motowebmaster

Rossi isn't doing that well this year, but he immortalized the new MotoGP Influenced R1. Among the sportbike crowd Yamaha should be da bomb.

What's strange is that Yamaha isn't doing well at all; so bad that it cost the CEO his job. I was reminded of this when I noticed that a Yamaha shop closed in a nearby town during one of my child-taxi duties. This particular shop was a neighbor to the state's largest Harley Dealership, but the Suzuki Dealer up the street isn't a real bike shop, unless you want to purchase your boat from the same person.

It made me think that Yamaha is in worse trouble, possibly worse than any other surviving motorcycle manufacturer.

__________________
Shawn
My Photos

Jamie

Picked up the latest (?) issue of Cycle World at the Istanbul airport (of all places!) yesterday. The new Kawa 1000cc superbike is on the cover. More than four pages of clearly factory-inspired hype about it, but NO pronouncement from either the factory or even the mag as to whether it can at least be expected to dislodge the BMW RR from its current superbike throne.

So I eagerly moved on to read the two pages devoted to Yamaha 2011 line-up. Not much of substance to report in there either. Ooops... the Super Ténéré (hardly a success with the European press, as posted earlier) will hit US shores next year together with the new FZ 8 (ditto). Black paint overall, BTW, which, be it smeared by Yamaha or its competitors (Triumph included) is becoming nauseating IMO

By way of contrast, I found the US automotive monthlies (bought at the same location, my return flight to Geneva being delayed) to be far more EXCITING (track comparos including the Corvette, the return of the Mustang "Boss", raving reports about the new Jag XJ, etc.) .

Best. Jamie

Speedtrip

I didn't expect the shop your talking about to make it Shawn, very small single line dealer that was fairly new. I think another local shop took their Yammy franchise.

The Prophet

Unless - of course - you are talking about the Iconic and legendary 2007 Bonneville Black, a most beautiful and gracious example of perfection offered stylishly in all Black.

O.K., yeah, you're right - everyone seems to be jumping on the "black is back" bandwagon, which will roll on until it's sad and ugly end no doubt. The risk is to very specifically date one's bike, as in choosing this years "most popular new" color, which unfortunately becomes discontinued next year due to lack of buyer interest (see: Yellow for bikes, Russet for Cars).

Painting something black as opposed to chroming or other type protective style finishes is considerably less expensive for the manufacturer, hence more coin available to finance the CEO's new lavish lifestyle.

Next will be "assemble yourself" bikes sold in kit form, a means to do away completely with many of the pesky minimum wage sweatshop workers in India and Thailand!


Back to topic: Seems to me that all of the Japan Inc., group have stifled any future development work (is Suzuki still out there?), or sponsorship dividends. Better to mind things back home, where the Japanese economy suffers worse than the highly misguided US economic woes.

Could Rossi's planned defection to Ducati have an overall souring effect on the Team? I would guess so as well. The great Kentucky siblings are also on the verge, so the remainder of this year - and the near future - are anyone's guess.

Ride safe!

Bob

P.S. The 2011 Triumph Thunderbird now has a new, exciting, revolutionary model... in all Black! It was only a matter of time.

__________________

• A good traveler has no fixed plans, and is not intent on arriving. ~Lao Tzu
• Motorcyles are not my whole life, but they make my life whole. ` me

motowebmaster

I did see something about Yamaha's approval for Rossi to test with Ducati, from my twitter feed. When he goes, where will be the fate all of that technology that Yamaha has introduced in the R1?

All of my motomag subscriptions haven't been renewed. I let CW go several months ago, and probably won't see the latest Motorcyclist issue - primarily as a protest to their journalist employment decisions. It is likely that I'll renew or subscribe to something, but am not sure what at this point. Maybe the multitudes are doing the same thing, which would be a possible drain on new-model information.

All manufacturers should respond to customer demands for black colors, but agree that it has been taken too far at times. Black is obviously the fastest color but black bikes that look like Blade Runner rejects have zero consumer loyalty or enthusiasm; regardless of how many girls sit on them in ICON or SnS ads.

Speedtrip

Rossi has signed with Ducati and American Ben Spies will take his seat at Yahaha.

The Prophet

Here's a quick look at the 2011 Thunderbird Storm - Black is the "new" black. Oddly, there is also an "Evil Knievil" looking T-Bird being offered for 2011. To each hizzone I guess.

New 2011 Triumph Thunderbird Storm 1700 - Motorcycle news: New bikes - Visordown

A great mag to consider is RoadRunner. Only if you like traveling/touring though, as that is 95% of the content. Well written, mature articles. Not a doo-rag, a leather fringe, nor a loud pipe tout (toot?) to be found. For very serious riders only.

Mostly reviews on touring style bikes and accessories, although the occasional "cruiser" can be found. Good stuff, and excellent travel information.

Another decent mag I've found is "Bike" magazine, published in Great Britain. Good writing and subject matter, but it'll cost you around USD $11.00 an issue here because it's imported. (Borders, Barnes & Noble). Geared much more towards the Sportbike crowd, and certifiable Harley - haters. In HD's defense, our good buddies, the Brits, never get the Harley / across the open plains/ concrete slab cruiser idea, as GB is so small. Forget for a moment the moronic "lifestyle" silliness, and it's arguably a decent bike for getting tons of Iowa/Nebraska/Kansas straight concrete slab miles behind you in relative comfort.

With regards to CW, I have a sneaky feeling that Peter Egan and Kevin Cameron will be retiring (?) soon, afterwhich the mag will sink super-fast. Lately, it's been one good issue, then the next month bad, then good, then bad. Odd, but true. Motorcyclist mag is flushing downward towards joining the rest of the "biker mag" ilk. Soon they'll have wet t-shirt contest highlights on the cover to lure additional kids to hopefully buy an issue.

BTW, I thought I read somewhere that Ducati was pulling out of MotoGP due to expenses. I may (!!) be wrong! Maybe it was another form of racing.

Ride Safe!

Bob

Speedtrip

Ducati will no longer have factory teams in AMA and World Super Bike but will continue to race in Moto GP.