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A Newsletter for Yamaha Enthusiasts
A Super Spor t
September
New Kids on the Block
G3 and Yamaha Spor tboats
2 Pr esidents,
1 Horizons
Fall 2005
www.yamaha-motor.ca
From the President’s Desk
“… the spirit of challenge has resulted
in Yamaha getting involved in many
new areas…”
Dear New and Loyal Yamaha Customers,
I hope all of you enjoyed the summer
vacation season.
This year the weather in Toronto was
marvellous, especially after a cool summer
last year. We have enjoyed sunshine with
temperatures exceeding 30°C almost
every day. It was really a “summer”.
I had a chance to go back to Japan in early
August, the first time in the last four years
that I have been able to go back in the
middle of summer. Japanese summer is
very hot and humid, but I thought I was
very well prepared, as it has been so hot
and humid in Toronto this year. As soon as
I landed in Japan and left the building,
the sweat began to flow and I thought
I might almost faint from the heat.
I now know that the summer in Canada
is much better than in Japan and I choose
to avoid my business trips to Japan during
the hot, sweaty summer season.
This year, we tried to provide as many
opportunities as possible for our customers
to enjoy riding Yamaha products. We like to
be in very close contact with our customers
and to create a bond with you. We increased
our events dramatically through additional
“Star Days” for our Star motorcycle customers,
“R Days” for our Sports motorcycle enthusiasts
and we expanded our “Yamaha Riding
Academy” for our young riders across Canada.
We have also re-introduced Yamafest events
for snowmobile and ATV, and we had many
customers who enjoyed these events.
On the Marine side, Yamaha sponsored all
“Discover Boating” events which allowed
people to experience family fun of being
on the water.
2 Horizons
Fall 2005
We are very proud of the number of events
we have been holding, and I hope you will
find these events through our website and
go out and have a great time.
2005 is a very special year for Yamaha Motor
Co. Ltd. as we celebrate our 50th anniversary.
At this time, I’d like to touch a bit on the
history and culture of Yamaha from inside
the company.
Yamaha was originally founded in 1887
when the son of a Japanese astronomer named
Torakusu Yamaha opened the “Yamaha Reed
Organ Manufacturing Company”. In 1897,
the company changed to the “Nippon Gakki
Company” and the famous tuning fork logo
(an arrangement of three tuning forks used
for musical instruments) was introduced.
Yamaha Motor Co. Ltd. was established
in 1955 by Genichi Kawakami, the fourth
president of Nippon Gakki, who also,
ultimately became the first President of
the company. At that time, there were over
200 motorcycle manufacturers in Japan and
Yamaha was the last company to go into
this market.
As you can imagine, entering this new market
with over 200 competitors is not an easy
thing and many people probably thought
it was a reckless thing to do. Since we were
the last ones to enter the market, Yamaha
tried to be the best and to be different from
the others. It was impossible for a newcomer
to survive if they didn’t do things differently
than the others.
One of the key ideas at that time was to show
Yamaha’s superiority by “winning the race”,
and Yamaha went on to attend the famous
Mount Fuji Ascent Race, only several months
after the company started. They had to
overcome many problems such as seizure,
breakage and power loss.
They had little knowledge, no experience,
no system or equipment to support their
work, and every problem they faced was
new to them and not an easy one. Yet they
had team work, good, frank communication
and respect for each other, along with
a strong will to succeed.
In the end, thanks to the efforts of our
predecessors, Yamaha not only won the race,
but also shared 7 positions in the top 10.
As a result, Yamaha was able to avoid being
one of the 200 companies to be eliminated
from the motorcycle industry in Japan.
I really respect what our predecessors
achieved, and I also believe this early life
history contributed a great deal to creating
Yamaha’s corporate culture at that time.
At Yamaha, people love a spirit of
challenge, and we love racing. We also
respect a liberal, broad-minded mentality,
are young-at-heart, physically active and
love to have fun.
This culture has been inherited today,
and the spirit of challenge has resulted in
Yamaha getting involved in many new areas,
such as the marine, snowmobile and, just
recently, robotics and biotechnology.
Our next 50 years have just begun, and I’m
sure you will enjoy the many various new
products and services we are bringing into
the market.
May your Yamahas always be with you…
Thank you.
Roy Kojima
President, Yamaha Motor Canada Ltd.
From the President’s Desk
Yamaha Celebrates 50th Anniversary
at Deerhurst Resort
From October 2-5, Yamaha Motor Canada held the biggest dealer conference in its history with
over 500 dealers, 100 partners and 90 staff present to celebrate 50 years of Yamaha Motor Co. Ltd.
There was no shortage of things to do such as new product launches and displays, demo rides,
accessory and industry midways as well as information sessions. The keynote address from
the President of Yamaha Motor Co. Ltd., Mr. Kajikawa highlighted the event.
Although he had just flown in from Brazil, Horizons was able to sit down with Mr. Kajikawa
to gain a better understanding of the President outside the corporate environment.
Horizons: Hello Mr. Kajikawa and welcome
to Canada! Have you been here before?
Mr. Kajikawa: Thank you. Yes I’ve been
here several times. The first time was back
in 1980-81, but since then I travel here
mostly to gain a broader understanding of
the snowmobile market because Canada
is such a strong market for snowmobile.
I would say I have been here 4 or 5 times.
H: When you think of Canada, what pops
into your mind?
K: Canada is such a large country for such
a small population, and the fact that you have
some of the most scenic countryside anywhere.
H: When you decided that you were going
to come to Canada, was there something
that you really wanted to see?
K: Yes, well because I traditionally come here
for the snowmobile market, I want to come to
the 2007 snowmobile dealer conference and
do some riding. We don’t have the trail
system or climate in Japan that Canada enjoys
so I’m looking forward to it.
H: When did you begin your career
with Yamaha?
K: In 1967, I came to Yamaha directly from
a private university. I studied Economics and
was able to get a job right after school.
H: What would you consider to be one of
your most memorable moments in your
career at Yamaha?
K: I would have to say when we first started
to participate in the GP500 class in 1973 and
we were able to win in our first race. That was
a very proud moment for me.
H: I know this might be a difficult question,
but if you could take any Yamaha product
home with you on a weekend, what would
it be?
K: I like the snowmobile. I go up to Hokkaido
in the Northern part of Japan to go riding
and I really enjoy it. It is quite interesting.
H: Do you have any hobbies?
K: I like to listen to classical music and
read historical books. It can be European
history or Japanese, but I don’t know much
about American history.
H: If you could sit down with anyone,
past or present, and have a conversation,
who would it be?
K: Ahhhh… Well there would be several
persons who I would want to see… hhmm…
At the end of the 19th century during
the Japanese revolution, there were a lot
of interesting samurais and persons who
would be of interest to me.
H: We’re celebrating our 50th anniversary
this year. What do you see for Yamaha in
the next 50 years?
K: I see us becoming even more global.
We have grown in the last 50 years
but there is still room for improvement.
The situation in the world has changed,
we have less and less borders so we need
to be much more global. My wish is that
Yamaha will become a pure global company.
H: What type of legacy do you want to
leave behind when you retire?
K: I worked in Europe for over 20 years,
so I had a chance to view Yamaha Motor Co.
from the eyes of the world, rather than
being immersed in its presence in Japan.
Historically, Japan has been much different
from the rest of the world because it is
an island nation and has had a private culture.
In the future, I would like to see Yamaha
become much more global and become
a “world member”.
H: Thanks so much for your time,
Mr. Kajikawa.
Volume 16 – Issue 2
3
The First Yamaha Motorcycle
from humble beginnings…
Would you find it odd that the first Yamaha
motorcycle, the YA-1, was built using
materials that were originally destined
for airplane propellers?
In 1953, as Japan was working hard to recover
developing the YA-1, often with the engine
to include many different product lines.
from World War II, Mr. Genichi Kawakami,
catching fire! In the end, through perseverance
Depending upon the country and distribution,
president of Nippon Gakki, proposed
and dedication, the Yamaha engineers pulled
you can find Yamaha motorcycles, scooters,
a peacetime use of the company’s machining
the sheets off a remarkable new motorcycle
electro-hybrid bicycles, boats, sail boats,
equipment to carry out the manufacturing
that was ready to compete in the marketplace.
water vehicles, swimming pools, utility
of motorcycles. After travelling through
The final test for the YA-1 before production
boats, fishing boats, outboard motors,
Europe on a 70-day study tour of the
was a 10,000 km endurance test around Lake
4-wheel ATVs, side-by-side vehicles,
motorcycle industry, Kawakami felt
Hamana, which it passed with flying colours.
racing karts, golf carts, diesel engines,
comfortable enough in his endeavour
After launching the YA-1, Kawakami
to start production.
realized that in order for his brand to be
pumps, snowmobiles, small-sized snow
Until that point, Nippon Gakki had produced
accepted in the industry, he must prove
throwers, automotive engines, intelligent
airplane propellers but within two years,
its effectiveness and performance through
machinery, industrial-use remote control
racing. Beginning with the most prestigious
helicopters and electrical power units
races in Japan, the Mount Fuji Ascent race
for wheelchairs.
and the Asama Highlands race, the Yamaha
From less than 100 employees who built
YA-1 posted victories in both these events.
the first YA-1, to over 36,000 presently
In subsequent years, the bike went on to
employed around the world, Yamaha remains
the first motorcycle, a YA-1, had rolled off
the line and Yamaha Motor Co. Ltd. was
born on July 1, 1955. With a starting capital
of 30 million yen, the new company employed
just short of 100 workers and produced
an average of 200 motorcycles a month.
race in numerous international events,
setting the stage for Yamaha’s rise as one
This is not to say that there were no speed
of the world’s leading motorcycle racing
bumps along the way. The engineering team
and manufacturing giants.
encountered one failure after another when
4 Horizons
Fall 2005
Today, Yamaha Motor Co. Ltd. has grown
multi-purpose engines, generators, water
committed to supplying you with experiences
and memories that last a lifetime.
Here’s to the Next 50 Years!
New Marine Line-up
AR230
High Output
Yamaha Motor Canada is delighted to
announce that, beginning in 2006,
the SX230 High Output, SX230, AR230
High Output and AR230 jet-powered
sportboats will be available in Canada
at select dealers!
The SX230 High Output is the flagship model
in the bowrider boat series from Yamaha,
with two electronic fuel-injected, MR-1
engines that combine for 320 HP. The SX230
High Output was designed to be the ultimate
balance of performance and luxury. One ride
and you’ll notice the incredible acceleration
complements the JBL Marine Sound System,
Bimini top and innovative swim platform.
SX230
High Output
The 23-foot long SX230 sports 280 hp with
comfortable seating for 10 people. Dry Sump
Lubrication, Yamaha Engine Management
System and Independent Water-jacketed
Exhaust Manifolds with Collectors all help to
keep your SX230 maintenance to a minimum
Make Waves with a New
If our new Sportboats aren’t your thing,
Yamaha has also begun importing
all 93 models of G3 boats to Canada.
Now you can get pontoon, modified
and deep V hulls, high performance bass,
and jon boats from a Yamaha boat
company to match your outboard.
G3’s pontoon boats, the Sunchaser series,
incorporate all the luxury, comfort and
performance possible to offer you the
very best quality pontoons in the industry.
The entire line, from the LX3 Cruiser
Deluxe to the PB 18 Fish offers amenities
to enhance your hours on the water.
Maybe you’re more of a sportsman.
If that’s the case, look at the wide
selection of HP, Eagle, Angler and
Jon Boats. G3’s High Performance Series
are all-welded aluminum bass boats
that provide the perfect platform for the
serious professional or weekend angler.
Ranging from 17’ to 20’, with a maximum
horsepower rating of 200 on the 20’, it’s
no doubt that the HP series offer incredible
performance to match their dependability.
and running efficiently. Flip into “No Wake”
mode for easy slow-speed manoeuvering.
The AR Series provide all of the same
performance and amenities of the SX series,
with aluminum tower for wakeboard storage
and tow.
Now in Canada
The Eagle Series provides all types
of anglers with the right combination of
fishability and comfort. With five different
models, the Eagle Series boats ensure
you have everything you need, including
adequate storage compartments, built-in
coolers, livewells, and a reliable and
economical Yamaha outboard.
The Angler V Series are built tough
with all the features needed to tackle
big water and big fish. How tough?
A GX2 reinforced hull with a .100 gauge
double-plated bow and bottom and
three-piece riveted hull forms the base
for six Angler models. Not to mention
lighted livewells, huge rod lockers and
massive under-deck storage.
G3 jon boats go above and beyond the call
of duty, with welded models so tough
they are a natural fit for extended use,
from professional work boats to hunting
and fishing. Simply stated, these are
jon boats the way they should be.
Everything you need, nothing you don’t.
Volume 16 – Issue 2
5
Motorcycles
SEE YOU
IN
SPORTEMBER!
Hot off their launch in early September,
the 2006 Yamaha Sportbikes have been
creating a tremendous amount of buzz
in the industry. New models, anniversary
colours, and aftermarket racing parts
on stock bikes can do that for you.
But what other factors have helped
to create such fervour? Perhaps it’s the
Valentino Rossi effect. To have input
from the Solar System’s fastest
motorcycle racer while designing
a new bike certainly doesn’t hurt.
Either way, the outcome is the same.
A dominating line of incredible two-wheel
machinery, each manufactured to have the
perfect unison of performance and style.
Let’s preview the line-up!
YZF-R1 L.E.
WOW! The Ultra Performance YZF-R1 L.E.
is the ultimate bike for the ultimate rider.
What makes this R1 so exclusive?
Besides limited distribution, this bike has
Gold Marchesini wheels, Öhlins suspension
components, a back torque limiting slipper
clutch, a few more horsepower and a unique
colour scheme. These are included with
the existing 998cc, liquid-cooled, DOHC,
four-cylinder, fuel-injected engine and
dual 320mm front disc brakes. For the
serious rider, the R1 L.E. is the closest
6 Horizons
Fall 2005
YZF-R1 50th Anniversary
YZF-R1 – Yamaha Blue
thing to a track bike you can get from
the factory, until you meet the new R6.
The R1 Series bike receives a list of
refinements to keep it at the front of the
super sport wars. 16 more millimetres
of swingarm, a re-valved front suspension
and reduced frame thickness behind the
steering head produces the sweetest handling
R1 ever. But it doesn’t stop there. Porting
the head provides a few more horsepower
out of its 77 x 53.6mm, 20-valve, inline
YZF-R1 – Metallic Black
four-cylinder, 998cc engine. An inverted
fork and single, fully adjustable piggyback
shock aid the chassis with their incredible
handling characteristics. For this year,
the R1 comes in Team Yamaha Blue/White,
Metallic Black and 50th Anniversary Yellow
and Black.
If you thought the R1 L.E. was ready to race,
check out the all-new R6. The most highly
advanced production motorcycle ever built
gets its mojo rolling with a new titanium-
Motorcycles
valved, four-cylinder capable of 17,500 rpm.
Housed in a GP-derived, lightweight
chassis, a single line can be drawn from
rear axle to swingarm pivot to steering
head. Add in the first “fly-by-wire” throttle
system ever to be built on a production
bike, advanced aerodynamics, chipcontrolled fuel injection and four way
adjustable suspension. There’s a litany of
other things, but at this point, it’s probably
better that you just saw it for yourself.
Last year’s production R6 gets more
refinements for this year, as well as
the additional letter added on the name.
The 2006 YZF-R6S — a seemingly
impossible combination of cutting-edge
sporting prowess and real-world ridability.
The 65.5 x 44.5mm, 600cc, liquid-cooled,
16-valve, DOHC, inline four-cylinder creates
tremendous power and the light weight
of the machine allows the R6S to be one
of the best middleweights ever.
YZF-R6S
Listening to FJR owners brought a slew of
important refinements and one big innovation
to the FJR1300. Now available is a FJR1300
with automatic clutch and electric shift
known as the FJR1300A. Jammed city traffic
woes a thing of the past when there is no clutch
to constantly feather through stop and go.
Among the other improvements is a cooler
ride, courtesy of new bodywork that
incorporates an adjustable air management
system. Also included is an adjustable seat
for higher or lower riding position and
handlebars that can be moved forward or
backward. Dark Metallic Blue paint scheme
makes you feel as cool as you look.
Think R1, with real world power and
comfort and you’ve got the new FZ1.
A new aluminum frame with a longer,
Controlled Fill swingarm increases ride
comfort and stability, while the engine
sits low and forward for better handling.
This is a high-performance motorcycle
in a lean, tight and practical package.
YZF-R6
FJR1300A
The new look FZ1 makes its mark in red
and silver colours.
Whoever wants fuel-injected R6 power,
a light and strong Controlled Fill aluminum
frame, R6 wheels, great handling and nifty
underseat exhaust system, put your hands up!
If there is one motorcycle that needs to do
everything, the FZ6 is it. Enhanced finishing
on the frame, fairing and engine have the
FZ6 looking sharp in Team Yamaha Blue
and Deep Metallic Red.
If a middleweight sport tourer is your quarry,
then the YZF600R is your weapon of choice.
A comfy seat, large fairing for wind protection,
upright ergonomics and more horsepower on
the low end of the tachometer make riding
the YZF600R an enjoyable all-day affair.
YZF600R
FZ1
FZ6
Volume 16 – Issue 2
7
Something to Brag About
The
TOTAL
Package
A Raptor, Wolverine, Roadliner and a horse
all walk into a bar together. The bartender
says, “Hey Horse, why the long face?”
to the bartender, “Yeah I am new here,
but I’m with him,” pointing to the musclebound Raptor.
The horse has trouble peeling his tongue off
his salt lick and can’t explain so the bartender
turns to the Raptor and says, “Hey Raptor,
what’s with the 686cc fuel-injected engine,
light and low hybrid chassis, and YFZ450style brakes and suspension?”
“In fact, I’m so new, they’ve created a whole
new category of ATV for me called HighPerformance Off-Road Explorer. It’s because
I have good looks, light weight, push-button
4-wheel drive, Ultramatic transmission and
comfortable ergonomics in a performance
package. Some would say that I’m the total
package for the recreational rider.”
The Raptor thinks about it for a moment
and says, “Well, I found that electronic fuel
injection provides a more seamless, hard
hitting power delivery. Not to mention easier
starting. The hybrid steel and aluminum
chassis makes me a little lighter so I handle
better. The brakes and suspension I got from
the YFZ450. He is kicking butt on the race
tracks right now, so they’ve incorporated that
technology into me. Basically, I’m the total
package for the high performance rider.”
The bartender mulls this over and says,
“Very well. A litre of Yamalube Oil is
on the house for you.”
He turns to the next and says, “So what’s
your name stranger? I haven’t seen you
around here.”
The Wolverine has heard this a lot lately.
He looks knowingly at the Raptor and says
The bartender hesitates a bit and says,
“Very well. A litre of Yamalube Oil is
on the house for you.”
The bartender turns to the fourth and final.
This one’s a real looker with a body that just
doesn’t quit. Everybody in the bar noticed
her come in. “What about you beautiful?
You’re not from here either. You must be from
Tennessee, because you’re the only ten I see.”
The Roadliner brushes the bartender’s
comment aside and says, “Actually, although
I have classic American styling and was built
with input from Yamaha US, I’m engineered
and assembled in Japan. I also have a 1,854cc
fuel-injected engine, an aluminum chassis,
and I’m the new flagship of the Star series,
not to mention the total cruising package.”
The bartender takes a big sigh and says,
“Very well. A litre of Yamalube Oil is
on the house for you.”
Still feeling a bit befuddled, the bartender
turns back to the horse and says, “What do
you think horse… do you think these three
are all the total packages?”
The horse finally gets his tongue peeled off
the salt lick, takes a big slurp of water and
says, “Well I can’t find any NEIGHgatives.”
Roadliner
Raptor 700R
8 Horizons
Fall 2005
Wolverine 450
Yamaha Music/Northern Stars
42 Speakers/Drivers
and 5.1 Channel Sound
in ONE Box!
Home Theatre has reached a sophistication that can create the movie
theatre picture and sound in a home. Big screen images through
products, like Yamaha digital cinema projectors, take the image
far beyond the standard 27” TV and with a sharpness and colour
only dreamed about a few years ago.
Multiple speaker arrangements can produce
breathtaking audio experiences. With the new
Yamaha YSP digital projection speakers,
one cabinet can house either 24 or 42 speakers
and drivers. This means one speaker cabinet
can give true 5.1 channel surround sound!
It’s all done by a slim-line speaker that fits below your flat screen TV.
Called the Yamaha YSP-1, the 42 speaker’s sound waves are projected
towards reflective surfaces such as your walls to give you a sweet spot
area of pure surround sound. The beauty of one speaker is there’s
no need to lift the carpets, drill many holes or look for a place to hide
the speakers needed in a regular system. Imagine, one speaker
can bring true 5.1 channel surround sound to your family room,
office, den or bedroom!
Make technology work for you by simplifying home theatre. The time
you save will get you in the picture easily and quickly. Home Theatre
the Yamaha way! Check out Yamaha’s award-winning digital light
projectors, receivers, Home Theatre in a box, DVD players, speaker
enclosures and much more. Take a Yamaha Home Theatre System
for a test drive!
P.S. Yamaha is the world’s largest
musical instrument maker, making music
since 1887! Take a lesson from us!
Editor’s Note — This is a special section dedicated to our sister-company, Yamaha Music. They make regular contributions in all Horizons newsletters.
Rocky Mountain Cruise-In 2005
“A Success Story”
The 2005 Rocky Mountain Cruise-In that was held in Rocky
Mountain House, Alberta, was an absolute blast for all those
that attended.
120 Yamaha Motorcycles
with motors throttling
made quite an impact on
the townsfolk as the couple rode through.
Yamaha Canada and many of the Yamaha Dealers provided us with
unbelievable support this year with demo rides and vendor booths
that helped make this year’s event a real positive experience.
Indoor vendor booths, bike games, charity rides, dinner,
dancing, live entertainment and the wedding ceremony
made this an event few will forget.
The Northern Stars have another phenomenal success story to tell.
Riders showed up from Newfoundland, New Mexico,
and even Texas to share in the fellowship that
the Northern Stars has developed through its members.
311 riders officially registered for the 3-day event,
but hundreds more showed up during the weekend
to take part in the numerous festivities.
Two of our members, Jody and Marsha from
Winnipeg, Manitoba were married at the Cruise-In.
What an awesome experience!
2006 promises to be another
exciting time with a Cruise-In
being conceived for the East
Coast, potentially somewhere
in New Brunswick.
Please watch our website
for news.
www.northernstarsrider.ca
Volume 16 – Issue 2
9
Toyota and Yamaha
Toyota Trucks and Yamaha
A New Level of Partnership
Both Toyota and
Yamaha have had
a storied off-road
heritage, and a longstanding friendship.
From the most
victories in the
Baja 500/1000 to
countless wins at
the Dakar Rally,
our combined tradition
is the envy of every
other manufacturer.
This has brought
about the first ever
joint venture between
the two companies
in Canada. We are extremely pleased to announce the introduction
of the 2006 Tundra TRD/Yamaha Special Edition. Available in both
Access and Double Cab configurations, this incredible Truck comes
with an extensive array of equipment and features. Purchased separately,
these items would cost $1,000 more than the SE package price.
The TRD Dual Exhaust System looks great and adds almost
10 additional hp. Exterior items include a unique TRD Special Edition
grille, 17” alloy wheels, fender flares, monotone exterior paint, front
skid plate and side step bars. There are also featured items such as
TRD door sill plates, new metallic dash accents, and Special Edition
TRD/Yamaha badging. This Special Edition, only available in Canada,
combines equipment normally found on the Limited grade with
accessories designed to accentuate style and performance.
With the purchase of any Tundra Special Edition, customers will receive
an exclusively designed Melton and Leather TRD/Yamaha jacket as
an added bonus. The 2006 Tundra TRD/Yamaha SE is available NOW!
Toyota proves that a full-sized pickup can combine exceptional
ride comfort and sophisticated handling with hardworking power
and rugged utility. For added security, all Tundra models for 2006
receive an engine immobilizer, while all Double Cabs are now equipped
with a standard anti-theft system. Pricing for Toyota’s full-sized pickup
line starts at just $26,010 for the 2006 Tundra 4X2 Regular Cab V6,
and Access cabs start at $38,380.
The popular Double Cab models, which constitute the vast majority
of Tundra sales in Canada and are now equipped with standard antitheft system, starts at $36,940 for the 4x2 Double Cab V8 version.
The 4x4 Double Cab V8 is
offered for $40,380, with
the price of a fully-loaded
4x4 Double Cab Limited
at $48,015. Pricing for the
all-new Yamaha TRD Special
Edition Tundra is $41,990 for
the Access Cab version, and
$43,990 for the Double Cab.
TUNDRA TRD/YAMAHA SPECIAL EDITION FEATURES
• Yamaha/TRD Jacket
• Monotone Exterior Paint
• TRD Dual Exhaust System
• Metallic Dash Accents
• P265/65R17
• TRD Door Sill Plates
• 17" Aluminum Alloy Wheels
• Coloured Mirrors
• Coloured Body Side Mouldings
• Fender Flares
• Special Edition Badging
• Special Edition Grille
Editor’s Note — Toyota and Yamaha have had a working relationship and have shared unique technologies since the mid 1960’s.
10 Horizons
Fall 2005
Parts & Accessories
New VK Professional Accessories
You’ll find yourself saying… “Fine, I’ll just do it myself”, more often.
Pièces et accessoires
After releasing the incredible new VK Professional last March, we thought it expedient to get some accessories ready for all the hard work
they were going to encounter this winter. Here are a few accessories that will make your VK Professional a little more worker-friendly
while toiling in the middle of nowhere.
Hood Guard Winch Carrier
Exclusive engineering ensures winch
can be operated safely without
damage to unit. Serves as platform
for rack. Other features include quick
release pins, powder coating and
low profiling for optimum headlight
beam pattern.
SMA-8FNHG-00-BK
From $299.95
Rear Winch Carrier
Rear winch carrier allows for
hook-up of SnoWinch on rear
of unit. Heavy-duty powder-coated
steel. Easy install.
SMA-8FN69-00-BK
From $149.95
Front Rack
Heavy-duty steel hood guard/
winch carrier system. Swing open
design allows for quick access to
engine compartment.
Hella® Off-Road M133
Halogen Headlamp Set
Includes OEM harness for plug
and play feature, relay with
rubber boots for optimum
durability and performance.
Meets SSCC requirements.
SMA-8FNRK-00-BK
From $266.95
SMA-8FN35-00-KT
From $338.95
For these and all of our accessories, visit www.yamaha-motor.ca/general_accessories.php
Volume 16 – Issue 2
11
Photo Contest Winners
“ Destination Unusual Location”
Under a bed, well make that an extremely
large KING SIZE bed, of snow is where
you will find Horizons’ first place finisher,
Brian Markiwsky. Brian was able to drive
his Grizzly right under a good old-fashioned
Albertan avalanche to take 500 Yamabucks.
The mild spring temperatures melted the snow
and created a snow cave. I think it’s safe to say
you don’t see that every day.
Congratulations on your most unusual location,
Brian!
1st Place Winner
Brian Markiwsky of Olds, Alberta
inner
2nd Place W C
ndville, Q
of Drummo
Erika Jutras
Randy M
3rd Place
cElhinney
Winn
of Moun
t Pleasan er
t, NB
I know Yamaha riders are passionate about
their products, but this surprised even me!
A couple of snoozers follow in second and
third place.
In third place, Randy McElhinney from
New Brunswick spoons his Raptor in his tent
after a long day of riding. I’m not sure why his
leg is over the tire but he seems content. Let’s
leave it at that. Randy pockets 100 Yamabucks.
Erika Jutras pulls up her makeshift Yamaha
duvet for forty winks in La Belle Province.
The amazing part is that Erika had snapped
the picture before the “Destination Unusual
Location” contest had been announced,
showing that she truly is “mad about BWs”.
Erika takes home 300 Yamabucks for her
second place position.
Finally, an honourable mention goes to
Ontario’s Brent Gear. Brent, I’m blowing
your cover. When Brent’s parents went away
to Cuba for a few weeks, Brent thought
the dining room was a nice, warm place to
completely take his bike apart for its winter
cleaning. I sure hope you enjoyed that vacation,
Mr. and Mrs. Gear!
12 Horizons
Fall 2005
Honourable Men
tion
Brent Gear of Bu
rgessville, ON
Photo Contest/Yellow Pontoon
Yamaha’s
“Golden Oldie”
As a tribute to Yamaha Motor’s 50th
anniversary, this issue’s photo contest
will call on contestants to submit a “blast
from the past” picture. If you have any
“old school” pictures of yourself or family
enjoying your Yamaha from years gone by,
whether its motorcycles, snowmobiles,
ATV’s or outboards, we want to see just
how long you’ve been with Yamaha.
Did you have an old Exciter snowmobile,
or perhaps your Uncle Bob rode a Tri Moto
125? Or maybe you have a restored vintage
bike? Get as creative as you like, including
any retro equipment or clothing too.
The more classic your photo is, the better.
The judges are looking for age, originality,
humour and of course, safety. Please ensure
that all appropriate safety gear such as
helmets, gloves and suitable riding attire
are present in your photo entries to rank
among the leaders. The winner will receive
Photo Contest
500 Yamabucks, 300 for second and
100 Yamabucks for third. Yamabucks
can be used at any authorized Yamaha
dealer across Canada. Fill out your name,
address, description of the photo and any
other information you feel is necessary.
To be eligible, send in the original, hard
copy photograph, or high resolution digital
Jpeg file on CD to:
Yamaha Motor Canada
Horizons Newsletter
Attn: Editor
480 Gordon Baker Road
Toronto, ON
M2H 3B4
Please note: Contest closes February 15, 2006.
Selection of winning entries will be at the sole
discretion of the judges. Chances of winning
depend on the number and quality of the entries.
By entering this contest, you consent to the use
of your photo and name in Horizons Newsletter.
Courtesy of Bill McLean, owner of Pacific Yamaha and
multi-time Canadian MX champion
We All Live in a Yellow Pontoon…
A Yellow Pontoon… A Yellow P o n t o o n
While in the land down under for some testing,
our product manager of ATV and Snowmobile
spotted these Australian Taxis, or Yaxis as I like
to call them.
There is hardly any traffic to deal with and
the cabs make great time. However, it is rumoured
there have been complaints the drivers yell,
“Walk the Plank” and, “You’ll be Goin To Davy
Joneses’ Locker” to unruly patrons.
Volume 16 – Issue 2
13
Canadian Technician Grand Prix
Strutt Takes Top Spot
At Yamaha Motor Canada’s Canadian Technician Grand Prix
Yamaha Motor Canada Ltd. held its second
the events in a timely, yet thorough manner.
solutions to the current technician shortages.
Canadian Technician Grand Prix on June 13,
I just had a better game plan going in.
As an industry, we need to retain skilled,
14 and 15, 2005. After a series of regional
This is the realization of a dream for me.”
experienced technicians, and attract new
events across the country, the field was
narrowed down to ten highly skilled
technicians. The final ten faced off at Yamaha’s
head office in Toronto in a series of written
tests, practical application and customer service
people to the profession. The Yamaha
Strutt narrowly defeated Nick King of
Vernon Motorsports in Vernon, BC by
a mere eight points on a total scoring system
Spunky’s Motorcycle Shop in Parksville, BC
Canada at the World Tech GP event in Japan.
rounded out the podium.
Under the watchful eye of Yamaha service
Strutt will now travel to Japan to compete
employees, industry representatives and
in the “World Technician Grand Prix”.
the media, Roger Strutt of Strutt Yamaha
The World Technician Grand Prix was
and Marine in Kindersley, SK took home
established in 2001 by Yamaha Motor Co. Ltd.
the top spot. Having qualified in the final ten
to enhance the service skills of Yamaha
at Yamaha’s inaugural Tech GP in 2003,
technicians around the world.
the event his second time around.
recognition, promotion and development of a
skilled labour force for the motorsport industry.
of over one thousand. Bloys Dekker of
examinations. The winner would represent
Strutt felt that he was more prepared for
Canadian Technician Grand Prix provides
Yamaha Motor Canada understands
the importance of skilled technicians
“My first time, the pressure and time
in our dealerships, and is working with
sensitivity of some of the events got to me.
the Motorcycle and Moped Industry Council
This time, I knew that I had to complete
(MMIC) as well as industry peers to find
Status
Technician Name
Dealership Name
Location
Winner
Roger Strutt
Strutt Yamaha & Marine
Kindersley, SK
2nd Place
Nick King
Vernon Motorsports
Vernon, BC
3rd Place
Bloys Dekker
Spunky’s Motorcycle Shop
Parksville, BC
Finalist
Fred Morgan
Shore Cycle
Martins Point, NS
Finalist
Terry Hoy
Lynn Hoy Enterprises
Wingham, ON
Finalist
Darren Merkowsky
Silvester R.V. Centre Ltd.
North Battleford, SK
Finalist
James Bettenson
Scanalta Power Sales
Hines Creek, AB
Finalist
Kendall Snyder
T&T Powersports
Bonnyville, AB
Finalist
Ryan Peddie
Seitzco Motorsports
Okotoks, AB
Finalist
Willy Leavitt
Harbour City Motorsports
Nanaimo, BC
14 Horizons
Fall 2005
Letters to the Editor
Best of the Blues
Bonjour! My name is Gilles Chiasson. I’m 39 years old and
I’ve been a Yamaha fan since 1979. I even think that the blood
in my veins is blue! I’m very proud of Yamaha on several levels —
firstly: performance, secondly: look, and finally reliability. I’ve
owned many different types of Yamaha products, and they’ve never
let me down. Here is the list of Yamaha products that I’ve owned:
1. Yamaha FZ750 1985
2. Yamaha DT200 1986
3. Yamaha FZR1000 1987
4. Yamaha Banshee 1994
5. Yamaha YZF-R1 1998
6. Yamaha YZF-R1 2000
7. Yamaha YZ250 2000
8. Yamaha YZF-R1 2004
9. Yamaha YZF-R1 2005
It’s really a family thing. Let me explain… In 1979, my uncle
introduced me to motorcycling on a Yamaha DT175. Then it was
my turn to introduce my own nephew to the sport, on a PW50 that
I suggested to his father, my brother. Obviously, he’s a Yamaha
enthusiast too. I keep telling my 5-year old nephew that
“Yamaha Blue is the Best! Those machines are the fastest!”
Gilles Chiasson
Caraquet, N.B.
Live Up to
Every Expectation
In March of 2004 my wife purchased a new, 2003 YZF600 at
Performance Cycle in Cambridge. After taking delivery of it in April
and putting 500K on it, the bike was put in for its first routine service.
My wife and I were eager to hit the road and so the adventure begins.
It was the first week of May 2004 and with her new bike just barely
broken in, we headed out on a cold, damp May morning, destination
Smoky Mountains.
After riding through eight hours of rain, soaked and frozen,
and three hours in the rain in the wrong direction, we made it
to Pigeon Forge, Tennessee (a day later than expected), which we
would use as base camp for our daily rides.
She slayed the “Dragon” at Deals Gap and went over and around
the spectacular Great Smoky Mountains. She also rode the
Cherahola Sky Way and the awesome Blue Ridge Parkway.
The picture is of my wife Denise and her new YZF600R at 6,053 feet
above sea level, the highest point on the Blue Ridge Parkway.
It captures the moment of one awesome adventure.
Upon returning home, her odometer was reading 5,041 kilometres.
A week earlier, it was only reading 500K. The bike lived up to
every expectation we had, and then some, and was a big part of
the memories we made.
Ron Green
Cambridge, ON
Editor’s Note — If your letter and photos are selected to appear in a future edition of Horizons, you will receive a Yamaha sweatshirt or T-shirt via mail as a token of our appreciation.
Yamaha Motor Canada Ltd. has the right to edit and abbreviate content for all submissions. Note that only selected submissions will be published. We welcome all submissions of letters and photos
and do not guarantee that photos will be returned to sender. We would like to thank all of those who send us their stories and photos. Please remember to include all of your contact
information, i.e. name, address, phone number, with your submission.
Volume 16 – Issue 2
15
PowerFinance
Visit your local Yamaha Dealer today and use your Yamaha credit card for the latest
in service, accessories and Yamaha new or unused equipment. Credit Available.
To POWER UP, visit your local Yamaha Dealer Today!
www.yamaha-motor.ca
NEED A DEALER?
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Published by:
YAMAHA MOTOR CANADA LTD.
480 GORDON BAKER ROAD
TORONTO, ONTARIO M2H 3B4
Horizons thanks all contributors and welcomes
all letters, photographs, etc. from our readers.
Please keep them coming.
Yamaha is a registered trademark of Yamaha
Corporation. Yamaha Motor Canada Ltd. is a
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Yamaha Motor Canada Ltd.
480 Gordon Baker Road
Toronto, Ontario M2H 3B4
1682160
16 Horizons
Fall 2005