2010 Yamaha V Star 250 on 2040-motos

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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.

NHTSA Launches Recall Look-up by VIN Tool

The U.S. Department of Transportation and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration have launched a new free online tool that should make it easier for consumers to inspect their vehicles’ safety recall histories. The new search tool, available at http://www.safercar.gov/vinlookup, allows people to look for recall campaigns by entering Vehicle Identification Numbers.

Japan Needs Your Help

By now, we’ve all seen pictures and video of the devastation in Japan following the March 11 earthquake and the ensuing tsunamis. Japan, of course, has contributed much to motorcycling, with the Big Four of Honda, Kawasaki, Suzuki and Yamaha, as well as tire manufacturer Bridgestone, helmet companies Arai and Shoei and many other motorcycle industry stalwarts all coming from the Land of the Rising Sun. Jon Bekefy and Greg Hatton, two motorcycle enthusiasts, industry employees  and above all, humanitarians, have set up a fundraising campaign benefiting the Red Cross for relief efforts in Japan.