Yamaha News,ENG,No.3,2006,9月,9月,THE WAY FORWARD,Motorcycle,Up Front,Two BreakthroughTwo Breakthroughs,Yoshihiko Takeuchi,FZ750,GENESIS,A machine called the FZ750,Shinichiro Nishimura,G.E.N.I.C.H.,G.E.N.I.C.H.,Takeshi Matsuda,YCC-T,The future of Yamaha technology,Makoto Shimamoto,YCC-S,YCC-T (Yamaha Chip Controlled Throttle),YCC-S（Yamaha Chip Controlled Shift）,International Focus - Serial 54,Growing with the world market,Yamaha Motor Asian Center Co., Ltd.,Nawan Kuntichaikajon,Thailand,Bangkok,Technology Development to support the ordering process - Sathon Office,Ongoing systems improvement and business expansion,Racing Express,Yamaha and Stefan Everts win sixth straight championship title!,Racing,MX1,Stefan Everts,YZ450FM,Season enters second half with Rossi ranked 4th,MotoGP,Valentino Rossi,YZR-M1,World Topics,TYM Joins Celebrations Commemorating 60th Year of the Kingʼs Reign,Healthy Factory Project,Thai Yamaha Motor,YMT Celebrates its 20th Anniversary,Yamaha Motor Taiwan,Taiwan,WaveRunner Safety Riding School and Middle Eastʼs first S1 slalom event,PWC,Al Yousuf Motors,Oishi,UAE,Ammar Wafi,Yamaha Summer Festival 2006 at Brno,2nd Yamaha Summer Festival,Yamaha Motor Europe,Kevin Curtain,Czech Republic,Broc Parkes,Dieter Braun,Kent Andersson,Phil Read,Chas Mortimer,The Yamaha 24 Hour Reliability Trial,Yamaha 24 Hour Reliability Road Trial,Yamaha Motor Australia,WR450F,Australia,Donation for children of typhoon victims,Yamaha Motor Vietnam,Vietnam,Another significant step to make Yamaha the customersʼ “Only One” brand,Firefighting with the Rhino,SSV,Rhino,Switzerland,YSKS contest strengthened for second holding,YSKS contest,Yamaha Austria Racing Team wins SBK class at Suzuka 8-hour,“Coca-Cola” Suzuka 8-hour World Endurance Championship Race,Yamaha Austria Racing Team,Gwen Giabbani,Japan,Yamaha Blue Racing,Sebastien Scarnato,What's New,Contributing to the Company and Society – the 31st YMC President Awards,Yamaha Motor Company President Awards,Takashi Kajikawa,Iwata,Communication Plaza,Establishing the Yamaha Brand in the ASEAN Region,Development of electronic control technologies Based on the “G.E.N.I.C.H.” Concept,Development of a high added-value painting method,Creating Business Opportunities with Corporate Efforts,Personnel Resource Development in Indonesia,Criteria for the President Awards,Zoom In,“Film-on Graphics” add new dimension of visual fun,EC-02,Film-on Graphics

YAMAHA MOTOR CO., LTD.SEPTEMBER 1, 2006 ENGLISH

No.3BIMONTHLY

THE WAY FORWARDTHE WAY FORWARDTwo unique engineering concepts–GENESIS in 1985 and G.E.N.I.C.H. in 2005–have helped define Yamaha’s quest for the ultimate riding experience.

Learn about them and how they point the way forward for Yamaha engineering and design.Two unique engineering concepts–GENESIS in 1985 and G.E.N.I.C.H. in 2005–have helped define Yamaha’s quest for the ultimate riding experience.

Learn about them and how they point the way forward for Yamaha engineering and design.

machine communication.”What were the factors that gave birth tothe G.E.N.I.C.H. concept? “There areconcrete limitations in the realm of hard-ware. For example, steel is not going toget ten times stronger than it is now in thenext five years,” says Mr. Makoto Shi-mamoto, who worked on the developmentof the YZF-R6. Of course, we are alwaysworking to push back those limits, andthose efforts will continue. But, it is stillvery difficult to achieve real break-throughs in the hardware realm. At thesame time, however, the expectations ofthe customers are getting higher all thetime, and we have to work to answerthose expectations. That is why we have

been working aggressively in the area ofadvanced research in electronic controltechnologies for some time now. And thegreat advances in the memory capacityand calculating speed in the computerworld recently have made it possible todesign and put to use electronic controlfunctions that were impossible even a fewyears ago. This ability to achieve higher

2 YAMAHA NEWS SEPTEMBER 1, 2006

UP FRONT

YAMAHA NEWS JULY 1, 2006 3

Paris and Tokyo motorshows. These were theYCC-T (Yamaha ChipControlled Throttle) sys-tem adopted on the YZF-R6 and the YCC-S(Yamaha Chip ControlledShift) system used for thefirst time on theFJR1300AS. Both ofthese were systems adopt-ed on production motor-

cycles for the first time in the world(according to Yamaha survey). And withtheir release, Yamaha chose the name aG.E.N.I.C.H. to describe the engineeringideal that had given birth to them. Anideal of actively using electronic controltechnologies to improve the quality of ridethrough a higher level of rider-machinecommunication. Mr. Shinichiro Nishimura, who works inproduct planning for Yamaha’s sportsmodels, comments: “GENESIS is anengineering ideal that aims to boost totalperformance by improving the interrela-tionship of the various parts of themachine (engine, chassis etc.) that can beconsidered the cardiopulmonary function,muscles and bones of the motorcycle. Incontrast, G.E.N.I.C.H. represents theequivalent of control functions of themind and nerves that can heighten the per-formance of the cardiopulmonary func-tion, muscles and bones while alsoimproving athletic ability and coordina-tion,” he says. Although the twoapproaches are different, the aim of bothGENESIS and G.E.N.I.C.H. is “rider-

nisms of the bike as separate entities, theaim of the FZ750’s design was to lay outthe various components in a more organicrelationship that improved the overall per-formance of the machine in a way that putthe rider and machine in perfect sync sothat the rider could enjoy the true excite-ment of being in complete control of thebike. In other words, it was a design thatsought to realize the Yamaha ideal of“unity of rider and machine.” And whenthe FZ750 was unveiled, Yamaha intro-duced the GENESIS concept at the sametime as the engineering ideal that theFZ750 embodied. After the birth of the FZ750 and the GEN-ESIS concept, Yamaha continued torelease a series of supersport modelsincluding the FZ250 Fazer and theFZR400 that carried on this GENESISideal. And it was this same ideal thateventually led to the epoch-making YZF-R1 introduced in 1998. Now, more than 20 years after the birth ofthe FZ750 and the GENESIS concept, thelayout of the FZ750 remains the standardin the sports and supersport categories, notonly for Yamaha but for all makers, inJapan and abroad, And this fact stands asproof that Yamaha’s GENESIS conceptrepresented a true design breakthroughthat gave birth to the sports and supersportcategories as we know them today. In fact,you could say that it has become a sharedasset of the motorcycle industry thathelped move the whole industry forwardand continues to evolve to this day.

G.E.N.I.C.H.Two decades after the release of theFZ750, Yamaha introduced two new elec-tronic control technologies at the 2005

There are two fundamental engineering ideals that formthe backbone of Yamaha Motor Co., Ltd.’s “product creation.” But, that doesn’t mean that Yamaha is tryingto build products that contain these two ideals. Yamahaengineers are always trying to build products that arefun, a joy to ride, fast or easy to use. And in the end,what we strive to develop is products that bring that spe-cial combination of excitement and deep satisfaction wecall Kando. The two engineering ideals that haveemerged from this quest are GENESIS and G.E.N.I.C.H.They are not ideals that were drawn up intentionally butthe natural and essential outgrowths of the bigger quest.

TTwwoo BBrreeaakktthhrroouugghhssTTwwoo BBrreeaakktthhrroouugghhss(2005~)This is an engineering ideal thatmakes active use of electronic controltechnologies to further heighten thequality of the ride based on rider-machine communication. It is theacronym for “Genesis of Electricalengineering for New Innovative Con-trol technology with human orienta-tion.”

(1985~)This is the machine development con-cept that Yamaha introduced in 1985. Itis an engineering ideal that seeks to cre-ate an organic integration of every mech-anism and part of the machine, from theengine and chassis right down to theindividual components, with the aim ofbuilding in the type of total performancethat creates a high level of “rider-machine communication.”

A machine called the FZ750In the autumn of 1984, Yamaha unveiled anew machine at the Cologne Show inGermany. Its name was FZ750. The trendin large-displacement supersport bikes atthe time was toward boosting perfor-mance with more cylinders for higherpower output. It was a time when cus-tomers judged the bike by its horsepowerspec. In the face of that trend, Yamahaintroduced the FZ750 as a whole newbreed of supersport bike designed for

overall rider-machine communicationunder a new engineering concept thatYamaha dubbed GENESIS.For the FZ750, the design team changedthe frame design to one that connected thehead pipe and the rear arm pivot in astraight line and mounted on it a DOHCin-line-4 engine with five valves per cylin-der for outstanding intake/exhaust effi-ciency. Furthermore, by mounting theengine with a 45-degree forward incline,they were able to boost performance by

fitting the engine with straight-intakedown-draft carburetor(s). What’s more,this layout contributed to improved chas-sis performance by enabling optimumfront-rear weight distribution, lower centerof gravity and greater concentration ofmass. This revolutionary design was somethingnever seen before in a supersport model.Unlike the designs of the day that placedpriority on spec numbers and treated theengine, chassis and all the other mecha-

The GENESIS concept was applied to the FZ750 toachieve fuller controllability and high performance thatwas fun to use. Those ideals are still alive in today’ssports and supersport models

YCC-T is a variation of systems already in use on auto-mobiles that Yamaha has succeeded in applying to sportmotorcycles by boosting system speed and designing amore compact system

machine communication.”What were the factors that gave birth tothe G.E.N.I.C.H. concept? “There areconcrete limitations in the realm of hard-ware. For example, steel is not going toget ten times stronger than it is now in thenext five years,” says Mr. Makoto Shi-mamoto, who worked on the developmentof the YZF-R6. Of course, we are alwaysworking to push back those limits, andthose efforts will continue. But, it is stillvery difficult to achieve real break-throughs in the hardware realm. At thesame time, however, the expectations ofthe customers are getting higher all thetime, and we have to work to answerthose expectations. That is why we have

been working aggressively in the area ofadvanced research in electronic controltechnologies for some time now. And thegreat advances in the memory capacityand calculating speed in the computerworld recently have made it possible todesign and put to use electronic controlfunctions that were impossible even a fewyears ago. This ability to achieve higher

2 YAMAHA NEWS SEPTEMBER 1, 2006

UP FRONT

YAMAHA NEWS JULY 1, 2006 3

Paris and Tokyo motorshows. These were theYCC-T (Yamaha ChipControlled Throttle) sys-tem adopted on the YZF-R6 and the YCC-S(Yamaha Chip ControlledShift) system used for thefirst time on theFJR1300AS. Both ofthese were systems adopt-ed on production motor-

cycles for the first time in the world(according to Yamaha survey). And withtheir release, Yamaha chose the name aG.E.N.I.C.H. to describe the engineeringideal that had given birth to them. Anideal of actively using electronic controltechnologies to improve the quality of ridethrough a higher level of rider-machinecommunication. Mr. Shinichiro Nishimura, who works inproduct planning for Yamaha’s sportsmodels, comments: “GENESIS is anengineering ideal that aims to boost totalperformance by improving the interrela-tionship of the various parts of themachine (engine, chassis etc.) that can beconsidered the cardiopulmonary function,muscles and bones of the motorcycle. Incontrast, G.E.N.I.C.H. represents theequivalent of control functions of themind and nerves that can heighten the per-formance of the cardiopulmonary func-tion, muscles and bones while alsoimproving athletic ability and coordina-tion,” he says. Although the twoapproaches are different, the aim of bothGENESIS and G.E.N.I.C.H. is “rider-

nisms of the bike as separate entities, theaim of the FZ750’s design was to lay outthe various components in a more organicrelationship that improved the overall per-formance of the machine in a way that putthe rider and machine in perfect sync sothat the rider could enjoy the true excite-ment of being in complete control of thebike. In other words, it was a design thatsought to realize the Yamaha ideal of“unity of rider and machine.” And whenthe FZ750 was unveiled, Yamaha intro-duced the GENESIS concept at the sametime as the engineering ideal that theFZ750 embodied. After the birth of the FZ750 and the GEN-ESIS concept, Yamaha continued torelease a series of supersport modelsincluding the FZ250 Fazer and theFZR400 that carried on this GENESISideal. And it was this same ideal thateventually led to the epoch-making YZF-R1 introduced in 1998. Now, more than 20 years after the birth ofthe FZ750 and the GENESIS concept, thelayout of the FZ750 remains the standardin the sports and supersport categories, notonly for Yamaha but for all makers, inJapan and abroad, And this fact stands asproof that Yamaha’s GENESIS conceptrepresented a true design breakthroughthat gave birth to the sports and supersportcategories as we know them today. In fact,you could say that it has become a sharedasset of the motorcycle industry thathelped move the whole industry forwardand continues to evolve to this day.

G.E.N.I.C.H.Two decades after the release of theFZ750, Yamaha introduced two new elec-tronic control technologies at the 2005

There are two fundamental engineering ideals that formthe backbone of Yamaha Motor Co., Ltd.’s “product creation.” But, that doesn’t mean that Yamaha is tryingto build products that contain these two ideals. Yamahaengineers are always trying to build products that arefun, a joy to ride, fast or easy to use. And in the end,what we strive to develop is products that bring that spe-cial combination of excitement and deep satisfaction wecall Kando. The two engineering ideals that haveemerged from this quest are GENESIS and G.E.N.I.C.H.They are not ideals that were drawn up intentionally butthe natural and essential outgrowths of the bigger quest.

TTwwoo BBrreeaakktthhrroouugghhssTTwwoo BBrreeaakktthhrroouugghhss(2005~)This is an engineering ideal thatmakes active use of electronic controltechnologies to further heighten thequality of the ride based on rider-machine communication. It is theacronym for “Genesis of Electricalengineering for New Innovative Con-trol technology with human orienta-tion.”

(1985~)This is the machine development con-cept that Yamaha introduced in 1985. Itis an engineering ideal that seeks to cre-ate an organic integration of every mech-anism and part of the machine, from theengine and chassis right down to theindividual components, with the aim ofbuilding in the type of total performancethat creates a high level of “rider-machine communication.”

A machine called the FZ750In the autumn of 1984, Yamaha unveiled anew machine at the Cologne Show inGermany. Its name was FZ750. The trendin large-displacement supersport bikes atthe time was toward boosting perfor-mance with more cylinders for higherpower output. It was a time when cus-tomers judged the bike by its horsepowerspec. In the face of that trend, Yamahaintroduced the FZ750 as a whole newbreed of supersport bike designed for

overall rider-machine communicationunder a new engineering concept thatYamaha dubbed GENESIS.For the FZ750, the design team changedthe frame design to one that connected thehead pipe and the rear arm pivot in astraight line and mounted on it a DOHCin-line-4 engine with five valves per cylin-der for outstanding intake/exhaust effi-ciency. Furthermore, by mounting theengine with a 45-degree forward incline,they were able to boost performance by

fitting the engine with straight-intakedown-draft carburetor(s). What’s more,this layout contributed to improved chas-sis performance by enabling optimumfront-rear weight distribution, lower centerof gravity and greater concentration ofmass. This revolutionary design was somethingnever seen before in a supersport model.Unlike the designs of the day that placedpriority on spec numbers and treated theengine, chassis and all the other mecha-

The GENESIS concept was applied to the FZ750 toachieve fuller controllability and high performance thatwas fun to use. Those ideals are still alive in today’ssports and supersport models

YCC-T is a variation of systems already in use on auto-mobiles that Yamaha has succeeded in applying to sportmotorcycles by boosting system speed and designing amore compact system

created by G.E.N.I.C.H. technologies ispurely and uniquely Yamaha, and it issomething that no one can copy. Says Mr. Yoshihiko Takeuchi, whoworked on the development of the YCC-S: “People dislike actions that feel strange,and we instinctively seek to avoid suchactions. That is especially true in the caseof something like a motorcycle where therider’s actions are crucial to the operationof the machine. The reason that the newFJR1300AS and YZF-R6 models arereceiving high praise in the marketplace isthat their YCC-T and YCC-S systems fithuman sensitivities. Just like the GENE-SIS breakthrough with the 1985 modelFZ750, these two models are now creatinganother true breakthrough.”

The future of Yamaha tech-nologyThe motorcycle is a machine with about a100-year history, and one of the things thatmakes it different from products like theelectrical appliances we use all the time isthat you need a license to operate a motor-cycle. That license is a prerequisite forusing a motorcycle today and only peoplewho get a license can ride one. That is thevery reason why changing the operatingfeeling of the motorcycle is somethingthat all riders will dislike. In extreme casesit could even make people unable to oper-

UP FRONT

4 YAMAHA NEWS SEPTEMBER 1, 2006 YAMAHA NEWS SEPTEMBER 1, 2006 5

levels of rider-machine communicationwith electronic control technologies aswell as hardware is what gave birth to theG.E.N.I.C.H. engineering ideal,” explainsMr. Shimamoto. Yamaha’s electronic control technologiesgo back to the fuel injection system adopt-ed on the 1982 model XJ750D, the EXUPsystem of the 1987 model FZR400R, theABS system of the 1989 model FJ1200Aand also the Traction Control system ofthe Lanza. So, what is the differencebetween these electronic control technolo-gies of the past and the ones used in thenewly developed YCC-T and YCC-S sys-tems?Here is what control system developer Mr.Takeshi Matsuda says: “The difference isthat these new systems have brought con-trol technologies into the most fundamen-tal operations of motorcycle riding, name-ly the clutch operation, the shifting opera-tion and the throttle operation. But whenyou bring control systems into these basicfunctions, it is absolutely necessary thatthey be non-intrusive functions. Forexample, if the rider actually feels the con-trol function kicking in, then it is already afailure. We have to create a control systemthat operates at the moment the rider feelsthat he or she is in charge and operatingthe machine as they wish, and at thatmoment, the system has to function to

make the machine even easier and moreenjoyable to handle than a machine with-out the control system,” he explains. Until now, motorcycles could only beevaluated in terms of the hardware ele-ments of the engine and chassis. With thebirth of G.E.N.I.C.H., though, there isnow a new criterion for evaluation: themachine’s software. Hardware is a con-struction of materials and today anyonecan and does copy a construction like thestandard layout of the FZ750. But the soft-ware technologies being created by Yama-ha today are the product of know-howaccumulated by the company’s engineersover 51 years in the specialized environ-ment of motorcycle development. That iswhy it can be said that the riding feeling

ate the motorcycle. That is why engineershave to be very careful about changing thebasic standards of the operation processesand why those changes have to be madevery slowly. This is why Mr. Takeuchi says that theYCC-S development project was a verydifficult one. As for the future of thesecontrol technologies, he adds: “The pio-neers in this field of electronic control sys-tems have a very big responsibility.Because what we are doing is changingthe operating processes that have been thesame for decades. If changes are made inthe wrong direction, it could have a bigeffect on our existing motorcycle culture.But at the same time, we can’t stay in thesame place forever. We have to move for-ward, because the customers are alwaysexpecting and demanding somethingnew.”

Mr. Shimamoto adds: “Our currentG.E.N.I.C.H. concept is to create controlsystems that don’t feel strange to the rider,but I believe that in the future we will besearching for control systems that intro-duce new developments which will enableYamaha motorcycles to open up newworlds of riding enjoyment. Of course,what we will be aiming for is new evolu-tions of rider-machine communication.And when we do, that may be our 3rdBreakthrough.” Yamaha’s aim has never been to createconcepts like G.E.N.I.C.H. and GENE-SIS. We have simply been answering thecall from the customers for motorcyclesthat are even easier to control, and in theprocess of trying to create products withthe next level of controllability, these twoconcepts were born. As long as Yamaha strives to create peo-

Conventional gearbox & clutch

Clutch actuator

Shift actuator

32 bit ECU

Hand- & Foot shiftswitch

Main shaftSpeed sensor

YCC-S ECU

Engine rpm

Unit speed

Throttle opening

Rear wheel speed sensorGear position sensor

YCC-S System make-upFull-automatic clutch engagement & disengagementPossibility of Hand or Foot operated gear shifting

Throttle position sensor (T.P.S.)

Motor

Accelerator position sensor (A.P.S.)

To throttle grip

Pulley with mechanical guard mechanism

Throttle valve

The YCC-S system adopted on the cruiser modelFJR1300AS boosts running performance and conve-nience while also contributing to a more comfortable ride

Yamaha will continue to heighten rider-machine communication in its motorcycles through the synergy of the GENESIS and G.E.N.I.C.H. engineering ideals

From left, Mr. Yoshihiko Takeuchi, Mr. Shinichiro Nishimura,Mr. Takeshi Matsuda and Mr. Makoto Shimamoto wereinvolved in the development of the YZF-R6 and FJR1300AS

ple-centric products, the GENESIS andG.E.N.I.C.H. concepts will live on, andthey will help bring new evolutions ofrider-machine communication.

YCC-T (Yamaha Chip Controlled Throttle)Controlling intake air volume to improve torque characteristicswith a super high-revving engineThe YCC-T is a feature mounted for the first time ever on a production model(Yamaha survey) with the 2006 model YZF-R6. The system senses the throttleaction of the rider and based on that information the ECU instantaneously cal-culates the optimum throttle valve opening (at 1000th of a second increments).The control signals then actuate throttle opening by means of servo motors toactively control intake air volume. The ECU contains a 3CPU having a capacity about five times that of conven-tional units, making it possible for the system to respond with extremely highspeed (100th of a second increments) to the slightest adjustments made by therider. In particular, controlling the throttle valve opening enables optimization ofthe torque curve and intake airflow speed to effectively bring out the perfor-mance potential of a large-bore, super high-revving engine and helps achievesmooth torque development across the full rpm range.

YCC-S（Yamaha Chip Controlled Shift）A new system that eliminates the need forclutch operationWith the YCC-S system, information about enginerpm, running speed, gear position and throttle posi-tion (by TPS) is constantly fed to the ECU so thatcalculations can instantly be made in response tothe rider’s gear selection to govern the appropriateclutch and shift operations. Since the YCC-S systemhas no clutch lever, no conventional clutch operationis necessary and gear shifting can be performedeither by means of the foot shift switch locatedwhere the conventional shift pedal would be or by ahand shift operation. This eliminates the need for bothersome clutch oper-ation in city riding and makes for smooth riding in allkinds of situations by enabling a big reduction inchassis reaction during shifting for a more comfort-able ride, greater convenience in shift operation andmore.

created by G.E.N.I.C.H. technologies ispurely and uniquely Yamaha, and it issomething that no one can copy. Says Mr. Yoshihiko Takeuchi, whoworked on the development of the YCC-S: “People dislike actions that feel strange,and we instinctively seek to avoid suchactions. That is especially true in the caseof something like a motorcycle where therider’s actions are crucial to the operationof the machine. The reason that the newFJR1300AS and YZF-R6 models arereceiving high praise in the marketplace isthat their YCC-T and YCC-S systems fithuman sensitivities. Just like the GENE-SIS breakthrough with the 1985 modelFZ750, these two models are now creatinganother true breakthrough.”

The future of Yamaha tech-nologyThe motorcycle is a machine with about a100-year history, and one of the things thatmakes it different from products like theelectrical appliances we use all the time isthat you need a license to operate a motor-cycle. That license is a prerequisite forusing a motorcycle today and only peoplewho get a license can ride one. That is thevery reason why changing the operatingfeeling of the motorcycle is somethingthat all riders will dislike. In extreme casesit could even make people unable to oper-

UP FRONT

4 YAMAHA NEWS SEPTEMBER 1, 2006 YAMAHA NEWS SEPTEMBER 1, 2006 5

levels of rider-machine communicationwith electronic control technologies aswell as hardware is what gave birth to theG.E.N.I.C.H. engineering ideal,” explainsMr. Shimamoto. Yamaha’s electronic control technologiesgo back to the fuel injection system adopt-ed on the 1982 model XJ750D, the EXUPsystem of the 1987 model FZR400R, theABS system of the 1989 model FJ1200Aand also the Traction Control system ofthe Lanza. So, what is the differencebetween these electronic control technolo-gies of the past and the ones used in thenewly developed YCC-T and YCC-S sys-tems?Here is what control system developer Mr.Takeshi Matsuda says: “The difference isthat these new systems have brought con-trol technologies into the most fundamen-tal operations of motorcycle riding, name-ly the clutch operation, the shifting opera-tion and the throttle operation. But whenyou bring control systems into these basicfunctions, it is absolutely necessary thatthey be non-intrusive functions. Forexample, if the rider actually feels the con-trol function kicking in, then it is already afailure. We have to create a control systemthat operates at the moment the rider feelsthat he or she is in charge and operatingthe machine as they wish, and at thatmoment, the system has to function to

make the machine even easier and moreenjoyable to handle than a machine with-out the control system,” he explains. Until now, motorcycles could only beevaluated in terms of the hardware ele-ments of the engine and chassis. With thebirth of G.E.N.I.C.H., though, there isnow a new criterion for evaluation: themachine’s software. Hardware is a con-struction of materials and today anyonecan and does copy a construction like thestandard layout of the FZ750. But the soft-ware technologies being created by Yama-ha today are the product of know-howaccumulated by the company’s engineersover 51 years in the specialized environ-ment of motorcycle development. That iswhy it can be said that the riding feeling

ate the motorcycle. That is why engineershave to be very careful about changing thebasic standards of the operation processesand why those changes have to be madevery slowly. This is why Mr. Takeuchi says that theYCC-S development project was a verydifficult one. As for the future of thesecontrol technologies, he adds: “The pio-neers in this field of electronic control sys-tems have a very big responsibility.Because what we are doing is changingthe operating processes that have been thesame for decades. If changes are made inthe wrong direction, it could have a bigeffect on our existing motorcycle culture.But at the same time, we can’t stay in thesame place forever. We have to move for-ward, because the customers are alwaysexpecting and demanding somethingnew.”

Mr. Shimamoto adds: “Our currentG.E.N.I.C.H. concept is to create controlsystems that don’t feel strange to the rider,but I believe that in the future we will besearching for control systems that intro-duce new developments which will enableYamaha motorcycles to open up newworlds of riding enjoyment. Of course,what we will be aiming for is new evolu-tions of rider-machine communication.And when we do, that may be our 3rdBreakthrough.” Yamaha’s aim has never been to createconcepts like G.E.N.I.C.H. and GENE-SIS. We have simply been answering thecall from the customers for motorcyclesthat are even easier to control, and in theprocess of trying to create products withthe next level of controllability, these twoconcepts were born. As long as Yamaha strives to create peo-

Conventional gearbox & clutch

Clutch actuator

Shift actuator

32 bit ECU

Hand- & Foot shiftswitch

Main shaftSpeed sensor

YCC-S ECU

Engine rpm

Unit speed

Throttle opening

Rear wheel speed sensorGear position sensor

YCC-S System make-upFull-automatic clutch engagement & disengagementPossibility of Hand or Foot operated gear shifting

Throttle position sensor (T.P.S.)

Motor

Accelerator position sensor (A.P.S.)

To throttle grip

Pulley with mechanical guard mechanism

Throttle valve

The YCC-S system adopted on the cruiser modelFJR1300AS boosts running performance and conve-nience while also contributing to a more comfortable ride

Yamaha will continue to heighten rider-machine communication in its motorcycles through the synergy of the GENESIS and G.E.N.I.C.H. engineering ideals

From left, Mr. Yoshihiko Takeuchi, Mr. Shinichiro Nishimura,Mr. Takeshi Matsuda and Mr. Makoto Shimamoto wereinvolved in the development of the YZF-R6 and FJR1300AS

ple-centric products, the GENESIS andG.E.N.I.C.H. concepts will live on, andthey will help bring new evolutions ofrider-machine communication.

YCC-T (Yamaha Chip Controlled Throttle)Controlling intake air volume to improve torque characteristicswith a super high-revving engineThe YCC-T is a feature mounted for the first time ever on a production model(Yamaha survey) with the 2006 model YZF-R6. The system senses the throttleaction of the rider and based on that information the ECU instantaneously cal-culates the optimum throttle valve opening (at 1000th of a second increments).The control signals then actuate throttle opening by means of servo motors toactively control intake air volume. The ECU contains a 3CPU having a capacity about five times that of conven-tional units, making it possible for the system to respond with extremely highspeed (100th of a second increments) to the slightest adjustments made by therider. In particular, controlling the throttle valve opening enables optimization ofthe torque curve and intake airflow speed to effectively bring out the perfor-mance potential of a large-bore, super high-revving engine and helps achievesmooth torque development across the full rpm range.

YCC-S（Yamaha Chip Controlled Shift）A new system that eliminates the need forclutch operationWith the YCC-S system, information about enginerpm, running speed, gear position and throttle posi-tion (by TPS) is constantly fed to the ECU so thatcalculations can instantly be made in response tothe rider’s gear selection to govern the appropriateclutch and shift operations. Since the YCC-S systemhas no clutch lever, no conventional clutch operationis necessary and gear shifting can be performedeither by means of the foot shift switch locatedwhere the conventional shift pedal would be or by ahand shift operation. This eliminates the need for bothersome clutch oper-ation in city riding and makes for smooth riding in allkinds of situations by enabling a big reduction inchassis reaction during shifting for a more comfort-able ride, greater convenience in shift operation andmore.

General Introduction:The cultural heritage of Thailandwas mostly influenced by ancient India after Indian mer-chants and scholars first entered and gradually settled inSoutheast Asia some 2,300 years ago. Thailand has longmaintained its independence as a monarchy since the13th century. The area of Thailand is 514,000 sq. km andexcluding the northern mountain ranges, most of the areaconsists of highland and lowland plains. The plain in themiddle of Thailand is one of the biggest breadbaskets inAsia. Temperatures in Thailand average 29˚C for the year. InBangkok, temperatures are highest in April, climbing upto 35˚C, while temperatures in December averagearound 17˚C.

Food & Drink: The staple food of the people of Thai-land is rice. Thai foodwith its abundant useof peppers and garlicas well as nahmbplah sauce made offish, cilantro leaf ofcicelyaceae andshrimp paste made ofshrimps as seasoninghas become well

known around the world. Thailand also has various kinds of tropical fruits like duri-an, mangosteen and mango because of its tropical cli-mate. They are very juicy and have high sugar contentand they are not only eaten as fresh fruit but also used ascooking ingredients for a variety of dishes as well. When walking on the streets of cities like Bangkok, youwill often find food stands or hawker centers offering avariety of kinds of food and dishes. You can enjoy a mealat these stands or centers at a very affordable price.

■ Capital: Bangkok ■ Area: 514,000 sq. km ■ Location: Southeast Asia■ Population: 61,970,000 ■ Language: Thai

6 YAMAHA NEWS SEPTEMBER 1, 2006

INTERNATIONAL FOCUS

The beginning ofYamaha Motor AsianCenter Co., Ltd.(YMAC) came fromYamaha Motor Co.,Ltd. (YMC) lookingfor a new location inSouth Asia to from

which to strengthen motorcycle parts pur-chasing and supply in the ASEAN regionunder the AFTA (ASEAN Free TradeArea) scheme. Eventually, YMC decidedthat the best location would be the centralbusiness area of Bangkok, Thailand. OnApril 1st, 2001, the YMACoffice opened on Bangkok’sSathorn Road. At this sametime, the winds of growth inthe world market led YMACto look beyond the ASEANregion to Yamaha group fac-tories throughout the world.This is how YMAC came tointroduce Yamaha’s very first“Complement Parts Business”which involves supplyingparts to the factories in modelsets rather than individualparts. through our YMACOrder Control (ODC) opera-tions.The YMAC offices wereopened in two phases: first theYMAC Sathon office on 26thApril 2001, and second our

Bangna office also in Bangkok for ourR&D Department on 11th February, 2002.

Technology Development tosupport the ordering process -Sathon OfficeWhen YMAC first began operations in2001, the parts ordering system used forcross trading among our Asian factoriesused a manual control system for receivingand issuing order documents, with YMACacting as the intermediary between the fac-tories and the parts makers. In April 2002, YMAC implemented

YMC’s G-OP (Global Order Processing)system to support the ordering processwhich had been in operation among theYamaha group’s major ASEAN factoriesfor all ordering of sets of parts for manu-facturing, replacement parts and spareparts for Yamaha’s first ASEAN-marketstandard commuter motorcycle, theNOUVO.In July, 2003, another YMC system calledthe G-PORT system was implemented tosupport the G-OP system used for ThaiYamaha Motor Co., Ltd. (TYM) and PT.Yamaha Indonesia Motor Manufacturing(YIMM). Its aim was to boost service andbusiness speed in our dealings with theYamaha factories. This system wasdesigned first of all to achieve smootherglobal logistics by sharing and upgradingaccurate trading information. Secondly, itsought to improve the quality of our clientservices by providing (1) delivery infor-mation (Planned/Actual shipping bases),(2) detailed shipping information and (3)linkage within the Yamaha group’s marketmanagement system for the ASEANregion. Lastly, it was designed to also pro-

vide effective, practical PSI control inte-grated with Yamaha’s production manage-ment system.

Ongoing systems improvementand business expansionTo improve the system and the ODC pro-ject from the standpoint of SCM (SupplyChain Management), YMAC put in placeits G-OP phrase II in September 2005 toinitiate comprehensive management of thesupply chain from production to sales,respond rapidly to changes in marketdemand and reduce lead time in G-OPoperations and promote stock reduction,all with greater flexibility and speed. After almost five years in operation,YMAC has played a significant role inkeeping Yamaha production volumesgrowing in the ASEAN region throughcontinued development of both technologyand business. During this time YMAC’scomplement (set) parts business has grownfrom 480 model part sets in 2001 to 1,723sets in 2005. In the meantime, YMAC has also had suc-cess in expanding its complement partsbusiness beyond the Asian region. In2004, an agreement was made with Yama-ha Motor Componentes Da AmazoniaLtda. in Brazil to begin complement partssupply instead of single-parts ordering, ini-tially on the Brazilian market’s “NEO”model. Now we are taking our business toIncolmotos Yamaha in Colombia for the“NEXT” model.The operations of our R&D Department at

the Bangna Office are also bringing signif-icant results. The greatest achievement ofYMAC R&D to date has been the devel-opment of the new model X-1 based onminor changes in the Spark Z to create anew model with a Speedy and Sportyimage. Through these wide-ranging businessactivities, YMAC hopes to contribute toYamaha’s growth in the Asian region andbeyond, while also helping to reduce laborand material waste through more efficientoperating systems that eventually benefitthe worker, the environment and societyunder the Yamaha slogan of “TouchingYour Heart.”

YAMAHA NEWS SEPTEMBER 1, 2006 7

SERIAL 54

Location: Bangkok, ThailandEmployees: 128 (Thai = 100; Japanese = 28)

Yamaha Motor Asian Center Co., Ltd.

In the wake of the 1997 monetary crisis in the ASEANregion, Yamaha Motor Co., Ltd. established a new com-pany, Yamaha Motor Asia Pte. Ltd. in Singapore to pro-vide financial support for the Yamaha manufacturingbases in the Southeast Asian region. As the region recov-ered from the crisis and its motorcycle market began togrow rapidly, Yamaha moved again to establish another company to concentrateon strengthening the competitiveness of Yamaha motorcycle manufacturing andproduct development in the ASEAN region by coordinating production and pur-chasing operations. The new company named Yamaha Motor Asian Center Co.,Ltd. was established in Thailand and began operations in April of 2001.

Our reporter: Nawan Kuntichaikajon

The staff members of YMAC whose office is on the 21st floor of a building on Sathon Road in Bangkok’s business district

A scene from the CS training held for YMAC staff in order to pursueand maintain service that “surpasses customer’s expectation”

Thailand

Growing with the world market

To enable the timely release of products that surpass customers’expectations, YMAC is strengthening its R&D function to developASEAN market models that are competitive and enhance the Yama-ha brand

Scenic sites: Especially in the capital, Bangkok, the con-trast of old historic temples and modern skyscrapersbeautifully illustrates the breath of tradition and modern-ness to be found in Thailand today. Besides Bangkok, the historic cities of Ayutthaya andSukhothai are UNESCO-designated World HeritageSites now well known to international travelers. Phuket, in the south is the biggest island on Thailand’sIndian Ocean coast. The white sand beaches and theadjoining resort areas are well known around the world.Many small islands dot the coast around Phuket and theirwaters delight divers with the beautiful contrast of emer-ald water and white sands.

One of the old temples, Prasat Hin Phimai is a Khmer style templecompleted in the 11th century (Angkor Period). The beauty of its build-ings has led this site to be called the Angkor Wat of Thailand

When in Bangkok, a lot of motorcycles can be seen on the streets

General Introduction:The cultural heritage of Thailandwas mostly influenced by ancient India after Indian mer-chants and scholars first entered and gradually settled inSoutheast Asia some 2,300 years ago. Thailand has longmaintained its independence as a monarchy since the13th century. The area of Thailand is 514,000 sq. km andexcluding the northern mountain ranges, most of the areaconsists of highland and lowland plains. The plain in themiddle of Thailand is one of the biggest breadbaskets inAsia. Temperatures in Thailand average 29˚C for the year. InBangkok, temperatures are highest in April, climbing upto 35˚C, while temperatures in December averagearound 17˚C.

Food & Drink: The staple food of the people of Thai-land is rice. Thai foodwith its abundant useof peppers and garlicas well as nahmbplah sauce made offish, cilantro leaf ofcicelyaceae andshrimp paste made ofshrimps as seasoninghas become well

known around the world. Thailand also has various kinds of tropical fruits like duri-an, mangosteen and mango because of its tropical cli-mate. They are very juicy and have high sugar contentand they are not only eaten as fresh fruit but also used ascooking ingredients for a variety of dishes as well. When walking on the streets of cities like Bangkok, youwill often find food stands or hawker centers offering avariety of kinds of food and dishes. You can enjoy a mealat these stands or centers at a very affordable price.

■ Capital: Bangkok ■ Area: 514,000 sq. km ■ Location: Southeast Asia■ Population: 61,970,000 ■ Language: Thai

6 YAMAHA NEWS SEPTEMBER 1, 2006

INTERNATIONAL FOCUS

The beginning ofYamaha Motor AsianCenter Co., Ltd.(YMAC) came fromYamaha Motor Co.,Ltd. (YMC) lookingfor a new location inSouth Asia to from

which to strengthen motorcycle parts pur-chasing and supply in the ASEAN regionunder the AFTA (ASEAN Free TradeArea) scheme. Eventually, YMC decidedthat the best location would be the centralbusiness area of Bangkok, Thailand. OnApril 1st, 2001, the YMACoffice opened on Bangkok’sSathorn Road. At this sametime, the winds of growth inthe world market led YMACto look beyond the ASEANregion to Yamaha group fac-tories throughout the world.This is how YMAC came tointroduce Yamaha’s very first“Complement Parts Business”which involves supplyingparts to the factories in modelsets rather than individualparts. through our YMACOrder Control (ODC) opera-tions.The YMAC offices wereopened in two phases: first theYMAC Sathon office on 26thApril 2001, and second our

Bangna office also in Bangkok for ourR&D Department on 11th February, 2002.

Technology Development tosupport the ordering process -Sathon OfficeWhen YMAC first began operations in2001, the parts ordering system used forcross trading among our Asian factoriesused a manual control system for receivingand issuing order documents, with YMACacting as the intermediary between the fac-tories and the parts makers. In April 2002, YMAC implemented

YMC’s G-OP (Global Order Processing)system to support the ordering processwhich had been in operation among theYamaha group’s major ASEAN factoriesfor all ordering of sets of parts for manu-facturing, replacement parts and spareparts for Yamaha’s first ASEAN-marketstandard commuter motorcycle, theNOUVO.In July, 2003, another YMC system calledthe G-PORT system was implemented tosupport the G-OP system used for ThaiYamaha Motor Co., Ltd. (TYM) and PT.Yamaha Indonesia Motor Manufacturing(YIMM). Its aim was to boost service andbusiness speed in our dealings with theYamaha factories. This system wasdesigned first of all to achieve smootherglobal logistics by sharing and upgradingaccurate trading information. Secondly, itsought to improve the quality of our clientservices by providing (1) delivery infor-mation (Planned/Actual shipping bases),(2) detailed shipping information and (3)linkage within the Yamaha group’s marketmanagement system for the ASEANregion. Lastly, it was designed to also pro-

vide effective, practical PSI control inte-grated with Yamaha’s production manage-ment system.

Ongoing systems improvementand business expansionTo improve the system and the ODC pro-ject from the standpoint of SCM (SupplyChain Management), YMAC put in placeits G-OP phrase II in September 2005 toinitiate comprehensive management of thesupply chain from production to sales,respond rapidly to changes in marketdemand and reduce lead time in G-OPoperations and promote stock reduction,all with greater flexibility and speed. After almost five years in operation,YMAC has played a significant role inkeeping Yamaha production volumesgrowing in the ASEAN region throughcontinued development of both technologyand business. During this time YMAC’scomplement (set) parts business has grownfrom 480 model part sets in 2001 to 1,723sets in 2005. In the meantime, YMAC has also had suc-cess in expanding its complement partsbusiness beyond the Asian region. In2004, an agreement was made with Yama-ha Motor Componentes Da AmazoniaLtda. in Brazil to begin complement partssupply instead of single-parts ordering, ini-tially on the Brazilian market’s “NEO”model. Now we are taking our business toIncolmotos Yamaha in Colombia for the“NEXT” model.The operations of our R&D Department at

the Bangna Office are also bringing signif-icant results. The greatest achievement ofYMAC R&D to date has been the devel-opment of the new model X-1 based onminor changes in the Spark Z to create anew model with a Speedy and Sportyimage. Through these wide-ranging businessactivities, YMAC hopes to contribute toYamaha’s growth in the Asian region andbeyond, while also helping to reduce laborand material waste through more efficientoperating systems that eventually benefitthe worker, the environment and societyunder the Yamaha slogan of “TouchingYour Heart.”

YAMAHA NEWS SEPTEMBER 1, 2006 7

SERIAL 54

Location: Bangkok, ThailandEmployees: 128 (Thai = 100; Japanese = 28)

Yamaha Motor Asian Center Co., Ltd.

In the wake of the 1997 monetary crisis in the ASEANregion, Yamaha Motor Co., Ltd. established a new com-pany, Yamaha Motor Asia Pte. Ltd. in Singapore to pro-vide financial support for the Yamaha manufacturingbases in the Southeast Asian region. As the region recov-ered from the crisis and its motorcycle market began togrow rapidly, Yamaha moved again to establish another company to concentrateon strengthening the competitiveness of Yamaha motorcycle manufacturing andproduct development in the ASEAN region by coordinating production and pur-chasing operations. The new company named Yamaha Motor Asian Center Co.,Ltd. was established in Thailand and began operations in April of 2001.

Our reporter: Nawan Kuntichaikajon

The staff members of YMAC whose office is on the 21st floor of a building on Sathon Road in Bangkok’s business district

A scene from the CS training held for YMAC staff in order to pursueand maintain service that “surpasses customer’s expectation”

Thailand

Growing with the world market

To enable the timely release of products that surpass customers’expectations, YMAC is strengthening its R&D function to developASEAN market models that are competitive and enhance the Yama-ha brand

Scenic sites: Especially in the capital, Bangkok, the con-trast of old historic temples and modern skyscrapersbeautifully illustrates the breath of tradition and modern-ness to be found in Thailand today. Besides Bangkok, the historic cities of Ayutthaya andSukhothai are UNESCO-designated World HeritageSites now well known to international travelers. Phuket, in the south is the biggest island on Thailand’sIndian Ocean coast. The white sand beaches and theadjoining resort areas are well known around the world.Many small islands dot the coast around Phuket and theirwaters delight divers with the beautiful contrast of emer-ald water and white sands.

One of the old temples, Prasat Hin Phimai is a Khmer style templecompleted in the 11th century (Angkor Period). The beauty of its build-ings has led this site to be called the Angkor Wat of Thailand

When in Bangkok, a lot of motorcycles can be seen on the streets

EXPRESSRA

CIN

GEXPRESS

RA

CIN

G

On August 6, Stefan Everts achieved anamazing feat by riding his YZ450FM to winhis twelfth straight round of the season inRound 12 of the 2006 MX1 series, theBelgian GP. This win also gave Everts his99th career GP win and clinched him the2006 MX1 title with three rounds remainingin the series. This is Everts’ third consecutivetitle since the MX1 class was established asthe premiere class of world motocross com-petition and his sixth straight title since com-ing to Yamaha in 2001. It also gives Evertsan incredible record of ten career champi-onships in world motocross GP competition.Everts stunned the motocross world last yearby suddenly announcing that 2006 would behis last season as a GP competitor, saying

that he wanted to end his career as the bestmotocross rider ever. This final season beganwith Everts winning the first two rounds butsplitting the heat wins with Sebastien Tortelli(KTM). After that he continued to win heatafter heat despite the best efforts of up-and-coming rivals T. Leok (Kawasaki), K.Strijbos (Suzuki) and S. Ramon (Suzuki) tokeep him off the podium. At the 11th roundof the season, the Czeck GP, Everts scoredhis 11th straight victory of the season withanother perfect win (winning both heats).This gave him such an advantage in the pointstandings that he only needed one more pointto clinch the season title. The twelfth roundbrought Everts back once again to Belgiumwith a chance to win the title in front of his

home supporters, which he did in style byonce again winning both heats.Everts has given part of the credit for thisseason’s title to his “wonderful machine” that“helps bring out my full potential as a rider.”This YZ450FM machine that he rode thisseason featured an aluminum frame for thefirst time and its performance was certainly afactor in the title win. Although the season title is now won, thereare still three rounds remaining and Everts’challenge goes on. He still has one more goalto achieve in these remaining rounds: his100th career GP win. Surely he will ride hisYZ450FM to claim this final goal as part ofhis enduring legend.

Repeated misfortune in the early stages ofthe 2006 MotoGP series left defendingchampion Valentino Rossi and his YZR-M1 back in 8th place in the season rankingat one point. But, true to his vow afterround five, the French GP, to “do my bestto win every race I can toward the seasontitle,” Rossi came back to win round six,the Italian GP, and round seven, theCatalonia GP. Those wins brought him upto 3rd place in the ranking, just 29 pointsbehind leader Nicky Hayden (Honda) andwith his sights on the title at last.Beginning from round eight, the Dutch TT,would come races on three straight week-ends. It was a chance for the team and forRossi to make the comeback real. Rossitook a fall, however, on the first day ofpractice for the Dutch TT and injured hisright wrist and left leg. Still, Rossi kept his sights set firmly on thetitle. Of course, his team was behind him100% and together they managed to finish8th in the race. For the following week-end’s British GP, Rossi’s wrist and legwere still not completely healed, but he

Everts has won 12 straight rounds since the 2006 season opener (21consecutive heat wins). This latest victory gave Everts his 99th roundwin, leaving just one more for the incredible record of 100 wins

Yamaha and Stefan Everts winsixth straight championship title!Yamaha and Stefan Everts winsixth straight championship title!

Motocross World Championships - MX1

“What a great day. I never dared dream of becoming WorldChampion here at Namur. It has always been a very special place witha special atmosphere,” said Everts. “The motos worked out well todayand I am so happy for my 99th victory and the Championship. I hadsuch an exciting feeling going out on the track, but unfortunately it ismy last time here. Still, I cannot think of a better way to go out!”

In his 18-year racing career in the 125cc, 250cc, 500cc and MX1classes of the motocross world GP, Everts has won 10 world champi-onship titles

MotoGP world championship

managed to finish the race 2nd. Then, inround 10, the German GP, Rossi foundhimself in a hot battle with the top rankingcompetitors, Hayden, M. Melandri (Honda)and D. Pedrosa. In the end it was Rossiwho emerged to take his fourth win of theseason and move up to 2nd place in theranking. After overcoming a series of acci-dents and injuries that had plagued him formost of the season, Rossi finally hadHayden within range. At round 11, the US GP, however, Rossiwas once again struck by misfortune, asmachine trouble forced him to drop out ofthe race. By winning that race, Haydenmanaged to open up a 51-point lead overRossi in the ranking. With six roundsremaining in the season, Rossi and theteam are determined that they won't giveup and will fight to the end.

The rivals’ siege on champ Rossi is tougher than last season.Despite their efforts, Rossi and his YZR-M1 have won four rounds

Season enters secondhalf with Rossiranked 4th

Season enters secondhalf with Rossiranked 4th

At the end of round 12, Colin Edwards is in 7th place in the season ranking. He hascontinued to place in the points every race but the fans are hoping to see him on thepodium again like earlier in the season

By winning the German GP, Rossihad almost caught up to the rank-ing leader, Hayden. But unexpectedmachine trouble forced him to dropout of the following US GP. Still theteam says they won’t give up andwill fight to the end.

EXPRESS

RA

CIN

G

EXPRESSRA

CIN

G

On August 6, Stefan Everts achieved anamazing feat by riding his YZ450FM to winhis twelfth straight round of the season inRound 12 of the 2006 MX1 series, theBelgian GP. This win also gave Everts his99th career GP win and clinched him the2006 MX1 title with three rounds remainingin the series. This is Everts’ third consecutivetitle since the MX1 class was established asthe premiere class of world motocross com-petition and his sixth straight title since com-ing to Yamaha in 2001. It also gives Evertsan incredible record of ten career champi-onships in world motocross GP competition.Everts stunned the motocross world last yearby suddenly announcing that 2006 would behis last season as a GP competitor, saying

that he wanted to end his career as the bestmotocross rider ever. This final season beganwith Everts winning the first two rounds butsplitting the heat wins with Sebastien Tortelli(KTM). After that he continued to win heatafter heat despite the best efforts of up-and-coming rivals T. Leok (Kawasaki), K.Strijbos (Suzuki) and S. Ramon (Suzuki) tokeep him off the podium. At the 11th roundof the season, the Czeck GP, Everts scoredhis 11th straight victory of the season withanother perfect win (winning both heats).This gave him such an advantage in the pointstandings that he only needed one more pointto clinch the season title. The twelfth roundbrought Everts back once again to Belgiumwith a chance to win the title in front of his

home supporters, which he did in style byonce again winning both heats.Everts has given part of the credit for thisseason’s title to his “wonderful machine” that“helps bring out my full potential as a rider.”This YZ450FM machine that he rode thisseason featured an aluminum frame for thefirst time and its performance was certainly afactor in the title win. Although the season title is now won, thereare still three rounds remaining and Everts’challenge goes on. He still has one more goalto achieve in these remaining rounds: his100th career GP win. Surely he will ride hisYZ450FM to claim this final goal as part ofhis enduring legend.

Repeated misfortune in the early stages ofthe 2006 MotoGP series left defendingchampion Valentino Rossi and his YZR-M1 back in 8th place in the season rankingat one point. But, true to his vow afterround five, the French GP, to “do my bestto win every race I can toward the seasontitle,” Rossi came back to win round six,the Italian GP, and round seven, theCatalonia GP. Those wins brought him upto 3rd place in the ranking, just 29 pointsbehind leader Nicky Hayden (Honda) andwith his sights on the title at last.Beginning from round eight, the Dutch TT,would come races on three straight week-ends. It was a chance for the team and forRossi to make the comeback real. Rossitook a fall, however, on the first day ofpractice for the Dutch TT and injured hisright wrist and left leg. Still, Rossi kept his sights set firmly on thetitle. Of course, his team was behind him100% and together they managed to finish8th in the race. For the following week-end’s British GP, Rossi’s wrist and legwere still not completely healed, but he

Everts has won 12 straight rounds since the 2006 season opener (21consecutive heat wins). This latest victory gave Everts his 99th roundwin, leaving just one more for the incredible record of 100 wins

Yamaha and Stefan Everts winsixth straight championship title!Yamaha and Stefan Everts winsixth straight championship title!

Motocross World Championships - MX1

“What a great day. I never dared dream of becoming WorldChampion here at Namur. It has always been a very special place witha special atmosphere,” said Everts. “The motos worked out well todayand I am so happy for my 99th victory and the Championship. I hadsuch an exciting feeling going out on the track, but unfortunately it ismy last time here. Still, I cannot think of a better way to go out!”

In his 18-year racing career in the 125cc, 250cc, 500cc and MX1classes of the motocross world GP, Everts has won 10 world champi-onship titles

MotoGP world championship

managed to finish the race 2nd. Then, inround 10, the German GP, Rossi foundhimself in a hot battle with the top rankingcompetitors, Hayden, M. Melandri (Honda)and D. Pedrosa. In the end it was Rossiwho emerged to take his fourth win of theseason and move up to 2nd place in theranking. After overcoming a series of acci-dents and injuries that had plagued him formost of the season, Rossi finally hadHayden within range. At round 11, the US GP, however, Rossiwas once again struck by misfortune, asmachine trouble forced him to drop out ofthe race. By winning that race, Haydenmanaged to open up a 51-point lead overRossi in the ranking. With six roundsremaining in the season, Rossi and theteam are determined that they won't giveup and will fight to the end.

The rivals’ siege on champ Rossi is tougher than last season.Despite their efforts, Rossi and his YZR-M1 have won four rounds

Season enters secondhalf with Rossiranked 4th

Season enters secondhalf with Rossiranked 4th

At the end of round 12, Colin Edwards is in 7th place in the season ranking. He hascontinued to place in the points every race but the fans are hoping to see him on thepodium again like earlier in the season

By winning the German GP, Rossihad almost caught up to the rank-ing leader, Hayden. But unexpectedmachine trouble forced him to dropout of the following US GP. Still theteam says they won’t give up andwill fight to the end.

YAMAHA NEWS SEPTEMBER 1, 2006 1110 YAMAHA NEWS SEPTEMBER 1, 2006

Thailand

This year, Thailand’s Department of Industrial Works, Ministryof Industry organized a “Healthy Factory Project” in commem-oration of the 60th anniversary of His Majesty King BhumibolAdulyadej’s accession to the throne, and Thai Yamaha Motor(TYM) was proud to be awarded as one of “Healthy Factories”out of 1,500 factories considered. In this auspicious year TYMorganized many activities to honor the beloved King, includingemployee blood donations to the Red Cross, supporting royalendorsed products to donate for foundations, displaying yellowflags with the royal ceremonial emblem given to the HealthyFactory Award winners and encouraging all employees towear yellow t-shirts embroidered with the royal emblem toshow respect to His Majesty. From Premchit Maneesarachun, Corporate Planning, TYM,Thailand

TYM Joins Celebrations Commemorating60th Year of the King’s Reign TYM top management and all employees join the Royal Diamond Jubilee Cele-

brations by wearing yellow shirts all the month of June 2006

We always welcome your contributions.

Write to the editorial staff

Yamaha Motor Co., Ltd.

2500 Shingai, Iwata, Shizuoka 438-8501 Japan,

<yamahanews@yamaha-motor.co.jp>

The Royal Barge Procession marking the 60th anniversary of His Majesty’s Accession to the Throne on June 12, 2006

Australia

First run in 1924 and sponsored today by Yamaha Motor Australia (YMA), the Yama-ha 24 Hour Reliability Road Trial is one of the longest running motorcycling events inthe world. Held in South Australia’s famous Barossa Valley wine country, ‘The 24’ isan ult imate test of humanendurance and machine reliability,where a single rider endures fourlaps of a 1,000-km circuit in 24hours. Proving the reliability of theYamaha WR450F by finishing 2ndand 6th overall in only their secondyear of competition were the 18-year-old twins Tristan and SeanThroup supported by Yamaha Pit-mans. Another young rider, LukeSweetman, finished 4th on a YZ250to give Yamaha 1st place in theprestigious Trade Team category.From Dave Ferris, YMA, Australia

The Yamaha 24 Hour Reliability Trial

Tristan Throup on his way to second outright

Taiwan

On June 15, Yamaha Motor Taiwan (YMT)celebrated the 20th anniversary of its cor-porate founding with a grand-scale partyattended by some 650 guests including

YMT Celebrates its 20th Anniversarygovernment officials, dealers, supplier rep-resentatives and business associates atthe Grand Hyatt Hotel in the capital, Taipei.The opening ceremony began with a videotracing the history of YMT, starting with aprologue of YMC’s history and progressingto the founding of YMT as a joint ventureand the outstanding record the companyhas achieved since in establishing strictquality control in manufacturing and intro-ducing a growing range of products andmarketing programs. This was followed byan address by YMT’s Chairman Hsiehthanking everyone for helping the companyreach this momentous milestone, afterwhich Taiwan’s Minister of Health andLabor, the Vice Minister of Commerce andIndustry and YMC’s President Kajikawatook to the podium one after another todeliver messages of congratulations. YMT’s Chairman Hsieh and PresidentYoshino also made an official donation ofone ambulance each to Taoyuan Countyand Hsinchu County where the company’smain factory is located. The party reachedits climax when the guest representativesgathered on stage for a toast to YMT’s 20years of success. From Chen-Chung Chin, PR dept. YMT, Taiwan

YMT’s Chairman Hsieh speaking to the participants, some650 guests including government officials, dealers, supplierrepresentatives and business associates at the Grand HyattHotel in the capital, Taipei

The participants toasted on stage celebrating YMT’s 20th anniversary

UAE

Yamaha Marine distributorfor the UAE, Al YousufMotors, has organised aWaveRunner Safety RidingSchool program targetingpotential users as well assales and service staff. Theevent was held at the PalmaBeach Resort in Umm AlQuinn on 18th May. Mr. K.Oishi and Mr. Ammar Wafiserved as instructors for thecourse that included class-

room and practical hands-on riding training. Besides teaching safetyawareness and PWC riding etiquette, a briefing about launching a PWCand inspection tips for after use were also given. A total of 34 peopletook the course and many returned the next day for first Yamaha S1slalom time trail event ever in the Middle East. When the competitionand prize-giving was over, the racers and the organizers jointly conduct-ed a beach clean up before enjoying a dinner at the Palma Beach Hotel.From Rie Takushima, WV Overseas Marketing Group, YMC, Japan

WaveRunner Safety RidingSchool and Middle East’sfirst S1 slalom event

Czech Republic

Yamaha Motor Europe (YMENV) organized the 2nd Yamaha Summer Festi-val at the world famous Brno racetrack in the Czech Republic from June 16 to18. The festival gathered over 900 Yamaha fans from across Eastern & Cen-tral Europe to participate in events including supervised riding and instructionon the Brno track with their own machines, a Special R1 Cup race, 125cc testtrack, scenic rides, off-road ATV test riding in the woods as well as displaysand demos of classic Yamaha bikes and racers of the past. Also an opportu-nity was created to “test the best,” and event for trying out different excitingYamaha models by our dealers and customers.All day catering and an evening party was organized with former Yamaha rid-ers Kevin Curtain, Broc Parkes, Dieter Braun, Kent Andersson, Phil Read,Chas Mortimer and Morimoto as guests.It was a fantastic weekend thanks to the efforts of many people includingsponsors Arai, Michellin, Pirelli, Metzeler, Yamalube, Yamaha Original Partsand Accessories and theYamaha Classic RacingTeams. From Roy Horstink, AreaManager Central & EasternEuropean Markets,YMENV, Europe

Yamaha Summer Festival 2006at Brno

The participants are together for a photo. The safety riding training and the S1 salon eventwere both successful

The participants are seriously watching a demon-stration

The members of the winning team in a special R1 Cup racegathered for a photo

Sean Throup at the start of the 2006Yamaha 24 Hour Reliability Road Trial

YAMAHA NEWS SEPTEMBER 1, 2006 1110 YAMAHA NEWS SEPTEMBER 1, 2006

Thailand

This year, Thailand’s Department of Industrial Works, Ministryof Industry organized a “Healthy Factory Project” in commem-oration of the 60th anniversary of His Majesty King BhumibolAdulyadej’s accession to the throne, and Thai Yamaha Motor(TYM) was proud to be awarded as one of “Healthy Factories”out of 1,500 factories considered. In this auspicious year TYMorganized many activities to honor the beloved King, includingemployee blood donations to the Red Cross, supporting royalendorsed products to donate for foundations, displaying yellowflags with the royal ceremonial emblem given to the HealthyFactory Award winners and encouraging all employees towear yellow t-shirts embroidered with the royal emblem toshow respect to His Majesty. From Premchit Maneesarachun, Corporate Planning, TYM,Thailand

TYM Joins Celebrations Commemorating60th Year of the King’s Reign TYM top management and all employees join the Royal Diamond Jubilee Cele-

brations by wearing yellow shirts all the month of June 2006

We always welcome your contributions.

Write to the editorial staff

Yamaha Motor Co., Ltd.

2500 Shingai, Iwata, Shizuoka 438-8501 Japan,

<yamahanews@yamaha-motor.co.jp>

The Royal Barge Procession marking the 60th anniversary of His Majesty’s Accession to the Throne on June 12, 2006

Australia

First run in 1924 and sponsored today by Yamaha Motor Australia (YMA), the Yama-ha 24 Hour Reliability Road Trial is one of the longest running motorcycling events inthe world. Held in South Australia’s famous Barossa Valley wine country, ‘The 24’ isan ult imate test of humanendurance and machine reliability,where a single rider endures fourlaps of a 1,000-km circuit in 24hours. Proving the reliability of theYamaha WR450F by finishing 2ndand 6th overall in only their secondyear of competition were the 18-year-old twins Tristan and SeanThroup supported by Yamaha Pit-mans. Another young rider, LukeSweetman, finished 4th on a YZ250to give Yamaha 1st place in theprestigious Trade Team category.From Dave Ferris, YMA, Australia

The Yamaha 24 Hour Reliability Trial

Tristan Throup on his way to second outright

Taiwan

On June 15, Yamaha Motor Taiwan (YMT)celebrated the 20th anniversary of its cor-porate founding with a grand-scale partyattended by some 650 guests including

YMT Celebrates its 20th Anniversarygovernment officials, dealers, supplier rep-resentatives and business associates atthe Grand Hyatt Hotel in the capital, Taipei.The opening ceremony began with a videotracing the history of YMT, starting with aprologue of YMC’s history and progressingto the founding of YMT as a joint ventureand the outstanding record the companyhas achieved since in establishing strictquality control in manufacturing and intro-ducing a growing range of products andmarketing programs. This was followed byan address by YMT’s Chairman Hsiehthanking everyone for helping the companyreach this momentous milestone, afterwhich Taiwan’s Minister of Health andLabor, the Vice Minister of Commerce andIndustry and YMC’s President Kajikawatook to the podium one after another todeliver messages of congratulations. YMT’s Chairman Hsieh and PresidentYoshino also made an official donation ofone ambulance each to Taoyuan Countyand Hsinchu County where the company’smain factory is located. The party reachedits climax when the guest representativesgathered on stage for a toast to YMT’s 20years of success. From Chen-Chung Chin, PR dept. YMT, Taiwan

YMT’s Chairman Hsieh speaking to the participants, some650 guests including government officials, dealers, supplierrepresentatives and business associates at the Grand HyattHotel in the capital, Taipei

The participants toasted on stage celebrating YMT’s 20th anniversary

UAE

Yamaha Marine distributorfor the UAE, Al YousufMotors, has organised aWaveRunner Safety RidingSchool program targetingpotential users as well assales and service staff. Theevent was held at the PalmaBeach Resort in Umm AlQuinn on 18th May. Mr. K.Oishi and Mr. Ammar Wafiserved as instructors for thecourse that included class-

room and practical hands-on riding training. Besides teaching safetyawareness and PWC riding etiquette, a briefing about launching a PWCand inspection tips for after use were also given. A total of 34 peopletook the course and many returned the next day for first Yamaha S1slalom time trail event ever in the Middle East. When the competitionand prize-giving was over, the racers and the organizers jointly conduct-ed a beach clean up before enjoying a dinner at the Palma Beach Hotel.From Rie Takushima, WV Overseas Marketing Group, YMC, Japan

WaveRunner Safety RidingSchool and Middle East’sfirst S1 slalom event

Czech Republic

Yamaha Motor Europe (YMENV) organized the 2nd Yamaha Summer Festi-val at the world famous Brno racetrack in the Czech Republic from June 16 to18. The festival gathered over 900 Yamaha fans from across Eastern & Cen-tral Europe to participate in events including supervised riding and instructionon the Brno track with their own machines, a Special R1 Cup race, 125cc testtrack, scenic rides, off-road ATV test riding in the woods as well as displaysand demos of classic Yamaha bikes and racers of the past. Also an opportu-nity was created to “test the best,” and event for trying out different excitingYamaha models by our dealers and customers.All day catering and an evening party was organized with former Yamaha rid-ers Kevin Curtain, Broc Parkes, Dieter Braun, Kent Andersson, Phil Read,Chas Mortimer and Morimoto as guests.It was a fantastic weekend thanks to the efforts of many people includingsponsors Arai, Michellin, Pirelli, Metzeler, Yamalube, Yamaha Original Partsand Accessories and theYamaha Classic RacingTeams. From Roy Horstink, AreaManager Central & EasternEuropean Markets,YMENV, Europe

Yamaha Summer Festival 2006at Brno

The participants are together for a photo. The safety riding training and the S1 salon eventwere both successful

The participants are seriously watching a demon-stration

The members of the winning team in a special R1 Cup racegathered for a photo

Sean Throup at the start of the 2006Yamaha 24 Hour Reliability Road Trial

12 YAMAHA NEWS SEPTEMBER 1, 2006 YAMAHA NEWS SEPTEMBER 1, 2006 13

To have your topic includedin Yamaha News World

Topics:1) Send us your text or an outline of the

contents, making sure to specify who, what, when, where, why and how

details.

2) Also send 1 or 2 high-resolution photos

with explanations.

3) Submissions received in Japan by the

20th of odd-numbered months will be considered for the next issue.

Notice of when your article will appear in YNwill be made after the editing process. Sendyour articles to us by e-mail, the editorialstaff, at the address below. E-mail: yamahanews@yamaha-motor.co.jp

YSKS contest strengthened for second holdingOn June 2, Yamaha Motor Vietnam (YMVN) held theFinals of its second YSKS (Yamaha Sales Knowledge& Skill) contest, in which outstanding sales staff com-pete in a test of their Yamaha product knowledge andsales skills. Held at the Sofitel Vinpearl Resort & Spanear Nha Trang, this year’s contest was conducted ona larger scale than last year and the competitivenesswas reflected in the serious attitude of the contestants. The questions were more difficult than last year andthe subjects were more realistic. But the answers ofthe contestants showed their skills had also improved.This year’s contest has made it clear the contest ismeaningful to improve the motivation of the sales staffand improve their knowledge and skills.This program is part of YMVN’s efforts to build thestrongest sales network possible and plans arealready under way for an expanded contest next year.From Masahiro Imada, YMVN, Vietnam

Vietnam

The devastating first typhoon of the season that struck central Viet-nam in May left more than 200 dead and missing. In response,Yamaha Motor Vietnam (YMVN) made a donation of 150 milliondong (approx. 1.07 million yen) to benefit some 100 children who lostparents in the disaster by providing for future school fees and thelike. In an event at the Yamaha Town Da Nang showroom, YMVNvice president Trinh Van Cuong presented savings account booksdirectly to the children along with words of encouragement, hopingfor a quick recovery from their grief and distress. From Masahiro Imada, YMVN, Vietnam

Donation for children of typhoon victimsVietnam

The Yamaha Town Da Nang, where the event was held

Thailand

Thai Yamaha Motor (TYM) wasthe first in Thailand’s motorcycleindustry to revolutionize themerchandising standard with its“Yamaha Square” showroomsfeaturing modern design forretail outlets that has been well

received by customers and greatly enhanced Yamaha’s image. Tomaintain this leadership in retail outlet appeal and enhance the brandimage even further, Yamaha has announced a new concept of theYamaha Square to dealers nationwide. In a dealer meeting on July 17,presentations were made on Yamaha’s global brand strategy and imple-mentation of Total Brand Design Management, including the new designand visual identity (VI) for authorized Yamaha dealers. Afterwards, allthe dealers visited a model Yamaha Square shop to see the new con-cept in practice.From Premchit Maneesarachun, Corporate Planning, TYM, Thailand

Another significant step tomake Yamaha the customers’“Only One” brand

Kenya

On April 27, Toyota East Africa Ltd. (TEAL), distributor of Yamaha motorcycles in Kenya, launched the 4-stroke YBR125 as the serious competitor inthe Kenyan 125cc street bike category in the capital city of Nairobi. TEALorganized a customer-centric launch campaign with a fun event whereTEAL’s staff met with and expressed their appreciation to customers, whileintroducing the YBR125 in the way that it deserves—with Pomp and Style.To further prove the YBR125’s quality performance on Kenyan terrain, onewas sent off on a high-profile 1,300 km trip on some of the country’s mostchallenging roads. When the YBR125 returned the message was clear: “NoBreakdowns, No Punctures, and No Oil Leaks, … just 1,300 km of exhilarat-ing, trouble free riding! Now expectations are high for sales success. From John Troughton, TEAL, Kenya

YBR125 successfully debutswith rugged road test

Switzerland

Firefighting with the RhinoThe fire brigade of the canton of Grisons inSwitzerland has converted a Yamaha Rhinoside-by-side 4-wheeler into a rapid deploymentfire-fighting vehicle for first-stage fire extinction.The Rhino was chosen because it can move a lotfaster through the narrow lanes of the City ofChur than a normal fire-fighting vehicle. Likewise,it can reach fire scenes faster in the narrowalpine valleys. The Rhino has been speciallyequipped with high pressure fire fighting equip-ment and a 100-Liter tank for water or foam, a60-Meter hose as well as a high-speed loadingsystem on the existing load bridge. It is also out-fitted with a revolving beacon and a strong tonesiren.From Reto Winiger, Product Manager,hostettler motoren ag, Switzerland

The specially outfitted YamahaRhino of the Grisons firebrigade (gets to fires quicker innarrow alpine valleys)

Japan

Yamaha Austria RacingTeam wins SBK class atSuzuka 8-hourIn the July 30 “Coca-Cola” Suzuka 8-hour WorldEndurance Championship Race, round five of the FIM2006 World Endurance Championship Series, the Yama-ha Austria Racing Team (YART) ran a hard-fought race tofinish 10th overall and win the SBK class. Starting in 38thposition among the 70 teams, YART ran steadily as theteams around them dropped away one after another in atough survival race. One of the teams to drop out early inthe race after an unfortunate collision was the YamahaBlue Racing team with riders Colin Edwards of MotoGPfame and WSB star Noriyuki Haga.

The YART riders, from left, Gwen Giabbani, SebastienScarnato, Igor Jerman

YMVN vice president Trinh Van Cuong speaking tosome 100 children who lost parents in the typhoon

New exterior design of a YamahaSquare in Bangkok

New interior design of a Yamaha Square show-room in Bangkok

The long-awaited new model YBR125 makes its appearance! Fleet customers looked over thenew model with great interest

The prize winners of the YSKS (Yamaha Sales Knowledge & Skill) contest

Edwards said, “We had a great team with a good chance to win, so it was a big let-down to have to drop out becauseof a collision”

12 YAMAHA NEWS SEPTEMBER 1, 2006 YAMAHA NEWS SEPTEMBER 1, 2006 13

To have your topic includedin Yamaha News World

Topics:1) Send us your text or an outline of the

contents, making sure to specify who, what, when, where, why and how

details.

2) Also send 1 or 2 high-resolution photos

with explanations.

3) Submissions received in Japan by the

20th of odd-numbered months will be considered for the next issue.

Notice of when your article will appear in YNwill be made after the editing process. Sendyour articles to us by e-mail, the editorialstaff, at the address below. E-mail: yamahanews@yamaha-motor.co.jp

YSKS contest strengthened for second holdingOn June 2, Yamaha Motor Vietnam (YMVN) held theFinals of its second YSKS (Yamaha Sales Knowledge& Skill) contest, in which outstanding sales staff com-pete in a test of their Yamaha product knowledge andsales skills. Held at the Sofitel Vinpearl Resort & Spanear Nha Trang, this year’s contest was conducted ona larger scale than last year and the competitivenesswas reflected in the serious attitude of the contestants. The questions were more difficult than last year andthe subjects were more realistic. But the answers ofthe contestants showed their skills had also improved.This year’s contest has made it clear the contest ismeaningful to improve the motivation of the sales staffand improve their knowledge and skills.This program is part of YMVN’s efforts to build thestrongest sales network possible and plans arealready under way for an expanded contest next year.From Masahiro Imada, YMVN, Vietnam

Vietnam

The devastating first typhoon of the season that struck central Viet-nam in May left more than 200 dead and missing. In response,Yamaha Motor Vietnam (YMVN) made a donation of 150 milliondong (approx. 1.07 million yen) to benefit some 100 children who lostparents in the disaster by providing for future school fees and thelike. In an event at the Yamaha Town Da Nang showroom, YMVNvice president Trinh Van Cuong presented savings account booksdirectly to the children along with words of encouragement, hopingfor a quick recovery from their grief and distress. From Masahiro Imada, YMVN, Vietnam

Donation for children of typhoon victimsVietnam

The Yamaha Town Da Nang, where the event was held

Thailand

Thai Yamaha Motor (TYM) wasthe first in Thailand’s motorcycleindustry to revolutionize themerchandising standard with its“Yamaha Square” showroomsfeaturing modern design forretail outlets that has been well

received by customers and greatly enhanced Yamaha’s image. Tomaintain this leadership in retail outlet appeal and enhance the brandimage even further, Yamaha has announced a new concept of theYamaha Square to dealers nationwide. In a dealer meeting on July 17,presentations were made on Yamaha’s global brand strategy and imple-mentation of Total Brand Design Management, including the new designand visual identity (VI) for authorized Yamaha dealers. Afterwards, allthe dealers visited a model Yamaha Square shop to see the new con-cept in practice.From Premchit Maneesarachun, Corporate Planning, TYM, Thailand

Another significant step tomake Yamaha the customers’“Only One” brand

Kenya

On April 27, Toyota East Africa Ltd. (TEAL), distributor of Yamaha motorcycles in Kenya, launched the 4-stroke YBR125 as the serious competitor inthe Kenyan 125cc street bike category in the capital city of Nairobi. TEALorganized a customer-centric launch campaign with a fun event whereTEAL’s staff met with and expressed their appreciation to customers, whileintroducing the YBR125 in the way that it deserves—with Pomp and Style.To further prove the YBR125’s quality performance on Kenyan terrain, onewas sent off on a high-profile 1,300 km trip on some of the country’s mostchallenging roads. When the YBR125 returned the message was clear: “NoBreakdowns, No Punctures, and No Oil Leaks, … just 1,300 km of exhilarat-ing, trouble free riding! Now expectations are high for sales success. From John Troughton, TEAL, Kenya

YBR125 successfully debutswith rugged road test

Switzerland

Firefighting with the RhinoThe fire brigade of the canton of Grisons inSwitzerland has converted a Yamaha Rhinoside-by-side 4-wheeler into a rapid deploymentfire-fighting vehicle for first-stage fire extinction.The Rhino was chosen because it can move a lotfaster through the narrow lanes of the City ofChur than a normal fire-fighting vehicle. Likewise,it can reach fire scenes faster in the narrowalpine valleys. The Rhino has been speciallyequipped with high pressure fire fighting equip-ment and a 100-Liter tank for water or foam, a60-Meter hose as well as a high-speed loadingsystem on the existing load bridge. It is also out-fitted with a revolving beacon and a strong tonesiren.From Reto Winiger, Product Manager,hostettler motoren ag, Switzerland

The specially outfitted YamahaRhino of the Grisons firebrigade (gets to fires quicker innarrow alpine valleys)

Japan

Yamaha Austria RacingTeam wins SBK class atSuzuka 8-hourIn the July 30 “Coca-Cola” Suzuka 8-hour WorldEndurance Championship Race, round five of the FIM2006 World Endurance Championship Series, the Yama-ha Austria Racing Team (YART) ran a hard-fought race tofinish 10th overall and win the SBK class. Starting in 38thposition among the 70 teams, YART ran steadily as theteams around them dropped away one after another in atough survival race. One of the teams to drop out early inthe race after an unfortunate collision was the YamahaBlue Racing team with riders Colin Edwards of MotoGPfame and WSB star Noriyuki Haga.

The YART riders, from left, Gwen Giabbani, SebastienScarnato, Igor Jerman

YMVN vice president Trinh Van Cuong speaking tosome 100 children who lost parents in the typhoon

New exterior design of a YamahaSquare in Bangkok

New interior design of a Yamaha Square show-room in Bangkok

The long-awaited new model YBR125 makes its appearance! Fleet customers looked over thenew model with great interest

The prize winners of the YSKS (Yamaha Sales Knowledge & Skill) contest

Edwards said, “We had a great team with a good chance to win, so it was a big let-down to have to drop out becauseof a collision”

YAMAHA NEWS SEPTEMBER 1, 2006 1514 YAMAHA NEWS SEPTEMBER 1, 2006

Contributing to the Company and Society – the 31st YMC President Awards

Contributing to the Company and Society – the 31st YMC President Awards

At the awards ceremony, PresidentKajikawa said: “All of the awardsthis year are for achievements inareas of ongoing long-term efforts orachievements based on lofty long-term goals. I hope that all of the win-ners this time will continue theirefforts in their fields of endeavor andcontinue to be models for YamahaMotor group employees around the world in the true spirit of thePresident Awards.”

Criteria for the President AwardsThe standard for evaluation is achievement in realizing our corpo-rate principles and outstanding job results.

■ Areas of evaluation● Outstanding achievement in realizing our corporate principles

(Creating Kando, Surpassing Customer Expectations,Corporate Culture, Contribution to Society) and actions basedon �Yamaha Value 21� plus exceptional contribution to society

● Activities that win a high level of recognition in the respectiveindustry or from society Activities that strengthen our corporate structure and conditionsand strengthen our competitiveness in the industry or in society

31st President Awards

On July 3, the Yamaha Motor CompanyPresident Awards ceremony was held at theCommunication Plaza at the corporate head-quarters in Iwata. In this 31st presentation ofthe President Awards, five groups wereawarded for their great contributions in avariety of areas. The President Awards began in 1986 with thelaunch of the “Special Achievement Awards”as the highest awards given out by YMC.Today, the President Awards are a global pro-gram to recognize outstanding contributionsto the Yamaha Motor group and contribu-tions to society by individuals and groups, notonly within YMC but throughout the globalYamaha Motor group companies. Theawards are presented in the five areas ofMarketing, Product and TechnologyDevelopment, Manufacturing, BusinessAchievement and Contribution to Society.

Establishing the Yamaha Brand in the ASEAN RegionCategory: Product and Technology Development Theme: Development of the ASEAN market model T110 Award recipients: Representing the CV Operations Development Div.,

Mr. Takanori Murata (for all the members of the T110related development teams at YMC and YMAC)

The “T110” is an ASEAN market “sporty moped” model mounting a 4-stroke engine with transmission. It was introduced in 2002 as the newstandard for 4-stroke mopeds. It quickly won the trust of the market withits excellent balance of performance, economy, convenience and sportyexterior look and as of April 2006 it has sold a total of 1.43 million unitsin the six ASEAN countries where it is marketed, thus making a greatcontribution to the Yamaha brand image and market share in the region.

Development of electronic control technologies Based on the “G.E.N.I.C.H.” ConceptCategory: Product and Technology DevelopmentTheme: Development of the YCC-T and YCC-S systems for mass pro-

duction under the G.E.N.I.C.H.ideal Award recipients: MC Engineering Division, MC Business Operations;

Component Development Division, EngineeringOperations; Advanced System Research Division,Research & Development Operations; QualityAssurance Division, Product Assurance Department,Motorcycle Headquarters

Yamaha’s new “G.E.N.I.C.H.” design/engineering ideal involves theactive use of electronic control technologies to create a high quality ride based on rider-machine communication. Two of the first products of this new engi-neering direction are the YCC-T (Yamaha Chip Controlled Throttle) electronic throttle system and the YCC-S (Yamaha Chip Controlled Shift) electronicshifting system that eliminates the need for clutch operation by the rider. These two systems are world firsts on production motorcycles and have now wonhigh praise on the YZF-R6 and FJR1300AS models respectively.

Development of a high added-value painting method Category: Manufacturing Theme: The challenge of achieving high-efficiency, high-quality roboticpainting through development of a revolutionary painting method Award recipients: 5th SyS Division (Exterior Painting SyS Team:Hiroyuki

Takai, Shinobu Hamada, and six others),Manufacturing Team: Nobutaka Takabayashi and 19others, Manufacturing Technology Division (PaintingTechnology Group: Yasuhiko Matsumoto, ProcessTechnology Group: Kenjiro Fujii and two others)

Creating Business Opportunities with Corporate Efforts Category: Marketing Theme: Breaking a competitor’s monopoly by convincing French police to

use FJR1300A police bikesAward recipients: President and staff of Yamaha Motor France (YMF)

In the French police bike market which had been completely dominateduntil the time by a German motorcycle maker, YMF set up a team to workaggressively on developing police bikes that would meet the French policerequirements and open up a new business opportunity. Besides increasingsales and profits, the resulting FJR police bikes served to build the Yamahabrand image by helping to keep the peace, enforce traffic safety and escortstate officials and visitors of foreign states.

An effort was undertaken to use a new approach to completely revise thehand spraying method for painting that had continued for a quarter of a century. The result was an all-robotic painting method that dramatically increased pro-ductivity and painting quality. Analysis of the airflow in the painting booth and the flow of the paint mist led to the creation of optimum painting conditionsthat enabled an exclusive, high added-value technology that achieved top-level paint adherence rate within the industry and in turn contributed to reduced cost,improved quality and contribution to society in terms of reduced VOCs.

Personnel Resource Development in Indonesia Category: Contribution to SocietyTheme: Contributing to society through continued holding of YES

(Yamaha Engineering School)coursesAward recipients: Indonesia’s YMKI Service Division (for 80 YMKI staff

and 50 dealerships)

In Indonesia with its high unemployment rate among young people, theYES (Yamaha Engineering School) program was launched in 1990 as avocational training school for motorcycle mechanics with the aim of train-ing highly qualified personnel and contributing to society. In 1991 it wascertified by the Indonesian government as an educational institution and inthe 15 years since it has trained 1,250 highly qualified technicians. Theschool has also contributed to the strengthening of service capability atYamaha dealerships and increasing sales. *Organization names are those used before the July 1 name changes

YAMAHA NEWS SEPTEMBER 1, 2006 1514 YAMAHA NEWS SEPTEMBER 1, 2006

Contributing to the Company and Society – the 31st YMC President Awards

Contributing to the Company and Society – the 31st YMC President Awards

At the awards ceremony, PresidentKajikawa said: “All of the awardsthis year are for achievements inareas of ongoing long-term efforts orachievements based on lofty long-term goals. I hope that all of the win-ners this time will continue theirefforts in their fields of endeavor andcontinue to be models for YamahaMotor group employees around the world in the true spirit of thePresident Awards.”

Criteria for the President AwardsThe standard for evaluation is achievement in realizing our corpo-rate principles and outstanding job results.

■ Areas of evaluation● Outstanding achievement in realizing our corporate principles

(Creating Kando, Surpassing Customer Expectations,Corporate Culture, Contribution to Society) and actions basedon �Yamaha Value 21� plus exceptional contribution to society

● Activities that win a high level of recognition in the respectiveindustry or from society Activities that strengthen our corporate structure and conditionsand strengthen our competitiveness in the industry or in society

31st President Awards

On July 3, the Yamaha Motor CompanyPresident Awards ceremony was held at theCommunication Plaza at the corporate head-quarters in Iwata. In this 31st presentation ofthe President Awards, five groups wereawarded for their great contributions in avariety of areas. The President Awards began in 1986 with thelaunch of the “Special Achievement Awards”as the highest awards given out by YMC.Today, the President Awards are a global pro-gram to recognize outstanding contributionsto the Yamaha Motor group and contribu-tions to society by individuals and groups, notonly within YMC but throughout the globalYamaha Motor group companies. Theawards are presented in the five areas ofMarketing, Product and TechnologyDevelopment, Manufacturing, BusinessAchievement and Contribution to Society.

Establishing the Yamaha Brand in the ASEAN RegionCategory: Product and Technology Development Theme: Development of the ASEAN market model T110 Award recipients: Representing the CV Operations Development Div.,

Mr. Takanori Murata (for all the members of the T110related development teams at YMC and YMAC)

The “T110” is an ASEAN market “sporty moped” model mounting a 4-stroke engine with transmission. It was introduced in 2002 as the newstandard for 4-stroke mopeds. It quickly won the trust of the market withits excellent balance of performance, economy, convenience and sportyexterior look and as of April 2006 it has sold a total of 1.43 million unitsin the six ASEAN countries where it is marketed, thus making a greatcontribution to the Yamaha brand image and market share in the region.

Development of electronic control technologies Based on the “G.E.N.I.C.H.” ConceptCategory: Product and Technology DevelopmentTheme: Development of the YCC-T and YCC-S systems for mass pro-

duction under the G.E.N.I.C.H.ideal Award recipients: MC Engineering Division, MC Business Operations;

Component Development Division, EngineeringOperations; Advanced System Research Division,Research & Development Operations; QualityAssurance Division, Product Assurance Department,Motorcycle Headquarters

Yamaha’s new “G.E.N.I.C.H.” design/engineering ideal involves theactive use of electronic control technologies to create a high quality ride based on rider-machine communication. Two of the first products of this new engi-neering direction are the YCC-T (Yamaha Chip Controlled Throttle) electronic throttle system and the YCC-S (Yamaha Chip Controlled Shift) electronicshifting system that eliminates the need for clutch operation by the rider. These two systems are world firsts on production motorcycles and have now wonhigh praise on the YZF-R6 and FJR1300AS models respectively.

Development of a high added-value painting method Category: Manufacturing Theme: The challenge of achieving high-efficiency, high-quality roboticpainting through development of a revolutionary painting method Award recipients: 5th SyS Division (Exterior Painting SyS Team:Hiroyuki

Takai, Shinobu Hamada, and six others),Manufacturing Team: Nobutaka Takabayashi and 19others, Manufacturing Technology Division (PaintingTechnology Group: Yasuhiko Matsumoto, ProcessTechnology Group: Kenjiro Fujii and two others)

Creating Business Opportunities with Corporate Efforts Category: Marketing Theme: Breaking a competitor’s monopoly by convincing French police to

use FJR1300A police bikesAward recipients: President and staff of Yamaha Motor France (YMF)

In the French police bike market which had been completely dominateduntil the time by a German motorcycle maker, YMF set up a team to workaggressively on developing police bikes that would meet the French policerequirements and open up a new business opportunity. Besides increasingsales and profits, the resulting FJR police bikes served to build the Yamahabrand image by helping to keep the peace, enforce traffic safety and escortstate officials and visitors of foreign states.

An effort was undertaken to use a new approach to completely revise thehand spraying method for painting that had continued for a quarter of a century. The result was an all-robotic painting method that dramatically increased pro-ductivity and painting quality. Analysis of the airflow in the painting booth and the flow of the paint mist led to the creation of optimum painting conditionsthat enabled an exclusive, high added-value technology that achieved top-level paint adherence rate within the industry and in turn contributed to reduced cost,improved quality and contribution to society in terms of reduced VOCs.

Personnel Resource Development in Indonesia Category: Contribution to SocietyTheme: Contributing to society through continued holding of YES

(Yamaha Engineering School)coursesAward recipients: Indonesia’s YMKI Service Division (for 80 YMKI staff

and 50 dealerships)

In Indonesia with its high unemployment rate among young people, theYES (Yamaha Engineering School) program was launched in 1990 as avocational training school for motorcycle mechanics with the aim of train-ing highly qualified personnel and contributing to society. In 1991 it wascertified by the Indonesian government as an educational institution and inthe 15 years since it has trained 1,250 highly qualified technicians. Theschool has also contributed to the strengthening of service capability atYamaha dealerships and increasing sales. *Organization names are those used before the July 1 name changes

Printed in Japanhttp://www.yamaha-motor.co.jp

YAMAHA MOTOR CO., LTD. Corporate Communication Dept. 2500 Shingai, Iwata, Shizuoka, 438-8501 Japan Tel: 81-538-32-1145, Fax: 81-538-37-4250

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ishes. The film Yamaha has developed for thisnew technology consists of four layers. Ifphosphorescent material is added to oneof these layers, it produces a phosphores-cent finish like the one now beingoffered on one of the special versions ofthe EC-02. If a plastic layer with a lenseffect is added, it produces a 3-D effectthat gives an impressive illusion ofdepth. This new “Film-on Graphics” technologycan also be used on the covers, cowlingsand fenders of other products like ourATVs and snowmobiles. Indeed, it is thetype of unique technology that Yamahais developing to differentiate us from thecompetition according to the strategy ofour “NEXT 50-Phase II” medium-termplan that will take YMC through the year2007. At the same time, it is a technolo-gy that expands our range of expressionas the brand that brings Art to everyproduct we design.

Imagine a motorcycle with a phos-phorescent finish that glows in thedark, or a motorcycle with 3D-effect

graphics that give a cool look of depthand volume to the body. That is exactlywhat customers get to choose from withspecial editions of Yamaha’s new “elec-tric commuter” bike that went on sale ona limited basis in Japan recently. Thename of this commuter bike that runs100% on electric power is the “EC-02,”and what made possible the exciting lookthat adds fun and enjoyment to its just-released special versions is a new Yama-ha-exclusive technology called “Film-onGraphics.”Today’s customers are looking for prod-ucts with more fashionable designs and alook of higher quality than ever before.In the field of personal vehicles as well,people want greater variety of colors anddesigns in the exterior parts that are hardfor makers to provide with conventionalpainted finishes. That is why makers arelooking for finishing technologies thatgive them a wider range of design possi-

bilities. One method that enables greater varietyof designs with a look of higher qualitythan painted finishes is printing designson film and applying the film to theproduct as the outer finish. Until now,however, such films have lacked thedurability that exterior parts for productslike motorcycles require, and it has alsobeen difficult to apply these films in away that makes them conform preciselyto the shapes of the exterior parts.Now Yamaha has cleared these hurdlesand opened up exciting design possibili-ties with its newly developed “Film-onGraphics” technology. This methodinvolves a new type of film developed byYamaha and an exclusive vacuum-pres-surized method for molding the film ontothe product surface. This method makesit possible to apply a film finish to eitherplastic or metal parts. What’s more, it isan environment-friendly process thatreduces VOCs (volatile organic com-pounds) in the manufacturing process toone-fifth that of conventional paint fin-

“Film-on Graphics”add new dimension of visual fun

“Film-on Graphics”add new dimension of visual fun