DT-1
This was the first full-fledged “trail” bike designed and manufactured in Japan, and it featured an appealing combination of handsome styling and functional off-road performance. As if looking at a sleek, strong steed, its slim chassis, wild-looking tires and long amount of suspension travel gave it a fresh and striking appearance. Its development was guided by an uncompromising pursuit of functionality, and the designers also faced numerous demands for the machine’s styling down to the fine details. “Despite all the demands we made, whether looking at the bike as a whole or at the individual parts, the DT-1 was stylish,” recalls the engineer in charge of its chassis design. “It satisfied all of the technical requirements and was such a picture of functional beauty; I had no words to describe it.” The paint for the pearl-white fuel tank was created by researching pearl oyster shells when crushed into flakes, and the pinstripe on the tank was created in a five-step process: three coats of paint and two oven bakings. By calling on its vast experience in painting pianos, unwavering tenacity and technological innovation, the end-result was a finish only achievable by Yamaha. To create a slim, compact body that could be appreciated the moment the rider straddled it, diligent design and engineering efforts were made with components like the muffler to minimize chassis width in all areas.
