2008 Challenge Gets Underway For Yamaha In Sepang

2008 Challenge Gets Underway For Yamaha In Sepang

Valentino Rossi completed a mainly positive first day of testing in Malaysia today as the first of four pre-season tests began for the Fiat Yamaha Team. Rossi’s second test on Bridgestone tyres was interrupted when he crashed entering turn two on his twentieth lap of the day, but the Italian was unhurt and completed 44 laps and some important development work.

It was a typically hot and humid Sepang day and the track surface caused some problems with several riders, including Rossi’s new team-mate Jorge Lorenzo, also hitting the gravel at some point. Rossi and his team concentrated on a variety of things throughout the day as they continued to work on the development of the 2008 YZR-M1, recording positive results with a new 2008 specification pneumatic-valve engine, new electronics and of course some tyre work with Bridgestone. Rossi’s time of 2’02.490, recorded on his final lap of the day, put him in sixth place.

Valentino Rossi - Position: 6th Time: 2’02.490 Laps: 44
“It feels good to be back on the bike after the winter break, and me and all my team are feeling very motivated about the task ahead. I still have some pain in my hand but I had it checked out again last week and the fracture is okay, so I know it’s not a problem to ride. Today we continued where we left off with Bridgestone and it seems we’re making good progress, we did many laps with the same tyre and I’m pleased with things so far. Unfortunately I had a crash today; I was on an out lap and maybe I pushed a little bit too hard, too soon, with not enough temperature in the tyre and I lost the front. Luckily I was not hurt, my hand is okay and I was able to continue with the day’s work! As well as tyres we tried a new-spec engine and I was quite pleased with this, as well as with some new electronics. The surface wasn’t good today and it wasn’t possible to go so fast but I hope tomorrow it will improve and we will be able to keep improving in all areas.”


Yamaha Racing Communications
Hoogte Kadijk 61 / 1018 BE Amsterdam / The Netherlands
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S&S Announces Consumer Technical Training Special

S&S ANNOUNCES CONSUMER TECHNICAL TRAINING SPECIAL

LA CROSSE, WI (January 15, 2008) S&S® Cycle Announces the availability of a special Consumer Technical Training class during the week of the S&S 50th Anniversary Celebration.

The S&S Technical Training Department has put together a special three day class that provides and in depth look at the S&S SH-, T- and V-Series engines, along with an overview of the all-new X-Wedge. This class allows students to further their v-twin knowledge by working directly with the S&S Training and Certification instructors in both the classroom and shop.

“This is a great addition to what is already turning into an incredible event week," said Ted Grabowski, S&S Technical Instructor. “Someone who is planning on coming to the 50th celebration can now spend a few days here in our class really learn about their v-twin.”

S&S Technical Instructor Jon “Opee” Olson said, “Event participants began contacting us expressing an interest in attending a training course before the celebration. We decided to open a limited seat three day course for those interested. Seats are limited so enroll soon.”

Normally this is a four day class, but due to the Anniversary Celebration activities, it has been condensed into three busy days. The price has been reduced for this one-time class from $1400 to $1100. Seating is limited for this special session of S&S Consumer Technical Training, so contact the instructors at train@sscycle.com immediately if you want to sign up.

Blackstone Laboratories

Is That Additive Really a Negative?

We get lots of questions about what, if any, additives people should be using. This article originally appeared in a motorcycle magazine, and it sums up our thoughts on additives perfectly.

S&S Announces New Jay Leno X-Wedge Videos

LA CROSSE, WI (January 8, 2008) S&S ® Cycle announces a new video of Jay Leno and his X-Wedge™ powered bike can be found on-line at www.jaylenosgarage.com.

Leno took delivery of the bike, built by S&S, in November of 2007. Since then, Leno has appeared in a number of photos supporting the striking members of the Writers Guild of America on his X-Wedge-powered bike.

S&S has video of Leno taking delivery and his first ride on the bike at www.x-wedge.com along with plenty of information on the revolutionary new engine and what it means to S&S --and the v-twin community.

Leno is a contributor to Popular Mechanics Magazine and additional video and information about the bike and Leno's impresssion of the X-Wedge is available in his Green Garage portion of the website at http://www.popularmechanics.com/automotive/jay_leno_garage/4234113.html .

S&S Cycle is celebrating 50-years of supporting the American v-twin industry throughout 2008. A 50 bike build-off will take place in La Crosse, Wisconsin on June 27-29, 2008 with builders using six different S&S engine families for the build, including the all-new X-Wedge. More information can be found at www.sscycle50th.com .

Easyriders Show Photos

We just returned from the Easyriders Show in Pomona. Great crowd despite the rainy weather. Interesting bikes, check out the X Wedge bike from Chopper Dave. Other interesting notes were the paint treatments on some of the entries, with a special engine turned look on a particularly race inspired entry. Enjoy the photos.

Easyriders Show Photos

Easyriders Pomona Show This Weekend!

We're off to the Easyriders VTwin Tour Show this weekend in Pomona at the Los Angeles County Fairgrounds. Come out and see the latest project as we introduce a radically different style for Mercury Customs. We can't tell you the name yet, but all will be revealed at the show! Those of you who can't make the show will have to wait! Rain or Shine, we'll be there. Also, we'll have the new 2008 Iron and Lace Calendar for sale, Joe will be signing books, calendars and nearly everything else that does or doesn't move! See you there.

Back and we're busy...

Well, we had a great Christmas and New Year's and we're back to it.
The shop is buzzing getting ready for the Easyriders Pomona Show, simply one of the biggest shows of the year. We'll be showing new projects and displaying some new technologies, so if you're in town - be sure to make it to the Pomona Fairgrounds, Saturday and Sunday!