Yamaha XT 1981 Motorcycles, page #29

Moto blog

New MotoGP Rules for ECU and Factory Status for 2014

The Grand Prix Commission released new rules for the 2014 MotoGP season regarding the standard electronic control unit and what constitutes “factory status” for manufacturers. Starting in 2014, the official MotoGP ECU including internal datalogger from Magneti Marelli will become mandatory. Factory teams will be allowed to program their own ECU software while privateers will be required to run the standard software.

Rumor Mill: Yamaha To Make R400 and R650

Yamaha is set to put into production two new sporty bikes — the R400 and R650 —  according to “Young Machine” a Japanese motorcycle magazine. If true, this would fill a huge void in the manufacturer’s beginner sportbike bike lineup. It would make sense, considering the success of Suzuki’s SV650 (which later morphed into the Gladius and is now the SFV650), Kawasaki’s Ninja 650 (ER-6 in other markets), and even Honda’s CBR500R.

Rossi’s Ranch: Valentino’s Personal Playground

What does Valentino Rossi do when he’s not riding his Yamaha M1 around the best racetracks in the world? He relaxes at home in Tavullia, Italy, and rides motorcycles around his newly developed dirt track dubbed, “Rossi’s Ranch.” “It’s like a dream from when you’re a child,” says Rossi. “You hope at one moment you can buy your own racetrack.” It’s safe to say Rossi is financially stable enough at this moment in time to where he can make his childhood dream a reality.

2013 LA Calendar Motorcycle Show Report

The 22nd edition of the annual LA Calendar Motorcycle Show marked its return to the Queen Mary Seawalk Village in Long Beach, California with hometown boy Sam Baldi taking the Bike Building Championship’s Best of Show trophy with a Jimmy Todorovith/Profile Cycles built Big Twin custom named “Lost Angel.” This year’s Calendar Show showcased not only top builders but selected vendors and exhibitors, and of course the Calendar Girl Music live performances. And as always, this year’s show celebrated the world premiere of the 2014 FastDates.com Motorcycle PinUp Calendars, featuring the world’s top SBK World Superbikes, sport and cafe bikes, and custom motorcycles with the beautiful Calendar Kittens. On hand throughout the day to meet with fans and pose for pictures were Calendar Kittens Apple Price, together with official SBK World Superbike grid girls Jessica Harbour and singer/songwriter Sarah Horvath.

WSBK 2013: Moscow Race Report

Marco Melandri captured his third win of the season, the Ducati 1199 Panigale scored its first podium while Sylvain Guintoli regained the championship lead despite dislocating his collarbone days before the race. But the big news at Moscow Raceway of course was the tragic death of Andrea Antonelli in the World Supersport race. The opening-lap crash in severely wet conditions naturally led to the cancellation of the rest of the events as the World Superbike community mourns the loss of the 25-year-old Antonelli.

You Have Questions, Rossi Has Answers

Prior to arriving at Laguna Seca for this weekend’s MotoGP race, nine-time world champion Valentino Rossi made a stop at Yamaha’s U.S. headquarters in Southern California for a meet-and-greet with his fans, and we were there to see The Doctor, along with Tech 3 Yamaha stablemate Bradley Smith, in person. As part of the trip, fans had a chance to participate in a Q&A session with the champ, where Rossi picked 12 questions at random.

2014 Star Bolt Recalled in Canada for Wiring Harness Routing (UPDATE: Bolt Recalled in US Too)

The 2014 Star Bolt is subject to a new recall in Canada because of the routing of its wiring harness. The recall applies to both the Bolt and the Bolt R-Spec. (UPDATE: NHTSA has also announced a recall for the U.S.

One man who didn't want to be watching the Sachsenring MotoGP

Jorge Lorenzo posted this picture on his Twitter feed on Sunday. Yamaha's No.1 rider had to watch Sunday's MotoGP from his apartment. Despite Crutchlow reckoning Sunday's race result would have been the same even with Pedrosa and Lorenzo on the grid, I reckon Lorenzo would have had something to say about that.

Lorenzo Crashes in Practice Again; This Time He’ll Skip the Race

Reigning MotoGP champion Jorge Lorenzo has suffered another high-speed crash during free practice ahead of the German Grand Prix at Sachsenring. Lorenzo had a similar crash during practice in the previous round at Assen, but still lined up on the grid to race, finishing fifth despite breaking his collarbone in three places in the accident. This time, however, the Yamaha rider decided to withdraw from the race.

Yamaha To Host A Full Slate Of Activities During Laguna Seca MotoGP Weekend July 19-21

If you’re going to be at the Red Bull U.S. Grand Prix at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca, July 19-21, be sure to stop by the Yamaha Marketplace, located between turns 5 and 6, as this will be the eighth consecutive year Yamaha and the raceway have worked together to bring race fans entertainment throughout the weekend. Here’s a breakdown of the weekend’s events.