Lot details
Registration No: LPL 50W
Frame No: 0120547
Engine No: 0120547
cc: 1101
MOT Expiry Date: Sept 2011

The mid to late seventies were marked by a horsepower race between the four Japanese manufacturers. Yamaha's entry into the "superbike" market was generally expected to have a capacity of 1000cc in order to compete directly with the products from Yamaha's rivals, however when the new model was debuted in 1978 it provided a few surprises. Although the new machine featured the obligatory transverse, double over head cam four cylinder fourstroke, Yamaha's first production engine of that configuration, it displaced 1101cc and was fitted with a shaft final drive. Constant velocity 34 mm carburettors were employed for the first time on a road going four and "polyspheric" combustion chambers were employed. The specification suggested that the machine was aimed towards the sports touring market rather than the outright sports market, a fact confirmed by subsequent roadtests. The big XS proved to be the most powerful machine then available, recording standing quarter mile times in 11.8 second bracket despite a claimed dry weight of 563lbs.
The example offered is one of only 65 "Martini" limited edition UK specification machines and has been in the vendors ownership for the last 13 years, spending the last seven years in heated storage. It is described as being in excellent condition mechanically with very good cosmetics. The motorcycle is fitted with a four into one exhaust system, replacement rear shock absorbers, non standard handlebars and front brake pipes. The vendor replaced the engine to carburettor rubbers, the battery, tyres and air cleaner during August 2010. The brakes were cleaned and the fluids replaced and the carburettors were cleaned at the same time prior to the machine being Mot'd in September 2011. Currently on SORN, it is offered with the recently issued MOT certificate that expires on the 2nd September 2011 and a Swansea V5C.