YDS Series

Engine: 250cc two-stroke twins Weight: 140-150kg Top speed: 80-90mph Year: 1958-1972

Basic design borrowed extensively from German MB250 Adler and continued as 2, 3, 5 & 6 iterations with a vertically split crankcase engine. YDS1 and YDS2 highly collectable, YDS3 a more viable, early choice. YDS5 came with electric start and was often used as a production racer. YDS6 only offered for a short period in UK. Final YDS7 model uses horizontally split crankcases, was altogether more conventional in layout and forms the basic DNA of all subsequent Yamaha stroker twins. Early models take a little getting used to, but rewarding to ride, later models truly delightful.