Black Yamaha 360 Enduro Motorcycles, page #40

Moto blog

Official: Rossi Leaving Ducati for Yamaha Return

In a pair of carefully-timed press releases, Ducati announced it will part ways with MotoGP star Valentino Rossi at the end of the season and Yamaha announced it has signed Rossi to a two-year contract. The arrangement had been in the works for some time now and the two manufacturers had reportedly wanted to wait until Aug. 15 to make their announcements.

Yamaha Reports Q2 2012 Results

Yamaha has lowered its 2012 year-end sales forecast by 14.3% after reporting disappointing first half results. The Japanese manufacturer reported a profit of 14.5 billion yen (US$184.3 million), a 49.8% decrease from a profit of 29 billion yen reported in the first half of 2011. According to the company’s financial report for the quarter ended June 30, 2012, Yamaha‘s net sales totaled 632.2 billion yen (US$8.04 billion), a 4.6% decrease from net sales of 663.1 billion yen reported in the same quarter of 2011.

Another Day at the Office for Yamaha MotoGP Stars – Video

Back in 2009, Yamaha released an entertaining video featuring MotoGP racers Valentino Rossi, Jorge Lorenzo, Colin Edwards and James Toseland working on various mundane jobs at Yamaha Motor USA headquarters. Three years later, Yamaha has released a follow-up featuring its current MotoGP lineup of Lorenzo, Ben Spies, Cal Crutchlow and Andrea Dovizioso (with King Kenny Roberts lunchbox in tow). Tech3 Yamaha racer Crutchlow takes over his predecessor Edwards’ spot as a Yamaha security guard, but throws his own British spin on the job.

Bell Helmets Giving Away Commemorative MotoGP Star Carbon Helmet at Laguna Seca

If you’re headed to MotoGP at Laguna Seca this year, and in need of a new helmet, make sure to stop by Bell Helmets exhibit for your chance to win a new Star Carbon model helmet adorned with special graphics commemorating this year’s GP at Laguna. From  July 27-29 at Mazda Raceway (Laguna Seca) in Monterey, Calif.,Fans can test their virtual mettle in Bell’s road racing video game competition, with each day’s top rider winning a limited edition Bell Star Carbon Red Bull US Grand Prix helmet. All participants will get a free commemorative podium photo with the Bell Victory Lane Girls.

Yamaha to Export Motorcycles from India to Japan – Yes, You Read That Right

In what may be a first for a Japanese manufacturer, Yamaha will be exporting motorcycles produced in India to its home market. Yamaha is shipping 300 units the YZF-R15 to Japan to test the market’s appetite for the 150cc sport bike. The R15 is manufactured by India Yamaha Motor at its plant in Surajpur, India.

Ben Spies Leaving Yamaha At End of 2012 MotoGP Season

MotoGP racer Ben Spies has announced he will not re-sign with Yamaha while hinting at an impending announcement for his plans for the 2013 racing season. Earlier this week, Spies used Twitter (@BenSpies11) to hint at a change for next season. In an email to SuperbikePlanet, Spies confirmed he has decided not to remain with Yamaha for several unspecified reasons.

Yamaha Brazil Introduces Flex Fuel YS250 Fazer BlueFlex

Yamaha unveiled a new version of its YS250 Fazer for the Brazilian market that runs on gasoline, ethanol fuel, or a  mixture of both. The new YS 250 Fazer BlueFlex is Yamaha’s first flex-fuel model, but the manufacturer says it plans to add more BlueFlex models in the future. Brazil is the world’s second largest ethanol fuel producer and the most successful biofuel-based economy.

Watch the US Grand Prix at Laguna Seca from the Yamaha Chalet

Yamaha is giving fans the opportunity to watch the 2012 U.S. Grand Prix at Laguna Seca from its exclusive Yamaha Chalet. Located inside Turn 5 of the Monterey, Calif., circuit, the Yamaha Chalet will be open for up to 200 Yamaha fans each day of the July 27-29 MotoGP and AMA Pro Racing event.

Charges Laid Against Suspect for 185 mph Yamaha R1 YouTube Video

Remember that video on YouTube about the rider going 185 mph on a highway in Canada? The video went viral and eventually led to the seizure of a Yamaha R1 and $1,449 (Canadian) in traffic tickets issued to its owner. In April, police in Saanich, British Columbia believed they had enough evidence to seize the R1 and issued tickets to the registered owner for speeding, operating without due care and attention, and operating without insurance.

A MotoGP rep for under £100?

OK, so it's only for kids, but the new Yamaha M1 WGP 50th Anniversary Balance Bike is still quite cool. Aimed at kids between 2 and 6 years old, it's the same Kiddimoto superbike design that's been around for a few years, and costs the same as the standard Kiddimoto. Which means you effectively get the special graphics and Yamaha branding free of charge.