Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com Autoblog http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/feedlogo.gif Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2013 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[French motorcycle journalist hits pole, takes a plunge]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/12/04/french-motorcycle-journalist-hits-pole-takes-a-plunge/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/12/04/french-motorcycle-journalist-hits-pole-takes-a-plunge/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/12/04/french-motorcycle-journalist-hits-pole-takes-a-plunge/#commentsFiled under: , ,

motorcyclist rides off pier

The man in the image above is Laurent Cochet, a journalist with the French magazine Moto Journal. He's testing a Yamaha FJR 1300 in Saint Martin en Ré, France next to the quai, and he's about to tape what he probably thinks will be a beautiful shot along the water, boat masts in the foreground, marina cafes and the back.

That is not at all what happens.

Bikes with hard panniers don't play well with bollards. When Cochet's luggage box hits the squat steel post, both Cochet and the bike take a spectacular ride over the edge of the quai. We're told that, thankfully, Cochet wasn't hurt beyond a few bruises and a sprained finger. The bike... not so much. Prepare to wince at the video below.

Continue reading French motorcycle journalist hits pole, takes a plunge

French motorcycle journalist hits pole, takes a plunge originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 04 Dec 2012 14:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>accidentcrashfjr 1300francelaurent cochetmoto journalmotorcyclevideovideoswreckyamahayamaha fjr 1300Tue, 04 Dec 2012 14:57:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20392540/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/12/04/french-motorcycle-journalist-hits-pole-takes-a-plunge/20392540/article-detail.xml 20392540 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/12/motorcycle-pier-dont-mix_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/12/motorcycle-pier-dont-mix.jpg <![CDATA[Roland Sands builds stretched Yamaha scooter]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/17/roland-sands-builds-stretched-yamaha-scooter/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/17/roland-sands-builds-stretched-yamaha-scooter/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/17/roland-sands-builds-stretched-yamaha-scooter/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Roland Sands Yamaha TMAX

What you see above was once a mild-mannered Yamaha TMAX 530 scooter (right), turned by Roland Sands Design into the naked wonder you see above. Yamaha is having fun with the introduction of the 2013 TMAX, asking various motorcycle personalities tune its innovative new scooter, which has its engine mounted in the frame, motorcycle style, as opposed to the swingarm.

Roland Sands, an ex-AMA racer and champion, went with inspiration from his racing days, whereas French motorcycle maven Ludovic Lazareth went with a stealth chopper theme. You can watch Sands' take on the TMAX in the video below.

Continue reading Roland Sands builds stretched Yamaha scooter

Roland Sands builds stretched Yamaha scooter originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 17 Nov 2012 14:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2013 yamaha tmax 530roland sandsroland sands designrsdscootertmaxtmax 530yamahaSat, 17 Nov 2012 14:02:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20381419/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/11/17/roland-sands-builds-stretched-yamaha-scooter/20381419/article-detail.xml 20381419 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/11/rolandsandstmax_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/11/rolandsandstmax.jpg <![CDATA[Motorcyclist survives crash, three days in a roadside ditch]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/09/19/motorcyclist-survives-crash-three-days-in-a-roadside-ditch/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/09/19/motorcyclist-survives-crash-three-days-in-a-roadside-ditch/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/09/19/motorcyclist-survives-crash-three-days-in-a-roadside-ditch/#commentsFiled under: , ,

A motorcycle rider in the UK spent three days lying in a roadside ditch after an accident last week. Anthony Margrave left his home after telling friends he was going for a short ride, but wound up laying down his Yamaha just 15 minutes into his outing.

Both Margrave and the bike wound up sliding into a seven-foot-deep ditch between a road and a field, after colliding with a metal sign post. The 40-year-old motorcyclist collected a fractured spine, broken ribs and a damaged airway in the process. A police search party found him three days later after spotting fragments of the bike, and initially thought Margrave was dead.

It was only when an officer spotted him blinking his eyes that he was rushed to the hospital. By that point, Margrave was also suffering from hypothermia. Doctors induced a coma and performed surgery on the rider's airway, but The Daily Mail reports the lucky motorcycle rider is in critical condition, but has been taken off of life support.

Margrave said he was conscious during most of the three days and shouted for help from passing cars to no avail. Due to his injuries, he could not move his hands to fetch his phone or brush bugs away from crawling over his body. Even so, family members say he is in good spirits overall, only becoming upset when he learned his bike was demolished and that paramedics had cut his fairly expensive jeans.

Motorcyclist survives crash, three days in a roadside ditch originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 19 Sep 2012 18:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>anthony margravemotorcyclemotorcycle crashmotorcyclist in a ditchukunited kingdomwreckyamahaWed, 19 Sep 2012 18:33:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20327419/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/09/19/motorcyclist-survives-crash-three-days-in-a-roadside-ditch/20327419/article-detail.xml 20327419 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/09/man-vs-wild-seasons-1-7-cover_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/09/man-vs-wild-seasons-1-7-cover.jpg <![CDATA[After desert crash, motorcycle racer rides 14 more miles with broken ribs, collapsed lung]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/09/02/after-desert-crash-motorcycle-racer-rides-14-more-miles-with-br/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/09/02/after-desert-crash-motorcycle-racer-rides-14-more-miles-with-br/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/09/02/after-desert-crash-motorcycle-racer-rides-14-more-miles-with-br/#commentsFiled under: , ,



Endurance off-road racing is brutal, and riders willing to tackle the open desert on a motorcycle are as tough as they are adventurous. Sam Longson, competing in the Best in the Desert "Vegas to Reno" race on August 17, showed just how rough off-road racing can be when he rode his bike the final 14 miles of the race with three broken ribs and a partially collapsed lung.

After riding 520 miles of the 534-mile event (known as the "Longest Off-Road Race in the United States"), Longson crashed his Yamaha after hitting what appears to be loose gravel over the trail. The incident occurs at the 4:30 mark of the video, at which point Longson flies back-first into the rock-strewn terrain.

Being in such a remote location meant Longson was far from help, so he hopped back on his bike, took a quick breather and headed for the finish line. Through the rest of the video, you hear him groaning in pain as he rides over the rough terrain. Despite all that, he finished the race in 38th place overall and third in his class.

The ordeal, recorded on Longson's helmet camera, is posted below. Note that the audio contains some explicit language, particularly (and understandably) in the portion following the crash.

Continue reading After desert crash, motorcycle racer rides 14 more miles with broken ribs, collapsed lung

After desert crash, motorcycle racer rides 14 more miles with broken ribs, collapsed lung originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 02 Sep 2012 20:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>best in the desertmotorcycle crashmotorcycle crash videooff-road racingsam longsonvegas to renovideoyamahaSun, 02 Sep 2012 20:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20314370/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/09/02/after-desert-crash-motorcycle-racer-rides-14-more-miles-with-br/20314370/article-detail.xml 20314370 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/08/endurance-motorcycle-crash_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/08/endurance-motorcycle-crash.jpg <![CDATA[Valentino Rossi leaves Ducati, heads home to Yamaha]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/10/valentino-rossi-leaves-ducati-heads-home-to-yamaha/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/10/valentino-rossi-leaves-ducati-heads-home-to-yamaha/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/10/valentino-rossi-leaves-ducati-heads-home-to-yamaha/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Valentino Rossi Ducati crash

After an undeniably unsuccessful two-year relationship with Ducati, motorcycle superstar Valentino Rossi has decided to take his talents back to Yamaha, the team he left at the end of the 2010 season for what he hoped would be greener pastures.

The deal signed by Rossi will see him wearing Yamaha blue for two years - the 2013 and 2014 seasons - and teaming up once again with Jorge Lorenzo, the 25-year-old Spanish rider who won the World Championship in 2010 and is currently doing the same for 2012. Though Lorenzo is undoubtedly an extremely gifted rider, Rossi is a fan and sponsor favorite and is sure to help Yamaha bring in some much-needed sponsorship dollars.

As to who will be filling Rossi's vacated saddle at Ducati, rumor has it that the Italian team is most interested in Italian rider Andrea Dovizioso. If that's the case, he will be paired up with American Nicky Hayden, who has been with Ducati since 2009. Dueling press releases, one from Ducati and the other from Yamaha, can be found below. Suffice it to say, the 2013 MotoGP season - even without Casey Stoner - is shaping up to be rather interesting.

Continue reading Valentino Rossi leaves Ducati, heads home to Yamaha

Valentino Rossi leaves Ducati, heads home to Yamaha originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 10 Aug 2012 15:46:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>andrea doviziosoducatijorge lorenzomotogpnicky haydenvalentino rossiyamahaFri, 10 Aug 2012 15:46:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20298289/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/08/10/valentino-rossi-leaves-ducati-heads-home-to-yamaha/20298289/article-detail.xml 20298289 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/08/rossi-ducati-crash_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/08/rossi-ducati-crash.jpg <![CDATA[Formula Cross YFC 450 ATV-based kart priced at $7,500* [w/video]]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/07/formula-cross-yfc-450-atv-based-kart-priced-at-7-500-w-video/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/07/formula-cross-yfc-450-atv-based-kart-priced-at-7-500-w-video/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/07/formula-cross-yfc-450-atv-based-kart-priced-at-7-500-w-video/#commentsFiled under: , ,



The Formula Cross YFC 450, a rally kart based on the Yamaha YFZ 450 ATV from 2002-2013, has been priced at $7,500, but that's for the build-it-yourself kit and doesn't include taxes or shipping. If you want Formula Cross to put it together for you, something you might want to consider since the kit includes 40 items plus hardware, that will be an extra $1,350 after you've delivered it to their facility.

However, Formula Cross touts that every bit of their creation is customizable, so if you've got time you could have some fun wrenching your own creation - and we're told there's no welding required. The wet weight has gone up since the initial announcement, from 495 pounds to 620 pounds "on certain models," but that shouldn't stop the fun.

To get in line with a pre-order will run you $2,500, and the first deliveries are scheduled to leave the building in November. This being a completely new animal, however, we wouldn't be surprised if specs, dates and prices come in for revision before then. For a reminder of the still-potent promise of the YFC 450, check out the video below.

Continue reading Formula Cross YFC 450 ATV-based kart priced at $7,500* [w/video]

Formula Cross YFC 450 ATV-based kart priced at $7,500* [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 07 Aug 2012 16:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>atvformula crossmotorsportsrallycrossrallyingvideovideosvimeoyamahayfc 450yfz 450Tue, 07 Aug 2012 16:56:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20295005/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/08/07/formula-cross-yfc-450-atv-based-kart-priced-at-7-500-w-video/20295005/article-detail.xml 20295005 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/08/formulacrossatvbuggy_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/08/formulacrossatvbuggy.jpg <![CDATA[Formula Cross seeks to turn ATVs into mini racers]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/07/24/formula-cross-seeks-to-turn-atvs-into-mini-racers/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/07/24/formula-cross-seeks-to-turn-atvs-into-mini-racers/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/07/24/formula-cross-seeks-to-turn-atvs-into-mini-racers/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



Although the vehicle sliding through the image above looks something like a cartoonified World Rally Championship Ford Focus, it is actually an ATV - the Yamaha YZF 450 Raptor, at right - turned into a miniature rally car. The transformation comes courtesy of Formula Cross, a company that wants to create an entry series into motorsports or weekend-warrioring that's more open, and kinder on the body, than karting. From what we can tell, the brains behind the machine is none other than RMR.

The resulting YFC 450 has equipment like a tubular chassis and "build it" roll cage, a racing steering wheel, and 12 inches of wheel travel with an adjustable sway bar and a wider track. The Formula Cross site announces its creation is coming this fall, so there's not a lot of information to really figure out exactly how they've completed the metamorphosis or how much it will cost. The whole thing is said to weigh 495 pounds wet; there's an asterisk after that, though, and back to that lack of info, we have no idea what the numerous asterisks on the equipment and specs lists represent.

We can say without any asterisks that we're intrigued. There's a video below to watch the Formula Cross in dirty action.

Continue reading Formula Cross seeks to turn ATVs into mini racers

Formula Cross seeks to turn ATVs into mini racers originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 24 Jul 2012 16:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>atvformula crossmotorsportsrallycrossrallyingvideovideosvimeoyamahayfc 450yzf 450 raptorTue, 24 Jul 2012 16:56:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20282983/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/07/24/formula-cross-seeks-to-turn-atvs-into-mini-racers/20282983/article-detail.xml 20282983 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/07/formula-crossyfc450_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/07/formula-crossyfc450.jpg <![CDATA[Harley-Davidson V-Rod hits the 'Ring while Yamaha R1 sets new lap record]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/06/11/harley-davidson-v-rod-hits-the-ring-while-yamaha-r1-sets-new-re/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/06/11/harley-davidson-v-rod-hits-the-ring-while-yamaha-r1-sets-new-re/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/06/11/harley-davidson-v-rod-hits-the-ring-while-yamaha-r1-sets-new-re/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Harley-Davidson V-Rod on the Nurburgring

It's been 10 years since Harley-Davidson decided to stick a pinkie toe into new product development with the V-Rod. The crew from Bridge to Gantry decided to celebrate the liquid-cooled V-Twin's birthday by taking it out for a little fun around the Nürburgring.

If it seems odd to pair the V-Rod with one of the world's most challenging road courses, it is. Technically, Porsche lent a hand in developing the 60 degree, 130-horsepower engine at the heart of the modern cruiser, but punishing the carousel probably wasn't high on HD's list of development goals. We imagine it ranked in the same neighborhood as taking the gold in the Paris-Dakar.

Even so, the bike has plenty of power on hand just waiting to throw machine and rider down the course's longer straights, but as Bridge to Gantry points out, it just isn't at home kissing apexes. That's not to say the 2012 V-Rod isn't an improvement over its predecessors. With new Michelin tires, Bridge to Gantry says the bike can now take better advantage of its suspension for some relatively reasonable handling.

So, now that we know that a V-Rod isn't the most desirable weapon with which to tackle the 'Ring, what is? You could certainly do worse than starting with a modern liter-bike, like the lightly modified 2005 Yamaha R1 used by Andy Carlilse recently to set a new two-wheel lap record of seven minutes and 10 seconds.

Scroll down below to watch both machines blaze their own distinct trails down the snaking Nürburgring.

Continue reading Harley-Davidson V-Rod hits the 'Ring while Yamaha R1 sets new lap record

Harley-Davidson V-Rod hits the 'Ring while Yamaha R1 sets new lap record originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 11 Jun 2012 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>harley-davidsonharley-davidson v-rodnurburgringnurburgring lap recordnurburgring motorcyclenurburgring recordr1v-rodvideoyamahayamaha r1Mon, 11 Jun 2012 20:00:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20255857/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/06/11/harley-davidson-v-rod-hits-the-ring-while-yamaha-r1-sets-new-re/20255857/article-detail.xml 20255857 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/06/v-rod-on-nurburgring-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/06/v-rod-on-nurburgring-628.jpg <![CDATA[185-mph Vancouver joyrider's motorcycle impounded [w/video]]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/19/185-mph-vancouver-joyriders-motorcycle-impounded-w-video/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/19/185-mph-vancouver-joyriders-motorcycle-impounded-w-video/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/19/185-mph-vancouver-joyriders-motorcycle-impounded-w-video/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Canada's 185-mph Yamaha joyrider

We're losing track of how many top gunners post high-speed-run videos on public roads on YouTube and then get busted. Police take that tomfoolery personally, and you'd think they put the entire department on the case judging by how quickly the perps get caught.

Latest on the list is a Canadian motorcyclist who took his Yamaha on the Trans-Canada Highway and ran it to about 300 kph. CBC News now reports that the unidentified rider in question is 25 years old, unlicensed, riding an uninsured Yamaha R1 registered in his mother's name. Then there's the small matter of his 25 previous infractions.

Police wasted no time tracking down YouTube poster "Joe Blow," but he's been uncooperative up to now. We have no idea why he wasn't in jail already after 25 violations, but we're guessing his Internet handle will soon be changed to "Three Hots and a Cot." Scroll down to refresh your memory with a video demonstration of his stupidity.

Continue reading 185-mph Vancouver joyrider's motorcycle impounded [w/video]

185-mph Vancouver joyrider's motorcycle impounded [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 19 Apr 2012 17:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>185 mphcanadar1vancouvervancouver motorcyclistvideoyamahayamaha r1Thu, 19 Apr 2012 17:28:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20219834/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/04/19/185-mph-vancouver-joyriders-motorcycle-impounded-w-video/20219834/article-detail.xml 20219834 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/04/canadamotorun_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/04/canadamotorun.jpg <![CDATA[Vancouver motorcyclist's 185-MPH ride has cops' attention]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/18/vancouver-motorcyclists-185-mph-ride-has-cops-attention/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/18/vancouver-motorcyclists-185-mph-ride-has-cops-attention/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/18/vancouver-motorcyclists-185-mph-ride-has-cops-attention/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



In the pantheon of bad ideas and even worse ideas, capturing yourself on video gratuitously breaking the law and later flaunting your indiscretions to the local constabulary ranks right between sticking your face into a diesel truck's tailpipe and standing atop a motorcycle shooting off a gun on city streets.

In other words, it's dumb.

Funny thing is, people seem to make this egregious mistake rather often. Exhibit A: This motorcyclist in Moscow. Exhibit B: The video you'll see below.

First off, it's seriously stupid and irresponsible to risk your own life and the lives of others by riding at speeds of up to 185 miles per hour while weaving your way through traffic. But it takes even fewer brain cells to share video evidence on YouTube, especially considering that we can all see that you're riding what appears to be a 2006 Yamaha R1 painted up in factory blue.

According to CBC News, Vancouver Island police are trying to track down the rider in this clip. Scroll down below to see the video for yourself.

Continue reading Vancouver motorcyclist's 185-MPH ride has cops' attention

Vancouver motorcyclist's 185-MPH ride has cops' attention originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 18 Apr 2012 14:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>185 mphmorning commutemotorcyclemotorcycle videomotorcyclistr1vancouvervancouver islandvancouver motorcyclistvictoria highwayvideoyamahayamaha r1Wed, 18 Apr 2012 14:57:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20218593/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/04/18/vancouver-motorcyclists-185-mph-ride-has-cops-attention/20218593/article-detail.xml 20218593 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/04/vancouver-yamaha-r1_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/04/vancouver-yamaha-r1.jpg <![CDATA[Watch this rolling cliché of motorcycle drifting, stunting, fast cars and hot models]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/03/02/watch-this-rolling-cliche-of-motorcycle-drifting-stunting-fast/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/03/02/watch-this-rolling-cliche-of-motorcycle-drifting-stunting-fast/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/03/02/watch-this-rolling-cliche-of-motorcycle-drifting-stunting-fast/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Graves Yamaha R1 stunt video

If you film it, they will watch.

Apparently, a video featuring a heavily modified Graves Motorsports Yamaha R1 ridden by stunt rider Bill Dixon isn't enough of a draw to attract the easily wandering eyes of the YouTube crowd. So, in addition to the blacked-out bike, which Dixon describes as "the epitome of badass," the film crew also brought along a couple cars, all of them black, including a Stillen-modified Nissan GT-R and some sort of supercharged-Hemi-powered police car.

Not enough? Fine. How about aerial shots from a helicopter and a couple of leggy models named Angela and Destiny, dressed in both impossibly skimpy (NSFW!) bikinis and Holloween-ready police girl outfits?

Yep, this video's got all the chichéd stereotype boxes checked. All that's left to do is watch. You'll find it after the break... and remember, it's probably best not to do so at work.

Continue reading Watch this rolling cliché of motorcycle drifting, stunting, fast cars and hot models

Watch this rolling cliché of motorcycle drifting, stunting, fast cars and hot models originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 02 Mar 2012 20:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bill dixongravesgraves motorsportsgraves yamahamotorcycle drift videomotorcycle driftingmotorcycle stunt videor1yamahayamaha r1Fri, 02 Mar 2012 20:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20184904/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/03/02/watch-this-rolling-cliche-of-motorcycle-drifting-stunting-fast/20184904/article-detail.xml 20184904 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/03/graves-yamaha-r1-vid-3_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/03/graves-yamaha-r1-vid-3.jpg <![CDATA[James Stewart and Red Bull hit the Motocross track in slow-mo]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/06/james-stewart-and-red-bull-hit-the-motocross-track-in-slow-mo/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/06/james-stewart-and-red-bull-hit-the-motocross-track-in-slow-mo/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/06/james-stewart-and-red-bull-hit-the-motocross-track-in-slow-mo/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

James Bubba Stewart slow motion

Following up on the two-wheeled slow-motion theme in 2012, Red Bull is highlighting two-time motocross champion James Stewart and his factory Yamaha race bike. We've already seen a couple of Honda-mounted MotoGP riders at 1,000 frames per second, so it only seems appropriate to see what super slow motion looks like on the dirt.

Bubba makes it look easy when viewed frame-by-frame at these speeds, but, as anyone who's ever thrown a leg over a motocross bike's saddle some 40-inches above the ground will tell you, there's nothing easy about it. Whether skimming the top of the whoops, railing through a tight turn or flying through the air like an acrobat on wheels, we're simply in awe of Stewart's abilities aboard his dark blue steed.

We highly suggest you click past the break to watch the video, it's well worth your time.

Continue reading James Stewart and Red Bull hit the Motocross track in slow-mo

James Stewart and Red Bull hit the Motocross track in slow-mo originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 06 Jan 2012 19:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Call us jaded, but these days, there are few vehicles at the average auto show that can stop us in our tracks. Yamaha has proven there's still something to get excited about on the show floor with its Y125 Moegi. The design study has all of the grace and elegance of a bicycle with the all important element of internal combustion lifted from a small-displacement motorcycle. The 125cc fuel-injected single cylinder engine likely has just enough power to whirr you around town.

Yamaha didn't release any actual figures for horsepower or torque, but we do know the bike weighs a scant 176 pounds soaking wet. It wouldn't take much to propel the machine through the city streets. Unfortunately, it doesn't look like Yamaha has any plans to bring the sexy contraption to market. That's a shame, but it's at least good to know that the company's designers are throwing an eye towards elegance. Hit the jump to check out a video of the Y125 doing what it does best.

Continue reading Yamaha Y125 Moegi is an elegant cruiser [w/video]

Yamaha Y125 Moegi is an elegant cruiser [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 01 Dec 2011 16:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>moegitokyotokyo 2011tokyo motor showy125y125 moegiyamahayamaha y125 moegiThu, 01 Dec 2011 16:31:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20118711/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/12/01/yamaha-y125-moegi-tokyo-2011/20118711/article-detail.xml 20118711 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/12/01-yamaha-y125-moegi-tokyo-2011628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/12/01-yamaha-y125-moegi-tokyo-2011628.jpg <![CDATA["It's Better in the Wind" short film is a beautiful ode to two wheels]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/11/06/its-better-in-the-wind-short-film-is-a-beautiful-ode-to-two-w/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/11/06/its-better-in-the-wind-short-film-is-a-beautiful-ode-to-two-w/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/11/06/its-better-in-the-wind-short-film-is-a-beautiful-ode-to-two-w/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Its Better in the Wind film

Winter is right around the corner, and if you own a motorcycle and live in a part of the country that endures freezing temperatures, rain and snow this time of year, you're likely also staring at a long, painful stint out of the saddle. The good news is that time keeps on slipping into the future, and spring is but a skip down the calendar. Fortunately, we have the power of the internet to help scratch the riding itch during the dark months. Scott Toepfer has finally released his short film, "It's Better in the Wind," and the 15-minute clip spends time following three riders as they explore the world on a trio of vintage customs.

Toepfer himself rides an old Yamaha XS650, and the machine consumed a number of mechanical pieces during the months that it took to shoot the film. While Toepfer relied on plenty of digital equipment to capture his scenes, he also turned to a classic Super-8 as well. The finished product is perfectly cool, and makes us pine for another road trip. Hit the jump to check it out.

Continue reading "It's Better in the Wind" short film is a beautiful ode to two wheels

"It's Better in the Wind" short film is a beautiful ode to two wheels originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 06 Nov 2011 20:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>its better in the windmotorcycleScott Toepfershort filmyamahayamaha xs650Sun, 06 Nov 2011 20:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20099771/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/11/06/its-better-in-the-wind-short-film-is-a-beautiful-ode-to-two-w/20099771/article-detail.xml 20099771 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/11/its-better-in-the-wind_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/11/its-better-in-the-wind.jpg <![CDATA[Yamaha calls on big-name talent for Vmax Hyper Modified project]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/10/27/yamaha-calls-on-big-name-talent-for-vmax-hyper-modified-project/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/10/27/yamaha-calls-on-big-name-talent-for-vmax-hyper-modified-project/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/10/27/yamaha-calls-on-big-name-talent-for-vmax-hyper-modified-project/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Yamaha Vmax Hyper Modified teaser screen capture

We won't be strolling the aisles of this year's EICMA show in Milan, and that's nothing short of a crying shame. There's going to be a wide selection of fantastic machines on display, including a very interesting project built on the bones of the Yamaha Vmax. Yamaha Europe has released a teaser for the custom bike, and as it turns out, the project has called upon some of the most renowned builders in the world. Roland Sands, Marcus Walz and Ludovic Lazareth have all thrown in a bit of expertise on the project, and the result should be nothing short of stunning.

The crew calls the project the Vmax Hyper Modified, but details are scarce beyond that. We don't even know if each of the guys on the crew is responsible for an individual bike of their own or whether they've pooled their talents for a final concept. Either way, we can't wait to see the final product. Hit the jump to take a look at the teaser video.

Continue reading Yamaha calls on big-name talent for Vmax Hyper Modified project

Yamaha calls on big-name talent for Vmax Hyper Modified project originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 27 Oct 2011 18:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eicmaeicma 2011hyper modifiedlazarethludovic lazarethmarcus walzroland sandstrailervideovmaxvmax hyper modifiedyamahayamaha vmaxyamaha vmax hyper modifiedThu, 27 Oct 2011 18:59:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20091158/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/10/27/yamaha-calls-on-big-name-talent-for-vmax-hyper-modified-project/20091158/article-detail.xml 20091158 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/10/vmax-hyper-modified-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/10/vmax-hyper-modified-628.jpg <![CDATA[Aussie racer objects to track conditions by... taking over?]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/08/25/aussie-racer-objects-to-track-conditions-by-taking-over/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/08/25/aussie-racer-objects-to-track-conditions-by-taking-over/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/08/25/aussie-racer-objects-to-track-conditions-by-taking-over/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

phil ward delays start to aussie racing cars event queensland

The man pictured above is Phil Ward. He is a former pro Touring Car driver who was inspired by the American Legends and started the Aussie Racing Cars series. These are scaled-down imitations of popular racecars found in the V8 Supercars series, powered by turbocharged 1.2-liter twin-cam Yamaha motors. That mill is paired with a sequential manual transmission, and the entire concept seems like it would equal about as much fun as you can have with 125 horsepower.

But that's not what we're here to talk about. Before the start of a recent race in Queensland, Ward apparently wasn't happy with the track conditions. Rather than sit and wait for officials to do something about it, Ward ran his Aussie Racing Car to the front of the grid, hopped out and told officials to delay the start. We guess if you own the series, you can do things like that.

Still, the delayed start nearly caused serious issues for those drivers finishing their warm-up laps. Click past the jump to see Ward delay the race, and the resulting (almost) carnage. Also, pay close attention towards the end of the video to get an idea of the scale of cars being raced. Either they are that tiny, or the Porsche Panamera pace car is enormous. (Okay, so maybe it's a bit of both...)

Continue reading Aussie racer objects to track conditions by... taking over?

Aussie racer objects to track conditions by... taking over? originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 25 Aug 2011 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aussie racing carsaustralialegend racerlegendsphil wardqueenslandracingv8 supercarsvideoyamahaThu, 25 Aug 2011 12:30:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20025982/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/08/25/aussie-racer-objects-to-track-conditions-by-taking-over/20025982/article-detail.xml 20025982 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/08/aussie-legends-interrupted_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/08/aussie-legends-interrupted.jpg <![CDATA[Yamaha Tesseract four-wheeled motorcycle in development? [w/video]]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/05/27/yamaha-tesseract-four-wheeled-motorcycle-in-development/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/05/27/yamaha-tesseract-four-wheeled-motorcycle-in-development/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/05/27/yamaha-tesseract-four-wheeled-motorcycle-in-development/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Yamaha Tesseract Concept
Yamaha Tesseract Concept - Click above for high-res image gallery

The Yamaha Tesseract from the 2007 Tokyo Motor Show is still one of our favorite concept vehicles ever created... both for the sheer lunacy of its appearance and ingeniousness of its design. If you happen to agree with our judgement, we have some good news: recent patent filings indicate that Yamaha may actually intend to build something like this for production.

There are some differences worth noting that separate the machine described in the patent documents from the actual Tesseract concept, notably the use of a parallel twin engine instead of a V-twin and dual shafts driving the rear wheels instead of chains. It's that latter item that makes us think Yamaha might actually be developing this machine, as those conceptual chains would be a nightmare to keep sorted and matched in real life.

Before you get too excited, though, now would be a good time to remind you that a vehicle like the Tesseract would never be sold in the United States... at least not for road use. Because it has four wheels, the Tesseract would be classified as an automobile (though it is most definitely a motorcycle in every meaningful sense), and that means it would need to pass crash and safety testing. Suffice it to say there's no chance in purgatory that the machine would make it through that nightmarish legislative process.

Still, we can dream. And we can also gaze at the pretty pictures in our image gallery and even watch a rendered video of the concept in action. Find it after the break.

Continue reading Yamaha Tesseract four-wheeled motorcycle in development? [w/video]

Yamaha Tesseract four-wheeled motorcycle in development? [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 27 May 2011 08:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>four wheelerfour-wheeled motorcycleleaning carquad motorcycletesseractyamahayamaha tesseractyamaha tesseract conceptFri, 27 May 2011 08:57:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19951477/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/05/27/yamaha-tesseract-four-wheeled-motorcycle-in-development/19951477/article-detail.xml 19951477 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/05/yamahatesseractconceptlead_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/05/yamahatesseractconceptlead.jpg <![CDATA[Yamaha unveils Power Beam damper to control motorcycle frame flex]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/03/22/yamaha-unveils-power-beam-damper-to-control-motorcycle-frame-fle/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/03/22/yamaha-unveils-power-beam-damper-to-control-motorcycle-frame-fle/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/03/22/yamaha-unveils-power-beam-damper-to-control-motorcycle-frame-fle/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Yamaha Power Beam

Yamaha has introduced a new product aimed at dampening frame flex in motorcycles and scooters. All two-wheeled machines experience varying levels of deflection under hard riding, and while excess flex can give the impression of an unsettled machine, too little can numb the bike's handing at the limit. In order to find that Goldilocks sweet spot between the two extremes, Yamaha has introduced the Power Beam. The device soaks up energy from frame flex and converts it into heat energy, which is then dissipated. The company says that the device serves up a more comfortable, stable ride.

While you'd think that that the new tech would debut on the latest and greatest street rocket from Yamaha, the company says at first, the Power Beam will only be available on the company's T-Max scooter. From what we hear, the T-Max enjoys a fairly substantial tuning following and owners are quick to snap up the latest and greatest piece of kit from the Japanese manufacturer. There is some indication that the Power Beam may make its way to other products in the near future, however.

[Source: Visordown, Asphalt & Rubber]

Yamaha unveils Power Beam damper to control motorcycle frame flex originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 22 Mar 2011 07:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>motrorcyclepower beamscooteryamahayamaha power beamTue, 22 Mar 2011 07:58:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19886720/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/03/22/yamaha-unveils-power-beam-damper-to-control-motorcycle-frame-fle/19886720/article-detail.xml 19886720 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/03/power-beam-630_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/03/power-beam-630.jpg <![CDATA[Fiat and Yamaha officially part ways for 2011 MotoGP season]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/01/04/fiat-and-yamaha-officially-part-ways-for-2011-motogp-season/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/01/04/fiat-and-yamaha-officially-part-ways-for-2011-motogp-season/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/01/04/fiat-and-yamaha-officially-part-ways-for-2011-motogp-season/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Fiat-Yamaha

All good things must come to an end. Although the Fiat-Yamaha MotoGP collaboration has seemingly brought a great deal of success to both manufacturers since Fiat's sponsorship of the Yamaha team first began in 2007, the time has come for the two outfits to go their separate ways.

The biggest single reason why Italian automaker Fiat is pulling its support seems to stem from the lack of an Italian rider on the Yamaha factory squad now that Valentino Rossi is firmly entrenched in the Ducati paddock. Apparently, winning, as Yamaha convincingly did in 2010 with Spanish rider Jorge Lorenzo in the lead, isn't all it's cracked up to be without that little extra bit of home-country star power.

At this point, it appears that Yamaha will begin the 2011 race season without a title sponsor, with Lorenzo and American teammate Ben Spies racing under its own banner. No hard feelings, of course.

[Source: Fiat-Yamaha via Asphalt & Rubber | Photo: Drew Phillips]

Fiat and Yamaha officially part ways for 2011 MotoGP season originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 04 Jan 2011 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ben spiesfiatfiat-yamahajorge lorenzomotogpvalentino rossiyamahaTue, 04 Jan 2011 08:00:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19785025/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/01/04/fiat-and-yamaha-officially-part-ways-for-2011-motogp-season/19785025/article-detail.xml 19785025 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/01/fiat-yamaha-team_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/01/fiat-yamaha-team.jpg <![CDATA[Yamaha and Hermès mix business with leather for special VMax]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/10/20/yamaha-and-hermes-mix-business-with-leather-for-special-vmax/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/10/20/yamaha-and-hermes-mix-business-with-leather-for-special-vmax/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/10/20/yamaha-and-hermes-mix-business-with-leather-for-special-vmax/#commentsFiled under: ,


Yamaha VMax by Hermès - Click above for high-res image gallery

Anyone who's anyone knows that motorcycles and leather go together like gin and tonic. But usually the leather's on the rider. Yamaha evidently figured it was time to turn that particular convention on its head, and teamed up with no less prestigious a clothier than Hermès to pull it off.

Now as you may recall from the Bugatti Veyron Fbg par Hermes - or for that matter from their Citroën 2CV or Smart ForTwo - the French fashion house knows a thing or two about trimming a motor vehicle. So they started with the Yamaha VMax, the very epitome of the muscle bike. With its four-cylinder engine and brushed metalwork, the VMax is about as mean as they come, until Hermes came along and decked it out in fine buffalo skin, covering everything from the head lamp to the exhaust pipe.

The special VMax was just recently unveiled at a motorbike show in Cologne, Germany. Unfortunately it's a one-off creation at the moment, but it's not the first time the two powerhouses have collaborated: go back fifteen years and you'll find evidence of Hermes having similarly worked its magic on the Virago, the first Japanese V-Twin cruiser to give the likes of Harley-Davidson a run for its money.


Gallery: Yamaha Vmax by Hermes


[Source: Yamaha]

Yamaha and Hermès mix business with leather for special VMax originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 20 Oct 2010 18:41:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>hermèshermesyamahayamaha vmaxWed, 20 Oct 2010 18:41:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19680675/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2010/10/20/yamaha-and-hermes-mix-business-with-leather-for-special-vmax/19680675/article-detail.xml 19680675 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/10/web630-5053913013f609eb46bcb_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/10/web630-5053913013f609eb46bcb.jpg -1 2