The Nagoya Motorcycle Show was held for three days from April 5, 2024.
Many motorcycle-related companies and organizations from the Tokai region entered the show at that venue. One of them was the Hamamatsu booth, the hometown of motorcycles in Hamamatsu City, and we would like to introduce a historic model that is typical of Hamamatsu, the city of motorcycles. Its name is the "Lilac LS18" by Marusho Jidosha.
A famous machine equipped with an "OHV longitudinally mounted V-twin" older than Moto Guzzi
The Marusho Motor Lilac LS18 introduced here is a 250cc model released in 1959, a latecomer to the Lilac series. At the time, large-displacement models were still scarce, and 250cc models were regarded as flagships. For this reason, the LS18 was packed with cutting-edge technology of the time, and for the first time, it was equipped with a longitudinally mounted OHV V-twin engine, based on the structure of the V35 Bergmeister made by Victoria of Germany. This was six years before Moto Guzzi, famous for its longitudinally mounted V-twin engine.
This longitudinally mounted V-twin engine, with a maximum output of 18.5 HP (18.7 PS)/7,500 rpm and a square bore x stroke of 54 x 54 mm, delivered well-balanced torque and speed. The top speed was recorded at 120 km/h (at that time, the top speed was listed in the catalog specs!) ). Shifting was by a rotary-type 4-step transmission, and the body weight was 165 kg. 17-inch wheel sizes were used for the front and rear.
Lilac LS18 [Marusho Motor Company: 1960] A rare Lilac LS18 on display at the Nagoya MC Show site.
It was a machine equipped with the most advanced technology in Japan.
The first thing that catches the eye is the OHV longitudinally mounted V-twin engine. This engine was adopted from the Itsu machine and was suited for shaft drive.
A single British-made Amal VM carburetor was used. It produced 18.5 HP and reached a maximum speed of 120 km/h.
The mechanism of particular interest is that the LS18 was a shaft drive via bevel gears.
Then, as now, chain drive is a common form of drive for motorcycles. However, unlike today, when sealed chains are common and chain life has increased dramatically, the chains of those days required frequent maintenance, and in the conditions of many unpaved roads, wear and tear from mud, gravel, and other factors were severe.
Shaft drives, on the other hand, are attractive because they are virtually maintenance-free. The Lilac series was focused on this point from the beginning, and a major feature of the series was that all models were shaft-driven.
The LS18, in particular, was a longitudinally mounted V-twin engine, and a shaft drive was optimal for efficiently transferring drive power to the rear wheels. This is an element shared by Moto Guzzi, which first adopted the longitudinally mounted V-twin engine in 1965 and continues to make them today, and the Honda "GL" series of later years. The powerful and maintenance-free LS18 was a cutting-edge model at the time, and at 178,000 yen (the starting salary for a college graduate at the time was 13,000 yen, 1/16th of 2023), it was a machine that only a limited number of people could afford.
The shaft drive is easy to maintain and has a long service life. The Lilac series was developed with this feature.
The meter is engraved up to 160 km. A knob on the top of the stem adjusts the tightness of the steering wheel according to the road surface.
Blinkers are embedded in the fork covers. Prior to 1969, blinkers were not a mandatory component, but many flagship models have adopted them.
On the right-hand side is a cell dynamo switch. This was also a special feature at a time when kick-starting only was the norm.
It had 17-inch wheels front and rear, huge steel fenders, and a carrier. It was a machine that also served as a practical vehicle.
There are three different models of LS18.
The model in this issue is called LS18-2.
The price at that time was (approx.) 1136 USD.
Lilacs loved by motorcyclists without chains
Motorcycle enthusiasts are probably familiar with the fact that three of the four major Japanese motorcycle manufacturers, Honda, Yamaha, and Suzuki, started their operations in Hamamatsu City, Shizuoka Prefecture. However, around 1955, when there was a forest of motorcycle manufacturers, not just three, but more than 30 companies were crammed into Hamamatsu, vying with each other for the top spot. Marumasa Motor Company, which sold Lilacs, was one of them.
Tadashi Ito, the founder of Marumasa Automobile, came from Art Shokai, an automobile maintenance company established by Honda's Soichiro Honda.
In 1938, he became independent and established Marumasa Shokai, but the business was halted due to air raids during the Pacific War, and he joined Tokai Seiki, a piston ring manufacturer that Honda had established after Art Shokai.
In 1946, soon after the war, he again became independent and reestablished Marumasa Shokai as an automobile repair and sales company. Since its pioneer days, Marumasa Shokai has had a close relationship with Honda.
In response to the growing demand for motorcycles after the war, Marumasa Shokai entered the motorcycle manufacturing business in 1948, utilizing its previous skills in automobile repair. In 1950, the company launched the original Lilac ML model.
Including the Lilac LS18 introduced earlier, the Lilac series has consistently eliminated the chain drive from this first generation, adopting only a shaft drive, which is a major feature of the series. This ingenuity, which was adapted to the unreliable chains of the time and poor road conditions, was highly appreciated by the market.
In terms of performance, the series demonstrated a high level of technological capability among Japanese manufacturers, winning the Asama Volcano Race in 1955, beating out Honda and Yamaha, and was also used in more than 30 models in the series.
Lilac ML [Marusho Jidosha 1950] 148cc side-valve engine with 3HP. Shaft drive was consistently used from this time.
Around 1950, motorcycle manufacturers sprang up all over the country as motorization progressed. Hamamatsu was a major city where such manufacturers gathered, and Marusho Motor Company also made its presence felt.
Dream E [HONDA 1951] The year after the appearance of the Lilac ML, Honda launched the first Dream E with a 4st engine.
Marumasa was ahead of other companies in the development of the 4th engine.
In the late 1950s, however, the company found itself in a difficult position against major manufacturers who were gaining strength, and Marumasa Motor went bankrupt in 1961. Marusho Motor Company went bankrupt in 1961. Although it became a subcontractor to Honda, it developed new models and tried to export them to the U.S., but finally closed all operations in 1967. The Lilac series, with its ambitious design and proven performance, could not overcome the competition among the rapidly growing manufacturers. However, there are still many enthusiasts of the Lilac series today. The LS18 introduced here is a rare example from the private collection of one such fan.
I want to enjoy riding more in Hamamatsu, the home of motorcycles!
The booth where we were able to see the Lilac LS18 was that of Hamamatsu, the hometown of Hamamatsu City motorcycles. This event has been held by Hamamatsu City since 2003 for motorcycle fans. Three of the world's leading Japanese motorcycle manufacturers, Honda, Yamaha, and Suzuki, have their roots in Hamamatsu.
In Hamamatsu, a special town for riders, visitors can enjoy a variety of events including motorcycle demo runs, displays of historic models, and manufacturer booths.
The 2024 event has been confirmed and will be held in October.
This is a great opportunity to visit Hamamatsu City, which has many tourist attractions for riders to enjoy, such as the Yamaha and Suzuki museums! For more information, please visit the official web page.
A view of the venue in 2023. Numerous booths and events were held at Hamamatsu Auto Race Track.
Hamamatsu, home of motorcycles
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