2008 Yamaha Road Star Star on 2040-motos

Moto blog

Kiyonari's Suzuka crash video

You can start playing the video above while you read this article. The crash happens from 2m20s in. Poor old Ryuichi Kiyonari and Jonathan Rea.

Cyril Despres Signs with Yamaha

Five-time Dakar Rally winner Cyril Despres has signed on with Yamaha Motor France to race on the Yamaha YZ450F. Despres won the Dakar Rally in 2005, 2007, 2010, 2012 and 2013 with KTM but parted ways with the Austrian manufacturer in March. For 2014, Despres is trading in KTM Orange for Yamaha Blue, riding with support rider and fellow Frenchman Michael Metge.

Yamaha Tenere Experience

To be honest I had my doubts. The the very thought of off-roading 260kgs of Super Tenere adventure bike fostered strong feelings of self preservation. Was this really a good idea?