2001 Yamaha Wr 426 on 2040-motos

Moto blog

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.

Old boys up front and where are the new 600 Gixers?

As I’ve been gagging for the new race season to kick off so it was almost a pleasure getting up at stupid 0 clock to watch the World Superbike Championship  opener at Phillip Island last weekend. I have to say Messrs Burnicle and Whitham were on form although I was disappointed there were none of the usual verbal attacks on each other that always add to the entertainment.    I’m sure they will put things right soon but the world superbike regulars must have been disheartened that Moto GP veterans nailed five of the six available rostrum slots.

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.