Yamaha YR5 information

Launched in 1970 as a replacement for the YR3, this lower, narrower, and shorter model was sleek and fast. The narrower crank-cases allowed the now one piece exhausts to be tucked in for improved cornering clearance. The engine was now much more over-square than the old YR1, and importantly ran a 180 degree crank(1 piston up, and 1 piston down), almost eliminating high frequency vibration. The piston port engine had a fifth or boost port to further improve performance.

Additional tubes and gussets had been added to the frame to improve stiffness and road-holding, and it worked, the YR5 was afar cry from Yamaha’s earlier efforts, owing a lot to there race machine technology.
Cycle World summed up their contemporary road test like this:
‘The R5 offers substance as well as appearance. Within limits it will do thinks most of the more expensive super-bikes will do, at lesser cost but equal fun value’

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