Yamaha To the Fore
YAMAHA TO THE FORE
ROUNDUP
YAMAHA IS ENJOYING ITS most successful sales period in recent years. Thanks to its stunning YZF-R6 and YZF-R1 sportbikes, hugely popular YZ400F Thundercrosser and ever-broadening range of cruisers, the Japanese bike manufacturer now sets the standard in several market segments.
Buoyed by this success, Yamaha is targeting Honda’s popular XR off-roaders with a trio of four-stroke playbikes aimed at children, entry-level riders and women. Offered alongside the two-stroke RT100 and RT180, the steel-framed TT-R90 and TTR125 are kick-start only and make do with drum brakes front and rear. The TT-R125L, meanwhile, has a disc front brake, additional shock travel and largerdiameter, 19and 16-inch wheels.
Given its modern YZ-esque styling cues, the bike should be immensely popular.
On the cruiser front, Yamaha has sold every V-Twin it’s been able to make. “Sales are rocking
and rolling,” proclaimed Bob Starr, national communications manager. “All of our Road Stars and V-Stars are sold out. The factory is going to produce a few more Silverados this year, but that’s it.” Bowing to customer demand, the company has introduced its year-2000 V-Star Custom and Classic 650s early, with new color choices but no price hike. “Dealers were screaming for ’em,” said Starr.
As for sportbikes, Yamaha has teamed up with hot-shot designer Tommy Hilfiger to create four custom-liveried YZF-R6s. Mechanically stock, the bikes are autographed and adorned with Hilfiger’s familiar redwhite-and-blue motif.
According to Starr, the rationale for the bikes was simple. “Motorcycles are more popular than ever before, and sport motorcycles are attracting an increasing number of young male riders that are big fans of Tommy Hilfiger clothing,” he said. “You can’t go to a roadrace without seeing the Hilfiger brand in the audience.” Added Hilfiger, “Designing a motorcycle for
Yamaha was the perfect chance for
us to explore new sponsorship opportunities in the racing world. This venture also allows us to offer our customers a product that is truly unique, special and exciting.”
For an opportunity to win one of the limitededition YZFs, log on to Yamaha’s website at www.yamaha-motor.com. The winning name will be drawn November 24, 1999. And no, clothes hounds, Hilfiger apparel is not part of the deal. -Matthew Miles
