2006 Yamaha V Star 1100 Classic on 2040-motos

Moto blog

Ben Spies Signs Contract Extension with Yamaha

Yamaha has signed Ben Spies to a one-year contract extension to continue racing on its MotoGP factory team in 2012. The extension comes after Spies, currently seventh in the Championship standings, recorded his first podium finish of the 2011 season, a third place result at Catalunya. Spies earned two other podium finishes in 2010 in his Rookie of the Year winning debut in the class with the Tech 3 satellite team.

India Raises Import Duty on Motorcycles to 75%

The government of India has laid out its budget for 2013-2014, increasing the import duty for large motorcycles. The news will impact several major manufacturers hoping to gain a stake in the world’s second largest motorcycle market. India has become the hotspot for manufacturers but one of the biggest obstacles they face is the duty India levies on luxury goods.

Video: Barry Sheene's 500 stroker on the Visordown stage

We've got a real treat for you on the Visordown stage at the NEC Bike Show. It's the ridiculously gorgeous Akai Yamaha, ridden by Barry Sheene and now owned by Chris Wilson. Niall Mackenzie and Jamie Whitham fire it up 3 times a day, just before one of our feature shows.