Yamaha Announces 2012 YFZ450R and Raptor 90
Industry-First Custom Graphics Kit Option Available for All 2012 Yamaha Sport ATVs
Yamaha announced its 2012 YFZ450R sport model and Raptor 90 youth ATVs. The company also announced an industry-first custom graphics kit option for all 2012 sport ATV models.
Based on its successful 2011 graphics promotion with One Industries, Yamaha is extending its forward-thinking concept in graphics design and customization. For the first time ever from an ATV manufacturer, Yamaha is producing a model with all-white body work – a blank slate for each individual customer’s own creativity. Offered with the all-white models are a choice of 11 unique graphics kit options that can be customized with a person’s name or number. Complete details of this unprecedented option are posted on Yamaha’s website: www.Yamaha-Motor.com
Yamaha’s summer announcement includes two 2012 ATVs: the high-performance YFZ450R sport ATV and the entry-level Raptor 90 youth model.
The YFZ450R is a motocross-ready, high-performing sport ATV with long-travel adjustable suspension, a no-weld aluminum with steel hybrid frame, and a powerful fuel-injected engine. At 48.8 inches wide, it is the ideal machine for the track, open trails and desert riding.
The powerful, high-revving machine has a 5-valve DOHC liquid cooled single cylinder 449cc engine with Yamaha’s electronic fuel injection featuring a 42mm Mikuni® throttle body, 12-hole Denso injector system and a Mitsubishi 32 bit ECU. The 450R’s superior suspension comes from the 44mm KYB shocks in front that have Kashima coating for smooth operation and impact absorption with 9.8 inches of wheel travel. In the back, the gravity-fed cast aluminum swingarm is matched to a fully adjustable 46mm KYB piggyback shock affording the rear wheels 11 inches of travel. Read more
Yamaha announces 2010 ATV race teams
GNCC Racers to do Battle On Trail-Optimized YFZ450X; MX Racers Return Aboard Championship Winning YFZ450R
Yamaha Motor Corp., U.S.A. has announced its 2010 ATV race teams. Returning to defend Yamaha’s 2009 Manufacturer’s Cup in the Grand National Cross Country (GNCC) series are Bill Ballance, Traci Cecco, Brandon Sommers, Taylor Kiser and Walker Fowler. In the motocross world, Thomas Brown will compete in the ATVA/AMA National Motocross pro series, and Dustin Nelson returns to defend his Yamaha/ITP QuadCross Championship while also competing in the World Off Road Championship Series (WORCS).
“This is the first full year of racing for the YFZ450X, and the YFZ450R returns to defend its crown after taking an MX championship in 2009,” said Steve Nessl, Yamaha’s ATV Marketing Manager. “We are proud to support the sport of ATV racing in its many venues. It will be exciting to see these teams and the two high-performance YFZs battle it out in their respective off-road environments.”
Yamaha’s 2010 ATV Race Teams include:
Bill Ballance, the record holding nine-time GNCC XC1 Pro champion, is returning to attempt to recapture his title in 2010 after a fourth place overall finish last year. He continues to lead Yamaha’s ATV cross country efforts with more than a decade of winning experience that has gained him wide respect as the best ATV racer of all time. In addition to racing, Ballance will manage the Ballance Racing team, which also includes Kiser and Fowler. Ballance races the YFZ450X.
Traci Cecco is another GNCC record holder with seven GNCC Women’s titles. She finished second overall in the Women’s Class last year, and is poised to top the podium again in 2010. Cecco races the YFZ450X.
Walker Fowler will represent Yamaha in the GNCC’s XC2 class this year after winning the 2009 College A class and earning a top 20 XC1 finish at last year’s GNCC Ironman finale. Fowler races the YFZ450X.
Taylor Kiser is back on a Yamaha in 2010 after capturing the second overall spot in last year’s XC1 class and earning the series’ Most Improved Rider Award. Kiser races the YFZ450X.
Brandon Sommers captured the GNCC XC2 class championship in 2007 and moved up to the XC1 class in 2008. He finished an impressive fifth place in his first XC1 Pro season and again in 2009. Sommers races the YFZ450X.
Thomas Brown is in his second year on Team Yamaha having won the ATVA/AMA National Motocross Pro-am Championship in 2008 and finishing tenth in the pro class in 2009 earning him the Pro Rookie of the Year award. Brown races the YFZ450R.
Dustin Nelson is a three-time Yamaha/ITP QuadCross MX Pro Class champion having captured two consecutive titles the past two years. He is also competing in the WORCS series this year. Besides being a top ATV MX racer, Nelson is a veteran Yamaha test rider and was very involved in the development of the YFZ450R, which he is racing again this year.
In addition to the 2010 race team, Yamaha has increased its fan appreciation activities throughout the Yamaha/ITP QuadCross series with discounted tickets at Yamaha dealers ($5 off admission) and free race entries to any pro racer maintaining a current top 10 standing aboard a Yamaha ATV.