Yamaha V Star Motorcycles in Panama City, page #40

Moto blog

Shane Turpin on the 848 at Cadwell

AMA rider and World Superbike wildcard, Shane 'Tornado' Turpin will be riding the 848 Challenge VIP bike this weekend at Cadwell Park. Turpin is an experienced AMA rider and raced as a wildcard at this year’s World Superbike event at Miller Motorsports Park on board a Boulder Motor Sports prepared 1198RS. Asked about the opportunity, Turpin said, “I’m really excited to have this opportunity to race in Europe in the 848 Challenge race and am honored that Ducati UK, JHP Performance, Boulder Motor Sports and my personal sponsors have given me this great opportunity.

Canadian Speeder’s Yamaha R1 Seen in Now-Famous YouTube Video Sold in Auction

The Vancouver Sun is reporting on its website today that the Yamaha R1 made famous in a YouTube video featuring the rider speeding along the Trans-Canada Highway was sold recently for $4,651 in an online auction. According to the Sun the auction was conducted by B.C.’s Civil Forfeiture Office, which can seize property believed to have been used for unlawful activity. The winning bidder, 4x4albert, beat more than 70 bids to claim the 2006 R1.

Official: Rossi Leaving Ducati for Yamaha Return

In a pair of carefully-timed press releases, Ducati announced it will part ways with MotoGP star Valentino Rossi at the end of the season and Yamaha announced it has signed Rossi to a two-year contract. The arrangement had been in the works for some time now and the two manufacturers had reportedly wanted to wait until Aug. 15 to make their announcements.

Yamaha Reports Q2 2012 Results

Yamaha has lowered its 2012 year-end sales forecast by 14.3% after reporting disappointing first half results. The Japanese manufacturer reported a profit of 14.5 billion yen (US$184.3 million), a 49.8% decrease from a profit of 29 billion yen reported in the first half of 2011. According to the company’s financial report for the quarter ended June 30, 2012, Yamaha‘s net sales totaled 632.2 billion yen (US$8.04 billion), a 4.6% decrease from net sales of 663.1 billion yen reported in the same quarter of 2011.

Another Day at the Office for Yamaha MotoGP Stars – Video

Back in 2009, Yamaha released an entertaining video featuring MotoGP racers Valentino Rossi, Jorge Lorenzo, Colin Edwards and James Toseland working on various mundane jobs at Yamaha Motor USA headquarters. Three years later, Yamaha has released a follow-up featuring its current MotoGP lineup of Lorenzo, Ben Spies, Cal Crutchlow and Andrea Dovizioso (with King Kenny Roberts lunchbox in tow). Tech3 Yamaha racer Crutchlow takes over his predecessor Edwards’ spot as a Yamaha security guard, but throws his own British spin on the job.

Bell Helmets Giving Away Commemorative MotoGP Star Carbon Helmet at Laguna Seca

If you’re headed to MotoGP at Laguna Seca this year, and in need of a new helmet, make sure to stop by Bell Helmets exhibit for your chance to win a new Star Carbon model helmet adorned with special graphics commemorating this year’s GP at Laguna. From  July 27-29 at Mazda Raceway (Laguna Seca) in Monterey, Calif.,Fans can test their virtual mettle in Bell’s road racing video game competition, with each day’s top rider winning a limited edition Bell Star Carbon Red Bull US Grand Prix helmet. All participants will get a free commemorative podium photo with the Bell Victory Lane Girls.

Yamaha to Export Motorcycles from India to Japan – Yes, You Read That Right

In what may be a first for a Japanese manufacturer, Yamaha will be exporting motorcycles produced in India to its home market. Yamaha is shipping 300 units the YZF-R15 to Japan to test the market’s appetite for the 150cc sport bike. The R15 is manufactured by India Yamaha Motor at its plant in Surajpur, India.

Ben Spies Leaving Yamaha At End of 2012 MotoGP Season

MotoGP racer Ben Spies has announced he will not re-sign with Yamaha while hinting at an impending announcement for his plans for the 2013 racing season. Earlier this week, Spies used Twitter (@BenSpies11) to hint at a change for next season. In an email to SuperbikePlanet, Spies confirmed he has decided not to remain with Yamaha for several unspecified reasons.

Yamaha Brazil Introduces Flex Fuel YS250 Fazer BlueFlex

Yamaha unveiled a new version of its YS250 Fazer for the Brazilian market that runs on gasoline, ethanol fuel, or a  mixture of both. The new YS 250 Fazer BlueFlex is Yamaha’s first flex-fuel model, but the manufacturer says it plans to add more BlueFlex models in the future. Brazil is the world’s second largest ethanol fuel producer and the most successful biofuel-based economy.

Watch the US Grand Prix at Laguna Seca from the Yamaha Chalet

Yamaha is giving fans the opportunity to watch the 2012 U.S. Grand Prix at Laguna Seca from its exclusive Yamaha Chalet. Located inside Turn 5 of the Monterey, Calif., circuit, the Yamaha Chalet will be open for up to 200 Yamaha fans each day of the July 27-29 MotoGP and AMA Pro Racing event.