNOLOGY TRANSFER FOR ABOVE DRUGS- Sallaki (Gufic Company, Bombay, renamed Mumbai), Hepatoprotective Livzone (Hind Chemicals, Kanpur under Dr. Rohtagi), Piperine Bioenhanced Anti tubercular formulation Risorine/risorine kit (Cadila Pharmaceuticals, Ahemedabad). Immunomodulator Picrorrhiza is being used in many herbal formulations and so is Vasicine. Antiurolithiatic drug Debelysin has been internationally developed by Herbapol from Poland.

A.DRUGS RESEARCHED IN INDIA- Sallaki, Risorine, Hepatoprotectives (Livzone), RLX, Vasicine, Potassium Embellate

B.DRUGS RESEARCHED INTERNATIONALLY- Debelysin

C.DRUGS COMMERCIALISED IN INDIA- Livzone, Risorine, Sallaki

D.INDIAN DRUG COMMERCIALISED INTERNATIONALLY- Sallaki

E.DRUGS DEVELOPED & COMMERCIALISED INTERNATIONALLY-Debelysin

24.PROCESS DEVELOPED FOR INDIA FOR SEVERAL KNOWN AND EXISTING DRUGS – Phytochemicals (Seventeen) ,Drug Intermediates (Three) ,Fermentation Technology (Four) (for detailed list Serial no 152-159,processes developed for India.Broad categories are Processes for medicinal Essential Oils Isolates(like mint), Phytochemicals, Drugs, Intermediates, Pharmaceuticals, Mineral Products(plaster of Paris), Fermentation Technology Products(citric acid),mint etc used by the Medical profession.

25.CONTRIBUTIONS IN AYURVEDA- All drugs mentioned above in drug discoveries are based on medicinal plants and Ayurvedic/herbal plants (Serial no 201-204, professional standing and peer reviews).

A.Discovery of New Drugs, Concepts and Mechanisms of Action of Drugs from Ayurveda- (Serial no 92-112, drug discovery for details).

B.Significance of Work Done, Visionary Concepts, Recognition in Ayurveda- Details in Professional Standing.

26.RENOWNED INTERNATIONAL AUTHORITY AND CONSULTANT ON MEDICINAL PLANTS (PHARMACOGNOSY)

A.United Nations Consultant-UNDP, UNIDO. USFDA,FAO,WHO Etc

B.Consultant - International World Bodies, Universities, Organisations Etc

27. LISTED AMONG TOPMOST INDIAN PIONEER MEDICINAL PLANTS RESEARCHERS AND THINKERS IN NATIONAL JOURNALS

A.CURRENT-SCIENCE Ayurveda-scientific research and publications, NO-97, VOL-8/25-10-2009.

B.CURRENT SCIENCE -The quest for evidence based Ayurveda: lessons learned, VOL. 102, NO. 10, 25 MAY 2012.

C.J-AIM - A Renaissance for Ayurveda, J. Ayurveda. Integr Med. 2010 Jan-Mar; 1(1): 1–2.

28.LISTED AMONG TOPMOST PIONEER INTERNATIONAL RESEARCHERS IN INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL

A.CELEBRATED RESEARCHERS: SERIAL -7, Link natural products digest, vol. 6 issue 2, 2010, pg13.

29.UNITED NATIONS PROJECTS IMPLEMENTED INTERNATIONALLY

A.UNDP/UNIDO- HERBAL MEDICINES (VIETNAM).

B.WHO- BANGLADESH-MEDICINAL FORMULATIONS FOR GOVT OF BANGLADESH.

C.WHO- USA- CONSULTANCIES ALL OVER USA ON PLANT TOXICITY IN HUMAN FOODCHAIN.

30.BOOK RELEASED AT INDIAN PHARMACEUTICAL CONGRESS (IPC-DELHI-2008)-"HIV, Aids & Bioactive Natural Products” at event diamond jubilee celebrations).

31.MEDIA COVERAGE - Risorine release covered on DD news channel, borax plant covered on BBC news, medicinal awards in news, internet etc

Sample image taken with a Fujinon XF 56mm f1.2 R mounted on a Fujifilm XT1 body; each of these images is an out-of-camera JPEG with Lens Modulation Optimisation enabled. These samples and comparisons are part of my Fujinon XF 56mm f1.2 R review at:

cameralabs.com/reviews/Fujifilm_Fujinon_XF_56mm_f1-2_R/

Feel free to download the original image for evaluation on your own computer or printer, but please don't use it on another website or publication without permission from www.cameralabs.com/

Sample image taken with a Fujinon XF 56mm f1.2 R mounted on a Fujifilm XT1 body; each of these images is an out-of-camera JPEG with Lens Modulation Optimisation enabled. These samples and comparisons are part of my Fujinon XF 56mm f1.2 R review at:

cameralabs.com/reviews/Fujifilm_Fujinon_XF_56mm_f1-2_R/

Feel free to download the original image for evaluation on your own computer or printer, but please don't use it on another website or publication without permission from www.cameralabs.com/

gp500.org

GP500 motorcycle windshields

GP500.Org Part # 27000 Yamaha motorcycle windshields

The history of Yamaha Motorcycles

"I want to carry out trial manufacture of motorcycle engines." It was from these words spoken by Genichi Kawakami (Yamaha Motor's first president) in 1953, that today's Yamaha Motor Company was born.

"If you're going to do something, be the best."

Genichi Kawakami

Genichi Kawakami was the first son of Kaichi Kawakami, the third-generation president of Nippon Gakki (musical instruments and electronics; presently Yamaha Corporation). Genichi studied and graduated from Takachiho Higher Commercial School in March of 1934. In July of 1937, he was the second Kawakami to join the Nippon Gakki Company.

He quickly rose to positions of manager of the company's Tenryu Factory Company (musical instruments) and then Senior General Manager, before assuming the position of fourth-generation President in 1950 at the young age of 38.

In 1953, Genichi was looking for a way to make use of idle machining equipment that had previously been used to make aircraft propellers. Looking back on the founding of Yamaha Motor Company, Genichi had this to say. "While the company was performing well and had some financial leeway, I felt the need to look for our next area of business. So, I did some research." He explored producing many products, including sewing machines, auto parts, scooters, three-wheeled utility vehicles, and…motorcycles. Market and competitive factors led him to focus on the motorcycle market. Genichi actually visited the United States many times during this period.

When asked about this decision, he said, "I had my research division chief and other managers visit leading motorcycle factories around the country. They came back and told me there was still plenty of opportunity, even if we were entering the market late. I didn't want to be completely unprepared in this unfamiliar business so we toured to German factories before setting out to build our first 125cc bike. I joined in this tour around Europe during which my chief engineers learned how to build motorbikes. We did as much research as possible to insure that we could build a bike as good as any out there. Once we had that confidence, we started going."

The first Yamaha motorcycle... the YA-1.

"If you are going to make it, make it the very best there is." With these words as their motto, the development team poured all their energies into building the first prototype, and ten months later in August of 1954 the first model was complete. It was the Yamaha YA-1. The bike was powered by an air-cooled, 2-stroke, single cylinder 125cc engine. Once finished, it was put through an unprecedented 10,000 km endurance test to ensure that its quality was top-class. This was destined to be the first crystallization of what has now become a long tradition of Yamaha creativity and an inexhaustible spirit of challenge.

Then, in January of 1955 the Hamakita Factory of Nippon Gakki was built and production began on the YA-1. With confidence in the new direction that Genichi was taking, Yamaha Motor Co., Ltd. was founded on July 1, 1955. Staffed by 274 enthusiastic employees, the new motorcycle manufacturer built about 200 units per month.

That same year, Yamaha entered its new YA-1 in the two biggest race events in Japan. They were the 3rd Mt. Fuji Ascent Race and the 1st Asama Highlands Race. In these debut races Yamaha won the 125cc class. And, the following year the YA-1 won again in both the Light and Ultra-light classes of the Asama Highlands Race.

By 1956, a second model was ready for production. This was the YC1, a 175cc single cylinder two-stroke. In 1957 Yamaha began production of its first 250cc, two-stroke twin, the YD1.

The first Yamaha to compete in America (1957).

Based on Genichi's firm belief that a product isn't a product until it can hold it's own around the world, in 1958 Yamaha became the first Japanese maker to venture into the international race arena. The result was an impressive 6th place in the Catalina Grand Prix race in the USA. News of this achievement won immediate recognition for the high level of Yamaha technology not only in Japan but among American race fans, as well. This was only the start, however.

Yamaha took quick action using the momentum gained in the USA and began marketing their motorcycles through an independent distributor in California. In 1958, Cooper Motors began selling the YD-1 250 and the MF-1 (50cc, two-stroke, single cylinder, step through street bike). Then in 1960, Yamaha International Corporation began selling motorcycles in the USA through dealers.

With the overseas experiences under his belt, in 1960, Genichi then turned his attention to the Marine industry and the production of the first Yamaha boats and outboard motors. This was the beginning of an aggressive expansion into new fields utilizing the new engines and FRP (fiberglass reinforced plastic) technologies. The first watercraft model was the CAT-21, followed by the RUN-13 and the P-7 123cc outboard motor.

In 1963, Yamaha demonstrated its focus on cutting-edge, technological innovations by developing the Autolube System. This landmark solution was a separate oil injection system for two-stroke models, eliminating the inconvenience of pre-mixing fuel and oil.

Yamaha was building a strong reputation as a superior manufacturer which was reflected in its first project carried out in the new Iwata, Japan Plant, built in 1966. (The YMC headquarters was moved to Iwata in 1972.) Toyota and Yamaha teamed up to produce the highly regarded Toyota 2000 GT sports car. This very limited edition vehicle, still admired for its performance and craftsmanship, created a sensation among enthusiast in Japan and abroad.

Genichi said, "I believe that the most important thing when building a product is to always keep in mind the standpoint of the people who will use it." An example of the commitment to "walking in the customers' shoes" was the move in 1966 by Yamaha to continue its expansion. Overseas motorcycle manufacturing was established in Thailand and Mexico. In 1968, the globalization continued with Brazil and the Netherlands. With manufacturing bases, distributors and R&D operations in a market, Yamaha could be involved in grassroots efforts to build products that truly met the needs of each market by respecting and valuing the distinct national sensibilities and customs of each country. Yamaha continues that tradition, today.

By the late 1960s, Yamaha had quality products that had proven themselves in the global marketplace based on superior performance and innovation. Distribution and product diversity were on the right track. But Genichi knew that beyond quality, success would demand more. He had this view on the power of original ideas. "In the future, a company's future will hinge on ideas over and above quality. Products that have no character, nothing unique about them, will not sell no matter how well made or affordable…and that would spell doom for any company."

He also knew that forward vision, walking hand in hand with original ideas, would create an opportunity for the company and its customers that could mean years of happiness and memorable experiences. Genichi said, "In the business world today, so many people are obsessed with figures. They become fixated on the numbers of the minute and without them are too afraid to do any real work. But in fact, every situation is in flux from moment to moment, developing with a natural flow. Unless one reads that flow, it is impossible to start out in a new field of business."

A real-world illustration of this belief is the Yamaha DT-1. The world's first true off-road motorcycle debuted in 1968 to create an entirely new genre we know today as trail bikes. The DT-1 made a huge impact on motorcycling in the USA because it was truly dirt worthy. Yamaha definitely "read the flow" when it produced

"Make every challenge an opportunity."

Genichi Kawakami

the 250cc, single cylinder, 2-stroke, Enduro that put Yamaha On/Off-Road motorcycles on the map in the USA. The DT-1 exemplified the power of original ideas, forward vision, and quick action coupled with keeping in mind the customers' desires.

In years to come Yamaha continued to grow (and continues to this day). Diversity increased with the addition of products including snowmobiles, race kart engines, generators, scooters, ATVs, personal watercraft and more.

Genichi Kawakami set the stage for Yamaha Motor Company's success with his vision and philosophies. Total honesty towards the customer and making products that hold their own enables the company that serves people in thirty-three countries, to provide an improved lifestyle through exceptional quality, high performance products.

Yamaha Motor Corporation, USA Cypress, California

Genichi Kawakami's history with Yamaha was long and rich. He saw the new corporate headquarters in Cypress, California and the 25th Anniversary of Yamaha become a reality in 1980. He also watched bike #20 million roll off the assembly line in 1982. Genichi passed away on May 25, 2002 yet his vision lives on through the people and products of Yamaha, throughout the world.

History Timeline of Yamaha (USA)

Year Yamaha Motor Origin

1955

The first Yamaha motorized product was the YA-1 Motorcycle (125cc, 2-stroke, single cylinder, streetbike). It was produced and sold in Japan.

Year USA History

1958 The first Yamaha Motorcycles sold in the USA were by Cooper Motors, an independent distributor. The models were the YD1 (250cc, 2-stroke, twin cylinder, streetbike) and MF-1 (50cc, 2-stroke, single cylinder, streetbike, step-through).

1960 Yamaha International Corporation began selling motorcycles in the USA.

1968

The DT-1 Enduro was introduced. The world's first dual purpose motorcycle which had on & off-road capability. Its impact on Motorcycling in the USA was enormous.

Yamaha's first Snowmobile, the SL350 (2-stroke, twin cylinder) was introduced. This was the first Snowmobile with slide valve carburetors.

1970

Yamaha’s first 4-stroke motorcycle model, the XS-1 (650cc vertical twin) was introduced.

1971

The SR433 high performance Snowmobile was introduced.

1973 Yamaha continued expansion into new markets by introducing Generators (ET1200).

1975

Yamaha pioneered the very first single-shock, production motocross bikes. This was the beginning of the YZ Monocross machines that changed motocross forever.

1976 The legendary SRX440 snowmobile hits the market and quickly catapults Yamaha to the forefront of the snowmobile racing scene.

1977

Yamaha Motor Corporation, USA, was founded in order to better appeal to the American market and establish a separate identity (from music & electronics) for Yamaha motorized products.

1978

The XS1100 motorcycle (four cylinder, shaft drive) was introduced.

XS650 Special was introduced. This was the first production Cruiser built by a Japanese manufacturer.

Golf Cars were introduced in the USA with the G1 gas model.

1979

YICS (Yamaha Induction Control System), a fuel-saving engine system, was developed for 4-stroke engines.

1980

The new Yamaha Motor Corporation, USA, corporate office was opened in Cypress, California.

The first 3-wheel ATV was sold in USA… the Tri-Moto (YT125).

The G1-E electric powered Golf Car model was introduced.

1981

The first air-cooled, V-twin cruiser, the Virago 750, was introduced.

1984

The first production 5-valve per cylinder engine was introduced on the FZ750 motorcycle.

Yamaha’s first 4-wheel ATV, the YFM200, was introduced in the USA.

The Phazer snowmobile was introduced. Known for its light weight and agile handling.

Yamaha begins marketing Outboard Motors in the USA.

1985

The V-Max 1200 musclebike hits the streets.

1986

Yamaha Motor Manufacturing Corporation of America was founded in Newnan, Georgia.

1987

A new exhaust system for 4-stroke engines, “EXUP,” was developed to provide higher horsepower output throughout an engine's powerband.

Yamaha introduces personal watercraft...the sit-down WaveRunner and the stand-up WaveJammer.

Yamaha Motor Manufacturing Company begins Golf Car and Water Vehicle production for USA and overseas markets.

1992

The Vmax-4 Snowmobile (2-stroke, four cylinder) was introduced.

1994

Yamaha expands its product offerings by acquiring the Cobia boat company.

1995

The Century and Skeeter boat companies are acquired by Yamaha.

1996

Yamaha introduces its first Star model with the 1300cc, V4 Royal Star.

Tennessee Watercraft produces Sport Boats and later, the SUV WaveRunner.

1997

Yamaha acquires the G3 boat company.

At the Newnan, Georgia, manufacturing facility, the first ATV (the BearTracker) rolls off the assembly line.

Yamaha opens southeastern offices in Kennesaw, Georgia.

1998

The YZ400F four-stroke motocross bike was introduced. This was the first mass produced 4-stroke motocrosser.

The YZF-R1 sport bike was introduced. It set the standard for open class sport bikes for several years.

The Grizzly 600 4x4 ATV with Ultramatic transmission was introduced.

The EF2800i generator with Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) was introduced. PMW allows use with equipment that requires stable frequency and voltage.

2000

The Buckmaster® Edition Big Bear 400 4x4 was introduced. This was the first ATV with camouflage bodywork.

2002

The F225 Outboard was introduced. It was the largest 4-stroke Outboard at the time.

The FX140 WaveRunner (1000cc, 4-stroke, four cylinder) was introduced. The world's first high performance 4-stroke personal watercraft.

2003

The RX-1 Snowmbile (1000cc, 4-stroke, four cylinder) was introduced. The world's first high performance 4-stroke Snowmobile.

2004 Rhino Side x Side model introduced. Combined performance, terrainability, utility capabilities, and take-along-a-friend convenience to lead the way in a new category of off-road recreation.

FBI Stolen motorcycles

gp500.org/FBI_stolen_motorcycles.html

Motorcycles VIN Decoder

gp500.org/VIN_Decoder.html

GP500.Org Part # 22200 Yamaha motorcycle windshields

gp500.org

GP500 motorcycle windshields

The history of Yamaha Motorcycles

"I want to carry out trial manufacture of motorcycle engines." It was from these words spoken by Genichi Kawakami (Yamaha Motor's first president) in 1953, that today's Yamaha Motor Company was born.

"If you're going to do something, be the best."

Genichi Kawakami

Genichi Kawakami was the first son of Kaichi Kawakami, the third-generation president of Nippon Gakki (musical instruments and electronics; presently Yamaha Corporation). Genichi studied and graduated from Takachiho Higher Commercial School in March of 1934. In July of 1937, he was the second Kawakami to join the Nippon Gakki Company.

He quickly rose to positions of manager of the company's Tenryu Factory Company (musical instruments) and then Senior General Manager, before assuming the position of fourth-generation President in 1950 at the young age of 38.

In 1953, Genichi was looking for a way to make use of idle machining equipment that had previously been used to make aircraft propellers. Looking back on the founding of Yamaha Motor Company, Genichi had this to say. "While the company was performing well and had some financial leeway, I felt the need to look for our next area of business. So, I did some research." He explored producing many products, including sewing machines, auto parts, scooters, three-wheeled utility vehicles, and…motorcycles. Market and competitive factors led him to focus on the motorcycle market. Genichi actually visited the United States many times during this period.

When asked about this decision, he said, "I had my research division chief and other managers visit leading motorcycle factories around the country. They came back and told me there was still plenty of opportunity, even if we were entering the market late. I didn't want to be completely unprepared in this unfamiliar business so we toured to German factories before setting out to build our first 125cc bike. I joined in this tour around Europe during which my chief engineers learned how to build motorbikes. We did as much research as possible to insure that we could build a bike as good as any out there. Once we had that confidence, we started going."

The first Yamaha motorcycle... the YA-1.

"If you are going to make it, make it the very best there is." With these words as their motto, the development team poured all their energies into building the first prototype, and ten months later in August of 1954 the first model was complete. It was the Yamaha YA-1. The bike was powered by an air-cooled, 2-stroke, single cylinder 125cc engine. Once finished, it was put through an unprecedented 10,000 km endurance test to ensure that its quality was top-class. This was destined to be the first crystallization of what has now become a long tradition of Yamaha creativity and an inexhaustible spirit of challenge.

Then, in January of 1955 the Hamakita Factory of Nippon Gakki was built and production began on the YA-1. With confidence in the new direction that Genichi was taking, Yamaha Motor Co., Ltd. was founded on July 1, 1955. Staffed by 274 enthusiastic employees, the new motorcycle manufacturer built about 200 units per month.

That same year, Yamaha entered its new YA-1 in the two biggest race events in Japan. They were the 3rd Mt. Fuji Ascent Race and the 1st Asama Highlands Race. In these debut races Yamaha won the 125cc class. And, the following year the YA-1 won again in both the Light and Ultra-light classes of the Asama Highlands Race.

By 1956, a second model was ready for production. This was the YC1, a 175cc single cylinder two-stroke. In 1957 Yamaha began production of its first 250cc, two-stroke twin, the YD1.

The first Yamaha to compete in America (1957).

Based on Genichi's firm belief that a product isn't a product until it can hold it's own around the world, in 1958 Yamaha became the first Japanese maker to venture into the international race arena. The result was an impressive 6th place in the Catalina Grand Prix race in the USA. News of this achievement won immediate recognition for the high level of Yamaha technology not only in Japan but among American race fans, as well. This was only the start, however.

Yamaha took quick action using the momentum gained in the USA and began marketing their motorcycles through an independent distributor in California. In 1958, Cooper Motors began selling the YD-1 250 and the MF-1 (50cc, two-stroke, single cylinder, step through street bike). Then in 1960, Yamaha International Corporation began selling motorcycles in the USA through dealers.

With the overseas experiences under his belt, in 1960, Genichi then turned his attention to the Marine industry and the production of the first Yamaha boats and outboard motors. This was the beginning of an aggressive expansion into new fields utilizing the new engines and FRP (fiberglass reinforced plastic) technologies. The first watercraft model was the CAT-21, followed by the RUN-13 and the P-7 123cc outboard motor.

In 1963, Yamaha demonstrated its focus on cutting-edge, technological innovations by developing the Autolube System. This landmark solution was a separate oil injection system for two-stroke models, eliminating the inconvenience of pre-mixing fuel and oil.

Yamaha was building a strong reputation as a superior manufacturer which was reflected in its first project carried out in the new Iwata, Japan Plant, built in 1966. (The YMC headquarters was moved to Iwata in 1972.) Toyota and Yamaha teamed up to produce the highly regarded Toyota 2000 GT sports car. This very limited edition vehicle, still admired for its performance and craftsmanship, created a sensation among enthusiast in Japan and abroad.

Genichi said, "I believe that the most important thing when building a product is to always keep in mind the standpoint of the people who will use it." An example of the commitment to "walking in the customers' shoes" was the move in 1966 by Yamaha to continue its expansion. Overseas motorcycle manufacturing was established in Thailand and Mexico. In 1968, the globalization continued with Brazil and the Netherlands. With manufacturing bases, distributors and R&D operations in a market, Yamaha could be involved in grassroots efforts to build products that truly met the needs of each market by respecting and valuing the distinct national sensibilities and customs of each country. Yamaha continues that tradition, today.

By the late 1960s, Yamaha had quality products that had proven themselves in the global marketplace based on superior performance and innovation. Distribution and product diversity were on the right track. But Genichi knew that beyond quality, success would demand more. He had this view on the power of original ideas. "In the future, a company's future will hinge on ideas over and above quality. Products that have no character, nothing unique about them, will not sell no matter how well made or affordable…and that would spell doom for any company."

He also knew that forward vision, walking hand in hand with original ideas, would create an opportunity for the company and its customers that could mean years of happiness and memorable experiences. Genichi said, "In the business world today, so many people are obsessed with figures. They become fixated on the numbers of the minute and without them are too afraid to do any real work. But in fact, every situation is in flux from moment to moment, developing with a natural flow. Unless one reads that flow, it is impossible to start out in a new field of business."

A real-world illustration of this belief is the Yamaha DT-1. The world's first true off-road motorcycle debuted in 1968 to create an entirely new genre we know today as trail bikes. The DT-1 made a huge impact on motorcycling in the USA because it was truly dirt worthy. Yamaha definitely "read the flow" when it produced

"Make every challenge an opportunity."

Genichi Kawakami

the 250cc, single cylinder, 2-stroke, Enduro that put Yamaha On/Off-Road motorcycles on the map in the USA. The DT-1 exemplified the power of original ideas, forward vision, and quick action coupled with keeping in mind the customers' desires.

In years to come Yamaha continued to grow (and continues to this day). Diversity increased with the addition of products including snowmobiles, race kart engines, generators, scooters, ATVs, personal watercraft and more.

Genichi Kawakami set the stage for Yamaha Motor Company's success with his vision and philosophies. Total honesty towards the customer and making products that hold their own enables the company that serves people in thirty-three countries, to provide an improved lifestyle through exceptional quality, high performance products.

Yamaha Motor Corporation, USA Cypress, California

Genichi Kawakami's history with Yamaha was long and rich. He saw the new corporate headquarters in Cypress, California and the 25th Anniversary of Yamaha become a reality in 1980. He also watched bike #20 million roll off the assembly line in 1982. Genichi passed away on May 25, 2002 yet his vision lives on through the people and products of Yamaha, throughout the world.

History Timeline of Yamaha (USA)

Year Yamaha Motor Origin

1955

The first Yamaha motorized product was the YA-1 Motorcycle (125cc, 2-stroke, single cylinder, streetbike). It was produced and sold in Japan.

Year USA History

1958 The first Yamaha Motorcycles sold in the USA were by Cooper Motors, an independent distributor. The models were the YD1 (250cc, 2-stroke, twin cylinder, streetbike) and MF-1 (50cc, 2-stroke, single cylinder, streetbike, step-through).

1960 Yamaha International Corporation began selling motorcycles in the USA.

1968

The DT-1 Enduro was introduced. The world's first dual purpose motorcycle which had on & off-road capability. Its impact on Motorcycling in the USA was enormous.

Yamaha's first Snowmobile, the SL350 (2-stroke, twin cylinder) was introduced. This was the first Snowmobile with slide valve carburetors.

1970

Yamaha’s first 4-stroke motorcycle model, the XS-1 (650cc vertical twin) was introduced.

1971

The SR433 high performance Snowmobile was introduced.

1973 Yamaha continued expansion into new markets by introducing Generators (ET1200).

1975

Yamaha pioneered the very first single-shock, production motocross bikes. This was the beginning of the YZ Monocross machines that changed motocross forever.

1976 The legendary SRX440 snowmobile hits the market and quickly catapults Yamaha to the forefront of the snowmobile racing scene.

1977

Yamaha Motor Corporation, USA, was founded in order to better appeal to the American market and establish a separate identity (from music & electronics) for Yamaha motorized products.

1978

The XS1100 motorcycle (four cylinder, shaft drive) was introduced.

XS650 Special was introduced. This was the first production Cruiser built by a Japanese manufacturer.

Golf Cars were introduced in the USA with the G1 gas model.

1979

YICS (Yamaha Induction Control System), a fuel-saving engine system, was developed for 4-stroke engines.

1980

The new Yamaha Motor Corporation, USA, corporate office was opened in Cypress, California.

The first 3-wheel ATV was sold in USA… the Tri-Moto (YT125).

The G1-E electric powered Golf Car model was introduced.

1981

The first air-cooled, V-twin cruiser, the Virago 750, was introduced.

1984

The first production 5-valve per cylinder engine was introduced on the FZ750 motorcycle.

Yamaha’s first 4-wheel ATV, the YFM200, was introduced in the USA.

The Phazer snowmobile was introduced. Known for its light weight and agile handling.

Yamaha begins marketing Outboard Motors in the USA.

1985

The V-Max 1200 musclebike hits the streets.

1986

Yamaha Motor Manufacturing Corporation of America was founded in Newnan, Georgia.

1987

A new exhaust system for 4-stroke engines, “EXUP,” was developed to provide higher horsepower output throughout an engine's powerband.

Yamaha introduces personal watercraft...the sit-down WaveRunner and the stand-up WaveJammer.

Yamaha Motor Manufacturing Company begins Golf Car and Water Vehicle production for USA and overseas markets.

1992

The Vmax-4 Snowmobile (2-stroke, four cylinder) was introduced.

1994

Yamaha expands its product offerings by acquiring the Cobia boat company.

1995

The Century and Skeeter boat companies are acquired by Yamaha.

1996

Yamaha introduces its first Star model with the 1300cc, V4 Royal Star.

Tennessee Watercraft produces Sport Boats and later, the SUV WaveRunner.

1997

Yamaha acquires the G3 boat company.

At the Newnan, Georgia, manufacturing facility, the first ATV (the BearTracker) rolls off the assembly line.

Yamaha opens southeastern offices in Kennesaw, Georgia.

1998

The YZ400F four-stroke motocross bike was introduced. This was the first mass produced 4-stroke motocrosser.

The YZF-R1 sport bike was introduced. It set the standard for open class sport bikes for several years.

The Grizzly 600 4x4 ATV with Ultramatic transmission was introduced.

The EF2800i generator with Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) was introduced. PMW allows use with equipment that requires stable frequency and voltage.

2000

The Buckmaster® Edition Big Bear 400 4x4 was introduced. This was the first ATV with camouflage bodywork.

2002

The F225 Outboard was introduced. It was the largest 4-stroke Outboard at the time.

The FX140 WaveRunner (1000cc, 4-stroke, four cylinder) was introduced. The world's first high performance 4-stroke personal watercraft.

2003

The RX-1 Snowmbile (1000cc, 4-stroke, four cylinder) was introduced. The world's first high performance 4-stroke Snowmobile.

2004 Rhino Side x Side model introduced. Combined performance, terrainability, utility capabilities, and take-along-a-friend convenience to lead the way in a new category of off-road recreation.

FBI Stolen motorcycles

gp500.org/FBI_stolen_motorcycles.html

Motorcycles VIN Decoder

gp500.org/VIN_Decoder.html

The modulator stage of a Marconi B6122 (and BD272) HF transmitter: two BY1144L vapour-cooled triodes driven via four 3Z222EW vapour-cooled cathode-followers.

The BY1144L valves are configured as class 'B' push-pull, driving a modulation transformer, the secondary of which modulates the final RF stage.

Sample image taken with a Fujinon XF 56mm f1.2 R mounted on a Fujifilm XT1 body; each of these images is an out-of-camera JPEG with Lens Modulation Optimisation enabled. These samples and comparisons are part of my Fujinon XF 56mm f1.2 R review at:

cameralabs.com/reviews/Fujifilm_Fujinon_XF_56mm_f1-2_R/

Feel free to download the original image for evaluation on your own computer or printer, but please don't use it on another website or publication without permission from www.cameralabs.com/

Sample image taken with a Fujinon XF 56mm f1.2 R mounted on a Fujifilm XT1 body; each of these images is an out-of-camera JPEG with Lens Modulation Optimisation enabled. These samples and comparisons are part of my Fujinon XF 56mm f1.2 R review at:

cameralabs.com/reviews/Fujifilm_Fujinon_XF_56mm_f1-2_R/

Feel free to download the original image for evaluation on your own computer or printer, but please don't use it on another website or publication without permission from www.cameralabs.com/

No Doshi tour of Ahmedabad is complete without a visit to the Husain-Doshi Gufa, a sort of studio/gallery/headquarters/shrine for legendary (and controversial) Indian painter M. F. Husain. This is located a few feet from the CEPT campus and a block away from the Indology building. This one, it should be admitted up front, is a bit of a one-off; while I'll argue that it has some resonance with other works, it would be a mistake to think that post-1990, the architect's work has been dominated by kooky-columned caverns capped by stalk-eyed blobbo-domes in mosaic tile.

Not that that would necessarily be a bad thing - but the trend has been towards further development of the things I was rambling about at Gandhi Labor (45-degree site plan, sequences of courtyards, humbler materials) at various scales. (More recently there have been some decidedly funky geometries showing up, but this may be due to the increasing influence of younger project heads.)

Anyway though, the Gufa - more like Goofy, amirite?? - is a nice little thing, vaguely programmed on the inside but supporting a small cafe, whose main amenity is the view of the tile-mound playground. You go to the cafe, drink a coffee shake while watching the kids clamber around the roof, then take a stab at it yourself (it's quite slippery!) before heading downstairs. There you take photos of your friends jumping around on the little column-stumps (a la Mill Owner's Building), marvel at the ersatz cave paintings on the walls, and then come back out. I guess there might be events or shows here from time to time, but this is how it was when I visited.

The first and most obvious reference point here is Gaudí's crypt for the Santa Coloma Chapel, and given the previous discussion of mosaic tile it's not so surprising that Gaudí would re-enter the picture at this point. In fact, it's really hard to get past this: we're in cover-band territory, and the swap of exquisite Catalan brickwork for concrete is basically like doing the iconic guitar solo on harmonica instead. That's okay, though; I've always felt like architects should be encouraged to do "cover versions" - if it was a good building once, why not do it again? Or do only people in Catalonia deserve easy access to Gaudí?

Anyway, there are a couple of other things going on here. The tubular stalk-eyes, for one: where do those come from? They remind me of nothing so much as Peter Cook's Kunsthaus in Graz, and by extension, the groovy 60s scene that produced Cook as well as Yellow Submarine and Ant Farm's House of the Century. I don't know what that adds up to, but it's a funky move for an architect educated in the 50s to make in the late 80s. Some might ascribe that to the "old-timer trying to stay hip with the kids" phenomenon, but the date of the Gufa actually seems a little early for someone to jump on the blobular bandwagon - even Gehry's built work had yet to acquire this kind of organic geometry.

Of course, the influence of Husain could be the answer to everything, but I'd also suggest that the "cave" had already been present in Doshi's work, just in a more traditionally architecturalized condition. Sangath is the clearest example - the studio bar is slipped most of the way underground, with the vault popping up to admit light. "Underground space with curved ceiling" ... let that idea bounce around long enough, and you're going to end up back at Santa Coloma; I suspect this is what happened with Doshi.

The other curious development here is meta-architectural and resides entirely in Doshi's own written description of the project. Here, for the first time (at least as far as Steele's publication would suggest), Doshi indulges in a long, pseudo-mythical origin story for the building. It's kind of interesting, but a bit heavy-handed in a "Field of Dreams" way. Passing over the first eight paragraphs, we find Doshi picking up a strange, vibrating stick...

[…] …I was quiet and getting dark. I was sitting down on this lonely spot with the branch in my hands. Then after about a minute, I felt a powerful pull from deep within the earth, a sensation I had never ever experienced before. Taking this as a sign of something very unusual about to happen, I closed my eyes. Immediately, there appeared a body of a large tortoise-like form. Unlike the normal tortoise, this was long and had two large mouths facing each other at the opposite ends. They were interconnected with many shells of different shapes and sizes.

[Several paragraphs and eight years pass. Doshi gets the commission for the Gufa and selects the site. Then, one night, he dreams and again sees the turtle – the Kurma, avatar of Lord Vishnu. This time Kurma is conversational, quizzing Doshi about Corbusier and the definition of architecture “in its deepest sense.” Kurma specifically brings up Ronchamp, and Doshi has a revelation.]

I immediately realized that in true architecture one must experience joys and celebrations. It must affect our inner self. It cannot be distinguished separately either as modulation of light or surfaces or supporting system. On the contrary, a good design merges floors, walls, ceilings into one contiguous whole and creates an organic space almost like a living being….

Over the next few pages, Kurma provides a holographic slideshow of precedents and formal partí...until Doshi’s wife wakes him up. But was it just a dream? The building gets built, the snakey stripe gets rendered, and just as it is completed, the workers declare that prana (the breath of life) has entered the building – and “precisely at that moment it rained, even though out of season.”

So, wow. This development is not a one-off - the Delhi NIFT and the Mumbai Diamond Bourse both get these elaborate narratives, and they grow less revealing and more mythic each time. The Mumbai text is so detail-ridden it approaches false advertising - supposedly, while digging the foundations of an early, vaguely unsatisfying version of the building, they discovered the ruins of an ancient diamond bazaar ("The foreman woke me in the middle of the night, at first so excited I couldn't understand him...") whose complex, courtyarded configuration ended up inspiring the final building, etc. etc.

What is the deal? I love overblown narrative in service of architecture, but this seems a bit much even for me. Consider the times, though. In the wake of Rossi (and Krier, and others that I'm shortchanging out of ignorance), there was a renewed fascination with pseudo-mythical ur-buildings that undergirded the physical reality. These typologies were kind of like Platonic ideals, which could be called forth and recombined while still tapping into the eternal and unchanging - the city, collectively, could tap into The City. This is a bit of a gloss of Rossi - I should reread this stuff soon - but there are a few ways to take this. One is the path Rossi himself took in his built work: lots of cubes and pediments and punch windows, stripped of all specificity (and thus the transience of "style") in order to tap into the Real Essence of the types.

Another approach is to ditch the formal typologies, but retain the quasi-mystical idea that new buildings tap into a ghost-world of real or imaginary past buildings, gaining Authenticity and Realness in the process. Hence the revival of imaginary histories for buildings - some two centuries after John Soane invented the genre to explain the extravagances of his own house. It is, in one sense, a self-contradictory strategy: to emphasize how much this building Really Belongs where it is, spin an obviously fictitious yarn. I'm charmed by the approach, but I think a given architect can really only get away with it once or twice, and that only if they have enough chutzpah and storytelling talent. If you're doing it on every project, it's cloying and schticky.

That's an unfortunate note upon which to leave Doshi; let me say again that I really admire his work overall, and from what I've seen would put him in the top tier of his generation, internationally. Part of the fun of really exploring any artist's work is discovering the funny side projects and creative cul-de-sacs that don't make it into the canonical list of masterworks. So just as I've come to love Paul McCartney's forays into new-wavey sprechstimme and songs about Marvel Comics supervillains framing their opponents as bank robbers, I kind of accept Doshi's recent penchant for hokey fables to explain his buildings. The career as a whole is just too good to dismiss over a little bit of cheese.

(I will take brief looks at a couple more Doshi buildings in Ahmedabad, but after that we won't return to him until I get to the Delhi negatives, which is going to be quite a while from now.)

gp500.org

GP500 motorcycle windshields

The history of Yamaha Motorcycles

"I want to carry out trial manufacture of motorcycle engines." It was from these words spoken by Genichi Kawakami (Yamaha Motor's first president) in 1953, that today's Yamaha Motor Company was born.

"If you're going to do something, be the best."

Genichi Kawakami

Genichi Kawakami was the first son of Kaichi Kawakami, the third-generation president of Nippon Gakki (musical instruments and electronics; presently Yamaha Corporation). Genichi studied and graduated from Takachiho Higher Commercial School in March of 1934. In July of 1937, he was the second Kawakami to join the Nippon Gakki Company.

He quickly rose to positions of manager of the company's Tenryu Factory Company (musical instruments) and then Senior General Manager, before assuming the position of fourth-generation President in 1950 at the young age of 38.

In 1953, Genichi was looking for a way to make use of idle machining equipment that had previously been used to make aircraft propellers. Looking back on the founding of Yamaha Motor Company, Genichi had this to say. "While the company was performing well and had some financial leeway, I felt the need to look for our next area of business. So, I did some research." He explored producing many products, including sewing machines, auto parts, scooters, three-wheeled utility vehicles, and…motorcycles. Market and competitive factors led him to focus on the motorcycle market. Genichi actually visited the United States many times during this period.

When asked about this decision, he said, "I had my research division chief and other managers visit leading motorcycle factories around the country. They came back and told me there was still plenty of opportunity, even if we were entering the market late. I didn't want to be completely unprepared in this unfamiliar business so we toured to German factories before setting out to build our first 125cc bike. I joined in this tour around Europe during which my chief engineers learned how to build motorbikes. We did as much research as possible to insure that we could build a bike as good as any out there. Once we had that confidence, we started going."

The first Yamaha motorcycle... the YA-1.

"If you are going to make it, make it the very best there is." With these words as their motto, the development team poured all their energies into building the first prototype, and ten months later in August of 1954 the first model was complete. It was the Yamaha YA-1. The bike was powered by an air-cooled, 2-stroke, single cylinder 125cc engine. Once finished, it was put through an unprecedented 10,000 km endurance test to ensure that its quality was top-class. This was destined to be the first crystallization of what has now become a long tradition of Yamaha creativity and an inexhaustible spirit of challenge.

Then, in January of 1955 the Hamakita Factory of Nippon Gakki was built and production began on the YA-1. With confidence in the new direction that Genichi was taking, Yamaha Motor Co., Ltd. was founded on July 1, 1955. Staffed by 274 enthusiastic employees, the new motorcycle manufacturer built about 200 units per month.

That same year, Yamaha entered its new YA-1 in the two biggest race events in Japan. They were the 3rd Mt. Fuji Ascent Race and the 1st Asama Highlands Race. In these debut races Yamaha won the 125cc class. And, the following year the YA-1 won again in both the Light and Ultra-light classes of the Asama Highlands Race.

By 1956, a second model was ready for production. This was the YC1, a 175cc single cylinder two-stroke. In 1957 Yamaha began production of its first 250cc, two-stroke twin, the YD1.

The first Yamaha to compete in America (1957).

Based on Genichi's firm belief that a product isn't a product until it can hold it's own around the world, in 1958 Yamaha became the first Japanese maker to venture into the international race arena. The result was an impressive 6th place in the Catalina Grand Prix race in the USA. News of this achievement won immediate recognition for the high level of Yamaha technology not only in Japan but among American race fans, as well. This was only the start, however.

Yamaha took quick action using the momentum gained in the USA and began marketing their motorcycles through an independent distributor in California. In 1958, Cooper Motors began selling the YD-1 250 and the MF-1 (50cc, two-stroke, single cylinder, step through street bike). Then in 1960, Yamaha International Corporation began selling motorcycles in the USA through dealers.

With the overseas experiences under his belt, in 1960, Genichi then turned his attention to the Marine industry and the production of the first Yamaha boats and outboard motors. This was the beginning of an aggressive expansion into new fields utilizing the new engines and FRP (fiberglass reinforced plastic) technologies. The first watercraft model was the CAT-21, followed by the RUN-13 and the P-7 123cc outboard motor.

In 1963, Yamaha demonstrated its focus on cutting-edge, technological innovations by developing the Autolube System. This landmark solution was a separate oil injection system for two-stroke models, eliminating the inconvenience of pre-mixing fuel and oil.

Yamaha was building a strong reputation as a superior manufacturer which was reflected in its first project carried out in the new Iwata, Japan Plant, built in 1966. (The YMC headquarters was moved to Iwata in 1972.) Toyota and Yamaha teamed up to produce the highly regarded Toyota 2000 GT sports car. This very limited edition vehicle, still admired for its performance and craftsmanship, created a sensation among enthusiast in Japan and abroad.

Genichi said, "I believe that the most important thing when building a product is to always keep in mind the standpoint of the people who will use it." An example of the commitment to "walking in the customers' shoes" was the move in 1966 by Yamaha to continue its expansion. Overseas motorcycle manufacturing was established in Thailand and Mexico. In 1968, the globalization continued with Brazil and the Netherlands. With manufacturing bases, distributors and R&D operations in a market, Yamaha could be involved in grassroots efforts to build products that truly met the needs of each market by respecting and valuing the distinct national sensibilities and customs of each country. Yamaha continues that tradition, today.

By the late 1960s, Yamaha had quality products that had proven themselves in the global marketplace based on superior performance and innovation. Distribution and product diversity were on the right track. But Genichi knew that beyond quality, success would demand more. He had this view on the power of original ideas. "In the future, a company's future will hinge on ideas over and above quality. Products that have no character, nothing unique about them, will not sell no matter how well made or affordable…and that would spell doom for any company."

He also knew that forward vision, walking hand in hand with original ideas, would create an opportunity for the company and its customers that could mean years of happiness and memorable experiences. Genichi said, "In the business world today, so many people are obsessed with figures. They become fixated on the numbers of the minute and without them are too afraid to do any real work. But in fact, every situation is in flux from moment to moment, developing with a natural flow. Unless one reads that flow, it is impossible to start out in a new field of business."

A real-world illustration of this belief is the Yamaha DT-1. The world's first true off-road motorcycle debuted in 1968 to create an entirely new genre we know today as trail bikes. The DT-1 made a huge impact on motorcycling in the USA because it was truly dirt worthy. Yamaha definitely "read the flow" when it produced

"Make every challenge an opportunity."

Genichi Kawakami

the 250cc, single cylinder, 2-stroke, Enduro that put Yamaha On/Off-Road motorcycles on the map in the USA. The DT-1 exemplified the power of original ideas, forward vision, and quick action coupled with keeping in mind the customers' desires.

In years to come Yamaha continued to grow (and continues to this day). Diversity increased with the addition of products including snowmobiles, race kart engines, generators, scooters, ATVs, personal watercraft and more.

Genichi Kawakami set the stage for Yamaha Motor Company's success with his vision and philosophies. Total honesty towards the customer and making products that hold their own enables the company that serves people in thirty-three countries, to provide an improved lifestyle through exceptional quality, high performance products.

Yamaha Motor Corporation, USA Cypress, California

Genichi Kawakami's history with Yamaha was long and rich. He saw the new corporate headquarters in Cypress, California and the 25th Anniversary of Yamaha become a reality in 1980. He also watched bike #20 million roll off the assembly line in 1982. Genichi passed away on May 25, 2002 yet his vision lives on through the people and products of Yamaha, throughout the world.

History Timeline of Yamaha (USA)

Year Yamaha Motor Origin

1955

The first Yamaha motorized product was the YA-1 Motorcycle (125cc, 2-stroke, single cylinder, streetbike). It was produced and sold in Japan.

Year USA History

1958 The first Yamaha Motorcycles sold in the USA were by Cooper Motors, an independent distributor. The models were the YD1 (250cc, 2-stroke, twin cylinder, streetbike) and MF-1 (50cc, 2-stroke, single cylinder, streetbike, step-through).

1960 Yamaha International Corporation began selling motorcycles in the USA.

1968

The DT-1 Enduro was introduced. The world's first dual purpose motorcycle which had on & off-road capability. Its impact on Motorcycling in the USA was enormous.

Yamaha's first Snowmobile, the SL350 (2-stroke, twin cylinder) was introduced. This was the first Snowmobile with slide valve carburetors.

1970

Yamaha’s first 4-stroke motorcycle model, the XS-1 (650cc vertical twin) was introduced.

1971

The SR433 high performance Snowmobile was introduced.

1973 Yamaha continued expansion into new markets by introducing Generators (ET1200).

1975

Yamaha pioneered the very first single-shock, production motocross bikes. This was the beginning of the YZ Monocross machines that changed motocross forever.

1976 The legendary SRX440 snowmobile hits the market and quickly catapults Yamaha to the forefront of the snowmobile racing scene.

1977

Yamaha Motor Corporation, USA, was founded in order to better appeal to the American market and establish a separate identity (from music & electronics) for Yamaha motorized products.

1978

The XS1100 motorcycle (four cylinder, shaft drive) was introduced.

XS650 Special was introduced. This was the first production Cruiser built by a Japanese manufacturer.

Golf Cars were introduced in the USA with the G1 gas model.

1979

YICS (Yamaha Induction Control System), a fuel-saving engine system, was developed for 4-stroke engines.

1980

The new Yamaha Motor Corporation, USA, corporate office was opened in Cypress, California.

The first 3-wheel ATV was sold in USA… the Tri-Moto (YT125).

The G1-E electric powered Golf Car model was introduced.

1981

The first air-cooled, V-twin cruiser, the Virago 750, was introduced.

1984

The first production 5-valve per cylinder engine was introduced on the FZ750 motorcycle.

Yamaha’s first 4-wheel ATV, the YFM200, was introduced in the USA.

The Phazer snowmobile was introduced. Known for its light weight and agile handling.

Yamaha begins marketing Outboard Motors in the USA.

1985

The V-Max 1200 musclebike hits the streets.

1986

Yamaha Motor Manufacturing Corporation of America was founded in Newnan, Georgia.

1987

A new exhaust system for 4-stroke engines, “EXUP,” was developed to provide higher horsepower output throughout an engine's powerband.

Yamaha introduces personal watercraft...the sit-down WaveRunner and the stand-up WaveJammer.

Yamaha Motor Manufacturing Company begins Golf Car and Water Vehicle production for USA and overseas markets.

1992

The Vmax-4 Snowmobile (2-stroke, four cylinder) was introduced.

1994

Yamaha expands its product offerings by acquiring the Cobia boat company.

1995

The Century and Skeeter boat companies are acquired by Yamaha.

1996

Yamaha introduces its first Star model with the 1300cc, V4 Royal Star.

Tennessee Watercraft produces Sport Boats and later, the SUV WaveRunner.

1997

Yamaha acquires the G3 boat company.

At the Newnan, Georgia, manufacturing facility, the first ATV (the BearTracker) rolls off the assembly line.

Yamaha opens southeastern offices in Kennesaw, Georgia.

1998

The YZ400F four-stroke motocross bike was introduced. This was the first mass produced 4-stroke motocrosser.

The YZF-R1 sport bike was introduced. It set the standard for open class sport bikes for several years.

The Grizzly 600 4x4 ATV with Ultramatic transmission was introduced.

The EF2800i generator with Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) was introduced. PMW allows use with equipment that requires stable frequency and voltage.

2000

The Buckmaster® Edition Big Bear 400 4x4 was introduced. This was the first ATV with camouflage bodywork.

2002

The F225 Outboard was introduced. It was the largest 4-stroke Outboard at the time.

The FX140 WaveRunner (1000cc, 4-stroke, four cylinder) was introduced. The world's first high performance 4-stroke personal watercraft.

2003

The RX-1 Snowmbile (1000cc, 4-stroke, four cylinder) was introduced. The world's first high performance 4-stroke Snowmobile.

2004 Rhino Side x Side model introduced. Combined performance, terrainability, utility capabilities, and take-along-a-friend convenience to lead the way in a new category of off-road recreation.

FBI Stolen motorcycles

gp500.org/FBI_stolen_motorcycles.html

Motorcycles VIN Decoder

gp500.org/VIN_Decoder.html

X100S vs. X100 comparison. See www.flickr.com/photos/25805910@N05/sets/72157632958348638/ for the full set.

Click here for my regular X100S sample set: www.flickr.com/photos/25805910@N05/sets/72157632954030903...

JPEG SOOC Provia, NR -2.

Is the X100S Lens Modulation Optimizer (LMO) positively affecting IQ at small apertures?

“Claremont Road” has five Arduino UNO microcontrollers which control train movements, along with PWM (servo adapted) points/turnouts, and signals according to pre-written programs or “sketches”. This is a completely different concept from DCC.

The master co-ordinating UNO gets feedback from the track through 14 enbedded infra-red proximity detectors,

Slaves 1-3 are UNO “train drivers”,

Slave 4 handles the display and lights. The orange display shows the current mode and commands being passed between the UNOs via a short-wire protocol known as I2C.

Sample image taken with a Fujinon XF 56mm f1.2 R mounted on a Fujifilm XT1 body; each of these images is an out-of-camera JPEG with Lens Modulation Optimisation enabled. These samples and comparisons are part of my Fujinon XF 56mm f1.2 R review at:

cameralabs.com/reviews/Fujifilm_Fujinon_XF_56mm_f1-2_R/

Feel free to download the original image for evaluation on your own computer or printer, but please don't use it on another website or publication without permission from www.cameralabs.com/

gp500.org

GP500 motorcycle windshields

The history of Yamaha Motorcycles

"I want to carry out trial manufacture of motorcycle engines." It was from these words spoken by Genichi Kawakami (Yamaha Motor's first president) in 1953, that today's Yamaha Motor Company was born.

"If you're going to do something, be the best."

Genichi Kawakami

Genichi Kawakami was the first son of Kaichi Kawakami, the third-generation president of Nippon Gakki (musical instruments and electronics; presently Yamaha Corporation). Genichi studied and graduated from Takachiho Higher Commercial School in March of 1934. In July of 1937, he was the second Kawakami to join the Nippon Gakki Company.

He quickly rose to positions of manager of the company's Tenryu Factory Company (musical instruments) and then Senior General Manager, before assuming the position of fourth-generation President in 1950 at the young age of 38.

In 1953, Genichi was looking for a way to make use of idle machining equipment that had previously been used to make aircraft propellers. Looking back on the founding of Yamaha Motor Company, Genichi had this to say. "While the company was performing well and had some financial leeway, I felt the need to look for our next area of business. So, I did some research." He explored producing many products, including sewing machines, auto parts, scooters, three-wheeled utility vehicles, and…motorcycles. Market and competitive factors led him to focus on the motorcycle market. Genichi actually visited the United States many times during this period.

When asked about this decision, he said, "I had my research division chief and other managers visit leading motorcycle factories around the country. They came back and told me there was still plenty of opportunity, even if we were entering the market late. I didn't want to be completely unprepared in this unfamiliar business so we toured to German factories before setting out to build our first 125cc bike. I joined in this tour around Europe during which my chief engineers learned how to build motorbikes. We did as much research as possible to insure that we could build a bike as good as any out there. Once we had that confidence, we started going."

The first Yamaha motorcycle... the YA-1.

"If you are going to make it, make it the very best there is." With these words as their motto, the development team poured all their energies into building the first prototype, and ten months later in August of 1954 the first model was complete. It was the Yamaha YA-1. The bike was powered by an air-cooled, 2-stroke, single cylinder 125cc engine. Once finished, it was put through an unprecedented 10,000 km endurance test to ensure that its quality was top-class. This was destined to be the first crystallization of what has now become a long tradition of Yamaha creativity and an inexhaustible spirit of challenge.

Then, in January of 1955 the Hamakita Factory of Nippon Gakki was built and production began on the YA-1. With confidence in the new direction that Genichi was taking, Yamaha Motor Co., Ltd. was founded on July 1, 1955. Staffed by 274 enthusiastic employees, the new motorcycle manufacturer built about 200 units per month.

That same year, Yamaha entered its new YA-1 in the two biggest race events in Japan. They were the 3rd Mt. Fuji Ascent Race and the 1st Asama Highlands Race. In these debut races Yamaha won the 125cc class. And, the following year the YA-1 won again in both the Light and Ultra-light classes of the Asama Highlands Race.

By 1956, a second model was ready for production. This was the YC1, a 175cc single cylinder two-stroke. In 1957 Yamaha began production of its first 250cc, two-stroke twin, the YD1.

The first Yamaha to compete in America (1957).

Based on Genichi's firm belief that a product isn't a product until it can hold it's own around the world, in 1958 Yamaha became the first Japanese maker to venture into the international race arena. The result was an impressive 6th place in the Catalina Grand Prix race in the USA. News of this achievement won immediate recognition for the high level of Yamaha technology not only in Japan but among American race fans, as well. This was only the start, however.

Yamaha took quick action using the momentum gained in the USA and began marketing their motorcycles through an independent distributor in California. In 1958, Cooper Motors began selling the YD-1 250 and the MF-1 (50cc, two-stroke, single cylinder, step through street bike). Then in 1960, Yamaha International Corporation began selling motorcycles in the USA through dealers.

With the overseas experiences under his belt, in 1960, Genichi then turned his attention to the Marine industry and the production of the first Yamaha boats and outboard motors. This was the beginning of an aggressive expansion into new fields utilizing the new engines and FRP (fiberglass reinforced plastic) technologies. The first watercraft model was the CAT-21, followed by the RUN-13 and the P-7 123cc outboard motor.

In 1963, Yamaha demonstrated its focus on cutting-edge, technological innovations by developing the Autolube System. This landmark solution was a separate oil injection system for two-stroke models, eliminating the inconvenience of pre-mixing fuel and oil.

Yamaha was building a strong reputation as a superior manufacturer which was reflected in its first project carried out in the new Iwata, Japan Plant, built in 1966. (The YMC headquarters was moved to Iwata in 1972.) Toyota and Yamaha teamed up to produce the highly regarded Toyota 2000 GT sports car. This very limited edition vehicle, still admired for its performance and craftsmanship, created a sensation among enthusiast in Japan and abroad.

Genichi said, "I believe that the most important thing when building a product is to always keep in mind the standpoint of the people who will use it." An example of the commitment to "walking in the customers' shoes" was the move in 1966 by Yamaha to continue its expansion. Overseas motorcycle manufacturing was established in Thailand and Mexico. In 1968, the globalization continued with Brazil and the Netherlands. With manufacturing bases, distributors and R&D operations in a market, Yamaha could be involved in grassroots efforts to build products that truly met the needs of each market by respecting and valuing the distinct national sensibilities and customs of each country. Yamaha continues that tradition, today.

By the late 1960s, Yamaha had quality products that had proven themselves in the global marketplace based on superior performance and innovation. Distribution and product diversity were on the right track. But Genichi knew that beyond quality, success would demand more. He had this view on the power of original ideas. "In the future, a company's future will hinge on ideas over and above quality. Products that have no character, nothing unique about them, will not sell no matter how well made or affordable…and that would spell doom for any company."

He also knew that forward vision, walking hand in hand with original ideas, would create an opportunity for the company and its customers that could mean years of happiness and memorable experiences. Genichi said, "In the business world today, so many people are obsessed with figures. They become fixated on the numbers of the minute and without them are too afraid to do any real work. But in fact, every situation is in flux from moment to moment, developing with a natural flow. Unless one reads that flow, it is impossible to start out in a new field of business."

A real-world illustration of this belief is the Yamaha DT-1. The world's first true off-road motorcycle debuted in 1968 to create an entirely new genre we know today as trail bikes. The DT-1 made a huge impact on motorcycling in the USA because it was truly dirt worthy. Yamaha definitely "read the flow" when it produced

"Make every challenge an opportunity."

Genichi Kawakami

the 250cc, single cylinder, 2-stroke, Enduro that put Yamaha On/Off-Road motorcycles on the map in the USA. The DT-1 exemplified the power of original ideas, forward vision, and quick action coupled with keeping in mind the customers' desires.

In years to come Yamaha continued to grow (and continues to this day). Diversity increased with the addition of products including snowmobiles, race kart engines, generators, scooters, ATVs, personal watercraft and more.

Genichi Kawakami set the stage for Yamaha Motor Company's success with his vision and philosophies. Total honesty towards the customer and making products that hold their own enables the company that serves people in thirty-three countries, to provide an improved lifestyle through exceptional quality, high performance products.

Yamaha Motor Corporation, USA Cypress, California

Genichi Kawakami's history with Yamaha was long and rich. He saw the new corporate headquarters in Cypress, California and the 25th Anniversary of Yamaha become a reality in 1980. He also watched bike #20 million roll off the assembly line in 1982. Genichi passed away on May 25, 2002 yet his vision lives on through the people and products of Yamaha, throughout the world.

History Timeline of Yamaha (USA)

Year Yamaha Motor Origin

1955

The first Yamaha motorized product was the YA-1 Motorcycle (125cc, 2-stroke, single cylinder, streetbike). It was produced and sold in Japan.

Year USA History

1958 The first Yamaha Motorcycles sold in the USA were by Cooper Motors, an independent distributor. The models were the YD1 (250cc, 2-stroke, twin cylinder, streetbike) and MF-1 (50cc, 2-stroke, single cylinder, streetbike, step-through).

1960 Yamaha International Corporation began selling motorcycles in the USA.

1968

The DT-1 Enduro was introduced. The world's first dual purpose motorcycle which had on & off-road capability. Its impact on Motorcycling in the USA was enormous.

Yamaha's first Snowmobile, the SL350 (2-stroke, twin cylinder) was introduced. This was the first Snowmobile with slide valve carburetors.

1970

Yamaha’s first 4-stroke motorcycle model, the XS-1 (650cc vertical twin) was introduced.

1971

The SR433 high performance Snowmobile was introduced.

1973 Yamaha continued expansion into new markets by introducing Generators (ET1200).

1975

Yamaha pioneered the very first single-shock, production motocross bikes. This was the beginning of the YZ Monocross machines that changed motocross forever.

1976 The legendary SRX440 snowmobile hits the market and quickly catapults Yamaha to the forefront of the snowmobile racing scene.

1977

Yamaha Motor Corporation, USA, was founded in order to better appeal to the American market and establish a separate identity (from music & electronics) for Yamaha motorized products.

1978

The XS1100 motorcycle (four cylinder, shaft drive) was introduced.

XS650 Special was introduced. This was the first production Cruiser built by a Japanese manufacturer.

Golf Cars were introduced in the USA with the G1 gas model.

1979

YICS (Yamaha Induction Control System), a fuel-saving engine system, was developed for 4-stroke engines.

1980

The new Yamaha Motor Corporation, USA, corporate office was opened in Cypress, California.

The first 3-wheel ATV was sold in USA… the Tri-Moto (YT125).

The G1-E electric powered Golf Car model was introduced.

1981

The first air-cooled, V-twin cruiser, the Virago 750, was introduced.

1984

The first production 5-valve per cylinder engine was introduced on the FZ750 motorcycle.

Yamaha’s first 4-wheel ATV, the YFM200, was introduced in the USA.

The Phazer snowmobile was introduced. Known for its light weight and agile handling.

Yamaha begins marketing Outboard Motors in the USA.

1985

The V-Max 1200 musclebike hits the streets.

1986

Yamaha Motor Manufacturing Corporation of America was founded in Newnan, Georgia.

1987

A new exhaust system for 4-stroke engines, “EXUP,” was developed to provide higher horsepower output throughout an engine's powerband.

Yamaha introduces personal watercraft...the sit-down WaveRunner and the stand-up WaveJammer.

Yamaha Motor Manufacturing Company begins Golf Car and Water Vehicle production for USA and overseas markets.

1992

The Vmax-4 Snowmobile (2-stroke, four cylinder) was introduced.

1994

Yamaha expands its product offerings by acquiring the Cobia boat company.

1995

The Century and Skeeter boat companies are acquired by Yamaha.

1996

Yamaha introduces its first Star model with the 1300cc, V4 Royal Star.

Tennessee Watercraft produces Sport Boats and later, the SUV WaveRunner.

1997

Yamaha acquires the G3 boat company.

At the Newnan, Georgia, manufacturing facility, the first ATV (the BearTracker) rolls off the assembly line.

Yamaha opens southeastern offices in Kennesaw, Georgia.

1998

The YZ400F four-stroke motocross bike was introduced. This was the first mass produced 4-stroke motocrosser.

The YZF-R1 sport bike was introduced. It set the standard for open class sport bikes for several years.

The Grizzly 600 4x4 ATV with Ultramatic transmission was introduced.

The EF2800i generator with Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) was introduced. PMW allows use with equipment that requires stable frequency and voltage.

2000

The Buckmaster® Edition Big Bear 400 4x4 was introduced. This was the first ATV with camouflage bodywork.

2002

The F225 Outboard was introduced. It was the largest 4-stroke Outboard at the time.

The FX140 WaveRunner (1000cc, 4-stroke, four cylinder) was introduced. The world's first high performance 4-stroke personal watercraft.

2003

The RX-1 Snowmbile (1000cc, 4-stroke, four cylinder) was introduced. The world's first high performance 4-stroke Snowmobile.

2004 Rhino Side x Side model introduced. Combined performance, terrainability, utility capabilities, and take-along-a-friend convenience to lead the way in a new category of off-road recreation.

FBI Stolen motorcycles

gp500.org/FBI_stolen_motorcycles.html

Motorcycles VIN Decoder

gp500.org/VIN_Decoder.html

gp500.org

GP500 motorcycle windshields

GP500.Org Part # 23701 Yamaha R1 motorcycle windshields

The history of Yamaha Motorcycles

"I want to carry out trial manufacture of motorcycle engines." It was from these words spoken by Genichi Kawakami (Yamaha Motor's first president) in 1953, that today's Yamaha Motor Company was born.

"If you're going to do something, be the best."

Genichi Kawakami

Genichi Kawakami was the first son of Kaichi Kawakami, the third-generation president of Nippon Gakki (musical instruments and electronics; presently Yamaha Corporation). Genichi studied and graduated from Takachiho Higher Commercial School in March of 1934. In July of 1937, he was the second Kawakami to join the Nippon Gakki Company.

He quickly rose to positions of manager of the company's Tenryu Factory Company (musical instruments) and then Senior General Manager, before assuming the position of fourth-generation President in 1950 at the young age of 38.

In 1953, Genichi was looking for a way to make use of idle machining equipment that had previously been used to make aircraft propellers. Looking back on the founding of Yamaha Motor Company, Genichi had this to say. "While the company was performing well and had some financial leeway, I felt the need to look for our next area of business. So, I did some research." He explored producing many products, including sewing machines, auto parts, scooters, three-wheeled utility vehicles, and…motorcycles. Market and competitive factors led him to focus on the motorcycle market. Genichi actually visited the United States many times during this period.

When asked about this decision, he said, "I had my research division chief and other managers visit leading motorcycle factories around the country. They came back and told me there was still plenty of opportunity, even if we were entering the market late. I didn't want to be completely unprepared in this unfamiliar business so we toured to German factories before setting out to build our first 125cc bike. I joined in this tour around Europe during which my chief engineers learned how to build motorbikes. We did as much research as possible to insure that we could build a bike as good as any out there. Once we had that confidence, we started going."

The first Yamaha motorcycle... the YA-1.

"If you are going to make it, make it the very best there is." With these words as their motto, the development team poured all their energies into building the first prototype, and ten months later in August of 1954 the first model was complete. It was the Yamaha YA-1. The bike was powered by an air-cooled, 2-stroke, single cylinder 125cc engine. Once finished, it was put through an unprecedented 10,000 km endurance test to ensure that its quality was top-class. This was destined to be the first crystallization of what has now become a long tradition of Yamaha creativity and an inexhaustible spirit of challenge.

Then, in January of 1955 the Hamakita Factory of Nippon Gakki was built and production began on the YA-1. With confidence in the new direction that Genichi was taking, Yamaha Motor Co., Ltd. was founded on July 1, 1955. Staffed by 274 enthusiastic employees, the new motorcycle manufacturer built about 200 units per month.

That same year, Yamaha entered its new YA-1 in the two biggest race events in Japan. They were the 3rd Mt. Fuji Ascent Race and the 1st Asama Highlands Race. In these debut races Yamaha won the 125cc class. And, the following year the YA-1 won again in both the Light and Ultra-light classes of the Asama Highlands Race.

By 1956, a second model was ready for production. This was the YC1, a 175cc single cylinder two-stroke. In 1957 Yamaha began production of its first 250cc, two-stroke twin, the YD1.

The first Yamaha to compete in America (1957).

Based on Genichi's firm belief that a product isn't a product until it can hold it's own around the world, in 1958 Yamaha became the first Japanese maker to venture into the international race arena. The result was an impressive 6th place in the Catalina Grand Prix race in the USA. News of this achievement won immediate recognition for the high level of Yamaha technology not only in Japan but among American race fans, as well. This was only the start, however.

Yamaha took quick action using the momentum gained in the USA and began marketing their motorcycles through an independent distributor in California. In 1958, Cooper Motors began selling the YD-1 250 and the MF-1 (50cc, two-stroke, single cylinder, step through street bike). Then in 1960, Yamaha International Corporation began selling motorcycles in the USA through dealers.

With the overseas experiences under his belt, in 1960, Genichi then turned his attention to the Marine industry and the production of the first Yamaha boats and outboard motors. This was the beginning of an aggressive expansion into new fields utilizing the new engines and FRP (fiberglass reinforced plastic) technologies. The first watercraft model was the CAT-21, followed by the RUN-13 and the P-7 123cc outboard motor.

In 1963, Yamaha demonstrated its focus on cutting-edge, technological innovations by developing the Autolube System. This landmark solution was a separate oil injection system for two-stroke models, eliminating the inconvenience of pre-mixing fuel and oil.

Yamaha was building a strong reputation as a superior manufacturer which was reflected in its first project carried out in the new Iwata, Japan Plant, built in 1966. (The YMC headquarters was moved to Iwata in 1972.) Toyota and Yamaha teamed up to produce the highly regarded Toyota 2000 GT sports car. This very limited edition vehicle, still admired for its performance and craftsmanship, created a sensation among enthusiast in Japan and abroad.

Genichi said, "I believe that the most important thing when building a product is to always keep in mind the standpoint of the people who will use it." An example of the commitment to "walking in the customers' shoes" was the move in 1966 by Yamaha to continue its expansion. Overseas motorcycle manufacturing was established in Thailand and Mexico. In 1968, the globalization continued with Brazil and the Netherlands. With manufacturing bases, distributors and R&D operations in a market, Yamaha could be involved in grassroots efforts to build products that truly met the needs of each market by respecting and valuing the distinct national sensibilities and customs of each country. Yamaha continues that tradition, today.

By the late 1960s, Yamaha had quality products that had proven themselves in the global marketplace based on superior performance and innovation. Distribution and product diversity were on the right track. But Genichi knew that beyond quality, success would demand more. He had this view on the power of original ideas. "In the future, a company's future will hinge on ideas over and above quality. Products that have no character, nothing unique about them, will not sell no matter how well made or affordable…and that would spell doom for any company."

He also knew that forward vision, walking hand in hand with original ideas, would create an opportunity for the company and its customers that could mean years of happiness and memorable experiences. Genichi said, "In the business world today, so many people are obsessed with figures. They become fixated on the numbers of the minute and without them are too afraid to do any real work. But in fact, every situation is in flux from moment to moment, developing with a natural flow. Unless one reads that flow, it is impossible to start out in a new field of business."

A real-world illustration of this belief is the Yamaha DT-1. The world's first true off-road motorcycle debuted in 1968 to create an entirely new genre we know today as trail bikes. The DT-1 made a huge impact on motorcycling in the USA because it was truly dirt worthy. Yamaha definitely "read the flow" when it produced

"Make every challenge an opportunity."

Genichi Kawakami

the 250cc, single cylinder, 2-stroke, Enduro that put Yamaha On/Off-Road motorcycles on the map in the USA. The DT-1 exemplified the power of original ideas, forward vision, and quick action coupled with keeping in mind the customers' desires.

In years to come Yamaha continued to grow (and continues to this day). Diversity increased with the addition of products including snowmobiles, race kart engines, generators, scooters, ATVs, personal watercraft and more.

Genichi Kawakami set the stage for Yamaha Motor Company's success with his vision and philosophies. Total honesty towards the customer and making products that hold their own enables the company that serves people in thirty-three countries, to provide an improved lifestyle through exceptional quality, high performance products.

Yamaha Motor Corporation, USA Cypress, California

Genichi Kawakami's history with Yamaha was long and rich. He saw the new corporate headquarters in Cypress, California and the 25th Anniversary of Yamaha become a reality in 1980. He also watched bike #20 million roll off the assembly line in 1982. Genichi passed away on May 25, 2002 yet his vision lives on through the people and products of Yamaha, throughout the world.

History Timeline of Yamaha (USA)

Year Yamaha Motor Origin

1955

The first Yamaha motorized product was the YA-1 Motorcycle (125cc, 2-stroke, single cylinder, streetbike). It was produced and sold in Japan.

Year USA History

1958 The first Yamaha Motorcycles sold in the USA were by Cooper Motors, an independent distributor. The models were the YD1 (250cc, 2-stroke, twin cylinder, streetbike) and MF-1 (50cc, 2-stroke, single cylinder, streetbike, step-through).

1960 Yamaha International Corporation began selling motorcycles in the USA.

1968

The DT-1 Enduro was introduced. The world's first dual purpose motorcycle which had on & off-road capability. Its impact on Motorcycling in the USA was enormous.

Yamaha's first Snowmobile, the SL350 (2-stroke, twin cylinder) was introduced. This was the first Snowmobile with slide valve carburetors.

1970

Yamaha’s first 4-stroke motorcycle model, the XS-1 (650cc vertical twin) was introduced.

1971

The SR433 high performance Snowmobile was introduced.

1973 Yamaha continued expansion into new markets by introducing Generators (ET1200).

1975

Yamaha pioneered the very first single-shock, production motocross bikes. This was the beginning of the YZ Monocross machines that changed motocross forever.

1976 The legendary SRX440 snowmobile hits the market and quickly catapults Yamaha to the forefront of the snowmobile racing scene.

1977

Yamaha Motor Corporation, USA, was founded in order to better appeal to the American market and establish a separate identity (from music & electronics) for Yamaha motorized products.

1978

The XS1100 motorcycle (four cylinder, shaft drive) was introduced.

XS650 Special was introduced. This was the first production Cruiser built by a Japanese manufacturer.

Golf Cars were introduced in the USA with the G1 gas model.

1979

YICS (Yamaha Induction Control System), a fuel-saving engine system, was developed for 4-stroke engines.

1980

The new Yamaha Motor Corporation, USA, corporate office was opened in Cypress, California.

The first 3-wheel ATV was sold in USA… the Tri-Moto (YT125).

The G1-E electric powered Golf Car model was introduced.

1981

The first air-cooled, V-twin cruiser, the Virago 750, was introduced.

1984

The first production 5-valve per cylinder engine was introduced on the FZ750 motorcycle.

Yamaha’s first 4-wheel ATV, the YFM200, was introduced in the USA.

The Phazer snowmobile was introduced. Known for its light weight and agile handling.

Yamaha begins marketing Outboard Motors in the USA.

1985

The V-Max 1200 musclebike hits the streets.

1986

Yamaha Motor Manufacturing Corporation of America was founded in Newnan, Georgia.

1987

A new exhaust system for 4-stroke engines, “EXUP,” was developed to provide higher horsepower output throughout an engine's powerband.

Yamaha introduces personal watercraft...the sit-down WaveRunner and the stand-up WaveJammer.

Yamaha Motor Manufacturing Company begins Golf Car and Water Vehicle production for USA and overseas markets.

1992

The Vmax-4 Snowmobile (2-stroke, four cylinder) was introduced.

1994

Yamaha expands its product offerings by acquiring the Cobia boat company.

1995

The Century and Skeeter boat companies are acquired by Yamaha.

1996

Yamaha introduces its first Star model with the 1300cc, V4 Royal Star.

Tennessee Watercraft produces Sport Boats and later, the SUV WaveRunner.

1997

Yamaha acquires the G3 boat company.

At the Newnan, Georgia, manufacturing facility, the first ATV (the BearTracker) rolls off the assembly line.

Yamaha opens southeastern offices in Kennesaw, Georgia.

1998

The YZ400F four-stroke motocross bike was introduced. This was the first mass produced 4-stroke motocrosser.

The YZF-R1 sport bike was introduced. It set the standard for open class sport bikes for several years.

The Grizzly 600 4x4 ATV with Ultramatic transmission was introduced.

The EF2800i generator with Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) was introduced. PMW allows use with equipment that requires stable frequency and voltage.

2000

The Buckmaster® Edition Big Bear 400 4x4 was introduced. This was the first ATV with camouflage bodywork.

2002

The F225 Outboard was introduced. It was the largest 4-stroke Outboard at the time.

The FX140 WaveRunner (1000cc, 4-stroke, four cylinder) was introduced. The world's first high performance 4-stroke personal watercraft.

2003

The RX-1 Snowmbile (1000cc, 4-stroke, four cylinder) was introduced. The world's first high performance 4-stroke Snowmobile.

2004 Rhino Side x Side model introduced. Combined performance, terrainability, utility capabilities, and take-along-a-friend convenience to lead the way in a new category of off-road recreation.

FBI Stolen motorcycles

gp500.org/FBI_stolen_motorcycles.html

Motorcycles VIN Decoder

gp500.org/VIN_Decoder.html

GP500.Org Part # 71700 Triumph motorcycle windshields

gp500.org/Yamaha.html

gp500.org

GP500 motorcycle windshields

The history of Yamaha Motorcycles

"I want to carry out trial manufacture of motorcycle engines." It was from these words spoken by Genichi Kawakami (Yamaha Motor's first president) in 1953, that today's Yamaha Motor Company was born.

"If you're going to do something, be the best."

Genichi Kawakami

Genichi Kawakami was the first son of Kaichi Kawakami, the third-generation president of Nippon Gakki (musical instruments and electronics; presently Yamaha Corporation). Genichi studied and graduated from Takachiho Higher Commercial School in March of 1934. In July of 1937, he was the second Kawakami to join the Nippon Gakki Company.

He quickly rose to positions of manager of the company's Tenryu Factory Company (musical instruments) and then Senior General Manager, before assuming the position of fourth-generation President in 1950 at the young age of 38.

In 1953, Genichi was looking for a way to make use of idle machining equipment that had previously been used to make aircraft propellers. Looking back on the founding of Yamaha Motor Company, Genichi had this to say. "While the company was performing well and had some financial leeway, I felt the need to look for our next area of business. So, I did some research." He explored producing many products, including sewing machines, auto parts, scooters, three-wheeled utility vehicles, and…motorcycles. Market and competitive factors led him to focus on the motorcycle market. Genichi actually visited the United States many times during this period.

When asked about this decision, he said, "I had my research division chief and other managers visit leading motorcycle factories around the country. They came back and told me there was still plenty of opportunity, even if we were entering the market late. I didn't want to be completely unprepared in this unfamiliar business so we toured to German factories before setting out to build our first 125cc bike. I joined in this tour around Europe during which my chief engineers learned how to build motorbikes. We did as much research as possible to insure that we could build a bike as good as any out there. Once we had that confidence, we started going."

The first Yamaha motorcycle... the YA-1.

"If you are going to make it, make it the very best there is." With these words as their motto, the development team poured all their energies into building the first prototype, and ten months later in August of 1954 the first model was complete. It was the Yamaha YA-1. The bike was powered by an air-cooled, 2-stroke, single cylinder 125cc engine. Once finished, it was put through an unprecedented 10,000 km endurance test to ensure that its quality was top-class. This was destined to be the first crystallization of what has now become a long tradition of Yamaha creativity and an inexhaustible spirit of challenge.

Then, in January of 1955 the Hamakita Factory of Nippon Gakki was built and production began on the YA-1. With confidence in the new direction that Genichi was taking, Yamaha Motor Co., Ltd. was founded on July 1, 1955. Staffed by 274 enthusiastic employees, the new motorcycle manufacturer built about 200 units per month.

That same year, Yamaha entered its new YA-1 in the two biggest race events in Japan. They were the 3rd Mt. Fuji Ascent Race and the 1st Asama Highlands Race. In these debut races Yamaha won the 125cc class. And, the following year the YA-1 won again in both the Light and Ultra-light classes of the Asama Highlands Race.

By 1956, a second model was ready for production. This was the YC1, a 175cc single cylinder two-stroke. In 1957 Yamaha began production of its first 250cc, two-stroke twin, the YD1.

The first Yamaha to compete in America (1957).

Based on Genichi's firm belief that a product isn't a product until it can hold it's own around the world, in 1958 Yamaha became the first Japanese maker to venture into the international race arena. The result was an impressive 6th place in the Catalina Grand Prix race in the USA. News of this achievement won immediate recognition for the high level of Yamaha technology not only in Japan but among American race fans, as well. This was only the start, however.

Yamaha took quick action using the momentum gained in the USA and began marketing their motorcycles through an independent distributor in California. In 1958, Cooper Motors began selling the YD-1 250 and the MF-1 (50cc, two-stroke, single cylinder, step through street bike). Then in 1960, Yamaha International Corporation began selling motorcycles in the USA through dealers.

With the overseas experiences under his belt, in 1960, Genichi then turned his attention to the Marine industry and the production of the first Yamaha boats and outboard motors. This was the beginning of an aggressive expansion into new fields utilizing the new engines and FRP (fiberglass reinforced plastic) technologies. The first watercraft model was the CAT-21, followed by the RUN-13 and the P-7 123cc outboard motor.

In 1963, Yamaha demonstrated its focus on cutting-edge, technological innovations by developing the Autolube System. This landmark solution was a separate oil injection system for two-stroke models, eliminating the inconvenience of pre-mixing fuel and oil.

Yamaha was building a strong reputation as a superior manufacturer which was reflected in its first project carried out in the new Iwata, Japan Plant, built in 1966. (The YMC headquarters was moved to Iwata in 1972.) Toyota and Yamaha teamed up to produce the highly regarded Toyota 2000 GT sports car. This very limited edition vehicle, still admired for its performance and craftsmanship, created a sensation among enthusiast in Japan and abroad.

Genichi said, "I believe that the most important thing when building a product is to always keep in mind the standpoint of the people who will use it." An example of the commitment to "walking in the customers' shoes" was the move in 1966 by Yamaha to continue its expansion. Overseas motorcycle manufacturing was established in Thailand and Mexico. In 1968, the globalization continued with Brazil and the Netherlands. With manufacturing bases, distributors and R&D operations in a market, Yamaha could be involved in grassroots efforts to build products that truly met the needs of each market by respecting and valuing the distinct national sensibilities and customs of each country. Yamaha continues that tradition, today.

By the late 1960s, Yamaha had quality products that had proven themselves in the global marketplace based on superior performance and innovation. Distribution and product diversity were on the right track. But Genichi knew that beyond quality, success would demand more. He had this view on the power of original ideas. "In the future, a company's future will hinge on ideas over and above quality. Products that have no character, nothing unique about them, will not sell no matter how well made or affordable…and that would spell doom for any company."

He also knew that forward vision, walking hand in hand with original ideas, would create an opportunity for the company and its customers that could mean years of happiness and memorable experiences. Genichi said, "In the business world today, so many people are obsessed with figures. They become fixated on the numbers of the minute and without them are too afraid to do any real work. But in fact, every situation is in flux from moment to moment, developing with a natural flow. Unless one reads that flow, it is impossible to start out in a new field of business."

A real-world illustration of this belief is the Yamaha DT-1. The world's first true off-road motorcycle debuted in 1968 to create an entirely new genre we know today as trail bikes. The DT-1 made a huge impact on motorcycling in the USA because it was truly dirt worthy. Yamaha definitely "read the flow" when it produced

"Make every challenge an opportunity."

Genichi Kawakami

the 250cc, single cylinder, 2-stroke, Enduro that put Yamaha On/Off-Road motorcycles on the map in the USA. The DT-1 exemplified the power of original ideas, forward vision, and quick action coupled with keeping in mind the customers' desires.

In years to come Yamaha continued to grow (and continues to this day). Diversity increased with the addition of products including snowmobiles, race kart engines, generators, scooters, ATVs, personal watercraft and more.

Genichi Kawakami set the stage for Yamaha Motor Company's success with his vision and philosophies. Total honesty towards the customer and making products that hold their own enables the company that serves people in thirty-three countries, to provide an improved lifestyle through exceptional quality, high performance products.

Yamaha Motor Corporation, USA Cypress, California

Genichi Kawakami's history with Yamaha was long and rich. He saw the new corporate headquarters in Cypress, California and the 25th Anniversary of Yamaha become a reality in 1980. He also watched bike #20 million roll off the assembly line in 1982. Genichi passed away on May 25, 2002 yet his vision lives on through the people and products of Yamaha, throughout the world.

History Timeline of Yamaha (USA)

Year Yamaha Motor Origin

1955

The first Yamaha motorized product was the YA-1 Motorcycle (125cc, 2-stroke, single cylinder, streetbike). It was produced and sold in Japan.

Year USA History

1958 The first Yamaha Motorcycles sold in the USA were by Cooper Motors, an independent distributor. The models were the YD1 (250cc, 2-stroke, twin cylinder, streetbike) and MF-1 (50cc, 2-stroke, single cylinder, streetbike, step-through).

1960 Yamaha International Corporation began selling motorcycles in the USA.

1968

The DT-1 Enduro was introduced. The world's first dual purpose motorcycle which had on & off-road capability. Its impact on Motorcycling in the USA was enormous.

Yamaha's first Snowmobile, the SL350 (2-stroke, twin cylinder) was introduced. This was the first Snowmobile with slide valve carburetors.

1970

Yamaha’s first 4-stroke motorcycle model, the XS-1 (650cc vertical twin) was introduced.

1971

The SR433 high performance Snowmobile was introduced.

1973 Yamaha continued expansion into new markets by introducing Generators (ET1200).

1975

Yamaha pioneered the very first single-shock, production motocross bikes. This was the beginning of the YZ Monocross machines that changed motocross forever.

1976 The legendary SRX440 snowmobile hits the market and quickly catapults Yamaha to the forefront of the snowmobile racing scene.

1977

Yamaha Motor Corporation, USA, was founded in order to better appeal to the American market and establish a separate identity (from music & electronics) for Yamaha motorized products.

1978

The XS1100 motorcycle (four cylinder, shaft drive) was introduced.

XS650 Special was introduced. This was the first production Cruiser built by a Japanese manufacturer.

Golf Cars were introduced in the USA with the G1 gas model.

1979

YICS (Yamaha Induction Control System), a fuel-saving engine system, was developed for 4-stroke engines.

1980

The new Yamaha Motor Corporation, USA, corporate office was opened in Cypress, California.

The first 3-wheel ATV was sold in USA… the Tri-Moto (YT125).

The G1-E electric powered Golf Car model was introduced.

1981

The first air-cooled, V-twin cruiser, the Virago 750, was introduced.

1984

The first production 5-valve per cylinder engine was introduced on the FZ750 motorcycle.

Yamaha’s first 4-wheel ATV, the YFM200, was introduced in the USA.

The Phazer snowmobile was introduced. Known for its light weight and agile handling.

Yamaha begins marketing Outboard Motors in the USA.

1985

The V-Max 1200 musclebike hits the streets.

1986

Yamaha Motor Manufacturing Corporation of America was founded in Newnan, Georgia.

1987

A new exhaust system for 4-stroke engines, “EXUP,” was developed to provide higher horsepower output throughout an engine's powerband.

Yamaha introduces personal watercraft...the sit-down WaveRunner and the stand-up WaveJammer.

Yamaha Motor Manufacturing Company begins Golf Car and Water Vehicle production for USA and overseas markets.

1992

The Vmax-4 Snowmobile (2-stroke, four cylinder) was introduced.

1994

Yamaha expands its product offerings by acquiring the Cobia boat company.

1995

The Century and Skeeter boat companies are acquired by Yamaha.

1996

Yamaha introduces its first Star model with the 1300cc, V4 Royal Star.

Tennessee Watercraft produces Sport Boats and later, the SUV WaveRunner.

1997

Yamaha acquires the G3 boat company.

At the Newnan, Georgia, manufacturing facility, the first ATV (the BearTracker) rolls off the assembly line.

Yamaha opens southeastern offices in Kennesaw, Georgia.

1998

The YZ400F four-stroke motocross bike was introduced. This was the first mass produced 4-stroke motocrosser.

The YZF-R1 sport bike was introduced. It set the standard for open class sport bikes for several years.

The Grizzly 600 4x4 ATV with Ultramatic transmission was introduced.

The EF2800i generator with Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) was introduced. PMW allows use with equipment that requires stable frequency and voltage.

2000

The Buckmaster® Edition Big Bear 400 4x4 was introduced. This was the first ATV with camouflage bodywork.

2002

The F225 Outboard was introduced. It was the largest 4-stroke Outboard at the time.

The FX140 WaveRunner (1000cc, 4-stroke, four cylinder) was introduced. The world's first high performance 4-stroke personal watercraft.

2003

The RX-1 Snowmbile (1000cc, 4-stroke, four cylinder) was introduced. The world's first high performance 4-stroke Snowmobile.

2004 Rhino Side x Side model introduced. Combined performance, terrainability, utility capabilities, and take-along-a-friend convenience to lead the way in a new category of off-road recreation.

FBI Stolen motorcycles

gp500.org/FBI_stolen_motorcycles.html

Motorcycles VIN Decoder

gp500.org/VIN_Decoder.html

Sample image taken with a Fujinon XF 56mm f1.2 R mounted on a Fujifilm XT1 body; each of these images is an out-of-camera JPEG with Lens Modulation Optimisation enabled. These samples and comparisons are part of my Fujinon XF 56mm f1.2 R review at:

cameralabs.com/reviews/Fujifilm_Fujinon_XF_56mm_f1-2_R/

Feel free to download the original image for evaluation on your own computer or printer, but please don't use it on another website or publication without permission from www.cameralabs.com/

Sample image taken with a Fujinon XF 56mm f1.2 R mounted on a Fujifilm XT1 body; each of these images is an out-of-camera JPEG with Lens Modulation Optimisation enabled. These samples and comparisons are part of my Fujinon XF 56mm f1.2 R review at:

cameralabs.com/reviews/Fujifilm_Fujinon_XF_56mm_f1-2_R/

Feel free to download the original image for evaluation on your own computer or printer, but please don't use it on another website or publication without permission from www.cameralabs.com/

Sample image taken with a Fujinon XF 56mm f1.2 R mounted on a Fujifilm XT1 body; each of these images is an out-of-camera JPEG with Lens Modulation Optimisation enabled. These samples and comparisons are part of my Fujinon XF 56mm f1.2 R review at:

cameralabs.com/reviews/Fujifilm_Fujinon_XF_56mm_f1-2_R/

Feel free to download the original image for evaluation on your own computer or printer, but please don't use it on another website or publication without permission from www.cameralabs.com/

GP500.Org Part # 71700 Triumph motorcycle windshields

gp500.org/Yamaha.html

gp500.org

GP500 motorcycle windshields

The history of Yamaha Motorcycles

"I want to carry out trial manufacture of motorcycle engines." It was from these words spoken by Genichi Kawakami (Yamaha Motor's first president) in 1953, that today's Yamaha Motor Company was born.

"If you're going to do something, be the best."

Genichi Kawakami

Genichi Kawakami was the first son of Kaichi Kawakami, the third-generation president of Nippon Gakki (musical instruments and electronics; presently Yamaha Corporation). Genichi studied and graduated from Takachiho Higher Commercial School in March of 1934. In July of 1937, he was the second Kawakami to join the Nippon Gakki Company.

He quickly rose to positions of manager of the company's Tenryu Factory Company (musical instruments) and then Senior General Manager, before assuming the position of fourth-generation President in 1950 at the young age of 38.

In 1953, Genichi was looking for a way to make use of idle machining equipment that had previously been used to make aircraft propellers. Looking back on the founding of Yamaha Motor Company, Genichi had this to say. "While the company was performing well and had some financial leeway, I felt the need to look for our next area of business. So, I did some research." He explored producing many products, including sewing machines, auto parts, scooters, three-wheeled utility vehicles, and…motorcycles. Market and competitive factors led him to focus on the motorcycle market. Genichi actually visited the United States many times during this period.

When asked about this decision, he said, "I had my research division chief and other managers visit leading motorcycle factories around the country. They came back and told me there was still plenty of opportunity, even if we were entering the market late. I didn't want to be completely unprepared in this unfamiliar business so we toured to German factories before setting out to build our first 125cc bike. I joined in this tour around Europe during which my chief engineers learned how to build motorbikes. We did as much research as possible to insure that we could build a bike as good as any out there. Once we had that confidence, we started going."

The first Yamaha motorcycle... the YA-1.

"If you are going to make it, make it the very best there is." With these words as their motto, the development team poured all their energies into building the first prototype, and ten months later in August of 1954 the first model was complete. It was the Yamaha YA-1. The bike was powered by an air-cooled, 2-stroke, single cylinder 125cc engine. Once finished, it was put through an unprecedented 10,000 km endurance test to ensure that its quality was top-class. This was destined to be the first crystallization of what has now become a long tradition of Yamaha creativity and an inexhaustible spirit of challenge.

Then, in January of 1955 the Hamakita Factory of Nippon Gakki was built and production began on the YA-1. With confidence in the new direction that Genichi was taking, Yamaha Motor Co., Ltd. was founded on July 1, 1955. Staffed by 274 enthusiastic employees, the new motorcycle manufacturer built about 200 units per month.

That same year, Yamaha entered its new YA-1 in the two biggest race events in Japan. They were the 3rd Mt. Fuji Ascent Race and the 1st Asama Highlands Race. In these debut races Yamaha won the 125cc class. And, the following year the YA-1 won again in both the Light and Ultra-light classes of the Asama Highlands Race.

By 1956, a second model was ready for production. This was the YC1, a 175cc single cylinder two-stroke. In 1957 Yamaha began production of its first 250cc, two-stroke twin, the YD1.

The first Yamaha to compete in America (1957).

Based on Genichi's firm belief that a product isn't a product until it can hold it's own around the world, in 1958 Yamaha became the first Japanese maker to venture into the international race arena. The result was an impressive 6th place in the Catalina Grand Prix race in the USA. News of this achievement won immediate recognition for the high level of Yamaha technology not only in Japan but among American race fans, as well. This was only the start, however.

Yamaha took quick action using the momentum gained in the USA and began marketing their motorcycles through an independent distributor in California. In 1958, Cooper Motors began selling the YD-1 250 and the MF-1 (50cc, two-stroke, single cylinder, step through street bike). Then in 1960, Yamaha International Corporation began selling motorcycles in the USA through dealers.

With the overseas experiences under his belt, in 1960, Genichi then turned his attention to the Marine industry and the production of the first Yamaha boats and outboard motors. This was the beginning of an aggressive expansion into new fields utilizing the new engines and FRP (fiberglass reinforced plastic) technologies. The first watercraft model was the CAT-21, followed by the RUN-13 and the P-7 123cc outboard motor.

In 1963, Yamaha demonstrated its focus on cutting-edge, technological innovations by developing the Autolube System. This landmark solution was a separate oil injection system for two-stroke models, eliminating the inconvenience of pre-mixing fuel and oil.

Yamaha was building a strong reputation as a superior manufacturer which was reflected in its first project carried out in the new Iwata, Japan Plant, built in 1966. (The YMC headquarters was moved to Iwata in 1972.) Toyota and Yamaha teamed up to produce the highly regarded Toyota 2000 GT sports car. This very limited edition vehicle, still admired for its performance and craftsmanship, created a sensation among enthusiast in Japan and abroad.

Genichi said, "I believe that the most important thing when building a product is to always keep in mind the standpoint of the people who will use it." An example of the commitment to "walking in the customers' shoes" was the move in 1966 by Yamaha to continue its expansion. Overseas motorcycle manufacturing was established in Thailand and Mexico. In 1968, the globalization continued with Brazil and the Netherlands. With manufacturing bases, distributors and R&D operations in a market, Yamaha could be involved in grassroots efforts to build products that truly met the needs of each market by respecting and valuing the distinct national sensibilities and customs of each country. Yamaha continues that tradition, today.

By the late 1960s, Yamaha had quality products that had proven themselves in the global marketplace based on superior performance and innovation. Distribution and product diversity were on the right track. But Genichi knew that beyond quality, success would demand more. He had this view on the power of original ideas. "In the future, a company's future will hinge on ideas over and above quality. Products that have no character, nothing unique about them, will not sell no matter how well made or affordable…and that would spell doom for any company."

He also knew that forward vision, walking hand in hand with original ideas, would create an opportunity for the company and its customers that could mean years of happiness and memorable experiences. Genichi said, "In the business world today, so many people are obsessed with figures. They become fixated on the numbers of the minute and without them are too afraid to do any real work. But in fact, every situation is in flux from moment to moment, developing with a natural flow. Unless one reads that flow, it is impossible to start out in a new field of business."

A real-world illustration of this belief is the Yamaha DT-1. The world's first true off-road motorcycle debuted in 1968 to create an entirely new genre we know today as trail bikes. The DT-1 made a huge impact on motorcycling in the USA because it was truly dirt worthy. Yamaha definitely "read the flow" when it produced

"Make every challenge an opportunity."

Genichi Kawakami

the 250cc, single cylinder, 2-stroke, Enduro that put Yamaha On/Off-Road motorcycles on the map in the USA. The DT-1 exemplified the power of original ideas, forward vision, and quick action coupled with keeping in mind the customers' desires.

In years to come Yamaha continued to grow (and continues to this day). Diversity increased with the addition of products including snowmobiles, race kart engines, generators, scooters, ATVs, personal watercraft and more.

Genichi Kawakami set the stage for Yamaha Motor Company's success with his vision and philosophies. Total honesty towards the customer and making products that hold their own enables the company that serves people in thirty-three countries, to provide an improved lifestyle through exceptional quality, high performance products.

Yamaha Motor Corporation, USA Cypress, California

Genichi Kawakami's history with Yamaha was long and rich. He saw the new corporate headquarters in Cypress, California and the 25th Anniversary of Yamaha become a reality in 1980. He also watched bike #20 million roll off the assembly line in 1982. Genichi passed away on May 25, 2002 yet his vision lives on through the people and products of Yamaha, throughout the world.

History Timeline of Yamaha (USA)

Year Yamaha Motor Origin

1955

The first Yamaha motorized product was the YA-1 Motorcycle (125cc, 2-stroke, single cylinder, streetbike). It was produced and sold in Japan.

Year USA History

1958 The first Yamaha Motorcycles sold in the USA were by Cooper Motors, an independent distributor. The models were the YD1 (250cc, 2-stroke, twin cylinder, streetbike) and MF-1 (50cc, 2-stroke, single cylinder, streetbike, step-through).

1960 Yamaha International Corporation began selling motorcycles in the USA.

1968

The DT-1 Enduro was introduced. The world's first dual purpose motorcycle which had on & off-road capability. Its impact on Motorcycling in the USA was enormous.

Yamaha's first Snowmobile, the SL350 (2-stroke, twin cylinder) was introduced. This was the first Snowmobile with slide valve carburetors.

1970

Yamaha’s first 4-stroke motorcycle model, the XS-1 (650cc vertical twin) was introduced.

1971

The SR433 high performance Snowmobile was introduced.

1973 Yamaha continued expansion into new markets by introducing Generators (ET1200).

1975

Yamaha pioneered the very first single-shock, production motocross bikes. This was the beginning of the YZ Monocross machines that changed motocross forever.

1976 The legendary SRX440 snowmobile hits the market and quickly catapults Yamaha to the forefront of the snowmobile racing scene.

1977

Yamaha Motor Corporation, USA, was founded in order to better appeal to the American market and establish a separate identity (from music & electronics) for Yamaha motorized products.

1978

The XS1100 motorcycle (four cylinder, shaft drive) was introduced.

XS650 Special was introduced. This was the first production Cruiser built by a Japanese manufacturer.

Golf Cars were introduced in the USA with the G1 gas model.

1979

YICS (Yamaha Induction Control System), a fuel-saving engine system, was developed for 4-stroke engines.

1980

The new Yamaha Motor Corporation, USA, corporate office was opened in Cypress, California.

The first 3-wheel ATV was sold in USA… the Tri-Moto (YT125).

The G1-E electric powered Golf Car model was introduced.

1981

The first air-cooled, V-twin cruiser, the Virago 750, was introduced.

1984

The first production 5-valve per cylinder engine was introduced on the FZ750 motorcycle.

Yamaha’s first 4-wheel ATV, the YFM200, was introduced in the USA.

The Phazer snowmobile was introduced. Known for its light weight and agile handling.

Yamaha begins marketing Outboard Motors in the USA.

1985

The V-Max 1200 musclebike hits the streets.

1986

Yamaha Motor Manufacturing Corporation of America was founded in Newnan, Georgia.

1987

A new exhaust system for 4-stroke engines, “EXUP,” was developed to provide higher horsepower output throughout an engine's powerband.

Yamaha introduces personal watercraft...the sit-down WaveRunner and the stand-up WaveJammer.

Yamaha Motor Manufacturing Company begins Golf Car and Water Vehicle production for USA and overseas markets.

1992

The Vmax-4 Snowmobile (2-stroke, four cylinder) was introduced.

1994

Yamaha expands its product offerings by acquiring the Cobia boat company.

1995

The Century and Skeeter boat companies are acquired by Yamaha.

1996

Yamaha introduces its first Star model with the 1300cc, V4 Royal Star.

Tennessee Watercraft produces Sport Boats and later, the SUV WaveRunner.

1997

Yamaha acquires the G3 boat company.

At the Newnan, Georgia, manufacturing facility, the first ATV (the BearTracker) rolls off the assembly line.

Yamaha opens southeastern offices in Kennesaw, Georgia.

1998

The YZ400F four-stroke motocross bike was introduced. This was the first mass produced 4-stroke motocrosser.

The YZF-R1 sport bike was introduced. It set the standard for open class sport bikes for several years.

The Grizzly 600 4x4 ATV with Ultramatic transmission was introduced.

The EF2800i generator with Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) was introduced. PMW allows use with equipment that requires stable frequency and voltage.

2000

The Buckmaster® Edition Big Bear 400 4x4 was introduced. This was the first ATV with camouflage bodywork.

2002

The F225 Outboard was introduced. It was the largest 4-stroke Outboard at the time.

The FX140 WaveRunner (1000cc, 4-stroke, four cylinder) was introduced. The world's first high performance 4-stroke personal watercraft.

2003

The RX-1 Snowmbile (1000cc, 4-stroke, four cylinder) was introduced. The world's first high performance 4-stroke Snowmobile.

2004 Rhino Side x Side model introduced. Combined performance, terrainability, utility capabilities, and take-along-a-friend convenience to lead the way in a new category of off-road recreation.

FBI Stolen motorcycles

gp500.org/FBI_stolen_motorcycles.html

Motorcycles VIN Decoder

gp500.org/VIN_Decoder.html

Sample image taken with a Fujinon XF 56mm f1.2 R mounted on a Fujifilm XT1 body; each of these images is an out-of-camera JPEG with Lens Modulation Optimisation enabled. These samples and comparisons are part of my Fujinon XF 56mm f1.2 R review at:

cameralabs.com/reviews/Fujifilm_Fujinon_XF_56mm_f1-2_R/

Feel free to download the original image for evaluation on your own computer or printer, but please don't use it on another website or publication without permission from www.cameralabs.com/

Sample image taken with a Fujinon XF 56mm f1.2 R mounted on a Fujifilm XT1 body; each of these images is an out-of-camera JPEG with Lens Modulation Optimisation enabled. These samples and comparisons are part of my Fujinon XF 56mm f1.2 R review at:

cameralabs.com/reviews/Fujifilm_Fujinon_XF_56mm_f1-2_R/

Feel free to download the original image for evaluation on your own computer or printer, but please don't use it on another website or publication without permission from www.cameralabs.com/

This experiment shows what happens when you attempt to power a DCC fitted Lego train with Lego's 9V power regulator. The big surprise for me what the fact that the Lego controller has only 8 discrete output voltages (including zero)! This is not a continuously variable analog output as you would expect with a rotary type control.

The track voltage and current are monitored by multimeters as well as an oscilloscope to make sure the output was in fact DC and not some variable pulsewidth modulation control. The motor was disconnected and a meter was substituted to monitor the applied motor voltage. This is an "open-loop" motor voltage which may read higher or lower than the actual motor voltage since the decoder uses a closed-loop control circuit which depends on an actual motor load.

The conclusion is that you can get away with running a DCC fitted loco with a Lego 9V controller as long as you don't mind that you only have 3 control states: 1) stopped 2) slowish speed 3) medium speed. You could "fine tune" these speeds within a limited range using configuration variables (CVs) 63 (analog start voltage) and 64 (analog max motor voltage). I set mine to CV63=20 (2.0 V) and CV64=95 (9.5 V). I also set CV25=2 (speed table curve) to linear.

Same type of experiment with a linear DC power supply...

www.flickr.com/photos/10063611@N06/9068446954/in/photostr...

Sample image taken with a Fujinon XF 56mm f1.2 R mounted on a Fujifilm XT1 body; each of these images is an out-of-camera JPEG with Lens Modulation Optimisation enabled. These samples and comparisons are part of my Fujinon XF 56mm f1.2 R review at:

cameralabs.com/reviews/Fujifilm_Fujinon_XF_56mm_f1-2_R/

Feel free to download the original image for evaluation on your own computer or printer, but please don't use it on another website or publication without permission from www.cameralabs.com/

Sample image taken with a Fujinon XF 56mm f1.2 R mounted on a Fujifilm XT1 body; each of these images is an out-of-camera JPEG with Lens Modulation Optimisation enabled. These samples and comparisons are part of my Fujinon XF 56mm f1.2 R review at:

cameralabs.com/reviews/Fujifilm_Fujinon_XF_56mm_f1-2_R/

Feel free to download the original image for evaluation on your own computer or printer, but please don't use it on another website or publication without permission from www.cameralabs.com/

In memory of

Janet Patricia

Dearly loved daughter of

H Temple and Edna L White

Born 17th March 1920

Died 30th November 1921

Evening Post, Volume CII, Issue 131, 30 November 1921, Page 1

WHITE.—On the 30th November, 1921, at Christchurch, Janet Patricia, infant daughter of Mr. and Mrs. H. Temple White; aged 1 year and 8 months.[1]

Block 29 Plot 86SEC

Address: 17 Jefferson St, Wellington

Born: Wellington[2]

Janet’s mother:

Edna Lucie nee CRABB

•On the 11th September 1916 at the residence of E. H. CRABB. Esq., Palmerston North married to Harold[9]

Janet’s father:

Harold Temple White

Conductor; music teacher; composer

Harold Temple White was born in Laceby, Lincolnshire, England, on 24 December 1881, the son of Emma Jane Wales and her husband, John Hobson White, a grocer. The family were ardent Methodists (John White was to become a minister at Kimbolton) and Harold's religious upbringing strongly influenced his later activities and personal life.

The family arrived in New Zealand on the Rimutaka in 1893 as part of an emigration scheme organised by John White. They settled in New Plymouth and Harold won a scholarship to New Plymouth High School. He then trained as a schoolteacher and taught at Rahotu, Omata and Eltham Road schools before establishing himself as a professional music teacher. He had received his first piano lessons from his mother but was otherwise self-taught.

He married Marguerite Amy Tichbon on 31 March 1904 at Stratford. There were three sons of the marriage, two of whom survived to adulthood. In August 1904 the couple moved to Feilding where Temple White, as he was always known, conducted the Feilding Choral Society and was organist and choirmaster at the Methodist church. His choir had considerable success in provincial competitions, and as conductor he 'set a new standard in this form of singing – in delicacy, precision, phrasing, and modulation'.

His reputation grew and in 1913 he secured an appointment as organist and choirmaster to the Wesleyan Methodist Church in Taranaki Street, Wellington. He was to hold this position for 46 years. His wife was in continuous poor health and soon after the shift to Wellington took her own life. On 11 September 1916 at Palmerston North Harold Temple White married Edna Lucie Crabb. Three sons and two daughters were born to them, one daughter dying in infancy.

Temple White soon became a central figure in Wellington's musical life. Under his direction the Wesleyan Methodist Church choir achieved high standards and he was soon involved in other choral activities. In 1914 he established the Wellington Harmonic Society and was its conductor until 1957. In 1918 he became conductor of the Wellington Commercial Travellers' Male Voice Choir, a position he held until 1930, and in 1919 was appointed conductor of the Royal Wellington Choral Union.

In spite of his innate gentleness, there was underneath a firm fibre of determination, and when roused he could support his strongly held beliefs in fearless exchange. His eight-year association with the choral union, which was then Wellington's major choir, came to an abrupt end in 1927 when he resigned on a matter of principle. One source of disagreement was his salary, but he was also unhappy about lack of consultation over the selection of soloists and repertoire. On this occasion his views did not prevail with the choir committee, but such was his popularity with ordinary choir members that they presented him with a grandfather clock.

When the radio station 2YA began broadcasting in Wellington in 1927, Temple White was appointed music adviser and the scope of his musical activities broadened. He played the organ for regular community singing in the town hall during the 1930s, gave organ recitals and conducted carol services at Christmas. In 1939 his old friend Aunt Daisy (Maud Basham) enlisted his help in establishing Easter dawn services.

In the 1930s Temple White formed new choirs: the Wellington Apollo Singers, the Wellington Boys' Choir, and the Wellington Girls' junior and senior choirs, all of which he led until 1947. He also conducted the Tudor Singers from 1936 until 1941. The highlight of these years was his association with the composer Percy Grainger, who visited New Zealand in 1935. Temple White had the challenging task of welding together two separate choirs, the Harmonic Society and the Apollo Singers, to perform Grainger's programme in the Wellington Town Hall. Grainger later wrote, 'I don't know that I can recall any choral programme of my works, in any city of the world, in which every item was rendered with the unvarying perfection attained on November 23'.

Besides giving private music lessons in piano, organ and singing, Temple White taught singing at Rongotai College from 1940 until 1945. During school holidays he was in demand throughout New Zealand as a judge for regional music competitions, and he adjudicated at the City of Sydney Eisteddfod in 1936. He also composed works, mainly choral, that reflected his intense religious and patriotic feelings. During the 1953–54 royal visit he conducted a choir of 13,000 children in a performance of his own work, 'Aotearoa'. The singing was accompanied by six strategically placed brass bands. That year he was made an OBE for services to music.

Temple White served on the Music Teachers' Registration Board of New Zealand, the Music Teachers' Association of New Zealand, the Department of Internal Affairs Music Bursary Selection Committee, the New Zealand Church Music Society and the Wellington Organists' Association. He was appointed honorary city organist in 1961. When he resigned in 1966 the council conferred on him the title honorary city organist emeritus. A bust of Temple White was placed outside the Ilott Concert Chamber in the Wellington Town Hall.

Instantly recognisable by his neatly clipped beard and erect elegant figure, Harold Temple White walked from his Brooklyn home to the city every day, even when he was past 80. He was an avid reader and loved reading aloud; chess was another interest. He was unfailingly courteous and won many friends. After his wife's death in 1950 he and his daughter stayed on in the family home until frailty necessitated his care in Woburn Presbyterian Home and Hospital, Lower Hutt. He died there on 8 September 1972 in his 91st year. [3]

Evening Post, Volume XCVI, Issue 27, 31 July 1918, Page 8

WAR ANNIVERSARY

MEETING AT TOWN HALL.

Sunday will be the fourth anniversary of the declaration of war between Great Britain and Germany, and the occasion will be marked by patriotic meetings to he held all over New Zealand on Monday night next. The Wellington meeting in the Town Hall promises to be a memorable gathering. The motion reaffirming New Zealand's “inflexable [sic] determination to continue to the victorious end of, a reighteous [sic] war" will be moved by the Mayor (Mr. J. P. Luke, C.M.G., M.P.) and supported by several prominent speakers, whose names will be announced later. The Trentham Band will be in attendance, and the City Organist (Mr. Bernard Page) will play suitable selections on the grand organ. Mr. Temple White has, agreed to arrange a .programme of musical items, which in itself should be a big attraction. [5]

Hawera & Normanby Star, Volume LXV, 23 December 1913, Page 5

Harold Temple WHITE’S first wife, missing for 10 days and found suicided by drowning. She had been depressed for some time.[10]

She was 33 years old.[12]

Janet’s siblings:

Brother: Douglas Hallam WHITE married Florence Marianne LAWTON 2 March 1928[8]

Other family connections:

Janet’s uncle

Feilding Star, Volume XIII, Issue 3287, 9 July 1917, Page 2

Mr Sydney Wales WHITE brother of Mr Temple White has one of his paintings (a portrait of Flight-Lieut. Williams, of the Royal Naval Service) hung in the exhibition of the Royal Academy this year.[4]

Sydney married 1906 at Fulletby, Lincolnshire to Miss Alice Mary TARTTELIN and received gifts from amongst others – Prince and Princess Alexis Dolgorouki; The Marchioness of Tullibardine; Sir James Tamsay Bart. Of Banff; the Hon. Mrs. Claud Hamilton. [13]

Janet’s grandmother

Feilding Star, Volume VII, Issue 1880, 21 September 1912, Page 2

DEATH OF MRS J. H. WHITE.

News came through this morning of the death of Mrs White, wife of the Rev. J. H. White, at one time of Kimbolton, and mother of Mr H. Temple White, of Feilding. She passed away peacefully at Patea last evening. Throughout Feilding and district deep sympathy will be felt with the members of the bereaved family, especially with the Rev. J. H. White, in. whose constant companionship in his work in the Kimbolton Methodist Circuit Mrs White made many friends. [11]

Janet’s grandfather

Evening Post, Volume XCVI, Issue 31, 5 August 1918, Page 8

The sudden death of Mr Joseph Temple White brother of the Rev. J H White of Brooklyn and uncle of Mr. H Temple White the Wellington organist, occurred at Stanley Building, Auckland, last Thursday. Deceased, who arrive din New Zealand in the 80’s, lived in Taranaki before going to Auckland. He was prominent in temperance circles.[6]

Two of his sons served long periods at the war and one was recently decorated. He has a brother, a Methodist minister, at Kelbur, Wellington and is survived by a widow and a grown up family.[7]

SOURCES:

[1]

paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/cgi-bin/paperspast?a=d&d=EP...

[2]

librarydata.christchurch.org.nz/Cemeteries/interment.asp?...

[3]

Judith White. 'White, Harold Temple - White, Harold Temple', from the Dictionary of New Zealand Biography. Te Ara - the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, updated 30-Oct-2012

URL: www.TeAra.govt.nz/en/biographies/3w11/white-harold-temple

[4]

paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/cgi-bin/paperspast?a=d&cl=s...

[5]

paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/cgi-bin/paperspast?a=d&cl=s...

[6]

paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/cgi-bin/paperspast?a=d&cl=s...

[7]

paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/cgi-bin/paperspast?a=d&cl=s...

[8]

paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/cgi-bin/paperspast?a=d&cl=s...

[9]

paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/cgi-bin/paperspast?a=d&cl=s...

[10]

paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/cgi-bin/paperspast?a=d&cl=s...

[11]

paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/cgi-bin/paperspast?a=d&cl=s...

[12]

paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/cgi-bin/paperspast?a=d&cl=s...

[13]

paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/cgi-bin/paperspast?a=d&d=WC...

Sample image taken with a Fujinon XF 56mm f1.2 R mounted on a Fujifilm XT1 body; each of these images is an out-of-camera JPEG with Lens Modulation Optimisation enabled. These samples and comparisons are part of my Fujinon XF 56mm f1.2 R review at:

cameralabs.com/reviews/Fujifilm_Fujinon_XF_56mm_f1-2_R/

Feel free to download the original image for evaluation on your own computer or printer, but please don't use it on another website or publication without permission from www.cameralabs.com/

The Palatine Chapel, is the royal chapel of the Norman kings of Sicily situated on the first floor at the center of the Palazzo Reale in Palermo, southern Italy.

Commissioned by Roger II of Sicily in 1132 and built upon an older chapel (now the crypt) constructed around 1080.

The mosaics being only partially finished by 1143.

The sanctuary, dedicated to Saint Peter, is reminiscent of a domed basilica. It has three apses, as is usual in Byzantine architecture, with six pointed arches (three on each side of the central nave) resting on recycled classical columns.

The mosaics of the Palatine Chapel are of unparalleled elegance as concerns elongated proportions and streaming draperies of figures. They are also noted for subtle modulations of colour and luminance. The oldest are probably those covering the ceiling, the drum, and the dome. The shimmering mosaics of the transept, presumably dating from the 1140s and attributed to Byzantine artists, with an illustrated scene, along the north wall, of St. John in the desert and a landscape of Agnus Dei.

Below this are five saints, the Greek fathers of the church, St. Gregory of Nissa, St. Gregory the Theologian, St. Basil, St. John Chrysostom and St. Nicholas.

The three central figures, St. Gregory, St. Basil, St. John Chrysostom, allude to the Orthodox cult known as the Three Hierarchs, which originated fifty years earlier.

Roger II of Sicily depicted on the muqarnas ceiling in an Arabic style.

The rest of the mosaics, dated to the 1160s or the 1170s, is executed in a cruder manner and feature Latin (rather than Greek) inscriptions. Probably a work of local craftsmen, these pieces are more narrative and illustrative than transcendental.

The chapel combines harmoniously a variety of styles: the Norman architecture and door decor, the Arabic arches and script adorning the roof, the Byzantine dome and mosaics. For instance, clusters of four eight-pointed stars, typical for Muslim design, are arranged on the ceiling so as to form a Christian cross.

Muqarnas ceiling

The hundreds of facets were painted, notably with many purely ornamental vegetal and zoomorphic designs but also with scenes of daily life and many subjects that have not yet been explained. Stylistically influenced by Iraqi 'Abbasid art, these paintings are innovative in their more spatially aware representation of personages and of animals.

The chapel has been considered a union of a Byzantine church sanctuary and a Western basilica nave.

The sanctuary, is of an "Eastern" artistic nature, while the nave reflects "Western" influences.

Nave

The nave, constructed under Roger II, did not contain any Christian images.

These were added later by Roger II's successors, William I and William II.

The nave's ceiling consists of Greek, Latin and inscriptions.

The frame for the royal throne sets against the west wall of the nave.

There are six steps leading up to where the throne would be, along with two heraldic lions in two roundels upon the spandrels over the throne frame gabel.

Sanctuary

As an expression of Norman culture, St. Dionysius and St. Martin are represented in the sanctuary.

Mosaics are of Byzantine culture in their composition and subjects.

The apex of the dome consists of the Pantokrator, with rows of angels, prophets, evangelists and saints.

The Byzantine motif ends abruptly with scenes from Christ's life along the south wall of the southern transept arm, while the north wall consists of warrior saints

detail: untitled (searching)

2016_08_13

charcoal pastel and graphite on manila tagboard

12" x 12" (30.48 x 30.48)cm

Matt Niebuhr

West Branch Studio

www.mattniebuhr.com

shop.mattniebuhr.com

Sample image taken with a Fujinon XF 56mm f1.2 R mounted on a Fujifilm XT1 body; each of these images is an out-of-camera JPEG with Lens Modulation Optimisation enabled. These samples and comparisons are part of my Fujinon XF 56mm f1.2 R review at:

cameralabs.com/reviews/Fujifilm_Fujinon_XF_56mm_f1-2_R/

Feel free to download the original image for evaluation on your own computer or printer, but please don't use it on another website or publication without permission from www.cameralabs.com/

A meeting of synth-geeks at my studio. 3 December 2011.

Doug Slocum's Modulation Orgy. Described by someone as the module you'd see being played in a country-western bar.

Sample image taken with a Fujinon XF 56mm f1.2 R mounted on a Fujifilm XT1 body; each of these images is an out-of-camera JPEG with Lens Modulation Optimisation enabled. These samples and comparisons are part of my Fujinon XF 56mm f1.2 R review at:

cameralabs.com/reviews/Fujifilm_Fujinon_XF_56mm_f1-2_R/

Feel free to download the original image for evaluation on your own computer or printer, but please don't use it on another website or publication without permission from www.cameralabs.com/

Philosophy Hall, built in 1910, was one of the original buildings designed for Columbia university's Morningside Heights campus by Charles Follen McKim of McKim, Mead, and White. The 8-story, Italian Renaissance Revival building houses the English, Philosophy, and French departments, along with the university's writing center, part of its registrar's office, and the student lounge of its Graduate School of Arts and Sciences

As a senior at Columbia University's new Philosophy Hall in 1912, Edwin H. Armstrong worked in the second-floor Hartley Laboratories on his first of several major developments in wireless communication technologies. After graduation the promising young engineer was assigned a small laboratory to continue his work, and eventually became the head of the Hartley Laboratory. Even after a series of inventions made him not only wealthy, but one of the foremost inventors in wireless technology, Armstrong continued to use these second-floor laboratories and office facilities, as well as lecture rooms elsewhere in Philosophy Hall, to advance his work. The last of his major developments was the design of a wide-band frequency modulation (FM) system that achieved unprecedented fidelity and elimination of static.

Over the years the building has been home to such notable faculty members as philosophers John Dewey, Frederick J. E. Woodbridge and Ernest Nagel, Guadeloupean novelist Maryse Condé, French literary scholar Michael Riffaterre, poet Kenneth Koch and English literary scholars Lionel Trilling, Edward Said, Carolyn Heilbrun, Quentin Anderson, Gayatri Chakravorty Spivak and Mark Van Doren.

The lawn in front of Philosophy Hall is the site of an original cast of The Thinker (Le Penseur), one of the most famous pieces by French sculptor Auguste Rodin.

National Register #03001046 (2003)

Artist Virgil Finlay had a unique style and much of his artwork for the pulps was in pen and ink. It was all about the density of dots, and razor fine cross-hatching, and the way he could make skin glow or flowers shimmer purely through modulation of texture, even when printed on cheap pulp paper. I was curious how AI would interpret a Finlay sketch, so I chose one featuring a young lady with flowers strategically placed over her nude body, a popular subject for Finlay’s pen. I asked AI to transform the sketch into a modern color image, and this is the result.

I rather like it. What’s striking is that it feels like a genuine conversation across time between Finlay and a contemporary imagination that works quite differently -- in color, atmosphere, and emotional temperature rather than pen and ink. The AI-generated interpretation translates Finlay’s precision into sensuality, letting the flowers bloom in full and letting the background behave like an elemental force.

In Finlay’s original, the flowers are symbolic and compositional anchors. Here they become lush, almost tactile — a kind of living ornamentation that still respects his placement and rhythm. The softness of the skin tones and the way the light plays across her face feels like a natural extension of Finlay’s intent. It keeps the delicacy without flattening into kitsch.

Finlay renders energy in the background with radiating lines. The AI instead gives us a swirling, elemental field of fire and water. It’s more painterly, more dreamlike, and it pushes the image toward myth rather than illustration. It reads like a respectful reinterpretation — not trying to imitate Finlay’s technique (which is nearly impossible), but to translate his mood into a different medium.

The emotional core of Finlay’s piece is already strong, and the colorization amplifies rather than distorts it. It’s a wonderful experiment in how contemporary tools can illuminate the latent possibilities inside classic pulp art.