Yamaha Golf Car
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Yamaha Golf Car Company came about in the 1960s. Their golf car models feature a "G" classification. The G1 was the first model, and the last of the G-series was the G22. Their newest platform is underpinned by The Drive golf car.
[edit] Gas Powertrains
The Yamaha G1 had a 2-stroke engine. The G2-G9 models had a Yamaha-built 4-stroke 285cc 8.5hp, single cylinder engine. It has been said to have been a basic copy of Yamaha's motorcycle engine. After the 285 grew long-in-the-tooth, a 301cc was built on the same design platform, but it pumped out 10hp. The newest engine of the Yamaha engine lineup is a 357cc, named the 357F, 11.4hp engine, still on the same engine family platform. All of Yamahas engine except the G1's are 4-stroke, Overhead Valve, or OHV, engines. All Yamaha carts except The Drive have a Dana/Spicer rear transaxle.
[edit] Frame
All Yamahas have had a steel, tubular, whether in full or in part, frame. They are, however, notorious for premature rusting.
[edit] Suspension
Ever since the G2, Yamaha golf cars have had a strut front suspension/coilover swingarm rear. Up until the G22, they were live control arms with coilover struts mounting on the arm and to a tower welded to the frame. The G22 and The Drive models have an actual, automobile-like strut setup; in which it keeps the front wheels virtually vertical at all times. This design, though better hanlding and riding, is substantially weaker and "obsoletely designed" than the older styles were. The rear suspension has a dual coilover shock, live axle/swingarm setup.
