YAMAHA
I have built four of these covering everything from cruisers to motocrossers to crotch-rockets.
The YZR500, the RZVR500R, the YZ250 Motocross (I rode one for several years), and the XS1100LG.
YZR500 Gran Prix Racer
Yamaha YZR500 Gran Prix Racer as ridden by Kenny Roberts. 1/9 scale by Protar, this bike that was extremely difficult to ride due to tremendous and peaky power with handling that was perhaps a little less polite than what is available today. The fact that King Kenny accomplished what he did on this iteration clearly showed that he is from another planet. His commentaries and influence on the sport at the time brought lasting, positive change.
RZVR500R
Debuted at the 1983 Tokyo Motor show, this bike was a real crotch rocket that had the braking and handling to match. A revelation for anyone who cut their teeth on a H1 or H2, this 1/12 Tamiya nicely captures the essence of one of the quickest means for losing your drivers’ license at the time.
YZ250 Motocross
1973 World Champion Hakan Anderson. Maico started the long travel suspension game and altered MX permanently. Yamaha was quick to follow with their own unique approach to long travel rear suspension. Anyone who owned a ‘70s monoshocker will find assembling this kit almost like maintaining the original. Super detail right down to the real steel spring holding the expansion chamber, this one really shines with the piano wire spokes adding the extra level of realism. This is a 1/6 Tamiya.
XS1100LG Midnight Special
Yamaha XS1100LG Midnight Special by Tamiya 1/6 scale. This model is a ton of black so bare metal foil makes the polished aspects of the wheels really jump out. Best to wear cotton gloves when assembling the exhaust and the liberal use of Tamiya clear to really make this model stand out is highly recommended.
