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Yamaha Reports 2013 Sales Results

Yamaha reported a 1.2% decrease in motorcycle sales in 2013 but managed to increase its net sales revenue by 16.2%, thanks in large part to the depreciation of the Japanese yen. According to the company’s 2013 fiscal report, Yamaha sold 6,014,000 motorcycles last year, down slightly from 6,090,000 sold in 2012. The good news however, is most of the sales decrease was limited to Thailand and Vietnam where the economy worsened in 2013, while Yamaha’s sales increased in nearly all other markets.

Filling a void with an RD350LC

Last winter I managed to fill a void in my life when I stumbled on a very reasonably priced Yamaha RD350LC.  It was a tad scruffy, had the wrong exhausts but most importantly it was blue and white with all numbers matching.  I had the usual euphoria when the deal was done but I underestimated how much pleasure this particular purchase would continue to deliver another eight months down the line. The difference with this old bike is, instead of just taking it for the occasional ride I was talked into doing a full nut and bolt restoration.  Having never taking a bike apart completely before, initially it was quite daunting but I soon found the RD is easy to work on so it turned into a truly satisfying experience.  I’ve had some help from LC enthusiasts with the rebuild, however, the stripping, sourcing and organising was a total labour of love.  And call me sad but it has made me bond with this bike like no other which only adds to the feel good factor.  The bike cost £1800 and I’ve spent around £1000 but I reckon my mint Elsie is now worth a fair bit more.   I fancy rejuvenating a Fizzy  next time but there’s lots of other cheap 70’s and 80’s winter projects  out there so why not have a go yourself?

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.