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KAWASAKI TO GIVE-AWAY OF 820 VEHICLES

The huge “Good Times Sales Event” promotion launched by Kawasaki in April has reached the half-way point and the company said that more than 3.2 million game pieces will have been distributed to consumers by the end of July.

Following the event’s July 31st conclusion, each of the 820 participating Kawasaki dealers will be giving away a new Kawasaki motorcycle or ATV.

Chris Brull, Kawasaki’s director of marketing, said “this multi-tiered program represents one of the largest promotional outreach campaigns the company has undertaken, and the event is by far the largest vehicle giveaway in Kawasaki’s history.”

National television spots have been running on ESPN/ESPN2, SPEED, Fuel TV, National Geographic TV, and History Channel, in addition to direct promotions through the company’s website, direct mail and the network of independent Kawasaki dealers.

It combines instant win opportunities for consumers, including four Grand Prize giveaways of 2011 Kawasaki Vulcan 1700 Vaquero cruisers (or a different Kawasaki vehicle of the players choice).

Other “Good Times Sales Event” prizes include $250 off any Kawasaki vehicle over 249cc, 15 percent off any Kawasaki accessory item, or 10 percent off dealer service. Additionally, more than 115,000 certificates for free Green Day music downloads and Monster Energy Drink buy-one-get-one-free coupons will be given away.

However, as Brull pointed out, the most unique component of the promotion is the sheer number of units that will be given away through the 820 participating Kawasaki dealers, with each of them holding post-event drawings for a new 2011 Ninja 250R sportbike or a Bayou 250 ATV. “This is a giant undertaking which will impact a lot of enthusiasts in a very positive way,” added Brull.

To participate, holders of a “Ticket to Win” distributed through direct mail, dealer contact, or requested at www.kawasaki.com/win, will need to bring their ticket to a participating local dealer to have it read by an in-store decoder which will light-up to reveal their prize.

Once they have processed their Ticket to Win in-store, players may also register for that dealer’s individual 2011 Ninja 250R sportbike or Bayou 250 ATV giveaway.

The company will announce all winners in August.

ASSEMBLED IN AMERICA

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Short video made by the great folks at Yamaha USA giving you an inside look at Yamaha’s new Newnan Georgia facility that is producing the Grizzly 550 and 700 on US soil by American hands.

Visit yamaha-motor.com.

IS HONDA MEETING EXPECTATIONS?

If you talk to the brass at Honda they’ll undoubtedly take the company line and state firmly that Honda ATVs meet all customers’ expectations. Some hardcore riders would disagree.

The truth is, Hondas have a very dear place in the hearts of those who own them. There are some undeniable benefits to Honda’s Sport-Ute ATV strategy and the engineers have worked hard to design wheelers with extreme lightness, faithful durability and impeccable handling.

All this is done by keeping the blueprint as simple and uncomplicated as possible. Like Henry Ford’s early Model T, lightness and simplicity of design made those Fords the most durable and successful cars in history.

Honda has stuck with some of its foundational technology over the years. One thing is the use of the simple and very torquey overhead valve pushrod engine.

Certainly this engine layout pales compared to the power potential of DOHC and SOHC 4-valve engines but the low RPM torque output from a pushrod engine, particularly in the sub-500cc category, is tough to deny.

Engine placement is transverse, adding to more efficient power transfer – a concept just getting started with some of the competition.

Where Honda is falling short, at least in the minds of some potential buyers we’ve polled, is in comparative equipment.

Independent rear suspension across the board (some Honda models do offer IRS and itÂ’s a very good setup), a functional, lower cost CVT transmission and a full-featured locking, selectable 4WD or AWD system are areas consumers are eyeing.

Honda’s focus the last few years has been on capturing new people who haven’t owned a Honda before and are, perhaps, relatively unseasoned in the sport.

This strategy seems to work well in a good economy, but when things are tight and new folks aren’t coming into ATVing at the same rate, the hardcore market is the one that keeps sales humming.

To win here, you need to have the latest and greatest equipment.

Yamaha Online Sweepstakes

Show Support for Outdoor Recreation; Enter National Hunting and Fishing Day Online Sweepstakes for a Chance to Win a 2011 Grizzly 450 ATV

Yamaha Motor Corp., U.S.A., the leading maker of ATV and Side-by-Side (SxS) vehicles for outdoorsmen and women, has launched its 2011 National Hunting and Fishing (NHF) Day sweepstakes – further demonstrating Yamaha’s continued support of outdoor recreational sports and conservation efforts.

Yamaha, a multi-year partner of NHF Day, is donating a 2011 Grizzly 450 Auto 4×4 that one lucky outdoorsman will win.

The sweepstakes is being promoted at NHF Day events nationwide and anyone can enter to win by simply registering online through the end of November 2011.

“As the leading ATV manufacturer in the hunting and fishing industry, Yamaha supports many programs that are focused on the preservation of these outdoor activities,” said Steve Nessl, marketing manager for Yamaha’s ATV/SxS group. “Yamaha is proud to continue its partnership with National Hunting and Fishing Day and happy to donate an ATV to help support and promote outdoor conservation and ethical hunting and fishing.”

Scheduled annually on the fourth Saturday of September, this year the celebration of hunting, fishing and conservation is set for September 24.

NHF Day serves as the most effective grass roots effort ever taken to promote outdoor sports and conservation.

Yamaha, through its relationships with organizations such as Ducks Unlimited, Safari Club International, Buckmasters, NWTF and NHF Day, among others, is a continued supporter of conservation efforts for outdoor recreational enthusiasts.

“We’re excited to have Yamaha on for another year of support,” said Misty Mitchell, Director of Conservation Programs for Wonders of Wildlife museum in Springfield, Mo. – the official home of National Hunting and Fishing Day. “The ATV giveaway last year was a huge hit among NHF Day event-goers and we look forward to another great turnout at all of our festivities nationwide.”

One lucky entrant, 18 years-of-age or older, will win a 2011 Grizzly 450 Auto 4×4. Approximate retail value is $6,899 USD. No purchase necessary. The sweepstakes ends at 11:59 p.m. Pacific Standard Time on November 30, 2011. The winner will be determined by random drawing.

More information on NHF Day is available at www.nhfday.org.

Complete rules, entry details and additional information are available by visiting www.yamahaoutdoors.com/nhfday.

Yamaha Motor Corporation, U.S.A., (YMUS), a leader in the motorsports market, makes the toughest, most capable and versatile ATV and Side-by-Side vehicles. The company’s ever-expanding product offerings also include motorcycles, outboard motors, personal watercraft, snowmobiles, boats, outdoor power equipment, race kart engines, accessories, apparel and much more. YMUS products are sold through a nationwide network of dealers in the United States.

Headquartered in Cypress, Calif., since its incorporation in 1976, Yamaha also has facilities in Wisconsin and Georgia, as well as factory operations in Tennessee and Georgia. For more information on Yamaha, visit www.yamaha-motor.com.

Dustin Nelson Victorious at Quad-X Round 4

The 2011 Yamaha Quad-X Series has reached the halfway point, and Yamaha’s Dustin Nelson continued his domination of the series on Saturday at Speedworld MX in Surprise, AZ.

Despite soaring temperatures, difficult track conditions and the unique challenge of racing at night, Nelson strung together two first place moto finishes to take his fourth overall victory of the 2011 Quad-X season.

Nelson’s Yamaha/GYTR teammate Josh Row turned in his best performance so far this season, fighting off the advances of Beau Baron, Dirkie Baard and David Haagsma to take second overall behind Nelson. Rounding out the podium was David Haagsma, who went 2-3 for third overall.

MCR/Maxxis rider Beau Baron struggled at Speedworld MX, suffering a blown engine in the first moto with just two laps remaining, and battling to a 7th place finish in moto 2 for 9th overall.

Baron remains in second place in the race for the 2011 championship with 80 points, the gap between Baron and points-leader Nelson has widened to 20.

With four rounds remaining in the 2011 series, the battle between these two racers is sure to heat up!

For more information, go to www.quadxseries.com.

FAN FILM: HATVA Mud Bogs

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Here’s a vid made by Graham Adams featuring the Mud Bogs Event hosted by the HATVA in Minden Ontario Canada.

Check out Graham’s You Tube page at youtube.com/LITMM

New Pro Yamaha Website

Site Helps Identify Leading Dealers in Customer Satisfaction

Yamaha Motor Corp., U.S.A., has launched a new online resource to help customers identify leading motorsports dealers who have been trained and recognized by Yamaha as product experts in sales, service, parts and accessories.

This new section of Yamaha’s website helps explain the Pro Yamaha dealer excellence program to motorsports customers and contains valuable information for anyone shopping for a motorsports product.

Internationally known motorsports broadcaster Dave Despain introduces the website in a video stating: “When you’re putting down your hard earned cash, you want a dealership that gets it. Gets you. Someone that understands your machine inside and out.”

“That’s why the Pro Yamaha dealer excellence program was created,” Despain continues. He says Pro Yamaha dealers provide “The best products, the best service, the best all around ownership experience.”

The new website delivers the Pro Yamaha Mission; outlines the High Standards that customers can expect from a Pro Yamaha dealer; defines what a Pro Yamaha Specialist is in the categories of Star, Sport and Outdoors; and offers Customer Testimonials so site visitors can hear directly from other enthusiasts.

“Pro Yamaha identifies and supports the best motorsports dealers, and this new website will help customers find these dealers,” said Mike Nolan, Yamaha National Dealer Network Manager. “This program is really about providing the best possible customer experience, and weÂ’re seeing this happen more and more on Yamaha showroom floors and in service departments across the country as the program expands.”

Click here to visit website

About Yamaha Motor Corp., U.S.A.

Yamaha Motor Corporation, U.S.A., (YMUS), is a leader in the motorsports market. The company’s ever-expanding product offerings includes ATVs and Side-by-Side vehicle, motorcycles, outboard motors, personal watercraft, snowmobiles, boats, outdoor power equipment, race kart engines, accessories, apparel and much more. YMUS products are sold through a nationwide network of dealers in the United States.

Headquartered in Cypress, Calif., since its incorporation in 1976, Yamaha also has facilities in Wisconsin and Georgia, as well as factory operations in Tennessee and Georgia.

2012 YAMAHA ATV LINES ASSEMBLED IN AMERICA

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New Design & Performance Upgrades for Yamaha’s Top Sellers

Besides now being “Assembled in America” at Yamaha’s state-of-the-art Newnan, Georgia facility, the Grizzly 700 and 550 also get some new design and performance upgrades for 2012.

The 2012 Grizzly 700 and 550 receive new textured plastic body panels that increase durability and reduce wear over the life of the machines. New Maxxis tires with a tough, aggressive tread pattern add to the ATV’s excellent performance in extreme terrain.

The updated suspension includes new gas charged rear shocks with a high quality damping feel and improved bump absorption performance. The front suspension has also been updated and optimized to match the rear.

Although not ground-breaking changes to these two Grizzlies this year, Yamaha feels these subtle upgrades offer even more value to customers who have come to appreciate the quality and performance these ATVs deliver in spades.

It’s hard to argue with them about making too many changes either. If it ain’t broke, why change it?

Both Grizzlies are offered with Yamaha’s Electric Power Steering (EPS), one of the best power steering systems on the market and the first OEM to introduce it to the ATV market. You can also opt for these machines without EPS.

In addition to EPS, both Grizzlies feature the super durable Ultramatic automatic transmission, Yamaha’s three-way On-Command system, Yamaha Fuel Injection System (YFI), an open gate shifter on the left side of the handlebars and Yamaha’s superior LCD display module offering dual trip meter, speedometer, hour meter, odometer and clock, gear selection, fuel level indicator and more.

For more details on these changes and other details, make sure you tune into Dirt Trax Television this season or continue to visit the GBC Video Portal at www.DirtTraxTV.com. Also be sure to grab an upcoming issue of Dirt Trax Magazine.

STI HITS THE INTERNET

STI Tire & Wheel is pleased to announce the launch of its all-new website.

The new site is loaded with information and images regarding all things STI. Visitors will find in-depth news on products like Black Diamond and Tech 4 tires, HD Alloy and Sport Alloy wheels, and pre-mounted tire/wheel kits for utility and 4×4 ATVs, side-by-side UTVs and sport quads.

We have press reviews and testimonials from product owners, photo and video galleries, a tech info page and event reports.

The media center will provide the industry with numerous photo, logo and press release file downloads. It’s everything anyone needs to know about STI, all in one convenient location.

Visit stitireandwheel.com.

Borich Looks to Extend Lead This Weekend

The eighth round of the Can-Am Grand National Cross Country Series heads to the beautiful mountains of Snowshoe, W. Va., this weekend for the spectacular MotoSport.com Snowshoe GNCC. Arguably one of the toughest races on the circuit, Snowshoe always presents a challenging course that only the toughest racers survive.

Constructed around the famed Blackwater 100, participants start live engine on a paved road in groups of five, every five seconds, making for a spectacular scene. This particular GNCC has always fared as a favorite for racers, families and fans because of the amenities Snowshoe Mountain has to offer.

Snowshoe lodging overlooks the GNCC course, an impeccable view of racing After claiming the overall just a few weeks ago, Ballance Racing Yamaha’s Walker Fowler is well on his way to making GNCC history. The young Yamaha rider has a good chance of claiming another overall victory this weekend with Snowshoe’s unique starting procedure and tough course.

Rockstar Makita Suzuki’s Chris Borich heads the points chase with Warnert Racing Can-Am’s Adam McGill trailing by 28 points. Ballance Racing Yamaha’s Taylor Kiser exceeds Warnert Racing’s Chris Bithell by only 6 points and last year’s Snowshoe winner Brian Wolf rounds out the top five.

Don’t forget though, GT Thunder’s Brian Wolf has claimed the overall victory at this event the last two years from the XC2 class. Wolf is competing for the first time in the XC1 class this year and with a win already this season, he may have the confidence to land a third consecutive win at Snowshoe this year.

Wednesday, June 22 kicks off the 4th Annual GNCC University, presented by Yamaha Racing. The three-day riding school takes place in the trails of Snowshoe Mountain and students of all skill levels will learn from Yamaha Racing’s multi-championship winning staff on both ATVs and motorcycles.

On Friday, the 9th Annual GNCC Golf Tournament returns to the picturesque Ravens Club for a day of fun and relaxation before a weekend of racing. Top racers, sponsors and fans will participate in four-person teams for a list of prizes and a spot on the coveted traveling trophy.

The golf tournament is open to anyone and everyone. Registration begins at 7:30 a.m. on Friday at the Ravens Club, followed by a tee time of 9 a.m. The cost is $300/team and all proceeds will benefit the Brain Injury Research Institute at West Virginia University.

Spectator passes run $20 for the full weekend, with pro pit access and pro autographs at no additional charge. On both Saturday and Sunday, youth riders race at 8 a.m., beginner riders race at 10 a.m., and the top amateurs and the pros race at 1 p.m.

For directions to Snowshoe Mountain, please click HERE. For more information, check out the official series website at www.GNCCRacing.com or call 304-284-0084.