2007 Yamaha

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Thousands upon thousands of you have already read the first part of the 2006 Yamaha R6 review since first published in 2006. During those two years we have "forgotten" to add the full review. Until today where the full review and the original video have been added. Now is the right time as the 2008 model is out and we shall soon commence on our roadtest of that latest incarnation of the high tech Yamaha R6. 2008 will also be a good time to pick up a bargain 2006-2007 Yamaha R6. The updated version might not justify getting a new one as the old one is still pretty much cutting edge for less money than the 08. Whilst waiting for the 2008 road test please enjoy the full 2006 review right here. TS

Yamaha R6   Honda CBR600RR   Suzuki GSX-R600   Triumph Daytona 675   Ducati 848   Triumph Street Triple 675   Suzuki GSR600   Honda CB600F Hornet  

Next: Big CO2 investigation. Worlds first ride on the highly anticipated 2008 BMW F 800 GS and F 650 GS from South Africa. 2008 Yamaha R6 roadtest. Worlds first test of the 2008 KTM RC8 1190 superbike with Jezza at Ascari. And something so exclusive that I daren't tell you just yet.

Oh yes, our 07 Yamaha X-Max 250i just became that much more practical with our improvised stereo! Check it out in the first vid below. In the second vid you can see the X-Max 250i filtering onboard, burnout and more. Pure scoot porn, or Scootertastic! On Friday we swap the 250 scooter for a 1340 brutal naked so enjoy this until then... Check out the 2007 Honda SH300i as well if you are into scooters. TS

Only Raptors & Rockets will give you first the Triumph Rocket III with 2.300cc and then the Honda SH300i with only 267cc. After a couple of weeks on the 2007 Honda SH300i we have just swapped it for the 2007 Yamaha Xmax 250i. They are quite different to ride... Check out the blog for some more videos and comments on many things. TS

We test new bikes all the time and always try to do some video at the same time. In our latest video just uploaded to Youtube we have mixed film of both the K6 and K7 Suzuki GSX-R1000 with the 2007 Yamaha R1. There are a lot of people that wants to know how different the exhaust note is etc. We have done this for you in this video. We have started out with the K7 GSX-R1000, then K6 and then the 07 R1 in cycles throughout the 4 minute film. The K6 Suzuki GSX-R1000 might just have a slightly deeper growl than the K7, but there's not much in it. If you fancy discussing this or add a comment on which bike sounds best to you then visit this link. TS

2007 Suzuki GSX-R1000   2006 Suzuki GSX-R1000   2007 Yamaha R1   2006 Honda CBR1000RR

Yamaha was in so much trouble just after the world launch of the new FZ1 and FZ1 Fazer in South Africa last year. The fuel injection was criticised and one Italian journalist got killed doing a wheelie on the wrong side of the road. The launch was aborted after that tragic event. This is our take on the Yamaha FZ1 Fazer, but in full sports touring trim. Read the test here. Next: 2007 Suzuki Bandit 1250S test.

You can hitch a ride in a bob sled doing 120km/h and 5G's. Or you can ride a motorcycle doing 100km/h up and downhill. That's what Gjermund Frostad and I did anyway. We are pretty sure that we would beat even the Olympic champions uphill, but downhill we didn't stand a chance! We were surrounded by 2 metre tall walls of ice and a very narrow corridor of ice to ride through. Check out the picture gallery from this crazy event here. By: Tor Sagen Pix: D M Warmedal/DMW Foto Comments     Motorcycle v Car v Aeroplane!

Yamaha have now confirmed that the Vmax will become reality shortly. The new Max will be a 2008 model and the launch will take place this Autumn. The Vmax will be offered to US and European riders first and the production will be split 50/50 from what we have been told. In the US the bike will be named Star Vmax and in Europe Yamaha Vmax. Apparently the final specs will not disappoint anyone... Read more and see more pictures of the Vmax here.

Daytona Bike Week 2007   Cycle World International Motorcycle show Long Beach   INTERMOT   NEC Birmingham   EICMA Milan   2007 Aprilia   2007 Benelli   2007 BMW   2007 Ducati   2007 Harley-Davidson   2007 Honda   2007 Husqvarna   2007 Kawasaki   2007 KTM   2008 KTM   2008 Moto Guzzi   2007 MV Agusta & Cagiva   2007 Suzuki   2007 Triumph   2008 Triumph   2007 Victory   2007 Yamaha  2008 Yamaha  Black Metal

I scratched my first set of knee-sliders properly on an R1, I did my first 100mph+ wheelie on an R1, I hit the gravel trap on a roadracing circuit for the first time on an R1, I low-sided first on an R1, I rode a tuned 1200cc R1 with 200bhp and an R1 was the first Yamaha I rode on British tarmac. Four model years R1's and almost 10 years later I am now testing the 2007 R1. It's black, it's got a huge ram-air assisted claimed 189bhp, six-pot radial brakes and more high tech gadgetry than James Bond. I have even planned to ride one up a bobsled track! Check out how we are doing with the new R1 in the blog and wait for the review here. Tor Sagen

Black metal   Yamaha R6   Yamaha R1   GSX-R1000   GSX-R600   CBR1000RR

Yamaha Vmax ready for a new era-Vmaximus or Mighty Max

Since Yamaha launched the new Vmax concept in Tokyo in 2005 they have kept everyone waiting in excitement. Rarely do we see a concept model that gets us as excited as the new Vmax.

Words: Tor Sagen/Photography: Yamaha, David, Luc1 & Tor Sagen

It did not help that Yamaha asked in their online survey whether we would prefer a big displacement, big horsepower muscle bike. One of the questions was whether we would want it to be 200hp+. Yes we do! The displacement is not ready yet either, but as we know that this bike will not be purely about horsepower, we expect a bigger than usual displacement too. The current engine in the concept looks like a big boy already, but there has been speculation from 1400cc to 1800cc in the new V4. Read much more with a lot of images here.

Vmax concept bike

The biggest news from the Long Beach show is perhaps the unveiling of the Yamaha/Star V-max concept bike. This is the first time the bike can bee seen outside of Japan where it was built. The US engineers and marketing people are heavily involved in the concept and now is the time for the US public to see and give feedback. We suspect this is the last stint for the concept bike and that a decision will be made by Yamaha during 2007 whether to mass produce or not. We hope that they will. The bike features a V4 engine of unknown size.

Star Speedliner by Wild Card customs

2007 Yamaha R1

R1 drag bike from the Long Beach show

Nehmesis built by Broward Motorsports/BMS choppers $250.000

Thorough update of the most handsome Japanese superbike. New 16 valve in-line four engine with chip controlled intake and throttle. Brand new Deltabox frame, newly designed hybrid asymmetric swingarm, slipper clutch, better suspension, six pot radial brake calipers and new aerodynamic front. 180bhp (189 claimed with ram-air) @ 12.500rpm and 112.7Nm @ 10.000rpm. Seat height 835mm and dry weight: 177kg

All the 2007 Yamaha news, the full line up right here.

Real pictures from the floor at the Intermot .

Have you got news for us? E-mail Raptors & Rockets first

All new: 2007 Yamaha R1

The 2007 Yamaha news have been the best guarded secret in 2006. Not anymore... Look at the new gorgeous R1. New R6 inspired fairing sides and larger headlights and ram-air scoops. 6-pot radial calipers and a new heavily braced swingarm point in only one direction.  Massive horsepower! Just how much is the big question. The new Suzuki GSX-R1000 weighs in at a claimed dry weight of 172kg. We expect similar figures from Yamaha.

2007 Yamaha R6

Colour changes on the '07 R6. Still looks good.

FZ6 S2

98 bhp @ 12.000rpm, high spec aluminium swingarm, remapped fuel injection, new seat and FZ1-type instruments.

2007 FZ6 S S2

2007 FZ1

Black is popular for 2007

2007 MT-01

New colors and 6-pot radial brakes on the 1.7litre Yamaha V-twin

2007 Yamaha XJR 1300

New fuel injection, increased exhaust efficiency, new Ohlins twin shocks and sportier riding position.

2007 XV1700

2007 XV1900

2007 Yamaha XVS1300A Midnight Star

Yamaha has just announced its first official 2007 model in the brand new XVS 1300. The V60 liquid cooled engine is brand new and extends on the current range that includes the XV 650, 1100 and 1900. The Yamaha styling department has been inspired by the US custom bike and car scene from the 1930's. The fuel injected V-twin engine is of a big bore (100mm) and short-stroke (83mm) configuration for good power and torque. An all new for a Yamaha cruiser is the roller rocker arm that actuates the inlet and exhaust valves for improved power delivery. Yamaha has only used this system on its XT models previously. Yamaha claims this gives a stronger pulse sensation and better engine performance at lower revs. The chassis is all new for this bike too. The XVS will be available in red, silver and black from December this year. Tech details: Power: 73Hp @5.500rpm, Torque: 106Nm @4.000rpm, Tyres: 130/90-16 and 170/70-16, Seat height: 715mm, Dry weight: 283kg and fuel tank capacity: 18,5L. TS

R1 in its current shape has been around for three years now. In 2006 it received minor updates and a special edition was launched. All to sell as many R1's as possible in a year Yamaha knew it would be beaten all the time by the big Suzuki GSX-R 1000. The WSB boys recently received a new engine and Nitro Nori is doing better and better in the championship. It is expected that Yamaha will launch a brand new R1 in Germany this autumn and our designers impression reflects the fact that Yamaha does not want the R1 to be a big version of the R6. The 2007 R1 will be a big bike with big performance for big boys. Yamaha has concentrated more on top end power than Suzuki and Honda. Will we finally see a R1 with a proper midrange soon? Or will the 07 R1 feature advanced fly-by-wire throttle such as on the R6, traction control and perhaps even a factory quick shifter now that the FJR has got one? If the R1 gets a quick shifter it will almost certainly still feature a clutch and gear lever though. By: TS/CG by Robert "Robo" O'Brien    K6 GSX-R 1000 video         KTM RC8 1150 video          Raptorama          Stop the press info!

We all speculate a bit now and then. These two V-max based V4's are dream bikes and Luc1 had free hands to create whatever he liked based around Yamaha's new V4 engine. The VMR 1000 sportsbike and the VMN 1400 naked streetfighter was the result. We have literally created a new model series for Yamaha as we thought it would be a shame if the V-max was the only model to benefit from a very powerful V4. We reckon the new V-max could feature a 1400cc engine or larger and the VMN concept reflects this. Notice how the frame has been designed to allow full view of that gorgeous V4 engine. R1 swing arm and six-pot radial callipers from V-max. Also notice our designers impression of how future Yamaha exhausts could look like based on the new FZ1. The VMR 1000 is a scaled down version of the powerful V4 and reflects a vision that these engines might be part of WSB future. Aprilia will build one for 2008 and if this shows to be the way to go there is no reason why Yamaha could not build one too having the V-max technology. On Yamaha's internet V-max survey, as we have mentioned several times before, one of the questions was whether you wanted a 200bhp+ engine in the new V-max. There is no lacking in power from a V4, that is for sure. By Tor Sagen/CG's: Luc1 Let us know what you think of the VMR and VMN concepts.

Yamaha has been doing loads of research ahead of a launch of a completely new V-max. The firm states that it has never before launched a concept bike so early and never before asked what you think in such a scale either. The engine is unbelievably beautiful and the whole concept oozes of masculine testosterone turbo mach 3 muscle appeal. Whilst the last decade has been dedicated to the softly-softly slightly pathetic man, Yamaha thinks men will finally be men again. If that's the case for you too you better go and fill in that questionnaire and make sure you tick that box next to 200PS! We have been generous and added seat, headlight, blinkers and mirrors for you. The question is: How easily will the standard V-max destroy Harley Destroyer? I want a V-max! TS

How many CC's do you think the final V-max will get?                                                                               V-max modifications by Luc1

MT-02 is believed to be Yamaha’s final addition to the MT range. Yamaha will most likely use either the Drag Star 1100 or TDM 900 for the engine and chassis donations. Since there already is one MT V-twin our bets and hopes are for the TDM based version as pictured. The 900cc parallel twin from TDM features less power and torque than MT-01, but also less weight and bulk. MT-02 should be the sportiest of the MT range and would place itself nicely in between the 01 and 03.

Yamaha launched the very stylish MT-01 in 2005. It featured the 1.700cc V-twin from the Wild Star muscle cruiser the same year as the 1.900cc Midnight Star was launched. The design was industrial, much in the lines of how the US Southern bike firm Confederate builds their much more exclusive sports roadsters. They have more in common than design clues, both Confederate and the range topping MT features a tuned V-twin originally built to power cruisers. MT-01 peaks at 90bhp, but its massive 150Nm @ 3.750rpm is what takes the riding experience one step further compared to other naked roadsters. Then at the Paris international motorcycle show in September 2005 the single cylinder MT-03 was launched. A concept version of MT-01 with the model name MT-OS was also shown for the first time in Paris. At EICMA 2005 in Milan a few months after the Paris show Yamaha Italy showed two concepts based on MT-03 called Café Motard and Spider Smart City. With the MT-02 it is believed Yamaha will have completed the MT range with three basis models where the future additions could be bikes based on the concepts shown in 2005. Yamaha has basically created a new range perfect for customisation. Look at Harley-Davidson and the accessory range and you’ll see why they are the wealthiest most profitable motorcycle manufacturer in the world. Even though the initial sales of MT’s have been slow (MT-01 is not a cheap motorcycle) I have a firm belief in the range for the future years. See more links, video etc below.

By: TS/Pics: Hugo van Waaijen/Yamaha/McHugh  

The sporty naked middleweight segment looks to become more exciting than ever next year. Just check out this list of anticipated new models: Honda CB600F Hornet, BMW F800R, Aprilia RS or Tuono 750, KTM 690 Duke III, Kawasaki Z750, Suzuki SV 650-700, Ducati Hypermotard 695, Cagiva Raptor update and more. Then look at the next level of naked 1000's with new Kawasaki Z1000, Ducati Hypermotard, Suzuki GSR 1000 and a possible Honda CB1000F Hornet. And the revolution in V-twins will bring loads of new big bore torque machines, KTM Venom 1150, Ducati Monster and Multistrada 1200, new Aprilia 1200, new big Suzuki SV, Honda Firestorm not to mention Yamaha's new V4 V-max and twin MT-02. It looks like we will be spoilt for choice not only in the middleweight segment but also with big all-rounder's. To the point of this piece it is expected that Yamaha will show us a brand new FZ6 and FZ6S at the Intermot in October. You would have to say that the new FZ1 was a pretty radical departure from the old big R1 powered Fazer both in the design department and the latest generation R1 engine. We think Yamaha have given the old FZ6 the same treatment. That could mean latest generation R6 engine, probably with a conventional throttle though, lower rev ceiling, stubby MotoGP exhaust and a new front fairing with design clues from the FZ1. The R6 engine is far from ideal in a naked chassis with the lack of midrange. From my chat with Yamaha UK's press officer it becomes clear that they are not great believers in the factory putting the 2006 R6 engine into a new FZ6-Mainly due to all the criticism of poor midrange and a buzzy engine. On the other hand, the current R6 is jam-packed with high tech solutions which really should enable Yamaha to tune the R6 whichever way it wants to go with it. The 2006 engine is incredibly compact and a larger bore and stroke is as far as we know out of the question due to the nature of this engine. The tolerances are very tight enabled by the electro plated bore. So are we just dreaming? If it is impossible for the Yamaha engineers to make the midrange at least as good as Suzuki's current GSR 600 with a better top end. Yes, if the bike cannot be sold at a competitive price with the R6 bits. Yes, then we are dreaming. However, Yamaha can build a beautifully compact, light and top handling naked utilizing parts from the R6 that is spewed out from the factory every day. The R6 might be expensive to make, but in Japans mass producing state of mind this cost will be reduced every year. They might not be making too much money on it now, but they will at some point when the cost of producing it can be shared on more than one model.