THE LEGENDARY ELSIE

From the mid-1970s Yamaha played on its racing successes by marketing its RD (Race Developed) series of machines. However, it was the introduction of the LC (liquid-cooled) range in 1978 that transformed sports motorcycling for a generation of riders.

Known affectionately as ‘Elsie’, it’s 250 and 350cc engines offered affordable power wrapped up in iconic styling. For a few halcyon years between its introduction and the 1983 changes to learner rider regulations it was possible to ride a 250LC on ‘L’ plates (although in fairness the 125 was no slouch). In 1983, while learner riders were still in mourning, Yamaha introduced its Power Valve System (YPVS). In simple terms this was a servo-controlled method of altering the height and size of the exhaust port at various engine speeds. This boosted power by around 10%, making Elsie the weapon of choice for budding street racers. The combination of speed and inexperience is rarely successful and for most of the Eighties it was possible to walk into any motorcycle breakers and pick up a mangled LC for a few hundred pounds. As its engine was reliable, powerful and offered opportunities for tuning, it became the powerplant of choice for transplant engineers.

Even as late production units approach their second decade of use, Elsie is more than capable of holding her own against more modern designs. A testament to its reliability and engineering are the number of ‘off-the-shelf’ scooter performance kits that use the LC piston.