Mobility for aNew Japan

A 36 cc air-cooled two-stroke single designed as an auxiliary engine for bicycles. Launched in June 1952, it was built, according to Suzuki, on the premise that 36 cc was sufficient for riding. It used Suzuki's own double-sprocket wheel and a two-speed transmission, and evolved up to the E3 type of 1954.

Yamaha Motor's first motorcycle, introduced in 1955. Its simple form and chestnut-red finish, unusual in an era of all-black machines, earned it the nickname "Red Dragonfly" (Aka-tombo). Powered by an air-cooled 123 cm³ two-stroke single, it won the 3rd Mt. Fuji Ascent Race in July 1955 and took the top three places in the ultra-light class of the 1st Asama Highlands Race later that year.