We nonetheless cannot have it and simply hold rubbing our faces in it, Yamaha.
Tag Archives: Yamaha
4 Yamaha Tech Devices You Might Not Realize Exist
In 1900, Torakusu Yamaha constructed the primary Japanese piano, and the corporate hasn’t stopped since. Yamaha grew to become a staple for pianists worldwide, who loved its merchandise, from the comforts of their houses to the grand live performance halls the place they play professionally. Among its improvements that also affect the music trade at this time is a line of high-tech pianos.
One distinctive technology-powered piano is Yamaha’s TransAcoustic Piano, providing a built-in transducer system that may let pianists create digital results, like electrical pianos, strings, and even a choir. In addition, the TransAcoustic Piano lets pianists document music by way of USB or Bluetooth-enabled gadgets simply. However, this is not even its top-of-the-line mannequin.
Yahama refers back to the Yamaha Disklavier as “the world’s most advanced piano.” The Disklavier is available in 4 variations: Enspire Pro, Enspire ST, Enspire CL, and DKC-900. In addition to a high-quality recording and playback system that may work in a wide range of codecs, the Disklavier collection additionally presents streaming companies, auto-calibration, motorized muting methods, built-in audio system, app integration, and extra.
In current years, Yamaha has continued to push the boundaries of what it might probably do with musical devices. In 2018, working with Tokyo arts universities Yamaha used AI to turn a dancer’s movements into piano sounds. Titled “Mai Hi Ten Yu,” the efficiency was carried out in tandem with dancer Kaiji Moriyama and the Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra Scharoun Ensemble.
Yamaha Unveils Its Final-Edition Snowmobiles, Saying Farewell to the Industry
Snowmobiles make up a sizeable slice of the powersports pie. So when Yamaha announced it was pulling out of the industry in June 2023, it was a tricky blow. Especially when you think about RideApart’s uptick in snowmobile coverage.
But, earlier than Yamaha rides right into a powdery sundown, it has one last hurrah for all its loyal fanatics. The model simply unveiled its final-edition snowmobiles, which embody 4 limited-edition fashions.
Final-Edition Snowmobiles
Yamaha launched its first snowmobile approach again in 1968, and 57 years later, its lineup consists of 16 final-edition fashions. Undoubtedly, probably the most thrilling of the bunch are the limited-edition items, of which there are 4.
The limited-edition lineup for 2025 consists of the Sidewinder L-TX LE, X-TX LE, M-TX LE, and the SRX.
If you do not wish to shell out for the additional bling featured on the limited-edition fashions, the remainder of the fashions within the lineup embody the Sidewinder L-TX GT, Sidewinder S-TX GT EPS, SRViper GT, Sidewinder L-TX SE, Sidewinder X-TX SE, SX Venom, Venom Mount, Transporter Lite, Transporter Lite 2-Up, Transportor 800, Snoscoot, and the SRX 120.
Long-time supporters of Yamaha snowmobiles pondering of choosing up one of many last editions may wish to pay shut consideration to the fashions that include the ultimate version badging.
Check out every of the ultimate fashions in additional element under.
Continued Service
This will likely be Yamaha’s last snowmobile launch, however consumers needn’t concern that they’re going to be left excessive and dry sooner or later. According to the video, Yamaha dealerships will proceed to face behind the ultimate sleds for years to return with elements, service, and guarantee.
So tell us within the feedback: will you be one of many few to personal a final-edition Yamaha snowmobile?
2024 Yamaha TMAX 560 Breaks Cover In Japan
The Yamaha TMAX is taken into account by many because the maxi-scooter that began all of it. It first entered the scene on the flip of the millennium and dared to alter the very essence of the scooter. In the 24 years of its existence, the TMAX has advanced with extra efficiency and tech, all whereas retaining practicality and luxury at its very core.
For 2024, Yamaha has taken the wraps off the brand new TMAX 560 in its residence nation of Japan, and the OG has been given a slew of updates to make it even higher. Quite frankly, I’m not a maxi-scooter kinda man, but when I have been to get one, it will be the Yamaha TMAX.
Let’s check out among the the explanation why.
2024 Yamaha TMAX 560 – Right Side
2024 Yamaha TMAX 560 – Left Side
For starters, the Yamaha TMAX is among the stronger scooters on the market relating to efficiency, as in its 2024 guise, it’s powered by a 562cc, liquid-cooled, fuel-injected, parallel-twin engine. While 47 ponies at 7,500 rpm and 41 pound-feet of torque might not appear to be a lot, it’s actually a whole lot of energy for a scooter.
To sweeten the deal, Yamaha has thrown in a bunch of tech options like traction management, a full-color TFT show with Garmin navigation, cruise management, keyless ignition, and even heated seats and grips—discuss five-star facilities.
But scooters have all the time been about practicality, and the 2024 Yamaha TMAX is not any exception. Apart from enveloping you in consolation because of its tall windscreen, relaxed ergos, and soft seat, it may possibly achieve this for each you and a passenger because of its spacious saddle. Under mentioned saddle is a bunch of cupboard space so that you can home your each day necessities. And if that’s not sufficient, there’s the choice of becoming saddlebags or a high case, as is a typical improve for TMAX house owners trying to maximize utility.
2024 Yamaha TMAX 560 – Right Front Quarter
In true Yamaha vogue, the TMAX 560 is all a couple of modern and sporty aesthetic. Borrowing styling cues from its sportier siblings, the bike will get angular bodywork, a modern LED headlight, and flowing strains that give the scooter a fluid but aggressive stance. It’s actually one of many meanest trying scooters on the market, which is saying rather a lot as a result of scooters aren’t precisely what you’d name badass.
Yamaha has but to announce pricing and availability of the brand new TMAX 560 in Japan, not to mention in different markets. But within the UK, the 2023 TMAX 560 Tech Max carries an MSRP of £14,007, or about $17,776 USD—fairly the chunk of change for fairly the flowery scooter.
RIDING THE 2024 YAMAHA YZ250X, 1981 REVISITED AND MORE: THE WRAP
Two weeks in the past, Yamaha organized a visit to the Ampro testing grounds in Union, South Carolina to indicate off the brand new YZ450FX. That sucked up all the eye, however we additionally acquired to trip the 2024 Yamaha YZ250X two-stroke off highway bike. It was unchanged, however final 12 months it acquired every kind of latest stuff. Secretly, that’s the bike I used to be most enthusiastic about. The 2024 YZ250X sells for $8099. That’s solely $100 greater than the motocross model. Try shopping for a kickstand alone for that.
We all know that the YZ250 motor dates again to 1999 and the aluminum central-backbone body first appeared in 2005. But in 2016 Yamaha took the motocross bike and gave it an off-road make-over. Then, a 12 months in the past, it acquired a giant replace with new bodywork and suspension upgrades. There are sure issues that the typical Joe can’t do in his storage, and that’s what Yamaha focused on with the YZ250X. The gearbox is primary on that checklist. The X has a wide-ratio five-speed. First and second gears are the identical, however third, fourth and fifth are progressively taller. Also: The cylinder head quantity is elevated, the compression ratio diminished and the exhaust port raised. The energy valve form and timing are altered together with the ignition mapping. The clutch plates are made of various materials and the growth chamber is tucked up tighter and out of hurt’s manner.
The X makes use of the identical fork because the MX mannequin, however with softer valving and softer springs (4.3 N/mm versus 4.4). The identical is true of the shock (48 N/mm vs 50). From there, it’s simply bolt-on stuff; an O-ring chain, an 18-inch rear wheel and a kickstand. The YZ250X has the identical gasoline tank because the MX model (1.8 gallons) and the identical silencer.
If you anticipate all that to remodel the elemental nature of the YZ, it doesn’t. The YZ250X runs, handles and behaves like a present YZ250–a modified one. All these alterations make life a bit of simpler in lots of off-road conditions, however the YZ remains to be a YZ. That means it’s a race bike at its core. That’s fantastic information for riders in lots of venues just like the NGPC collection, which pits all 250s in the identical class whether or not they’re two-strokes or not. In a head-to-head race with any 250F, the YZ250X has a bonus in peak horsepower and a slight benefit in weight. It makes about 2 or 3 extra peak horsepower than the most recent YZ250F and weighs about 3 kilos much less.
If you evaluate suspension, dealing with and manageability, the four-strokes have a bonus–that shouldn’t shock anybody. The YZ250X hits exhausting and indicators off early. Even in comparison with different off-road two-strokes, the Yamaha is a little bit of a handful. All the tweaks and changes to the YZ250X make it smoother in the course of the powerband, but it surely’s a motorbike that requires aggression and dedication in the event you go racing. You can, nonetheless, take it down a notch and trip the X slightly below the massive energy surge all day lengthy. It’s exhausting to stall and makes glorious torque. Another trait that shouldn’t shock anybody is the suspension, which is great. The X isn’t removed from the present YZ four-stroke suspension which remains to be thought-about tops within the motocross world. It’s softer than the MX spec, however for many off-road riders, it may very well be softer nonetheless. Yamaha remains to be pondering of racing. It’s most likely exhausting to get out of that behavior. We could have extra on the 2024 Yamaha YZ250X and the opposite Yamaha off-road bikes within the May, 2024 print version of Dirt Bike.
FLASHBACK: 1981 HONDA CR250R
The 12 months 1981 was tremendous bizarre for motocross. I used to be working at a now-forgotten publication referred to as Cycle Guide, which was truly fairly large on the time (for wages that weren’t). When I arrived, all of the filth bikes we had within the take a look at fleet have been nearly unridden as a result of the prevailing employees had its palms full with avenue bike exams. One of the loneliest was the 1981 Honda CR250R. I used to be very conversant in the CR450R (I owned one). But I didn’t get to trip the 250 till I inherited that one. It wasn’t horrible, but it surely wasn’t nice, both. The actual drawback was that it regarded like a spaceship. At the time, a liquid-cooled single shock motocross bike was Star Wars know-how. Very shortly, I modified my take-home bike to the 1981 Suzuki RM250, which wasn’t as spacy trying, however far more strong. The RM was the topic of my very first take a look at within the October subject (beneath). The lead picture isn’t me; it’s Dean Taylor, who was lightning quick in these days. He’s nonetheless fairly good. The picture was by David Dewhurst, who can be nonetheless fairly good.
As for the Honda, we glance again on your entire historical past of the CR250 within the May, 2024 print version of Dirt Bike. Here’s what it says in regards to the 1981 mannequin:
1981: Honda predicted the approaching of liquid-cooling and single-shock suspension and rushed to satisfy the decision. The 1981 Honda CR250R leaped years forward; the truth is, it was too superior. It had reliability issues, and the brand new Pro-Link rear suspension didn’t work effectively. Once once more, Honda misplaced its edge within the 250 class. Over the subsequent two years, the bike obtained back-to-back modifications on a reasonably large scale, and a lot of the issues have been sorted out, making ’83 an excellent 12 months to trip a CR.
There’s a considerably dated historical past of the Suzuki RM250 here–it’s an older publish so my apologies if it doesn’t load shortly.
SHERCO TY 125 LONG RIDE
Sherco has simply launched images of the 125 TY Long Ride. This is a mix-breed that has some trials bike attributes with a seat and sufficient consolation for actual path rides. For extra data go to Sherco’s website.
BIRMINGHAM SX THIS WEEKEND
This weekend the Monster Energy Supercross tour makes its first ever cease in Birmingham, Alabama. If you assume you realize who’s going to win, put it in writing and win some prizes. The MXA fantasy league is successful and this weekend there’s a Maxxis Tires giveaway. It doesn’t price something.
ROUND 9 // MAXXIS TIRE GIVEAWAY
Round 9 of the AMA Supercross collection is heading to Birmingham, Alabama this weekend! The MXA Fantasy League Round 9 winner will get a set of Maxxis off-road moto tires!
Fantasy participant with the Username “Whoop Dee Doo” received the Daytona prize courtesy of FMF Racing with an astounding 291 factors! In whole, there have been 5 riders picked within the right place in addition to accurately guessing each the hole of the chief and the place of riders lapped. If you want to know exactly “Whoop Dee Doo’s” picks and points click here.
If you might be in search of a killer deal, subscribe to Motocross Action magazine for $24.99 and get a $25 Rocky Mountain ATV-MC gift card.
The following prizes beneath go to the winner of every spherical:
RD 9 Birmingham: Maxxis set of moto tires
RD 10 Indy: Nacstar Wheelset
RD 11 Seattle: Ogio giveaway
RD 12 St. Louis: 100 percent giveaway
RD 13 Foxborough: TO BE ANNOUNCED
RD 14 Nashville: TO BE ANNOUNCED
RD 15 Philadelphia: Boyesen $250 shopping spree
RD 16: Denver: TO BE ANNOUNCED
RD 17 Salt Lake: TO BE ANNOUNCED
We even have prizes for the highest gamers from all 31 SMX rounds. Here is the checklist thus far:
2. Boyesen $500 shopping spree
3.Maxxis truck tire set as much as $2500
4. FMF 4-stroke muffler or 2-stroke pipe and silencer with $200 clothing shopping spree
See you subsequent week!
Moto Mysteries: The Yamaha Towny Was Apparently A Scooter For Men, For Some Reason?
If there’s one factor you possibly can say for Yamaha, it is that the corporate actually has vary. While latest information about the R1 becoming a track-only machine in Europe starting in 2025 has been stirring the feelings of worldwide superbike followers, solely some of Yamaha’s bikes had been developed to be monitor weapons.
Like any mass manufacturing bike producer value its salt, Yamaha has lengthy labored to attraction to all kinds of riders. Some of its strikes make a number of sense, however some are a bit unusual. Are you, by probability, conversant in the Yamaha U5E “Lady” from the Sixties, for instance?
Now, talking as a girl who’s ridden for almost 20 years, it is easy to criticize from my trendy vantage level in 2024. Historical context is at all times necessary, although, so perhaps somebody in 1965 thought that type of flesh-colored pink and cream colorway was fairly turning into.
While I could not say so for certain, I’ll observe that most popular coloration palettes on every part from cars to home equipment have radically shifted over time. So, once more, perhaps there was some sort of historic design case to be made. That half is comprehensible, even when these colours do not personally converse to me.
But about 15 years after the Lady, Yamaha launched the Towny. It’s a scooter, and it was additionally particularly marketed as being for males.
So I’m most likely not allowed to inform you about it, since I’m a girl. But I’ll anyway.
Frame Size Matters
As anybody who’s ridden a bicycle (not to mention a powered two-wheeler) can inform you, body measurement and ergonomics matter. People of various heights and weights is likely to be extra snug on differently-sized machines. That’s completely true, and has been true for so long as there have been individuals dwelling on the earth. A six-year-old can most likely use a lift to see over the fence, whereas maybe the adults are tall sufficient to see over it simply by standing up. You get the thought.
Fast-forwarding a few a long time and smashing headlong into the Nineteen Eighties, we discover the Yamaha Towny. It’s certainly one of a number of bikes that Yamaha refers to in its historic literature as “soft bikes,” that means they’re little twist-and-go runabouts meant for on a regular basis use. Not hopped-up fanatic machines. This one has a gauge that tops out at a blistering 60 kilometers per hour (about 37.2 miles per hour), and a two-speed computerized.
More particularly, although, Yamaha refers back to the Towny as a “soft bike for men.” And whereas I get that the body was, and I quote Yamaha right here, “large enough for people of larger physiques” to extra comfortably trip, it is nonetheless a little bit of an odd advertising alternative. Were there no tall ladies in 1980? I discover that tough to imagine, so why tie it to gender in any respect? It’s a motorcycle with a extra sturdy and bigger body, made for bigger riders. Cool, we will work with that.
Even If I’m Not Supposed To Talk About It, There’s Some Interesting Stuff To Note About The Towny
Yamaha Towny sprint, with Japanese textual content. The textual content is obvious and easy if you happen to can learn it, with each oil and beginning lights famous right here.
In the video, the superb YouTube channel Small Bike Stuff offers a pleasant little abstract of this bike, and there is a trip on the finish as effectively. We additionally get to listen to what the tiny little two-stroke seems like, in addition to notice its high pace in 2024 (which appears to be round 51-ish kph, or about 31.6-ish mph).
Along the best way, SBS factors out among the bike’s controls and different options, together with the lights and change positions on the sprint. While he will get the Japanese textual content indicating change place right, he is not fairly proper concerning the two lights on the sprint.
I’ve labeled what every gentle does within the photograph above. The pink gentle on the left is an Oil gentle, and the inexperienced gentle on the fitting is definitely a beginning gentle that most likely signifies whether or not the bike is on or not. It isn’t a flip sign gentle, as SBS guesses.
The Towny Was A Shaft-Driven Moped
This makes a number of sense, contemplating its meant use as an city runabout. Who’s meant to trip this bike? Commuters. Who would not need a bunch of chain gunk flung up onto their work garments? Also commuters.
While it would not have the tidy leg shields of the later Town Mate or the competing Cub models from Honda, no less than a rider right here would not have to fret about both chain gunk spray or chain upkeep.
Since it is a two-stroke, the rider must fear about conserving each the oil and the gasoline topped up. The oil pours into the suitable receptacle mounted within the body, whereas the gasoline goes within the under-seat tank. There’s no gas gauge, however there’s a sight window beneath the seat so you possibly can have a look and see if you happen to’re getting low on gas.
Front and rear mudguards on the wheels are there to guard towards street grime and small rocks that might be flung up on the rider throughout operation. All in all, it is a easy little machine, however that is most likely what endeared it to riders of the time.
What do you assume? Have you ridden a Yamaha Towny, or would you attempt one if you happen to had the prospect? Let us know within the feedback.
History Of The Yamaha Ténéré: From Dakar Rally To Adventure Touring
Summary
- BMW has lengthy dominated the journey bike market, however Yamaha has quietly established its personal ADV legacy with the Ténéré.
- Yamaha’s Ténéré has a racing pedigree relationship again to the Paris-Dakar rally and has seen success as a robust and versatile journey bike.
- The current reimagining of the Ténéré because the T7 has been an enormous success, providing a contemporary look, superior expertise, and light-weight design.
These days, after we consider trendy journey bikes, and the place they arrive from, we have a tendency to take a look at BMW’s line-up of GS bikes because the gold normal. From the unique R 80 G/S to the modern R 1300 GS, the Bavarians bought it nearly proper all these a long time in the past, and have been sitting on prime of the hill ever since. And although different manufacturers like Honda, Triumph, Harley-Davidson, and Royal Enfield have been steadily chipping away on the ADV market, many consider it is nonetheless BMW’s to lose.
But there has at all times been one other participant within the touring dual-sport recreation. Yamaha has been quietly establishing an ADV legacy of their very own. And within the course of, the Japanese producer created one of many best adventure bikes on the market, with a racing pedigree that reaches all the way in which again to the sandy dunes of the notorious Paris-Dakar rally. And having tasted candy victory and success on the final desert race, Yamaha named their new thoroughbred, the Ténéré, after a Dakar Rally stage.
In order to provide the latest and correct data potential, the info used to compile this text was sourced from varied producer web sites and different authoritative sources, together with Cycle World, MotorCycle News, and Motorcyclist Magazine.
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2024 Yamaha Tenere 700: A Comprehensive Guide On Features, Specs, And Pricing
The standard Yamaha Tenere 700 will get some essential updates for 2024.
The Paris-Dakar Rally Influence
What is it about off-roading, and the desert specifically, that calls out to the adventurer in our hearts? Is it the alien-like landscapes? Or the joys of a problem? For Thierry Sabine, the founding father of the Paris-Dakar Rally, it might be the entire above. After getting misplaced on his bike within the deserts of Libya, Sabine returned a modified man, and the Rally was born.
The French (Adventure) Revolution
Concurrently, a French rider, by the title of Jean-Claude Olivier, was working for a French Yamaha subsidiary, Sonauto. His participation in desert races, particularly within the Dakar Rally, would propel him into the ADV highlight. Having misplaced to BMW‘s boxer twins, Olivier regularly pushed Yamaha to provide a extra aggressive bike. And although the XT500 dual-sports that Yamaha riders had been utilizing had been greater than succesful, they had been outmatched by BMW’s R 80 G/S bikes. After witnessing Olivier’s continued ardour and enthusiasm, developers in Japan engineered a bike that will quickly take over the creativeness of the adventuring world.
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The All-New Yamaha Ténéré 700 Extreme: Everything You Need To Know
The extremely profitable Yamaha Ténéré 700 simply turned much more off-road succesful!
Early Years As A Dual-Sport
Though the XT600 Ténéré may have been born because of desert racing, it isn’t the one factor that it was meant for. Yamaha fully redesigned the XT500, tossing in a brand new chassis, suspension, and engine. It was nonetheless a single (the dual will not flip up till a bit later), however it was now larger and extra highly effective. Subsequent early generations leaned into the rally features of design, with larger gasoline tanks, upgrades in fairings, and twin headlights. Some of the opposite intuitive parts included detachable passenger pegs, tank-mounted cooling shrouds, a rear fender software bag, a snug seat, and a sturdy skid plate to guard the underside a part of the engine.
Yamaha XT600 Ténéré Engine Specifications
|
Engine Type |
Four-stroke, single-cylinder, SOHC, 4-valve |
|
Capacity |
595cc |
|
Max Power |
46 HP |
|
Max Torque |
37.6 LB-FT |
|
Top Speed |
100 MPH |
The XT600 Ténéré had one different factor going for it. Unlike the extra conventional wanting BMW R 80 G/S, which did not stray too removed from what the model was doing with all of their bikes, the brand new Ténéré appeared completely trendy, with its blue and yellow shade scheme. This was the Eighties, in any case, and wild neon colours had been in type. There had been extra conventional, white and pink shade schemes as properly, and together with the blue and yellow, these schemes would show to be basic sufficient to be resurrected in trendy occasions.
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Why The New Tenere 700 World Rally Might Be Yamaha’s Most Adventurous Motorcycle
The World Rally options upgraded suspension, extra energy, and a particular paint job
Dawn Of The Super Ténéré
The Ténéré proved to be sufficiently profitable for Yamaha, however there was a restrict to what a single-cylinder engine may do, on the streets or in a race. And in 1989, Yamaha unleashed the advanced, twin-cylinder Super Ténéré. Sure, it wasn’t as mild as the one, however what it misplaced in weight, it gained in energy, consolation, twin entrance disc brakes, and a large, 6.9-gallon gasoline tank. This was a machine constructed to be the final word journey bike. It was highly effective, and cozy sufficient for touring. And it may additionally readily deal with any off-roading you would throw at it. This model of the Super Ténéré would ultimately undergo a number of updates, making it lighter, quicker, extra streamlined, and liquid-cooled.
Continued Dakar Success
Racers would proceed to make use of modified and upgraded variations of the Super Ténéré in off-road races. The bike introduced residence a number of victories for its riders, profitable the Dakar Rally six occasions throughout its manufacturing run. This Super Ténéré’s period lastly resulted in 1998. But that wasn’t the top for the Ténéré title. Perhaps one of the best model of the Yamaha ADV was but to return. And when it lastly returned, it took the world by storm, another time.
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5 Things We Like About The Yamaha Super Tenere (And 5 We Don’t)
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A Modern Resurgence
The Yamaha Ténéré was revived as soon as extra in 2008, because the XT660Z. However, it has by no means made it to the States, formally. Featuring a 659cc single-cylinder engine, it was a minor success for the corporate in different markets, and was discontinued in 2016 to make means for one thing somewhat extra particular. In parallel with the XT660Z, the Super Ténéré additionally made a return in 2010 and continues to be in production to this day.
The Epitome Of Middle-Weight ADVs
But maybe the Ténéré was meant to be a a lot larger deal than it ever was prior to now. In 2018, these within the motorbike trade started listening to whispers that Yamaha was on the point of unveil a brand new model of the Ténéré. In 2019 Europe was the beneficiary of the brand new Ténéré 700. And within the second half of 2022, the US bought it as properly.
A complete re-imagining, the brand new bike had a contemporary look, superior expertise, and an inexpensive worth. It was additionally a liquid-cooled parallel twin, a lot to the shock of each rider. Once individuals bought their fingers on it, it turned crystal clear that this was how you did middle-weight adventure bikes. In a world stuffed with BMW R 1250 GS behemoths, the brand new T7 was mild, at solely 450 kilos moist. That light-weight, at the side of the brand new parallel-twin engine, made the T7 rather more highly effective than ever earlier than.
Yamaha Ténéré 700 Engine Specifications
|
Engine Type |
Liquid-cooled, DOHC parallel twin, 8 valves |
|
Capacity |
689cc |
|
Max Power |
72.4 HP |
|
Max Torque |
50.2 LB-FT |
|
Top Speed |
Unspecified |
The T7 was an on the spot success, promoting out in some cities earlier than it ever bought to the dealerships. Success additionally breeds competitors, and shortly the likes of KTM, BMW, Aprilia, and Triumph had been molding their mid-capacity ADV fashions to be simply as light-weight and succesful because the Ténéré 700. After a number of years in the marketplace, the T7 stays a large hit for Yamaha, who’ve been constructing so far ever for the reason that humble debut of the XT600, all these a long time in the past.
This Yamaha Golf Cart Is Powered By A Hydrogen Combustion Engine
Golf carts aren’t precisely vehicles, however we could not resist speaking in regards to the Yamaha Drive H2. It’s an idea based mostly on the present Drive2 Concierge 4 golf cart, however with an fascinating powertrain. It’s being touted as being the world’s first golf cart to have an inside combustion engine feeding on hydrogen.
Introduced this week on the PGA Show in Orlando, Florida, the Drive H2 is supplied with a pair of high-pressure hydrogen tanks, every able to holding 25 liters of gasoline. One is situated beneath the motive force’s seat, and the opposite is mounted on the again of the rear seat. The thought behind this idea is to display {that a} typical engine can live on whilst firms push towards decarbonization.
This Is Yamaha’s First-Ever Hydrogen Concept Vehicle
We’ve recognized that Yamaha is eager to experiment with hydrogen as a substitute gasoline for a number of years. In January 2022, Team Blue announced plans to work with Kawasaki on hydrogen engine improvement. Then, a month later, we discovered of plans to work on a 5-liter V8 hydrogen engine with Toyota.
By July 2023, Yamaha president Yoshihiro Hidaka reiterated the company’s commitment to exploring hydrogen development as a viable different gasoline supply. And in fact, with the 2024 Dakar Rally very not too long ago within the historical past books, we won’t neglect about the HySE experimental rally vehicle that Yamaha (together with Honda, Kawasaki, Suzuki, and Toyota) had a component in constructing.
Fast-forward to January 25, 2024, and Yamaha has now formally launched its first-ever hydrogen-powered idea automobile. At the 2024 Professional Golfers’ Association (PGA) Show in Florida, the agency confirmed off the Drive H2 idea.
3 Photos
It makes use of two high-pressure hydrogen tanks to run, which maintain 25 liters of gasoline every. The most seen tank is positioned on the rear of the automobile, whereas the opposite tank sits beneath the driving force’s seat. It’s primarily based on the already-existing Drive2 Concierge 4 private golf automotive, which is bought by the Yamaha Motor Corporation subsidiary, Yamaha Golf-Car Company.
Of course, any hydrogen automobile improvement in any area will depend upon having the out there infrastructure to help it. That’s one thing that folks concerned about electrical autos of any form have additionally skilled lately.
What About Hydrogen-Powered Motorcycles?
While Yamaha has expressed curiosity in exploring the chances of hydrogen energy for extra autos than simply low-speed golf vehicles (or golf carts), to date, evidently Kawasaki and Suzuki are the one two corporations to have launched hydrogen-powered two-wheeled ideas to date.
Bear in thoughts that it is solely January, although. There are nonetheless 11 extra months left to go within the yr, and an entire lot can change in comparatively little time. As and when extra details about future automobile developments turns into clear, we’ll make sure to preserve you up to date.
2024 YAMAHA YZ450F: FULL TEST
Yamaha pulled out all of the stops final 12 months with the introduction of an all-new YZ450F that was lighter, quicker and technologically extra superior than its predecessors. They flew us out to Florida to provide us a tour of the wonderful Star Racing Yamaha amenities and experience at “The Goat Farm,” which is identical place the group trains right this moment and the exact same place that Ricky Carmichael did his coaching. Yamaha’s new machine acquired combined opinions from the employees. With solely minor adjustments to the 2024 mannequin, we picked up proper the place we left off testing on the 2023 mannequin.
First of all, the 2024 YZ450F is shockingly quick, and for the overwhelming majority of riders, it wants detuning, not hot-rodding. Interestingly sufficient, it wasn’t the general dyno champ of the 450 class final 12 months, regardless of the feeling of energy that it delivers proper off idle. But, it does have probably the most speedy energy achieve between 7,500 rpm and 10,000 rpm. That’s the meat of the powerband while you’re shifting by way of the gears on the best way to the primary flip, and that’s what provides it that yank-your-arms-out-of-its-socket-type sensation. Yamaha has finished a good job of constructing all that manageable, however having simple mapping adjustments at your fingertips with the Yamaha Power Tuner smartphone app is irresistible.
Right away, we put in our favourite maps from final 12 months. Test rider Pete Murray developed a map with Jamie Ellis from Twisted Development to make the ability supply extra manageable for the common rider. Modifying the airbox usually means drilling holes to attempt to improve the airflow, due to this fact growing efficiency. The YZ450F will not be in want of this, so we determined to go the opposite technique to really prohibit the air consumption. If you pop off the portion of the seat that covers the fuel cap, look carefully on the backside of the airbox lid; there’s a gap on the clutch facet that’s closed off on the throttle facet. We taped the open facet closed (with course from Pete once more). This additional diminished the consumption noise throughout acceleration and gave the YZ a extra manageable really feel whereas within the meat of the ability curve. All this was finished with a few strips of strategically positioned duct tape, which could be undone in seconds.
Yamaha additionally presents an entire hydraulic clutch system that replaces the cable model that comes normal. Now, now we have examined some bikes that this may be a recreation changer for, however the YZ450F will not be one among them. This is a superb choice for riders preferring the texture of a hydraulic, however most take a look at riders didn’t have a robust sufficient opinion for or towards both system. They each carried out effectively.
The actually huge adjustments final 12 months revolved across the Yamaha chassis. One factor that each one our take a look at riders liked concerning the 2024 Yamaha YZ450F was the roomy structure. The 2022 mannequin was cramped, main most of our taller riders to put in the non-obligatory tall seat and decrease aftermarket footpeg meeting. That’s not obligatory with the new-generation YZ450F chassis. Smaller riders won’t take care of the elevated seat peak, however should you’re wherever close to 6 ft tall, the brand new Yamaha is an efficient match.
There’s no debate, the brand new YZ450F has faster steering and lighter total dealing with. Some testers like this and run that race sag round 102mm, improve the rebound damping a few clicks within the rear, and run fork peak at 7mm within the entrance. Riders trying to improve stability opted to run 105–108mm race sag, gradual the rebound damping down barely and run the fork peak flush. This gained just a little stability again at greater speeds, however does additionally decelerate these quicker-cornering traits.
Just like final 12 months, there’s little question that the 2024 YZ450F is healthier than the earlier technology. It’s lighter, quicker, slimmer and extra comfy to a greater variety of riders. However, dialing in that newfound energy can require some fine-tuning, and the general dealing with steadiness may be as arduous to realize, simply in the exact opposite course.