2012 Yamaha Yzf-r1 on 2040-motos

Moto blog

"That's one small step for man..."

TO CELEBRATE the 40th anniversary of man's first steps on the moon, Fiat Yamaha rider Jorge Lorenzo will wear an astronaut-style paint job on his helmet at this weekend's Portuguese GP. The Spaniard's lid has been sprayed to look a little like a spaceman's helmet and has Neil Armstrong's immortal words: "That's one small step for man; one giant leap for mankind" written on the rear. Let's just hope Lorenzo doesn't launch himself this weekend.

Yamaha Focusing on Developing Model Platforms

Following the success of its MT platform, Yamaha says it will continue to develop new models based on shared platforms, allowing for a choice of multiple models while reducing overall costs. Speaking in a presentation on the company’s business operation, Yamaha Motor President Hiroyuki Yanagi reiterated the strategy of developing multiple models sharing the same engine and frame. Honda has followed a similar strategy with its NC models, seeing the platform evolve to include the CTX700 and NM4.

Ben Spies Retires from Motorcycle Racing

Ben Spies announced his retirement from motorcycle racing, as injuries cut short a once promising career for the American. Spies retires with a World Superbike title in his first and only season in the series, and three AMA Superbike Championships. “I want to thank everyone from racing organizations, factories, teams and all my fans for helping me and supporting me throughout my career,” says Spies.