2007 Yamaha V-star Classic 650 (laurel) on 2040-motos

Moto blog

BSB 2012; Mystic Mac investigates

In my opinion, the smartest move in the BSB off season has to be Michael Laverty moving from Swan Yamaha to HM Plant Honda. With a ban on electronics for 2012, and in particular traction control, WFR's Graham Gowland has already proved to Laverty how competitive an EVO spec Fireblade can be - so I’m tipping both these riders to be bang on the money at the Brands Hatch season opener in April. Unlike BMW, Kawasaki and Yamaha, Honda have deliberately developed their road-going Superbike without electronics to give a user friendly feel with good mechanical traction, so it’ll be interesting to see how the opposition copes with their high-tech trickery stripped off.

Rich Oliver’s Mystery School Still Has Open Dates

Many roadracing champions will tell you that training in the dirt has helped them immensely in becoming the best rider they can be. The drastically reduced grip in the dirt makes a rider feel more comfortable on the street when one or both tires start slipping. At the Rich Oliver’s Mystery School, five-time 250cc champion, Rich Oliver, will teach you how to gain confidence on two wheels, all from the controls of a TTR125 Yamaha.

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.