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MOTORCYCLE – Yamaha Shows New Cruisers, Scooters

LAS VEGAS – Dealers attending Yamaha’s annual business meeting here June 12-14 were introduced to the manufacturer’s 2006 line-up of cruisers, scooters, motocross, off-road and dual-purpose bikes. Yamaha had the 2006 YZF600R on display, too, but said the remainder of the ’06 supersport models will be introduced in September.
Bikes garnering the most attention were from the new 1854cc Stratoliner and Roadliner series, both of which are represented by three distinct models: the standard, the “Midnight” and the “S”.
While the base Roadliner (MSRP $13,580), Roadliner Midnight ($13,880), and the Roadliner S ($14,780-$14,980) are expected to be available by October, the base Stratoliner ($15,180), Stratoliner Midnight ($15,480), and the Stratoliner S ($16,580) are expected to be in dealerships by December.
To fill out its scooter line-up, Yamaha introduced the 250cc Morphous ($5,199) and 125cc Vino ($2,499) scooters, both scheduled to arrive in showrooms in September.
In Motocross, dealers and enthusiasts can look forward to newly developed YZ250F ($5,999-$6,199) and YZ450F ($6,899-$7,099), which both get new aluminum frames and suspension components. The 450 also receives a newly developed engine and transmission. The 250 appears in October; the 450 in November. Plus, mini riders can expect to see a TT-R50E ($1,149) in July.
STAR
Other Star bikes returning to dealer showfloors for 2006 include the Royal Star Tour Deluxe ($13,999); Royal Star Venture ($16,799); Road Star ($11,099-$11,299); Road Star Midnight ($11,999); Road Star Silverado ($12,799); Road Star Midnight Silverado ($13,499); Road Star Warrior ($12,399-$12,499); V Star 1100 Classic ($8,599-$8,799); V Star 1100 Custom ($8,499); V Star 1100 Silverado ($9,599-$9,799); V Star Classic ($5,999-$6,199); V Star Custom ($5,899); V Star Silverado ($6,999-$7,199); V Max ($11,099); and Virago 250 ($3,499).
The Road Star bikes and V-Max will appear in September; the V Star bikes and Virago in July.
SCOOTER
One best-selling Yamaha vehicle not returning for 2006 is the 50cc two-stroke Zuma scooter. Still, in addition to the aforementioned Morphous and Vino 125, Yamaha has the returning Majesty ($5,799); and 50cc Vino Classic ($1,849).
Updated for ’06, the Vino Classic receives a new four-stroke engine; an anti-theft rear wheel lock; and a new speedometer with integrated fuel gauge.
The Majesty ships in July, all others in September.
DIRT
Yamaha’s 2006 motocross line-up consists of the revamped YZ 450F and YZ 250F, the YZ 250 ($6,199), YZ 125 ($5,499), YZ 85 ($3,099), WR 450F ($6,799), and WR250F ($6,099).
Like the 450F and 50F, the YZ 250 and YZ 125 get a new speed-sensitive front suspension featuring 48mm Kayaba fork tubes that move the transfer control valves above the fork springs so that damping force is now controlled by piston speed. Other tweaks to the bikes include reworked carburetion and exhaust systems, revised swingarms, increased fork pitch, Renthal bars in new clamps, new front fenders and number plates, and tapered rear wheel spacers for easier and quicker tire changes.
The WR bikes also received some updates. The WR 450F a new enduro computer, new two-position handlebar clamps offering 10mm of adjustment, updated compression circuitry in the front suspension for improved bump response, a reinforced swingarm, and a new seat. The WR 250F receives all that plus new California Green Sticker eligibility.
The Off-Road line includes the new TT-R50E, plus the returning TT-R250 ($4,499); TT-R230 ($3,399), TT-R125LE, ($2,749), TT-R125L ($2,549), TT-R125E ($2,449), TT-R90E ($1,699), PW80 ($1,299); and PW50 ($1,099). The only changes to this line are a new “Gripper-style” seat for the TT-R125LE, TT-R125L and TT-R125E.
Finally, still in Yamaha’s Dual Purpose line-up are the unchanged XT 225 ($4,149) and TW 200 ($3,749).

– Guido Ebert

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