The Japanese manufacturer launched its 2011 scooters including new X-Max special versions and range-wide design updates. Highlights for 2011 includes ABS, as well as new special Sports and Business Editions of the X-Max 125, and a Sport edition of the X-Max 250. With the introduction of optional ABS on the Yamaha X-Max 250 and X-Max 125 models, riders can enjoy enhanced control in various riding conditions. The spinning speed of both wheels is monitored and regulated, offering high levels of control under braking. Read the full article »

Both the Yamaha XT1200Z Super Ténéré and Yamaha FZ8, both previously the preserve of Europe, will be coming to the US next year. The big adventure tourer was launched in Europe last February, and it will be going on sale in the USA in May, 2011. The bike will carry a price tag of $13,900, that’s $1,000 less than the class-leading BMW R1200GS’s price tag. Performance should be relatively similar to that bike too, but the Japanese bike leaves the GS behind in rider aids: the Yamaha is equipped with ride-by wire throttle with two maps, three-mode traction control. Read the full article »

The Nomad Tent Company have just announced the launch of the Ténéré Expedition Tent, an innovative concept inspired by the name of Yamaha’s new adventure bike. The tent is a three-season shelter for two persons and their motorcycle. “I want to stand up to change my clothes, I want a space to work on my bike. No tent out there offered me these advantages, so I built my own,” stated Kevin Muggleton, President and Founder of the Nomad Tent Company. Read the full article »

Yamaha fans eagerly awaiting an all-new Yamaha R6 for 2011 are being told they’ll have to wait another year. The Japanese manufacturer is already working on a replacement for the current series, but the bike won’t be on sale until 2012. Rumours suggest the new machine will borrow heavily from M1 MotoGP bike. The new R6 will feature a new chassis, new engine and bodywork. The current model has been in production since 2006 with only minor changes since, and the bike will remain in sale until 2012. Read the full article »

Yamaha France recently launched two new limited edition versions of R1, but they will be available only on the local market. Both the SP and SP/R Factory Edition are a tribute to the French Endurance team. The first special edition, the SP boasts the same engine as the standard R1, but the bike features new, exclusive colours, a solo seat, seat protective casing of Polytron, a minimalist plate bracket, and a pair of titanium and carbon Akrapovic exhausts. Read the full article »

Rossi likened his departure from Fiat Yamaha as the end of a marriage: "even the most beautiful love stories finish, but they leave a lot of wonderful memories," said Rossi after Sunday's Czech GP. The signing will see two of Italy’s great racing legends compete together from next year. The Italian fans’ dream come true, it’s hard to imagine how the fans will welcome Rossi on the red machine in next year’s Italian Grand Prix in Mugello. Read the full article »

Yamaha Japan introduced the electric EC-03 scooter last autumn in Tokyo. The asian manufacturer has big plans with electric motorcycles, they want to capture the 20% of the world's zero-emission market by 2020. Therefore, Yamaha decided to bring the EC-03 to Europe. The 0.6kW scooter goes on sale in Japan in September and Europe in 2011. The model will cost €2230 ($2800) in Japan when it goes on sale in September. Read the full article »

It seems the japanese motorcycle companies could borrow the dual clutch transmission (DTC) technology from the automobile world for their next generation R1 and CBR1000 RR. Honda VFR1200 F already uses DTC, but the next step would be develop this technology on superbike models, where it would work slightly differently. But Honda is not the only japanese factory who is planning an electronically controlled gearbox for his sportbike, Yamaha is developing his own system, too. Read the full article »

Yamaha Motor France built four special R1 Factory MotoGP replicas. Good news is that each one of them is unique, but bad news is that only one of them is avaliable. It’s not surprising though, because the bikes looks gourgous. Read the full article »

Aggressive looks and aggressive character define the new Yamaha FZ8 – a high performance real world sports bike designed to deliver a shot of adrenaline every time you turn the key. This bike is not for beginners – it’s the naked sportsbike with the power to back it up. Read the full article »