2006 Yamaha Yp400 Scooter on 2040-motos

Moto blog

Ben Spies Video Interview on 2012 MotoGP Season [Video]

Yamaha Factory Racing today posted on its YouTube page a video interview with Ben “Elbowz” Spies, in which Spies discusses the soon to start 2012 season of MotoGP. In his usual calm, cool and under control manner Spies speaks frankly on how he prefers the 1000cc GP machine, saying it suits his style (elbows out!) better than the previous seasons’ 800cc bikes because the extra torque and horsepower of the liter-class bikes are, essentially, better matched to his physical stature. Spies also answers honestly the question of who he thinks he needs to keep an eye in 2012, including his teammate, Jorge Lorenzo.

2012 Yamaha XT250 and TW200 Dual Sports Announced

Yamaha unveiled a pair of 2012 dual sport models, the Yamaha XT250 and the Yamaha TW200. Both the 2012 Yamaha XT250 and TW200 remain unchanged from the 2011 versions except for a new white and blue color scheme and white front fenders instead of last year’s black fenders. The XT250 is powered by an air-cooled 249cc four-stroke engine with a 33mm carburetor.

OEMs Plug into Electric Bikes

KTM introduced its prototype electric motorcycle earlier this week, and electric bike manufacturer Zero Motorcycles almost immediately responded by opening sales on its 2009 Zero X dirt bike (look for our review of the 2008 model next week!). But these two companies aren’t the only ones exploring the possibilities of electric-powered motorcycles. In September, Japan’s largest industrial information journal Nikkei Business Daily reported that both Honda and Yamaha have set target dates for launching their own electric-powered motorcycles.