Yamaha R15 Motorcycle Review

Yamaha India got back at the beginning of 2008 with some of the boldest unveilings at the Auto Expo. The YZF-R15 stopped heartbeats, slapped Yamaha's critics in the face and brought Japanese motorcycles back onto the list of the most desired bikes in the Indian market.

The biggest doubt surrounding the Yamaha R15 before its launch was its performance, primarily because it utilizes a mere 150cc motor which has originated from a step-through in other Asian countries.

But after the track test, the R15 answered all questions with the most honest explanation any performance bike can give lap time. It is not only the fastest bike among the lot but the easiest to ride as well. So easy that the rider can point and shoot the bike into corners, make an error and still manage to get away with it.

It also has all the elements that today's youth want including a full-faired body kit, twin cat-eyed headlights, clip-on handlebars, a digital console, a grunty exhaust note and brag rights in terms of acceleration and top speed.

Plus, state-of-the-art technology like the DiASiI cylinder, liquid cooling and four-valves for its single cylinder mill make sure that the R15 carves out a niche for itself in every respect.

The YZF-R15 has shocked the entire Indian motorcycle industry with its blend of performance, style and mass appeal. The Yamaha R15 does from a 150cc motor what other bikes can't do even with 220ccs at their disposal.

Motorcycles in this segment as well as a segment above it, can only dream of achieving the R15's precise handling. The bike is a technology showcase by itself and has pushed its component manufacturers to develop new technologies and products.

The Yamaha R15 outclasses its rivals with better power, more focus on performance, mass appealing aesthetics and a segment redefining feature list.

5 Best Annual Motor Expos and Exhibitions Worldwide

The motor industry sees several exhibitions, shows and fairs taking place in different countries on an annual basis: A look below at 5 of the best motor shows in the world.

1. Great American Motorcycle Expo - This event takes place in Atlanta, Georgia and draws bikers, motorcycle manufacturers, custom bike designers, motorcycle accessory retailers and chopper designers from all over America and Europe. The expo functions as a launching platform for motorcycle designers, bike builders and features stalls selling motorcycle accessories, bike exhibition stands and competitions. This is a massive show in terms of the space used for the exhibition area, in the North Atlanta Trade Centre.

2. Indonesia International Motor Show - This event is held at the Jakarta International Expo on an annual basis and features 300 different automobile brand names in attendance. Some of the top exhibitors at the event include Hyundai, Pertamina, Mazda and Broquet. It is considered to be one of the best motor events in Asia and records over 250,000 visitors every year, featuring a best car contest and automotive design competitions. Visitors to the show will be able to take some of the cars out for test drives and see the latest designs and car related accessories.

3. Abu Dhabi International Motor Show - This motor show is reputed to be one of the most highly attended automobile events in the UAE and is held at the Abu Dhabi International Exhibition Centre. The event functions as a launching platform and draws most of the biggest names in the automobile manufacturing industry. Given the affluence of many companies and people in the Abu Dhabi area, this show features a lot of very high end and expensive cars including the very latest sports cars and designs.

4. London MotorExpo - This expo is held every June at the Canary Wharf in London and features the latest models of renowned car brands like Bentley, BMW, Jaguar, Mercedes-Benz, Mazda, Mini, Saab, Skoda and Volvo. This show has now become one of the UKs leading car shows and the event features a number of live demonstrations

5. Geneva Motor Show - Hosted at the Geneva Palexpo, this annual exhibition has been in existence for over 80 years and features different types of cars including super cars and automobile prototypes. Now in its 80th year, this is normally an 11 day show which attracts people worldwide.

Top Motorcycle Conventions, Expos, Rallies, Events and Festivals

All over the country and indeed, all over the world, bikers and motorcycle enthusiasts will be taking to the streets to visit and participate in conventions, expositions, rallies, rides, festivals and other events. Here are some of the largest and most popular motorcycle events in the U.S.

Sturgis Motorcycle Rally

Pretty much the top event of its kind in the nation, the Sturgis Rally is held in Sturgis, South Dakota during the first week of August. Considered a "classic" rally, due to its inception in 1938, the rally draws motorcycle enthusiasts from all walks of life, including families as well as die hard bikers. Annual attendance can sometimes reach over 500,000 people.

Americade

This "touring rally" bills itself as the world's largest. It takes place in Lake George Village, New York every year during June. This event attracts over 50,000 people.

Bikes, Blues and BBQ

This is an event held in Fayetteville, Arkansas during September or October each year. This event starts of with a ride into the city from the beautiful Ozarks. The rally began in 2000 but has since grown to become the fastest growing rally in the world, hosting over 350,000 people in 2006 alone. One of the main events at Bikes, Blues and BBQ is a barbecue. This event also benefits charity and is considered to be very family friendly, with many bikers bringing their children.

Daytona Beach Bike Week

This event consists of a rally, street festival, concerts and many parties in Daytona Beach, Florida. Regularly attracting 500,000 people and up each March, this event competes with the Sturgis rally for the title of the largest and most popular motorcycle event during the year. A motorcycle race is a big part of this event, covering a 3.2 mile course that switches back and forth between pavement and beach. The event is held over a period of 10 days and also hosts a classic and custom bike show as well as a clambake and seafood festival.

Laconia Motorcycle Week

This is another rally type event held each June in Laconia, New Hampshire. Laconia Motorcycle Week features a wide variety of events including vintage races, swap meets, tours, fireworks, concerts, bike demos and bike shows.

Laughlin River Run

The largest motorcycle "run" in the western U.S., the Laughlin River Run is held each April in Laughlin, Nevada. Festivities include concerts, bike shows, charity events and a Poker Run.

Love Ride

A Southern California event, it bills itself as the largest one day motorcycle event. Largely a fund raiser, the ride boasts a range of celebrities as participants including talk show host Jay Leno, a well known auto enthusiast. Also joining the ride, celebs like Larry Hagman, Peter Fonda, Dennis Hopper, Hulk Hogan, Steven Tyler, Mary Hart, Pat Boone, Nancy Sinatra and Pamela Anderson. This event takes place each October and will celebrate its 25th anniversary in 2008.

Motorcycle Travel Safety Tips

Planning to head out for a trip on your hog this year? You aren't alone, this year hundreds of thousands of motorcycle enthusiasts will embark on a road trip, whether just for vacation or to one of the many events, rallies, conventions and expos that are held every year for bikers. Before you head out, don't forget some of these travel safety tips specifically for bikers:

Preparation

You should not head out on a long ride without thoroughly checking out your bike first and doing some preventive maintenance. Tires, brakes, oil, engine, basically every part of your bike should be checked out. If you are not a mechanic, consider getting a thorough check from a reputable auto mechanic that has experience with motorcycle maintenance and repair. You should also make sure to ride your bike for a few days before you head out after you have made your preparations and any repairs.

Safety Equipment

Don't forget the safety equipment, number 1 being the helmet. In addition to a helmet, consider also getting a good jacket, gloves, goggles or glasses and boots. There are specially made motorcycle pants that are made of armored textile. They can fit underneath your jeans and offer a nice amount of protection, with some options being waterproofing for those rainy rides.

Traffic Tips

Unlike in cars and trucks and commercial vehicles, there are no seatbelts on a motorcycle and few safety devices available. This is why you'll want to be extra careful riding your motorcycle in traffic. You need to be extra vigilant and wary of the vehicles around you as in some situations they may not be able to see you. Be extra mindful of your speed, as motorcycles accelerate much faster than other vehicles.

Weather Riding Tips

Bikers will encounter different types of weather throughout the year and you need to be prepared for each extreme. When it's hot, you should take care to limit the amount of sun and hot air that touches your skin as this can increase your body temperature and dehydrate you quickly and cause serious heatstroke. Don't risk riding in temperatures in the high 90's, consider staying in, riding later in the day when it cools down, riding at night or taking the car instead. If you must ride in hot weather, take precautions, including drinking lots of water, covering your head and neck with a wet bandanna or cloth and taking lots of breaks in shady areas. Thankfully, for winter weather riding there are many special apparel and accessory options including jackets, gloves and more. There are even heated apparel options.

Yamaha Bikes Reputation in the Indian Two-Wheeler Market

Yamaha bikes are known for their excitement and performance. Yamaha is a Japanese company known for its technological advancement and two-wheeler products.

Yamaha Corporation has various businesses including bikes, electronics and power sports equipment. The company was started as a piano and reed organ manufacturer in 1887. The founder of the company was Torakusu Yamaha. The company was incorporated in October, 1897.

Yahama has been in business in India for years. The company has launched various products in the market. The bikes of the company sold in the market include Yamaha YZF R15, YZF R1, MT 01, Alba 106, Gladiator, Crux, Enticer, Stratoliner, V Max, YBX 125, G5, Crux S, Fazer, FZ 150, RX Z, Libero, FZS, FZ16, c Type SS/RS and Yamaha Gladiator Graffiti.

Yamaha has been performing well in India. The company keeps launching new products to keep the interest of the bike lovers intact in the company and its products. The company is now planning to launch scooters in India. As of January 2010 the company was conducting feasibility test with regard to that. The product line is yet to be decided.

Yamaha India is working on expanding its manufacturing plant at Greater Noida. Currently the company has capacity of five lakh units per annum that it wants to increase to eight lakh units per annum by 2010. The company is doing so to meet the growing demands for its bikes. It would invest around Rs 800 crore in India in the coming years. Yamaha enjoyed great response at the recently concluded Auto Expo 2010 held in New Delhi.

In July 2009, Yamaha launched its bike new Fazer in India. The bike was the third two-wheeler on the same platform of FZ-16. Yamaha has also introduced in the Indian market a new variant of FZ-16 called FZ-S. The new Fazer has bigger rear tyre. The bike is known for its performance and design. Due to its performance Yamaha bikes have maintained their reputation in the Indian two-wheeler market.

The new Fazer is getting manufactured at the company's new manufacturing facility at Surajpur in Uttar Pradesh.