2014 Yamaha Xt250 on 2040-motos

Moto blog

Teaser: 2012 Japanese Literbike Shootout – Video

The last time we assembled the superbike offerings from the Big Four Japanese manufacturers to determine the alpha male model was 2009. The CBR won that confrontation, but a lot’s changed since then. For 2012 Honda revamped the CBR1000RR, Yamaha added traction control to the R1, the GSX-R1000 lost a muffler and last year Kawasaki introduced an all-new ZX-10R.

Yamaha to Cut Motorcycle Production in 2009

With mounting inventories coupled with a drop in demand, Yamaha will be cutting its motorcycle production in Japan by 24 percent this year or to about 260,000 total units; one newspaper reported this would be a 40-year low for the manufacture. Yamaha plans to cut production for motorcycles and other products by 30 percent in the Americas, 20 percent in Europe but will maintain production levels in Asia where demand has not dropped off. The company is forecasting its group sales to fall 22 percent with an operating loss of about $300 million.

California Superbike School 2-day Camp at Silverstone

California Superbike School will be running a 2-day camp at Silverstone for the first time in the UK this August, offering riders a chance to enjoy extra track time while improving their skills in the art of cornering. Taking place on the all-new South circuit (1.9 miles long with 12 turns) students can ride their own bike or hire a fully prepared 2010 Yamaha R6 with the latest Dunlop Sportsmart tyres and fuel included. Already hugely popular with students returning year after year, previously the 2-day camps have been held in Spain during the spring.