Yamaha shows new XS-V1 Sakura motorcycle

Yamaha will reveal this new prototype retro motorcycle at the Tokyo Motor Show next week.

The Yamaha XS-V1 Sakura is designed to hark back to the firm’s first four-stroke machine, the 650cc XS-1 of 1970, but is fitted with a new 1000cc Yamaha air-cooled V-twin.

The bike shows Yamaha is following in the footsteps of Honda, which will also use Tokyo to reveal its retro-styled Honda CB1100F and R models – also using air-cooled motors, albeit four-cylinder designs, and featuring the looks of Honda‘s 1970s bikes.

Officially a prototype, rather than a concept, there’s a hint that the Yamaha XS-V1 could become a production machine in the future. It doesn’t feature the wacky design of many concept machines, and might easily be given the green light if there’s a positive reaction to the prototype. Only the odd-looking headlight, slimline dash and over-styled brake discs look difficult to be turned into production parts.

Look out for more news from Tokyo in next week’s MCN, out Wednesday October 24.