2012 Yamaha Stryker on 2040-motos

Moto blog

Yamaha Kicks Off 2013 MotoGP Promotional Campaign with Valentino Rossi and Jorge Lorenzo – Video

We’re just over two weeks into the new year which means it’s time for MotoGP teams to start the promotional push for their 2013 MotoGP programs. Ducati is set to reveal its Desmosedici GP13 today at its annual Wrooom ski event with Ferrari‘s Formula One team later today, but Yamaha has gotten the jump on its Italian rival by releasing new photographs and a video of ex-Ducati rider Valentino Rossi and reigning World Champion Jorge Lorenzo. Also revealed is the 2013 Yamaha M1, though the racebike is shrouded in graphical overlays of its pilots and devoid of any sponsor logos including the newly signed supporter Monster Energy.

Preliminary 2012 MotoGP Entry List Released

The International Motorcycling Federation (FIM) has released a preliminary entry list for the 2012 MotoGP World Championship. The provisional list includes 21 riders in the premiere class, including nine classified as Claiming Rule Team entries. Defending MotoGP Champion Casey Stoner will wear the #1 plate for the 2012 season, the first with both CRT entries and the new 1000cc engine displacement cap.

Filling a void with an RD350LC

Last winter I managed to fill a void in my life when I stumbled on a very reasonably priced Yamaha RD350LC.  It was a tad scruffy, had the wrong exhausts but most importantly it was blue and white with all numbers matching.  I had the usual euphoria when the deal was done but I underestimated how much pleasure this particular purchase would continue to deliver another eight months down the line. The difference with this old bike is, instead of just taking it for the occasional ride I was talked into doing a full nut and bolt restoration.  Having never taking a bike apart completely before, initially it was quite daunting but I soon found the RD is easy to work on so it turned into a truly satisfying experience.  I’ve had some help from LC enthusiasts with the rebuild, however, the stripping, sourcing and organising was a total labour of love.  And call me sad but it has made me bond with this bike like no other which only adds to the feel good factor.  The bike cost £1800 and I’ve spent around £1000 but I reckon my mint Elsie is now worth a fair bit more.   I fancy rejuvenating a Fizzy  next time but there’s lots of other cheap 70’s and 80’s winter projects  out there so why not have a go yourself?