Japan Motorcycle History

[RockHop_imp]

While searching for information on Japanese Shinkansen trains (bullet trains), I found a YouTube series on all things Japanese called Japanology. I think you will find this video of the history of Japanese motorcycles quite interesting.

Begin [url=https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=4QM2iY2aheo]Japanology - Motorcycles

[GoldOxide_imp]

Thanks RockHop!

[peterbaron]

Thanks RockHop for sharing. Nice find =

[bflint]

Actual Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4QM2iY2aheo

Fun view ... thanks

[Cormanus]

The video is worth it for the story of Yoshimura alone.

[ArbitraryThawt_imp]

Awesome RockHop and Thank You!!

[Charlie Bravo_imp]

Great vid, I enjoyed it, but it made it seem like Japan invented the four cylinder moto engine, when in fact it was the Belgians who did it first.

[the Ferret]

Belgian FN was an inline 4 (front to back making for a very long motor) Japanese CB 750 was a transverse 4 (side to side.. Making for a short but wide motor). Although both 4 cyls they were very different in execution. I can't remember anyone making a transverse 4 before Honda. At least not a production bike. Would have to comb thru my reference books for conformation though.

[GoldOxide_imp]

Belgian FN was an inline 4 (front to back making for a very long motor) Japanese CB 750 was a transverse 4 (side to side.. Making for a short but wide motor). Although both 4 cyls they were very different in execution. I can't remember anyone making a transverse 4 before Honda. At least not a production bike. Would have to comb thru my reference books for conformation though.

One thing for certain, Honda's implementation was reliable, low maintenance and fun.

[pekingduck]

While they were very limited production, the MV Agusta 600 and the Munch Mammoth both preceded the CB750. Maybe that stretches the definition of production a bit.