R 5

1971 Yamaha R 5 Technical Analysis & Specification Breakdown

Built around Yamaha's classic motorcycle platform, the 1971 Yamaha R 5 pairs a 347 cc (21.2 cu in) air-cooled twin, two-stroke architecture with road-focused gearing. In factory specification, peak output is rated at 35 HP (25.5 kW) at 7,800 rpm, transferring power to the rear wheel through a 5-speed gearbox and chain final drive. With a specific output of 100.9 HP per liter, the engine character is reflecting a performance-oriented street tune that balances strong mid-range pull with an energetic top-end rush.

On the scales, the R 5 measures 148 kg (326 lbs) wet (curb), translating to a power-to-weight ratio of 0.24 HP/kg (4.23 kg per horsepower). The 12-liter (3.2 US gal) fuel tank supports practical everyday commuting and weekend road stints, while factory top speed is listed at 160 km/h (99 mph).

Within MotoLibrary's Yamaha archive, this model family spans 2 indexed model years from 1970 to 1971, allowing buyers to track year-over-year changes in emissions tuning, weight and equipment.