A cross-plane crankshaft may sound a little new to your ears, but they will no longer be soon enough.  It is actually the largest leap and enhancement in literbike engine design after a few long years, and is considered the link to Valentino Rossi’s MotoGP bike.

A part of Yamaha’s most recent YZF-R1, this new crankshaft is a literbike which has been tested last week at the Eastern Creek circuit in Australia.  The Yamaha R1 is said to have a design unseen and unmade in previous motorcycle models.

The Yamaha R1 is made obviously different (in a good way, of course) than previously manufactured literbikes by the 998cc engine’s distinct sound.  It is similar to a V-Four with a rather profound and determined note which comes out a lot like it is a little angry.  But when talking about competition, the Yamaha R1’s motor power generation sets it apart from the others.  The peaky powerband of previous models have been replaced with the most dutiful and biddable four-cylinder literbike.

There is big credit on the enhanced midrange, yet there is greater recognition and acknowledgement on getting the feel of a direct connection between the throttle and the rear tire.

Yamaha is sending out a recall on all YZF-RG sport bikes manufactured from August 2005 to  March 2010.

It has been found that the Yamaha YZF-R6 sport bikes which were manufactured from August 2005 to March 2010 had front side mirrors which did not reach federal safety standards.  They are said to be not mounted high enough to pass the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 571.108 which states that the center point of front side mirrors or reflectors must be at least 381 millimeters above the ground, and at most 1524 millimeters from the same point.  The center point of the front side mirrors of the said units is found to be an inch short, meaning its center point is only 358 mm above the ground.

The recall on the said Yamaha YZF-R6 sport bike units has a relatively large scope, which covers approximately 54,000 units around the globe.  Yamaha says that the company will install into the units a new reflector bracket on the front side mirrors or reflectors to raise them high enough to meet the standards of safety.  It will be a minor change, the company added.  Yamaha, being a well-known motorcycle manufacturer is making sure that the recall will have as minimal damage as it can.

For the first half of the present year (2010), Yamaha Motor Co. announces a 16.7% net sales increase relative to 2009’s bi-annual net sales.

As of June 30, 2010, net sales of over 676.2 billion yen have been procured by the Japanese manufacturer as the year’s first half ends.  Out of the total sales, motorcycle sales tally a total of 476.5 billion yen which expresses a total of 16.2% increase compared to the net sales of motorcycles a year ago, covering the same period.

Until the first half of the present year (2010), Yamaha states that it has sold over 3.5 million motorcycles globally; this is a total of 30% in increase related to 2009 records.  Three million motorcycle units, out of the total 3.5 million which has been accounted for, were sold in Asia (excluding Japan sales).  This means, the majority of the sales were made in Asia.

Contrary to the increase, net sales in North America show less upbeat.  Compared to the 75,000 units sold all over North America in 2009, the net sales for 2010’s first half declined to 35,000 units.

For the whole of 2010, Yamaha estimates their net sales to increase further yet North American sales to continue in declining.

The Vmax 2009 is a whole new novelty from the old Max introduced in 1985.  The wobbly frame, first of all, is taken away and replaced with a well-built and tough body.  The spindly steel tube it once had is replaced by an aluminum chassis carefully tuned in place.  It also has massive rotors front and rear working hand in hand with an anti-lock braking control, different to that of the Thompson Twin-era brakes back in the day when the Vmax 1985 was out in the market.

With each of the unit undergoing a hand-polishing process that takes at least 40 minutes, the whole body is very stylish, a complete set of boastful metallic black.  Aside from its evidently huge size, the Vmax 2009 has elegant and exceptional master-cylinder reservoirs for the hydraulic clutch and Brembo radial pump front brakes which make a distinction from the former model’s air intake scoops.  Also, with a sport bike inspired slipper clutch, downshifts with this newer and enhanced model is easier.  The chassis stiff is made stiffer and lighter in weight through the aluminum frame.  Its huge engine makes it sound like a V-8 as it runs.  All in all, compared to the 1985 model, the new Vmax has more stories to tell and experiences to share!

The 2009 Yamaha Rhino 450 is based on the proven Rhino 660 platform with a smaller 421cc engine. Discover the versatility and go anywhere performance of our newest Rhino.

The Rhino 450 offers all the comfort and terrainability that the Yamaha Rhino has become famous for.

A proven Kodiak based 421cc, liquid-cooled engine powers this rugged machine. Based on the Rhino 660, the newest member of the family provides all the roominess and load capacity of its bigger brother. Discover the fun, convenience and comfort of the Rhino 450, at a price that will put a smile on your face.

All the big Rhino features in a value-packed, heavy-duty side-by-side package.

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