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Faster and Faster Motorcycle News News Yamaha

2017 Yamaha YZF-R6 unveiled

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The redesigned, thoroughly updated, 2017 Yamaha YZF-R6 takes some styling cues and technologies from the mighty R1. But we wonder why Yamaha have not quoted any power and torque figures for this machine?

The 600cc supersports class seems to be witnessing more than its fair share of ups and downs this year. Whereas old-timers like the Honda CBR600RR seem to be on their way out, there's also machines like the MV Agusta F3 RC 675, which are keeping the excitement alive in the 600cc sportsbike segment. And to add more fuel to the fire, there's the all-new, 2017-spec Yamaha YZF-R6, which, according to Yamaha, gets new, cutting-edge electronics as well as a host of R1-derived tweaks to its aluminium twin-spar chassis. Notable new bits on the 2017 Yamaha R6 include an M1-type central forced air intake, twin LED headlights, sharper, redesigned bodywork, more efficient aerodynamics, new front cowl and windscreen and new 6-level traction control system that can also be switched off completely.

According to Yamaha, the new R6's TCS has been optimised for high-speed performance and its intelligent software is designed to work in a subtle manner that does not intrude upon the bike's performance intent. The system is even able to automatically compensate for rear tyre wear for more consistent performance, especially on the racetrack. Other notable bits include a new quick shift system, which allows full throttle clutchless upshifts for outstanding acceleration through the bike's close-ratio 6-speed transmission, fully adjustable 43mm KYB front forks, fully adjustable KYB rear monoshock, twin 320mm brake discs at front, with 4-piston radial-mount calipers, magnesium rear subframe, redesigned seat and a lightweight aluminium fuel tank.
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Faster and Faster Intermot 2016 Motorcycle News News Yamaha

2017 Yamaha MT-10 SP, MT-09 unveiled at Intermot

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With the 2017 MT-10 SP, Yamaha are set to take on the new Aprilia Tuono V4 1100, BMW S1000R and KTM 1290 Super Duke etc. It really is one hell of a super-naked

For 2017, Yamaha have announced the MT-10 SP, which they say is the 'speed of darkness,' the most high-tech machine in Yamaha's 'hyper naked' range. With the 'SP' tag comes a bit of R1M-style bling, with the MT-10 SP getting Öhlins electronic racing suspension (ERS), which is controlled by a suspension control unit (SCU) that analyses data from a series of sensors, which monitor riding conditions in real time. The SCU constantly calculates the optimal compression and rebound damping settings and the system's stepping motors instantly make adjustments to achieve the optimal suspension set up for any given riding condition.

The MT-10 SP also gets full-colour, thin film transistor (TFT) instrumentation and a new silver-blue-carbon colour scheme, featuring blue wheels, black front fender, gold coloured forks and silver bodywork. Of course, there's a full complement of electronics, including an electronic quick shift system (that offers clutchless upshifts), multi-mode traction control and slipper clutch. With its lightweight, aluminium 'Deltabox' chassis and crossplane crank inline-four that produces 160 horsepower, the Yamaha MT-10 SP, with a dry weight of 190 kilos, offers a streetfighter riding experience that no other Japanese production machine can. The bike will be in showrooms by February 2017.
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Custom-built Faster and Faster Motorcycle News News Specials Supercharged Yamaha

Supercharged Krugger-built Yamaha SR400 pays homage to 1970s Yamaha TZ racebikes

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This Krugger-built machine is the coolest SR400 we've seen in a long time

Based in Belgium, Fred 'Krugger' Bertrand has built the Yamaha SR400 that you see here, as the latest addition to Yamaha's Yard Built custom bike program. Inspired by Yamaha's MotoGP heritage, the SR400 has been built in collaboration with Fred's friend and fellow Belgian, Bernard Ansiau, who happens to be a mechanic for… Valentino Rossi! And if that weren't enough, Ansiau has even worked on the bikes raced by former greats like Wayne Rainey, Kenny Roberts, Randy Mamola and Norick Abe.

Together, Fred and Bernard have built this SR400 in tribute to Yamaha's 1970s TZ racebikes. "I think it's impossible to have a custom machine that lives and breathes our racing history better than this," says Cristian Barelli, Yamaha Motor Europe's Marketing Coordinator. "It's such a beautiful bike and the longer and closer you look at it, the more detail you find to enjoy. You wouldn't normally associate the SR400 with MotoGP racing, but this build is as genuine and authentic as it's possible to get, a real Yard Built special," he adds.

In order to extract some performance from the air-cooled single-cylinder SR400 engine, Fred and Bernard have given it an Aisin 300 supercharger, with a custom-built plenum chamber, a one-off stainless steel exhaust system and an S&S 48mm carburettor in place of the original fuel-injection system. No power figures have been quoted, but the stock engine makes 23bhp and 27Nm of torque, so the supercharged Krugger SR400 probably packs at least 30-35bhp and 35-40Nm of torque. Not very MotoGP, but what the heck, every little bit helps. Probably.
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Faster and Faster Motorcycle News News Yamaha

2017 Yamaha FZ-10 is ready for the US

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When it goes to the US, the Yamaha MT-10 becomes the Yamaha FZ-10. Same 160bhp performance though. And the same, massively ugly, headlamp unit. What's with those bug eyes, Yamaha…?!

Yamaha have released official pics and specs of the 2017 FZ-10, which was first unveiled in Europe (where it's called the MT-10) in November last year. The FZ-10 is the first supernaked from Japan that's ready and willing to take on hard-edged European streetfighters and in terms of its performance intent, is supposedly a notch or two higher than its Japanese rivals like the Kawasaki Z1000 and the Suzuki GSX-S1000.

Like its European cousing, the FZ-10 is powered by Yamaha's R1-derived 998cc inline-four, which pumps out an impressive 160bhp and 111Nm of torque. The engine retains the R1's crossplane crank tech, but has been retuned for improved low- and mid-range torque delivery. It's packed with electronics, including ride-by-wire throttle, adjustable traction control and ABS etc. Its aluminium 'Deltabox' chassis is stiff and light and Yamaha have given it top-spec suspension components – fully adjustable KYB inverted fork and shock – which have been tuned for high-speed handling. The bike rides on 17-inch five-spoke aluminium wheels, shod with 120/70 (front) and 190/55 (rear) Bridgestone Hypersport S20 rubber. The FZ-10 weighs 210kg (wet weight) and delivers close to 13kpl in terms of fuel efficiency.

With its comfortable, upright ergonomics, powerful engine and capable chassis/suspension, the FZ-10 is, for the first time, a real alternative to the rather more brutal streetfighters like the BMW S1000R and the Aprilia Tuono V4R. Yamaha says the FZ-10's styling is futuristic, we think it's just massively ugly. Not aggressive, just ugly. Still, given all its performance and high-tech, it's not a bad deal at all for US$12,999.
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Custom-built Faster and Faster Motorcycle News News Specials Yamaha

Moto di Ferro delivers with the Yard Built Yamaha XV950 Speed Iron

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The XV950 Speed Iron is a Yamaha that's been Yard Built the Italian way…

Yes, another Yard Built Yamaha. This time it's the tracker-style XV950 Speed Iron, created by Italian customiser Marco Lugato of Moto di Ferro. Marco, a former professional road racer, set up Moto di Ferro in 2009 and after a chance meeting with Yamaha Motor Europe's Shun Miyazawa at the Wheels & Waves festival last year, decided to collaborate with Yamaha.

"As we met and talked in Biarritz with Marco, it was clear that we shared the same passion and love for motorcycles. One of the most important aspects for us when working together on this collaboration was that Marco doesn't consider this to be just a one-off machine, but something that he can build for multiple customers," says Cristian Barelli of Yamaha Europe.

Noteable bits on the XV950 Speed Iron include wire-spoked Borrani rims shod with oversize tyres, front forks from a Yamaha VMAX, a handmade aluminium tank, rear seat unit and side panels, bigger 320mm brake discs at the front and a louder Arrow exhaust that improves the soundtrack.

For those who already own an XV950 and who like the Speed Iron, the good news is that Marco plans to make various parts from the Speed Iron build available, so you can create your own Italian custom. Or, just hand over your bike to him and he will do the rest. Visit Moto di Ferro to get in touch with Marco.
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Custom-built Faster and Faster Motorcycle News News Specials Yamaha

Yamaha's new Yard Built XSR900 Monkeebeast is an all-terrain animal


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The Yard Built XSR900 Monkeebeast should have no trouble dealing with a bit of rough terrain…

Custom bike builders, the Wrenchmonkees are back with their newest machine, the Yard Built Yamaha XSR900 Monkeebeast. Based in Copenhagen, the Danish duo have converted the XSR900 into what Yamaha claim is a "brutal brawler, an urban warrior built to tackle any terrain."

"The Wrenchmonkees are one of the most influential builders in the custom scene. We have worked with them since we began the Yard Built project and have collaborated on some really ground breaking machines. This latest build is brilliant; it shows clearly that their design is constantly moving forward and evolving, ahead of the game," says Yamaha Motor Europe's Cristian Barelli. "They have shown that with some clever modifications, but no cutting or welding to the frame, you can transform the XSR900 into something completely different," he adds.

The Monkeebeast rides on Borrani 17-inch black wire-spoked wheels, shod with Continental TKC rubber. There's a K-Tech monoshock at the rear, Gilles chain adjusters and rearsets, a TRW rear brake disc and steel braided brake lines. The seat is a one-off unit fabricated by the Wrenchmonkees, the handlebar is a Magura unit and a Nissin radial front brakemaster and steel-braided brake lines are an upgrade on the XSR's stock items. The aluminium front and rear fenders and the engine guard are all one-off Wrenchmonkees bits and an SC Project exhaust system adds more noise and a bit more performance to the package.

For DIY enthusiasts, select parts for the Monkeebeast will soon be available directly from the Wrenchmonkees
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2017 Yamaha SCR950 is a new retro-style scrambler for the US



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For those with fond memories of The Blue Lagoon and the very pretty Brooke Shields, the new, US-market-only Yamaha SCR950 scrambler is comin' at ya…

Yamaha have unveiled the 2017 SCR950, a retro-styled scrambler that's powered by a 942cc SOHC fuel-injected air-cooled V-twin, which has 4-valve cylinder heads and produces 80Nm of torque. Yamaha have not provided a power figure, and you can probably guess why. The bike rides on 19-inch (front) and 17-inch (rear) wire-spoked aluminium wheels, the gearbox is a 5-speed unit and power gets to the rear wheel via a belt-drive setup. Chassis is double-cradle tubular steel unit. The cruiser-ish riding position looks comfortable.

Running gear is all pretty basic – 41mm KYB non-adjustable front fork, twin rear shocks that are adjustable for preload, a single 298mm front brake disc with a twin-piston caliper, teardrop-shaped 13-litre fuel tank, wide scrambler-style handlebar (with reinforcing crossbar for added strength) are all from the 1980s. Only the LCD instrument panel and a high-intensity halogen headlamp are bits you wouldn't find on a 1970s-80s machine.

With its relaxed, retro vibe and classic-themed graphics, the Yamaha SCR950 actually looks rather cool. It weighs 248kg, delivers 21.6kpl in terms of fuel efficiency and, as non-threatening Sunday morning ride, should work well. Prices start at US$8,699 and that's not too bad either.
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Faster and Faster Motorcycle News News Valentino Rossi Yamaha

The Doctor meets Motobot, gives him a few riding tips



Remember Motobot? This time, Yamaha’s autonomous motorcycle-riding humanoid robot finally gets a chance to meet Valentino Rossi. Can the ‘Bot get along with the GOAT? Will the two go head to head on a bike some day?
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Custom-built Faster and Faster Motorcycle News News Specials Yamaha

Bunker Custom's Yard Built Yamaha XSR700 adds a Turkish twist to dirttracker style


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With more ground clearance and a bigger front wheel, this Yard Built XSR700 from Turkey is now better suited to handle the rough with the smooth. The Uzer brothers of Bunker Customs really have improved upon the original

The latest in Yamaha's ever-expanding line-up of Yard Built customs comes from Turkey and has been created by brothers Can and Mert Uzer, of Bunker Custom Motorcycles. Can is a top-level skateboarder, while Mert gave up a career in digital advertising to build custom bikes. Both are certified bike nuts. The XSR700 that they've built is a rugged, dirttracker/scrambler-style machine that'll happily take on beaches, dirt trails and mountain roads.

"I'm really impressed with the work Can and Mert have put into this build. What is really important for me is that they have kept the XSR700's agility and power characteristics that really define the bike. Around this they have added their very distinctive style, showing a whole new face to the XSR700," says Yamaha Motor Europe's marketing coordinator, Cristian Barelli. "We went for the tracker style as we really wanted to capture the spirit of freedom as much as possible. The twin motor is the perfect base with its engine characteristics and the bike inspires you to create something light, agile and free," add the Uzer brothers.

To create their tracker-style interpretation of the XSR700, the Uzer brothers raised the bike's seat height by 6cm, creating more room for the rider to move around. They relocated the exhaust system and swapped to a 19-inch front wheel, making the bike more suitable for off-road use. The body panels (including fuel tank covers, side panels, front and rear mudguards, radiator covers and seat plate) were custom-built using hand-beaten 2mm aluminium, while a CNC-milled aluminium spine, carrying the fuel tank covers, was sanded and polished for added effect. A higher set of Renthal bars were chosen, which better suit the new riding position, and a suede leather cover adds style to the seat, which retains the original locking mechanism.
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2016 Yamaha Tracer 700 is the perfect sport tourer-lite for newbies

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Okay, so it's not very exciting to look at and the spec sheet is a bit ordinary, but the Yamaha Tracer 700 should be the ideal sports-tourer for newer, younger riders looking for an affordable machine

Yamaha have unveiled their new Tracer 700 sport-tourer that's based on the MT-07 and is a relatively simple, affordable machine which is also suitable for younger, less experienced riders. Powered by a 689cc parallel-twin that produces 75bhp and 68Nm of torque, the Tracer 700 isn't exactly an R1, but according to Yamaha, its engine's 270-degree crank delivers an uneven firing interval, which contributes towards strong acceleration and improved levels of traction.

While based on the MT-07's chassis, the Tracer 700's frame has been tweaked for sport-touring duties and has been optimised for two-up riding with luggage. The bike gets a longer swingarm, revised suspension settings (with 130mm travel front and rear) and dual 282mm front discs with 4-piston calipers for optimum braking power. ABS is standard.

The Tracer 700's 17-litre fuel tank should give it an acceptably long range (Yamaha have not quoted any fuel economy figures) though its ready-to-ride weight of 196kg seems to be a bit on the higher side. About 160-170 kilos would have made the Tracer a bit peppier. The windshield is manually adjustable and the stepped dual seat looks about right for comfortable long-distance riding. Yamaha are offering a range of useful accessories for the Tracer 700, including hard and soft luggage and a higher windscreen. Available colours include red, black and blue and the bike will be in Yamaha showrooms by July this year. For those who're new to motorcycle touring, this looks to be the ideal package…
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