Bulletin#SN-0409-2 April 2009
Yamaha Nytro, Rage, Vector, & Venture- Now with Skirt Coating!

Snowmobile

New Product
Features Benefits Dedicated forging.. Superior strength to weight ratio utilizing an Aerospace alloy Race proven designs. Utilized by the top teams in snow cross, cross country, and drag racing Dedicated rings.. Maximum compression and oil control. CNC Machined.. Optimal cam shape and profile for peak horsepower and service life ArmorGlide skirt coating.. Reduced friction and quiet operation. Made in the USA.. Over 64 years of experience with forged piston technology by American craftsmen Light Weight.. Less vibration and improved throttle response Piston Kits includes: pistons, piston pin, rings, retainer clips, and gasket kit. List Price (USA): 9.5:1- $439.73 - $483.70; 12.5:1- $363.40 - $399.75 Piston includes: piston pin, rings, and retainer clip. List Price (USA): 9.5:1- $151.11 - $166.22; 12.5:1- $124.88 - $137.37
Model Nytro 2006 RS Rage 2005-06 RS Vector 2005-07 RS Vector Mountain 2005-07 RS Venture 2005-07 VK Professional 2007 9.5:1 Compression Skirt Coated Nytro 2006 RS Rage 2005-06 RS Vector 2005-07 RS Vector Mountain 2005-07 RS Venture 2005-07 VK Professional 2007 12.5:1 Compression Skirt Coated

Bore x Stroke 79 x 66.2

Displ. (cc) 973 1049
Bore Size (mm) 79.00. 82.00

Over Sizes (mm) Std 3.00

Piston Kit Number SK1367 SK1368
Kit Price $439.73 $483.70
Forged Wiseco Piston 4894M07900 4894M08200
Price Per Piston $151.11 $166.22
Repl. Ring Set 3110XG 3228XG
Repl. Pin & Clips S597 CW19
Gasket Kit W6407 79mm $56.84 W6408 82mm $56.84

79 x 66.2

973 1049

79.00. 82.00

Std 3.00

SK1365 SK1366

$363.40 $399.75

4893M07900 4893M08200

$124.88 $137.37

3110XG 3228XG

S597 CW19
W6407 79mm $56.84 W6408 82mm $56.84
Copyright 2009 Wiseco Piston Co., Inc. 7201 Industrial Park Blvd. Mentor, OH 44060-5396 440-951-6600 Fax: 440-951-6606 www.wiseco.com

newsletter

yamaha-motor.ca

summer 2008

2009 ATV: All the Grizzly Details Details!
A Free Special Edition Toyota Yamaha TT-R50E! (page 10)

pg. 4-5 pg. 8-9

VMAX: A Legend Built on Acceleration eration

Hello Horizon

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e market d studied th led, tested an avel for years engineers tr d reliability America. Our rformance an orth the g pe e study in N would make me, deliverin d after intens n customers the test of ti t that stood l efforts whe was develope itia oduc V-Max oviding a pr ded for our in You see, the e were rewar re we were pr l fully to ensu er 20 years w for ov you, our loya very care d it all, and rewarded by few changes. The V-Max di e have been e made very best w e rn, w to come. , even when ts provide th th and in tu d our produc bike of choice the same pa ! V-Max their er service an ambassador llowed much maha d custom or has fo be a proud Ya e unsurpasse Yamaha Mot to id s in Canada, ngths you do strive to prov After 35 year u go to the le research. We ways do our hy some of yo e al s w ay customers. W Perhaps that e times to st d reliability. ange with th ess hours rformance an one must ch aha section) tl ion, in pe ou and Yam ere were coun nal corporat see in our Y be a uition, and th e multi-natio (As you will ars to see fr Max and will cycle or larg many ye iginal Va motor ars!! hether it be er than the or 09 VMAX took ye , bett ange and w to come, the took us over , in every way But times ch ason why it in the pages at we feel is rhaps the re you will see ed a bike th d pe liver thought. at the top. As easy task an anning and ng. Weve de y, this was no and developi after much pl g ements 2020 must sa spent testin ge our achiev d, Frontier s to come. I ined to levera e future calle r line for year rm to th staple in ou y years ago. We are dete e direction in America man the new VMAX our corporat ails in North as we are in otor ratied w tr ture maha M ax blazed ne row. on for the fu Recently, Ya like the V-M y, and tomor nt in our visi frontiers, just needs of toda st as conde meet the We are ju oneer new that d pi lity products challenges an ith good-qua to meet new supply you w t us to You can trus e summer. e Enjoy th Enjoy the issu g ds egards, Regards,

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To sugi Tom Osugi President, or Canada Yamaha Mot

Summer 2008

Letter from the President
Horizons, The attached photo s were taken last Jul y on a weeklong vac home here on Vancou ation from our ver Island, down thr ough the State of Wa over the Northern rou shington te of the Cascade Mo untains. I must tell the scenery is breath you that taking and this moun tain pass is by far the beautiful one here most on the west coast of BC and Washington After crossing this. Rocky Mountain ran ge, you eventually en in a small valley we d up stern town called Wi nthrop where we att a jazz festival last yea ended r. I am now 57 years old and have been riding since I was eig and have had 12 bik hteen es so far. In other wo rds I have tried the and have to say tha m all t my 2005 Midnigh t Warrior is the best owned thus far. I wa I have s so impressed with it that I convinced to sell her HD 883 my wife cc Sportster last yea r and bought her the cc Silver new ado which she much prefers to this day. My wife has been rid ing now since 2004 and really enjoys the experience much more since she got her new Yamaha. In closing, I just wa nt to say that both my wife and I are con Yamaha converts wh firmed o really enjoy our bik es. As I mentioned I have owned most before, of the brands out the re over the years an we are concerned, d as far as Yamaha has them all beat in terms of tru quality, value, appe e satisfying al and performance. Our Hats are off to Yamaha! Sincerely, Gary Pearce Chemainus, BC

Ed Note: Im not goi ng to lie, Gary, that Warrior of yours is a Good job! beauty!
007 f our 2 d n et out o at we g ter of 2006 a ased s, ses th Horizon ll the u igh in the win 07, we purch of a or r 20 photos a sle few min ovembe closing with a t myself I am en sional. I buil firewood. In N igh up, and fes aul e sle t! VK Pro ut grea oked th e it to h d to us e sleigh. I ho g. It worked o planne th in h rides d runn to pull ily sleig our VK nts was off an for fam on, MB. e e VK adjustm used th re in Thomps e ve also ady , we ha s we live by h tting re auled e then e lake igh, ge ut sinc B und th the sle at I cut and h ell s aro y in on trail y famil /2 cord) th e as w (1 ssed m tos of m me pho d of firewood ro sure impre are so Here o, a loa me. The VK P de. Als r ho for a ri s from ou km s well a about 9 chine a fun ma maha! ers. ily as oth our fam is is our Ya ional is th Profess work or play, The VK or orse. F a workh Thanks evenot n? aren Th you Lore V, have n and K B Lore g any T hin son, M en watc of my job! Thomp s ance be
y ch r part avent b e of the othe : You h n Ed Note r validating o fo Thanks
Horizons, myself (Al) decided on spur of the After going to church, Dad (Art) & AHA Steveston and try out the new YAM moment to go to a boat launch in ing skies. After getting was right with clear F40 we just purchased. The tide so quiet!!!! r, the motor started first try & it was the boat in the wate , west through the harbour. & off we went We warmed up the engine for 4 min. Highway 99, stopped ains Cove, under a small bridge at We went up to Capt the boat launch. returned to for coffee and a special cookie, then have is to say that my dad and myself The main reason Im writing to you say about the performance tive to 100 positive things and not one nega oke. From my dad and and joy, the NEW YAMAHA F40 4-str of our pride and Joe at Galleon Marine really Ian, Mark myself, a BIG THANK YOU!!! Also al and a neat & tidy look!!! an excellent install very profession did such ier!! All around, we could not be happ Sincerely, Art & Al Audette Richmond, BC
Ed Note: Glad the F40 is working so well, Art and Al. Next time Im out there, Ill be sure to see if I can find one of those special cookies!

Letters to the Editor

Volume 20 Issue 1
OK trivia buffs, put on your thinking helmets for a moment because here comes the million dollar question. Q: What Yamaha 4x4 ATV has features such as electronic power steering, four-wheel disc brakes, a great power-to-weight ratio and a powerful, fuel-injected engine that takes on all comers? A: If you thought I was referring to our #1 selling Grizzly 700 FI EPS, you would be right. But if you were REALLY on the ball, you would know there is a second Yamaha ATV that covers that description, and its our all-new Grizzly 550 FI EPS.

If you answered Grizzly 700 FI EPS, give yourself a pat on the back. In turn, if your final answer was the Grizzly 550 FI EPS, give yourself a pat on the back AND a new set of Genuine Yamaha overfenders from your local Yamaha dealer! The 500cc class is the bulk of the ATV market in Canada and we couldnt forget about all of you mid-sizers. After all, not all of you need or want Tim the Toolman Taylor RAH RAH RAH big bore power when you can get the job done fine with a middleweight. So after consultation with our customers, it was decided that we would produce a Grizzly that had everything, and I mean EVERYTHING, off the big bore 700 FI EPS

2009 ATVs

Kodiak 450 Raptor 90
EXCEPT a couple ponies. The Grizzly 550 FI EPS employs the same frame, bodywork, wheels, steering, fuel injection, lights, handlebars, brakes, and suspension as its vaunted older brother. The only thing youre missing is a Genuine Yamaha kitchen sink (Im only kidding. You wont find us in the aisles of Home Hardware). In case you were wondering, the smaller Grizzly also comes in a non-EPS version, similar to the Grizzly 700 FI. Basically, youre getting all the burger, just with a little less ketchup. With all this happening on the Grizzly front, you would think the Kodiak line would have remained status quo for the year. Au contraire! The Kodiak 450 received a facelift with an all-new front end that epitomizes the aggression and style of the Grizzly 700. Theres also a sealed wet brake, 2 receiver hitch and new for 09, a sealed inner fender storage compartment, and thicker seat for more comfort.

Grizzly 550 FI

And file this under the Things Youre Glad You Cant Buy at a big box store folder as a new, sporty Raptor 90 is now available for the little ones to hone their skills on. The new Raptor features electric start, fully automatic transmission, rear disc brake and styling cues from the big Raptor 700R. All this in a reliable package youll be happy to put junior on. Just like in nature, its survival of the fittest in the Yamaha ATV food chain. Due to the arrival of the leaner, meaner Grizzly 550 FI, the Kodiak 400 has been put out to pasture. The Banshee, Grizzly 80, Raptor 80 and Raptor 50 have also gone the way of the Dodo to make room for all the exciting new additions. Surf into yamaha-motor.ca for more information on the 09s!

LIMITED AVAILABILITY!

Place a deposit on your VMAX by October 31, 2008!
We have an old saying (well since 1985 anyway) here at Yamaha that goes a little something like this: There are only 2 things that are certain for a Yamaha motorcycle launch. The first is new product. The second is the venerable V-Max. As the longest-serving bike in the Yamaha fleet, the V-Max has remained almost unchanged, with the exception of different colours and graphics, since its inception. Why would we change this marvel of engineering? Riders have always raved about the torque, acceleration and raw power that the V-Max seems to have an endless supply of. Over the years, the V-Max motorcycle, its proud owners and the clubs associated with it have become an institution that has outlasted every other bike weve built. But every motorcycle, at some point, needs to be redesigned and improved with the latest technology to keep it competitive and enticing to its prospective owners. So how do you redesign a bike that has become a legend in its own right? One thing is for sure, you do it right. You take twelve years to develop the next-generation VMAX because you dont want to alienate the iconic image that makes the V-Max a legend. In fact, theres so much story behind the new VMAX that a brief paragraph here wouldnt do it any justice. If you turn to page 8, weve got the inside scoop from our product planning guys about what goes into developing such an important model.

There are other models new for 2009 too. Maxi scooters are becoming a big player in the motorcycle market for commuters and older riders who appreciate their easy, twist-and-go, step-through character. Not to mention their ability to beat up on soaring gas prices. Enter the all-new powerful and sporty TMAX. In Italy, scooters are a way of life. Needless to say, they take them pretty seriously and their #1 selling TMAX is the case in point. A fuel-injected, 499cc engine makes the TMAX the ultimate commuting vehicle, able to cruise comfortably at highway speeds even with two aboard. Sportbike-inspired features include an aluminum frame, 43mm fork and sleek, sexy styling. Ample storage room, seating for two and incredible brakes complete the package. Did you know the BWs50 scooter is the #1 selling scooter in Canada and has been for years? So whats the next logical step? How about a four-stroke BWs125 that has all the great features of the BWs50 and then some? A fuel-injected, air-cooled, 124cc mill provides plenty of get-up-and-go around town. Toss in the electric start and rock-solid reliability youve come to expect from Yamaha and youve got yourself another weapon in the war against the gas prices. Thats all for now! Log back in to yamaha-motor.ca on September 8th for more exciting new 2009 model announcements.

2009 New Product

BWs125
If the two-up snowmobile is a couch, as it is lovingly referred to in snowmobile circles, then the new RS Venture GT and RS Venture TF are a leather, sectional, reclining model with cup holders, built-in back massager and storage bin for remote controls and cordless phone. The Ventures have adopted the front end of the Apex and received a juiced-up, fuel-injected Genesis 120 engine. Theres also a large storage trunk, electric start, reverse, hand warmers, accessory outlet, GYTR clicker shocks, adjustable backrest, and rearview mirrors to name a few. And by its four-stroke nature, the RS Venture is more reliable than an all-Canadian team Grey Cup final. So what does this tip up refer to? Its on the new FX Nytro XTX and its one of the best new snowmobile innovations for this year. The rail on the skid has been tipped up by 6 degrees at the 121 portion of the track. This allows the sled to handle like a short track on hard pack, while simultaneously bridging bumps like a 136 and with deep snow floatation of a 144. Such a simple feature now allows for the most versatile snowmobile in the Yamaha line. Of course it has other features like new lightweight tunnel and revised front geometry to couple with the Genesis 130FI engine. If you want a sled that can play in any type of snow, the FX Nytro XTX is your baby. See the rest of the line at yamaha-motor.ca!

FX NYTRO XTX

A Legend Built on Acceleration
By: John Bayliss, Product Manager, Motorcycle Yamaha Motor Canada Ltd.
It took a mere 10.30 seconds for the 1985 V-Max* to roar into the record books and the hearts of motorcycle adrenaline junkies around the world. A 130-lb drag racer by the name of Jay Gleason a.k.a. Pee Wee set the motorcycle world on its ear with his incredible mile run aboard a pre-production V-Max. Some cried foul because they felt the pre-pro machine was a ringer. In a blink of an eye, the V-Max legend had been established, much to the dismay of other manufacturers around the world. In May of 85, the cries of foul were silenced when Cycle World magazine brought a production V-Max to the Bayland Raceway in Fremont, California. After a few shake down runs, Mr. Max ripped through the mile at an amazing 10.62 seconds with a trap speed of 129.87 miles an hour with the mirrors still in place! On this occasion, the rider was 4-time US national drag racing champion, Dale Walker who weighed in at a portly 170 lb. By comparison, the legendary muscle cars of the early 70s such as the Hemi Cuda or big block Camaros were running mile times in the high 12s to the low 13-second range. The King of Acceleration had been crowned, be it the two-wheeled variety or four. How was the legendary V-Max conceived? The story goes that a small group of Yamaha Japan staff members witnessed a bridge race over the Mississippi River while on a fact-finding mission in the US. The bridge was 400 metres in length, and the competitors would start at one end of the bridge and race across to the other. Upon seeing this spectacle, discussions immediately ensued at the California headquarters of Yamaha USA and senior planning guru,
Ed Burke began researching the market feasibility of a motorcycle that embodied the ideal of the American V-8 muscle car. First on the agenda was to find a suitable powerplant. The engineers in Japan had already been working on a V-4 engine for the Venture Royal touring bike. The problem was this engine only produced about 90 hp. Believe it or not; they considered the possibility of turbo charging the engine to get the required power but that was short-lived. Then the idea for V-boost was floated. The premise being that at a certain rpm (6,000), two carbs would feed fuel to one cylinder. The resulting horsepower improvement was impressive. With some continued tweaking, the engineers bumped the power up to an amazing 145 ponies. As an extra bonus, the V-4 engine layout created an intoxicating exhaust note that sounded like a hot-rod big block V-8. As the engine progressed, the focus shifted to styling. The designers at GKDI in California wanted the engine to be the focal point of the V-Max and the concept of engine maximum, body minimum was born. The resulting design was totally unique in the market and V-Max as we know it was born. The V-Max was debuted to the world in the fall of 1984 at the US dealer meeting; it would be a new model for the 1985 season. The combination of power and unique styling plus Mr. Gleasons historic mile time, allowed the new V-Max to take North America by storm. Sales took off in the US and soon the rest of the world began to hear the rumblings of the V-Max legend. In 1986, the V-Max hit the shores of France and eventually conquered the rest of Europe. What had started out as a model designed for the American public, had become an icon of acceleration around the world. There was some talk about making a smaller V-Max but it never happened. Twenty four years later, the rest is history as they say. There were a small number of minor changes to the V-Max along the way including new dish-type wheels in the 80s. In 1990, the ignition system was updated and in 1993, the fork size was increased to 43mm while more powerful 4-piston front brake calipers were installed. V-Max owners groups and clubs popped up around the globe. The V-Max had reached cult status. By the late 90s, many customers were requesting a new V-Max, and there was a lot of anticipation for a new model as its 20th anniversary approached. Disappointment hovered over the V-Max as its 20th came and went and Mr. Max remained the same.

1985 V-Max

Renewed hope appeared in July 2006 when a new design concept surfaced on Yamaha Europes web site. The V-Maxs incredible 23-year production run came to an end in 2008 when it was discontinued in North America. The wait for a new VMAX continued. On June 4, 2008 the wait officially ended. An all-new 2009 VMAX has been unveiled. I have been lucky enough to sample the next-generation VMAX (its so good, it now requires all capital letters in its name) at Yamahas test track in Japan, along with a number of my worldwide counterparts. To a man, everyone agrees that the results are spectacular. The words exceeding expectations were used on many occasions during the test ride. The new VMAX maintains the unique styling personality plus the engine sound and character of the original V-Max. I guess this should not really be a surprise since the engineers utilized an all-new 1679cc V-4 engine featuring some of Yamahas latest technologies like a chip controlled intake system, a sophisticated new fuel injection and a fly-by-wire throttle system. But there is a lot more to the new VMAX than just pavement-scorching acceleration. The handling is downright sporty thanks to an all-new aluminum frame and swingarm and fully adjustable suspension. Plus this new MAX offers a level of riding comfort that will allow the miles to disappear into the distance without a blink. A visit to Yamaha Canadas web site www.yamaha-motor.ca will provide all the features, benefits and specs of this incredible new machine. For those of you who have ridden the original V-Max, I promise you will not be disappointed. And for those motorcycle enthusiasts who have never experienced the unique character and incredible acceleration of the VMAX, my question would be what are you waiting for?
* V-Max and VMAX are short forms for Velocity Maximum.

2009 Motorcycles

The 2009 Toyota Tacoma: how you do life
One life. Just one. Yours. Youre not going to waste it. THEY can park their life in front of the TV. YOU are going to grab the horns, the wheels, the handles, the paddles, the reins, the tools and drive your own way forward to experience life in the first person, every chance you get. Nimble and comfortable, in the city and on the highway. Capable and strong when the road disappears. the 2009 Toyota Tacoma takes you to your life, and hauls your high adventure gear: motorcycles, ATVs, tents, boats, trailers, parachutes, barbecues whatever you need to ride, run, jump and launch yourself into fun. There is a lot that is new for the 2009 Tacoma. Toyota now includes several safety features, cool audio and exterior interior upgrades that are now standard on all models. Standard side and curtain airbags, Traction Control, MP3 capability and revised grille colour are just a few items added to the 2009 Tacoma. With eight different Tacoma models featuring a range of engine, cab sizes and power train configurations, there is definitely one just for you. Choose the Tacoma 4x4 with a five-person Double Cab or a V6 Access Cab that seats four. Either way, youll enjoy commanding a four-litre V6 that delivers up to 236 hp and a towing rating of 5,000 pounds. Trade some off-road grunt for on-road style with the street-smart, Access Cab-equipped Toyota Tacoma X-Runner, featuring the same V6 in a 4x2 configuration thats been specially sport tuned. Or pick a 4x2 or, new for 2009, a 4x4 Access Cab Tacoma built around a fuel-friendly 2.7-litre four-cylinder that delivers up to 159 hp, enough to tow 3,500 pounds of gear. Then customize your truck with option packages such as the SR5 Power Package, which adds power windows and doors, 16-inch aluminum alloy wheels, cruise control, and other amenities. Or boost your towing capacity on 4x4 models with a Toyota Racing Development (TRD) package for upgrades on the engine oil cooler, alternator and other key components to deliver 6,500 pounds of towing prowess. Then add a 400-watt/ 115-volt cargo bed power outlet, Class IV trailer hitch with wiring harness, digital compass and outside temperature gauge, and other great equipment. The 2009 Toyota Tacoma knows theres no room in your life for a vehicle that cant keep up. Because your truck is how you do life.

2009 Tacoma

Team Toyota Yamaha Racing

TT-R50E PIT BIKE!!

Visit www.yamaha.toyota.ca, fill out a quick survey and youre entered to win 1 of 2 Team Toyota Yamaha Racing Pit Bikes! Thats it! Thats all! Who would think that answering a few questions and filling out your address could make you the coolest one on the block? Not to mention its the best way to get to the mailbox! Enter today! Contest closes September 14, 2008. Go to www.yamaha.toyota.ca for full details.

Toyota and Yamaha

WELCOME TO THE WINNERS PLATFORM
of Genuine Yamaha Technology Racing!
From road to dirt, track to trail, GYTR accessories enhance performance and style. GYTR accessories are precision made to Yamahas exacting standards so they fit right and look great right out of the box. What sets GYTR apart from the competition? Its the winning combination of advanced technology, high-quality materials, and superior design. Yamahas rigorous testing ensures superior durability and performance. Race-inspired accessories designed to perform and please. Thats why people who know insist on the best and ask for GYTR accessories by name. Year after year, one thing remains constant Yamaha is driven to race and win! This commitment to victory through superior technology has been forged, championship after championship, into a line of exceptional products: Genuine Yamaha Technology Racing (GYTR) accessories. Yamaha has developed a full line of GYTR accessories especially for performance enthusiasts. A long history of engineering advances, knowledge earned in the pursuit of racetrack victories, and a reputation for quality workmanship have given Yamaha the technological advantage to produce GYTR accessories. The GYTR advantage is easy to see advanced materials. Many products are built of a special, structural-grade carbon fibre that provides superior durability at a fraction of the weight of conventional materials. Youll also find titanium, magnesium, aluminum, and stainless steel used to manufacture GYTR products that deliver the right performance and the right look every time.
YAMAHA RACERS INSIST ON USING GYTR ACCESSORIES!
Team Toyota Yamaha Blackfoot Direct Fox Race Team
Team Toyota Yamaha FAST Company Racing KevinLacombe

ColtonFacciotti

JimmyNelson

BlairMorgan

AronHarvey
Team Toyota Yamaha ATV Race Team JasminPlante (second to left, top row)
Note: Selected GYTR components are for closed course competition use only and may not be used on public roads. Installation of GYTR products and similar products from other manufacturers may affect your Yamaha factory warranty. Visit your local Yamaha dealer for more details.

Genuine Parts and Accessories
ITS A FAMILY AFFAIR PHOTO CONTEST WINNERS
We received entries with more Yamahas in them, but the Audet family of Carignan, QC took the cake with a comedic, Yamaha hybrid submission that saw them coined as Les Yamaboys. Papa Marc had his sons Frdric, Jasmin and Yannick decked out in Yamaha apparel; with Yamaha instruments to go along with their Yamaha bikes and snowmobile (the cooler looks to be a homemade invention though). I would pay to see this band play any day of the week! For creativity, humour and quantity, the fun-loving Audet family takes $500 Yamabucks as top prize. Way to go Audets!
Garnering second place is the Flegal family from Arnprior, ON with an array of snowmobiles fit for a family! Great Grandpa Flegal wasnt able to make the photo shoot on his 1978 ET340 but the rest of this motley crue did! Dad Tim, daughter Ellen, son Brody and daughter Gwendolyn pose by their pride and joys! I managed to do a little math, and unless Tim is a baby-faced senior citizen, the snowmobiles in this picture have a cumulative age older than the riders! Good to see the sleds are still doing the job for you Flegals! Thanks for entering!
In third place comes the Gareau family from Lancaster, ON. The family farm is adorned with 3 snowmobiles, a brand new Rhino, and what looks to be a well-camouflaged border collie named Maggie on Moms lap. The Gareaus take the $100 Yamabuck third prize. My favourite part? How about the token straw bales sprinkled around the Yamahas to create the authentic farm atmosphere!! Thanks for your submission, Gareau family.

Photo Contest Winners

Yamahas
Custom Customer Customs Photo Contest!
` address, phone number or email address, description of the photo and any other pertinent information. You may not win the photo contest but could still qualify for letters to the editor! THIS JUST IN: In an effort to save you time, money and some stress on the postal service, we now have an email address for you to send your HIGH RESOLUTION (300 DPI) photo and written submission to: Horizons@yamaha-motor.ca Or, if you still like to run it old school, send your original, hard copy photo and written letter to: Yamaha Motor Canada Ltd. Horizons Newsletter Attn: Editor 480 Gordon Baker Road Toronto, ON M2H 3B4
For a lot of our customers, making their new Yamaha custom is their custom. We know you love your Yamaha, but we also know theres always a few tweaks to be made that REALLY makes it your own. Whether its a set of pipes on the Roadliner, overfenders on the Grizzly, a stereo system for the Rhino, a turbo boost for the Apex, a hood wrap on an outboard or even a custom paint job on the hull of a G3, we know youre out there setting yourself apart. We want to see what youve done to personalize your Yamaha. The more the better! Of course, the more Genuine Yamaha parts and accessories you have, the better your case for the $500 Yamabucks first prize. Second place will garner you $300 Yamabucks and third $100 Yamabucks. I dont think I need to tell you how handy Yamabucks are when it comes to customizing! Be sure to include the original model and a list of all accessories that have been applied. The judges are looking for picture quality, accessory quantity, effort, humour and originality. Please ensure that riders are wearing proper equipment for action photography. Fill out your name,

Please note: Contest closes October 1, 2008. Selection of the winning entries will be at the sole discretion of the judges. Chances of winning depend on the number and quality of the entries received. By entering in this contest, you consent to the use of your photo and name in Horizons.
YAMAHA FACTORY WORKERSplay their own tunes!
The year 2008 marks 80 years of diplomatic relationship between Japan and Canada. To celebrate in a big musical way, Yamaha Corporation (Japan) sponsored the Yamaha Symphonic Band (YSB) to perform at two of Canadas largest music Festivals. Both would be taking place during the same week, one in Ottawa and the other in Sherbrooke, Quebec. In Ottawa, Yamaha-sponsored Musicfest Canadas 36th Festival drew over 8000 of Canadas best young student musicians to perform over five days. The YSB was a highlight; thrilling the sold-out audiences at two concerts. Special guests included Japanese Ambassador to Canada, Tsuneo Nishida, Senator Tommy Banks, many dignitaries and three Yamaha presidents: Hirofumi Osawa from Yamaha Corporation (America), Toru Osugi from Yamaha Motor Canada and Yosuki Mikami from Yamaha Canada Music. The YSB is a world-class band having won many awards. The band is very unique in that the 60 members work for Yamaha and many come from the factories that make the high-quality musical instruments. Standing ovations were the norm in both cities, especially when the band donned hockey jerseys and played the theme song from Hockey Night in Canada. The band arrived in Toronto Wednesday, May 14th; played Ottawa on Friday; Sherbrooke on Saturday and boarded a flight home to Japan on Sunday. After all, Yamaha cannot reduce production capacity at the factories too long since the players are the makers of the world-renowned Instruments!
Next Photo Contest/Yamaha Music
By: Randy Swenson, District Sales Manager Yamaha Motor Canada Ltd.
First, let me set the stage for what is the coolest day Ive had on a snowmobile since I first started riding many years ago. Team Thunderstruck (TT) consists of hardcore sledders from Utah, Idaho, Montana, Oregon and British Columbia. Every year, they produce a rocking video showing the best in extreme snowmobiling. Their videos have been nominated the past several years for the coveted Extremey Awards. Two team riders have won Best Rider in three of the past four years. I first met the producer and a handful of the Team Thunderstruck riders in Revelstoke, B.C. during the spring of 03. I was riding around Turtle Mountain when I came upon a hill-climbing display that amazed me. These riders were the type I wanted to ride with. They were climbing narrow rocked-in chutes that until then I had never imagined could be conquered aboard a snowmobile. Jim invited me on a ride the following year. As the saying goes, the rest is history. So how do I fit in to this? Well, in search of the next first ascent, I was scouting an impressive looking ridge line north of Revelstoke, B.C. I came upon what appeared to be about six avalanche slide paths. Upon closer inspection, I figured there was one or two possible first ascents amongst the incredible terrain. I often rode by the mysterious rock formation wondering if it would ever see snowmobile tracks. My curiousity got the best of me, so one day a helicopter was secured with closer inspection planned. The close-in scouting found a line that I felt was possible. There were three issues: How do I get my sled into the bottom of it? Will I fit through the rock wall near the top? Will my sled blow a belt / overheat / blow the intercooler off. or just fail? After looking at the chute for the entire season, I finally decided it was go time. The Team was ready with full cinematographers, still photographers, helicopter, safety and moral support. The chute I would be attempting was 3,000 feet long with a vertical of around 2,500 feet. To put this in perspective, The Monster on Boulder, a well-respected ascent that gives many mountain riders their street credibility, is under 1,500 feet long and a vertical of just over 1,000 feet. The start zone was 4,400 feet and end was 6,900 feet+ on this chute, the longest vertical our producer knows of when it comes to snowmobiling You can see why I had a hard time making this decision! I dropped into the drainage. It was similar to going down the Monster. On the way down, two of the support crew following me crashed. We flew one sled off the hill due to severe damage! GULP! After the carnage had been cleaned up and we were ready at the bottom, I took a deep breath. There was no backing out now. The helicopter was flying, the cameras were rolling and it was me staring up the mountain side. It was a humbling experience to say the least. What did I get myself into? I talked myself into it and hammered on the throttle. The turbo-charged, 400+ horsepower in my Apex sprang to life. The most worrisome part of the ascent was at its narrow section about three quarters of the way up. Any mistake and I would be hitting the side of the mountain, incurring damage to my sled and probably myself. Luckily, I was able to find the perfect left to right line through the rock walls. There had to be a maximum of 1-2 on either side! My Apex ran flawless. The 174 x 2.5 Camoplast track, coupled to the M10 stayed very flat and efficient the entire way. Anybody who knows the mountains can tell you that its nice to have that four-stroke reliability when riding in these extremes! Once I topped out, the camera crew landed and one of the guys was crying. Imagine that, a grown man shedding tears for my safety. It was cool. The thing about first ascent is that, if you can do it, you get to name it. So, due to the sheer size of it, I named this one Super Chute. I still get butterflies a month later, thinking about the entire weekend. If you want to see this ascent, and a bunch of other extreme snowmobile footage, Thunderstruck 7 is due out August 8th. Visit http://www.bigskyx.com for a sneak preview.

You and Yamaha

Old boys have their playthings as well as young ones, the difference is only in the price.

Benjamin Franklin

Truer words were never spoken Benny! This quote is displayed perfectly in this issues You and Yamaha spotlight.
On the one hand, you have two beautiful young pups by the names of James Darling and Ethan Lacroix. Lacroix looks fresh off the runways, or should I say crawlways, of the latest Yamaha apparel fashion show! Hes already styling and proling for the cameras like the rest of the motocross stars! Then theres country boy Darling. Typically, ATV riders love to get dirty and choose practicality and function over looks. Darling and his Raptor are no exception. It seems he reasons that if hes inevitably going to get his clothes dirty from the inside, he might as well get them dirty on the outside too. I love the efciency, James!! This is true You and Yamaha dedication at its best!
At the other end of the spectrum, we have Jack McKnight, who decided that a 3-month riding trip around Arizona was the best way to beat the long Canadian winter. Jack strut his stuff in the desert on a Millennium Edition Yamaha Venture. Did I mention that he was 75 years old at the time? Seems Jack adheres to some of the writings of Oliver Wendell Holmes, who opined that, Men do not quit playing because they grow old; they grow old because they quit playing.
Shifting gears from age to distance, we have You and Yamaha recognition for Lew and Ardith Tibbo. How does a 10-day camping trip, travelling coast to coast across the wilderness of Newfoundland on your new Rhino sound? According to Google maps, Port aux Basques is 854km from Argentia. Now gure its 854km of roots, rocks, twisty trails and some of the most gorgeous scenery you can nd anywhere. After the trip, you give thanks for two things: 1. You live in this great country and 2. The reliability built into your Yammy.
Interested in being featured in our You and Yamaha section? If you have a relationship with Yamaha that seems to defy conventional thinking, we want to hear about it. Send in your story and pictures to horizons@yamaha-motor.ca (please ensure pictures are high resolution) or send the old fashion way to: Yamaha Motor Canada Ltd., Horizons Newsletter, Attn: Editor, 480 Gordon Baker Road, Toronto, ON M2H 3B4
Those published will receive a prize for their submission. Please include all contact information in your entry.

YAMAHAS FIRST OLE

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Let us know. Please mail your new address with the model and serial number of your unit. Thank you for reading Horizons.
Over the years, Yamaha has sponsored hundreds of golf tournaments with a free cruiser up for grabs as a hole-in-one prize. After so many tournaments and thousands of golfers without a winner, we were feeling pretty confident that we were getting good value. Well stop the presses!! Just before going to print, one man has risen to the occasion as a Yamaha Hole-In-One winner!! George Cunningham of Mississauga, ON aced the Yamaha-sponsored 15th hole at Eagles Nest Golf Club while playing in a charity tournament for Torontos Sick Kids Hospital. Here is his story retold with a litany of adjectives and adverbs for dramatic effect: Cunningham coolly sized up the Par 3, 144 yard hole. Years of golf experience, an innate sense of wind speed and the deft touch of a

surgeon combined to create comb what some have called, the miracle calculation. After careful consideration, he pulled from its sheath, The V-Star Slayer, known to most as the pitching wedge. As if guided by the hands of Tiger Woods, the brains of Jack Nicklaus and the flair of Arnold Palmer, Cunninghams winning shot floated on the wings of a dove through the air, landing softly off the slight embankment on the green and rolling delicately into the heart of the cup. To the astonishment of all around (except Cunningham), the ball was found nestled snugly into the bottom of the cup. Quite simply, it was just another day at the office for this golf titan! Congratulations George! We hope you enjoy your new V-Star Cruiser.

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guess the atmosphere that Ive tried to create here is that Im a friend rst and a boss second, and probably an entertainer third.

- Michael Scott

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