YAMAHA CREATES 'KANDO'Yamaha unveiled a new prototype retro motorcycle at the Tokyo Motor Show. The Yamaha XS-V1 Sakura harks back to 1970, to the motorcycle manufacturer's first four-stroke machine, the 650cc XS-1 and is fitted with a new 1000cc Yamaha air-cooled V-twin engine to give it an ultra cool modern twist. According to Yamaha, this is "a model that boasts the latest technologies in its engine and chassis, while featuring a Japanese-style look integrated with an image of the XS-1".
Paving the way for a return to 1970s retro styling, which has already been successfully achieved by Triumph and Ducati, this bike shows Yamaha is also following in the footsteps of Honda, which also unveiled its retro-styled Honda CB1100F and R models. According to the Japanese manufacturer, this work of motorcycle art displays their principle for creating Kando, a Japanese word which stands for: "The simultaneous feeling of deep satisfaction and intense excitement that people experience when they encounter something of exceptional value."
"We hope to express the possibilities and the beauties of the motorcycle as a vehicle and the enjoyment it can bring," Yamaha claims.
Let's hope this lightweight, slim, refined and beautifully designed bike can incite as much stimulation, satisfaction and excitement in the rider as Yamaha promises.
MONDELLO NOT TO HOST BSB IN 2008
Mondello Park will not be playing host to the British Superbike Championships (BSB) next year. The BSB has been coming to the Co Kildare racing circuit for the past five years, but due to a reduction in funding from Fáilte Ireland, Mondello Park will not be one of the circuits in the 2008 BSB calendar.
"Obviously we're very disappointed, but we could never have hosted BSB without Fáilte Ireland. We've simply invested too much in both the venue and BSB, and we've made many new friends along the way. I'm confident that this isn't the end for BSB at Mondello Park," says John Morris, Mondello Park's managing director,
In order to maintain a major motorcycle event on the circuit's calendar, Mondello is considering the possibility of running a big prize-money open event on the Sunday before the NW200.
"Many of the principal teams will be coming to Ireland for the northwest, and they may be interested in trying to head there with some extra prize-money in their pockets. We have the date pencilled in on our calendar, and if there is sufficient interest, we'll certainly look at putting the prize fund in place," added Morris.
THE LAST VINCENT
Bonham's auction house in London has sold the last ever Vincent Series-C Black Shadow for a whopping £57,600, around €83,000. This hand-made all-black motorcycle is a highly-prized classic bike.
According to Bonham's Rebecca Ruff: "The 1955 Vincent Black Shadow V-twin was the final Series-C Shadow produced and thus of exceptional significance in the history of the Vincent motorcycle." - Patricia Weston
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