1978 ELF X Mixed T-shirt

It was at the Salon de la Bastille, in February 1978, that we discovered the ELF for the first time. Originally named "X" and later changed to "E", this prototype with a completely revolutionary design did not fail to arouse interest very quickly.

It has a 750 cc Yamaha engine with liquid cooling. The best parts are used, the brakes are stamped Lockheed, the suspensions De Carbon F1. For such an innovative bike, a talented pilot is needed. Michel Rougerie is chosen to develop the machine.

The chosen solutions make the bike too delicate to drive and the engineers still have to work.

The Japanese engineer Hirimajiri, having participated in the development of the Honda Formula 1, shows great interest in the project and proposes a partnership. Honda will provide engines.

In 1980, the ELF e appeared, with a one-liter engine. It is conceived as a real endurance machine. Its fairing was studied in a wind tunnel. The official drivers are Christian Le Liard and Walter Villa.