Cycle News is a weekly magazine that covers all aspects of motorcycling including Supercross, Motocross and MotoGP as well as new motorcycles
Issue link: https://magazine.cyclenews.com/i/126325
Big things sometimes d By Brian George Photos by Nanette Clotiaux and Brian George With each motorcycle designed by the factories, hopes arise that the machine will become a huge success. When Yamaha introduced their IT175E Enduro model, that wish came true. This little blue bullet was the brainchild of Bill Stewart, a well-known enduro and ISDT competitor working in the racing 14 department of Yamaha Motor Corporation , and has become one of the best buys in motorcycle sales toda y. Enduro motorcycles and the sport itself suffered a great deal as inflation and the IRS dipped heavier into our patriotic pockets for their "fair" share of income. But the area of off-road competit ion which was affected greatest was the enduro market. At the factory. motocross machines and road machines went virtually unaffected , while a sharp decline erupted --:ith the on / off readers . This drop has never leveled off to where it was in the la te 60s and early 70s. but with the invention of the IT enduro series, sales have increased immensely. It is now one of the top five selling bikes built by Yamaha . . The increase is creating some very healthy models for the enduro rider or ISOT buff. The factories are noticing that there is still a market with th e riders of the woods. and machines built to please their particular tastes are com ing quite rapidly. The Yamaha ITI75E has some of the finest standard equ ipment available, on any machine of its class. T ires are IRC , useful on both hard surfaces or sand. Many riders are employing this brand, due to their fine performance on all surfaces. Moving up through the bike , we found even more little extras that have made the IT a favorite . For chain adjustments, a little flick of a notched lettered chain tension adjusting lever, and the chain is set to your desired tightness. An adjustment can be made in minutes by th e average rider . which is a big asset while ou t on th e trail. T ension is brought to the d rivelinks by a eurathane block mounted onto a spring -loaded arm . Wheels are quick-change 0 .1.0.s with the usual, good Yamaha brakes. A rod puts the pressure from the pedal to the shoes, but it is easily possible to convert the unit to a cable-type system for even greater stopping effectiveness. A peek at the fenders reveals a wide bodied , water-blocking, break resisting instrument that is effective in keeping unwanted effluvia out of your face or down the back of your leathers. A handy tool pouch rests behind the seat , housing some very useful tools. They are well-chosen and can be used for just about any wrenching completed out of the pits . Handlebars and levers aren't among the better points of the little scoot. Bending and breaking these accessories will be quite common and will require immediate change after the first hard get -off. On the brighter side , they are very comfortable, and can be cut to rider preference if necessary. Beneath your Full Bores you'll find a pair of folding levers that are effective in reducing the cost of a new shifter or brake pedal every time those trees jump out in front of you. Other standards are the headlight/ number plate combo that works well, along with a high -low beam setting switch . The speedometer is tucked in beh ind the pla stic front number plate wher e it ca n easily be watched whil maneuvering through tough terrain. Inside is a resettable odometer that can also be read without eyestrain. . The 171cc engine receives gas ' through a 54mm Mikuni carb, which is fed by the 2.5 gallon gas tank. Lubrication is done through premixing. The exhaust system is extremely' quiet, and should pass any sound test in stock form . Starting the engine is a pure dream for the weak-legged or early-morning uncoordinates. We even tried kicking it over barefooted. With one kick and a hoof still intact, the bike fired to life.• None of us had the guts to try that' when it was cold, but even then an average of two or three kicks is all it takes to get going in the morning. After it gets warmed up , forget about using more than one swipe at it. Down inside the cases lies a sixspeed constant mesh gearbox that gives even the clumsiest rider the gear of his choice. Ratios are fairly close, which leaves gear selection to each pilot's preference. _ After examing all of these features. we took the bike out for a little session . Our testing grounds? The Greenhorn Enduro . We were looking at suspension and handling characteristics. power and top-end spee ds. torque and low end grunt , gearing, speedometer and odometer accuracy and on e of the biggest