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Four-wheel Demon Get Smart, Get Sexy - YAMAHA MOTOR CANADA

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Let it Snow!<br />

Big Changes for Two Great Sleds<br />

<strong>Four</strong>-<strong>wheel</strong> <strong>Demon</strong><br />

A late addition to our Sport ATV lineup<br />

<strong>Get</strong> <strong>Smart</strong>, <strong>Get</strong> <strong>Sexy</strong><br />

Experience the true power of a Yamaha<br />

newsletter<br />

Spring/Summer 2009


2<br />

Letter<br />

from the<br />

President<br />

Spring/Summer 2009<br />

“Thoughts lead on to purpose, purpose leads on to actions, actions<br />

form habits, habits decide character and character fixes our destiny.”<br />

Tryon Edwards (American Theologian, 1809-1894)<br />

Ah, summer is finally here. This past winter was an especially difficult one for many<br />

Canadians. We saw many losing jobs, a shake-up in the auto industry, and a downward<br />

turn in the stock markets. Every day we are bombarded with unnerving headlines<br />

reminding us of these circumstances.<br />

Yet, despite these tough economic times, many of us continue to move forward, knowing<br />

that with commitment, innovation and a positive attitude, things will improve. That is<br />

the character of Yamaha Motor Canada. Like you, we have an agenda—to produce high-<br />

quality, reliable products—that helps us achieve our goals. We’ll never stray from our<br />

agenda no matter what the headlines may say.<br />

Take, for instance, some of our recent flagship models and their many improvements….<br />

Developed by MotoGP World Champion, Valentino Rossi, and our Factory Racing Team,<br />

the 2009 YZF-R1 is a true inspiration for you and our racers. Unlike any other production<br />

motorcycle, the R1 features a cross-plane crankshaft that produces more tractable<br />

power, a better connection between throttle and the rear <strong>wheel</strong> and it creates a unique<br />

sound that doesn’t skip a beat! This is a ride that you must experience.<br />

For those of you who have big character, we’ve blended the muscular curvature and<br />

eye-widening power of the original VMAX with the newest technologies, like chip<br />

controlled intake stacks and high-tech fuel injection. When the snow starts to fall,<br />

you’ll find the many updates to our RS Vector LTX GT, like the addition of fuel injection<br />

for easy starting, make for a smoother, friendlier ride.<br />

Complementing these exciting new changes to Yamaha products is our “Right Here Right<br />

Now” promotion. From May 1 to May 31, 2009, everyone who purchases a new Yamaha<br />

product has an opportunity to win their Yamaha. Good luck!<br />

As you can see, Yamaha Motor has a habit of pushing the envelope in regards to<br />

technological advancements and performance, and we’re always creating new ways to<br />

show our appreciation for your loyalty. They say that bad habits are hard to get rid of;<br />

we believe that good ones never leave.<br />

In these challenging economic times, maintain your character and hold onto the things<br />

that you enjoy — use your Yamaha!<br />

I wish you a safe and happy summer.<br />

Tom Osugi<br />

President,<br />

Yamaha Motor Canada


Letters<br />

to theEditor<br />

Horizons,<br />

Growing up, my mom (Delphine Rombough) was never<br />

into powersports of any kind. Her idea of having fun was<br />

redecorating the family room. My dad and I would take off<br />

on the weekends, go riding and then come back smelling<br />

of exhaust, covered in mud, and sometimes with broken<br />

bones. Even though it wasn’t her thing, she was always<br />

supportive and wished us safe riding when we’d drive<br />

away on those Saturday mornings. Now that the kids are<br />

grown up and moved out, my dad is lacking riding buddies.<br />

The two of them bought a motor home and have been<br />

going camping every weekend from April to October for<br />

the last three years.<br />

Two years ago, my dad bought my mom a bike, a Yamaha<br />

TT-R125. She was afraid to ride the little but powerful trail<br />

bike. My dad would take her out to a field and let her go<br />

around and around in circles trying to get rid of the fear.<br />

After about three weeks of field riding, she lost the fear<br />

and gained a new love. Now, every Friday when I drive by<br />

their house on my way home from work, I see their motor<br />

home and trailer with my parents’ dirt bikes on the back.<br />

My mom is so cool! I went out one weekend with them and<br />

she rides like a pro … and I think she may even be starting<br />

to look like one too. What do you think?<br />

Colette Brown<br />

Kamloops, BC<br />

Ed Note: She’s on her way! Her interior decorating skills are definitely<br />

coming in handy with off-road fashion, and it’s always great to hear<br />

of the entire family enjoying some two-<strong>wheel</strong> fun. Thanks for the<br />

letter and photos!<br />

Horizons,<br />

My best friend Scott “Crazy Canuck,” his wife, Maureen, my wife-tobe,<br />

Leanne, and I “The Flying Dutch” consider ourselves a big part<br />

of the Yamaha family. Scott and I have been riding SuperJets<br />

for as long as I can remember. We used to compete in freestyle<br />

and now do freestyle shows with the SWYWYS stunt team. The<br />

machines of choice are still our trusty Yamaha SuperJets!<br />

When I go to work in the summer, I take my BWs scooter, and<br />

Scott takes his Toyota truck. When the water is to cold, we resort<br />

to our two-<strong>wheel</strong> fun; we both own WR450F’s and TT-R125L’s.<br />

We love the bikes, and they (like the ski’s) take a lot of beating,<br />

but always pull through the roughest conditions of all. Three<br />

days and 300 miles of single-track in the mountains of West<br />

Virginia (Hatfield McCoy trails) never seem to be a problem for<br />

our bikes, but certainly take a toll on us! To reduce stress on our<br />

bodies, we resort to the FX Runabout for some tubing/cruising/<br />

wakeboarding, or do some fishing in our aluminum powered<br />

by a 15HP Yamaha outboard. (What else is there?) Whether it’s<br />

professional riding or just for good times, we can always count<br />

on our Yamaha’s. So, the question is not what kind of Yamaha are<br />

you, but rather—what kind of Yamaha’s are you? These are our<br />

Yamaha’s!<br />

Kind regards,<br />

Bas Reitsma<br />

Toronto, ON<br />

Ed Note: Wow, Bas, when are you not on a Yamaha?<br />

We appreciate your friends’ and your loyalty. Thanks for writing in!<br />

Volume 22 - Issue 1 3


4<br />

SNOW:<br />

It can’t come fast enough!<br />

Snow days were always the best, weren’t they?<br />

As a kid, there’s nothing more exciting than waking<br />

up, looking out your window, and seeing your world<br />

covered in snow. You jump out of bed, run to the kitchen,<br />

turn on the radio and wait impatiently for the weatherman<br />

to rhyme off the bus cancellations.<br />

“Please, please, please …” you whisper as your mom just<br />

sits there, laughing at you. Finally, your bus route is called<br />

out, and instantly, the day is yours! Soon after, you’re on the<br />

phone, calling up your pals to hit the hills with toboggans and<br />

crazy-carpets.<br />

Spring/Summer 2009<br />

Now that’s a snow day! Gliding through deep powder or carving up the side of one of Canada’s<br />

glorious mountains is quick and easy with Yamaha’s 2010 FX Nytro MTX SE 153/162.<br />

Unfortunately, you’re probably too big for that crazy-carpet,<br />

and the thought of trekking up a steep slope in knee-deep<br />

snow doesn’t seem so appealing anymore. So how can we<br />

relive those glory days? We have some ideas....<br />

Our snowmobiles have always been leaders in reliability,<br />

performance, fuel efficiency, emissions, and resale value —<br />

that’s “The Yamaha Advantage” – and for 2010, we’re taking<br />

those qualities to the next level.<br />

You never know where the trail might lead you, so you<br />

need a trustworthy companion that will never let you down.<br />

The 2010 RS Vector GT/LTX GT is your buddy. The new<br />

Genesis 120FI engine features classic Yamaha 4-stroke


FX Nytro MTX SE 163 RS Vector LTX GT<br />

power, fuel injection for instant throttle response, and is<br />

specifically designed for low-rpm, high-torque trail riding needs.<br />

This is one friend who won’t be whining to rest at every pit<br />

stop — or start crying because it’s too cold. In fact, this year’s<br />

Vector boasts 5 percent better fuel economy than the 2009<br />

model, fuel injection for better cold weather starting, and<br />

improved grip warmers.<br />

Power and performance are great, but you probably won’t<br />

go far without comfort. That’s why we made throttle pull<br />

even lighter, reduced engine braking for smoother on/off<br />

throttle adjustments, and made several changes to the new<br />

Monoshock II for a plusher ride.<br />

Don’t worry, we didn’t forget about those who prefer climbing<br />

mountains rather than clipping across the countryside. With the<br />

new 2010 FX Nytro MTX SE 153/162, you’ll be as surefooted<br />

as a mountain goat (and better looking!) in the most intimidating<br />

of circumstances. Differing only in track length, the Nytro MTX<br />

SE 153 and 162 lineup will get you to the summit with their<br />

lightweight construction, nimble handling and class-leading power.<br />

Our sleds are getting lighter every year, and for 2010,<br />

the MTX SE 153/162 were put on strict diets to shed even<br />

more pounds. By equipping the machines with new FOX<br />

FLOAT Front Shocks and Pro Mountain Air Rear Suspension,<br />

we reduced the weight significantly while offering riders a more<br />

stable, predictable and plush ride. We even kept them off the<br />

carbs with Fuel Injection. We also added a new Camoplast<br />

track, a lighter, narrower tunnel, new grip warmers, and<br />

replaceable bearing <strong>wheel</strong>s.<br />

That steep slope sure looks appealing, doesn’t it?<br />

The trail has never looked so inviting with the low-end grunt, performance<br />

and comfort of the 2010 RS Vector GT/LTX GT.<br />

“ You never know where the trail might lead you, so you need<br />

a trustworthy companion that will never let you down.<br />

“<br />

Volume 22 - Issue 1 5


Black Beauty:<br />

The 2009<br />

YFZ450R SE<br />

6<br />

Are you looking for a powerful, reliable “steelhorse” to wrangle<br />

the competition this summer? Your search is over! The latest<br />

addition to our Sport ATV lineup, the 2009 YFZ450R SE is one<br />

tough bronco that refuses to be tamed.<br />

If you think that you have the nerve to handle this beautiful beast,<br />

then by all means, saddle up! With the SE model, you get all of<br />

the same great features as the 450R, like Electronic Fuel Injection,<br />

a wide-track chassis, hybrid aluminum and steel frame, 65mm<br />

wide footpegs, and Pro Taper handlebars, but unlike the R,<br />

it comes wrapped in a limited edition Metallic Black colour.<br />

Let’s ride, cowboy!<br />

Quiet<br />

power<br />

The all-new EF2000iS is like the little engine that could.<br />

Weighing in at only 44 lb, this fuel-efficient, versatile power<br />

inverter goes anywhere that you’d go. Fitted with Yamaha’s most<br />

technologically advanced and sophisticated muffler, the EF2000iS<br />

has enough power to run a microwave oven or television, and<br />

makes things just a little more comfortable when you’re away<br />

from the spoils of everyday life.<br />

Spring/Summer 2009<br />

Shhhh!<br />

2009 YFZ450R SE


Are you living in the now? You better be,<br />

because with the Right Here Right Now<br />

promotion, if you purchase a Yamaha<br />

before May 31, you’ll be automatically<br />

entered to Win Your Yamaha! Along with<br />

a chance to win your Yamaha, we’ll be<br />

giving away cash prizes, Yamabucks and<br />

Yamalube gift packs. Don’t wait—get in<br />

now and win! Visit Yamaha-motor.ca for<br />

complete contest details.<br />

It’s the journey that counts!<br />

The official Northern Stars Flatlander’s Cruise-in is well underway and promises to be the event that you don’t want to<br />

miss. This year’s Cruise-in will take place in Russell, Manitoba where hundreds of riders from all over Canada will meet<br />

to take part in 3 full days of events and activities, news, demo rides, charity rides, bike games and prizes including<br />

a chance to win a Yamaha V-Star 950 Tourer Bike .<br />

Yamaha Motor Canada’s presence and support at the Cruise-in as an integral part of the event.<br />

Visit http://cruise-in.northernstarsrider.ca for all the details and registration form.<br />

Lottery licence # MGCC-4702RF. Only 2000 tickets being sold. Draw will take place on July 25, 2009 in Russell, Manitoba.<br />

Volume 22 - Issue 1 77


The<br />

Better<br />

Lif<br />

8<br />

Spring/Summer 2009<br />

Forget the chess club—join a motorcycle club if you’re looking to boost your brain power. Studies have shown<br />

that the heightened awareness we experience while riding motorcycles actually strengthens our thinking caps.<br />

Just another excuse to keep on riding!


e It improves brainpower, intimacy, and<br />

removes stress. There are no side<br />

effects, no cotton mouth, no headaches,<br />

and no strings attached. So what is this<br />

wonder drug we speak of? Why, it’s not<br />

a drug at all — it’s the power of a Yamaha!<br />

This special power lurks deep down inside<br />

of every Yamaha product, but it’s up to you<br />

to bring it to life. Every time you ride your<br />

Yamaha motorcycle, you’ll feel it; every<br />

time that you escape to the lake and make<br />

some waves, you’ll feel it. There’s more<br />

to your Yamaha than just the experience<br />

and thrill. It’s an invigorating sensation<br />

that benefits us physically, mentally and<br />

emotionally. Now, before you throw up<br />

your arms and dismiss this as some sort of<br />

marketing fluff, keep reading — we’ve got<br />

scientific proof to back up these claims!<br />

In Tokyo, Yamaha Motor and Tohoku<br />

University partnered to determine what<br />

effects riding a motorcycle has on our<br />

brains. In their experiment, the team took<br />

22 men between the ages of 40 and 50,<br />

who held motorcycles licences but had not<br />

ridden for at least a decade, and split them<br />

into two groups. One group started riding<br />

motorcycles daily, while the other group<br />

kept riding bicycles or driving cars. The<br />

result: the motorcycle riders got smarter.<br />

“The group that rode motorbikes posted<br />

higher marks in cognitive function tests,”<br />

said researcher, Ryuta Kawashima.<br />

Researchers discovered that in one test,<br />

where the men were asked to remember<br />

Go ahead and keep on renting Sleepless in Seattle when you’re looking for a little snuggle time, but if you<br />

really want to seal the deal, bring her (or him) out to a moonlit lake on your Yamaha watercraft. In a recent<br />

survey by Discover Boating, it’s been discovered that boaters are more sexually satisfied than non-boaters.<br />

a set of numbers in reverse, the<br />

motorcycle riders’ scores improved by<br />

more than 50 percent, while non-riders’<br />

scores dropped slightly. The riders also<br />

noted that they made fewer mistakes at<br />

work and felt happier.<br />

“In a convenient and easy environment,<br />

the human mind and body get used to<br />

setting the hurdle low,” added Kawashima.<br />

“Mental care is a very big issue in modern<br />

society. I think we made an interesting<br />

stir here as data shows you can improve<br />

your mental condition simply by using<br />

motorbikes to commute.”<br />

Is your hurdle low? Then maybe you need<br />

to heighten your senses with the powerful<br />

VMAX or a BW scooter. They would<br />

definitely raise the bar, put your thought<br />

process into overdrive and help you<br />

maintain a youthful exuberance.<br />

Picture this: Moonlight cascading across the<br />

lake, waves lapping softly against the hull,<br />

and your arms are intertwined with your<br />

lover’s as you stare deeply and passionately<br />

into each other’s eyes. It’s a vision that<br />

we’ve all probably had at one time or<br />

another, but how many of us are making it<br />

a reality? Probably many more after reading<br />

the stats below. According to a survey by<br />

Discover Boating, 63 percent of boaters<br />

say that they’re more than happy with<br />

their relationships, while 54 percent of<br />

non-boaters are not quite as satisfied.<br />

“There is something undeniably romantic<br />

about being out on the water with that<br />

special someone,” says Tracey Hart,<br />

Marketing Director of Discover Boating.<br />

“Boating can set the mood for total<br />

relaxation and even make for some<br />

‘intimate’ moments.”<br />

Okay, so now that we’re smarter and<br />

sexier, let’s improve the quality of our<br />

family life. It’s time to get your kids (and<br />

you) off Facebook, away from the Tube,<br />

and into the great outdoors. Rather than<br />

trying to wrestle a grizzly like John Candy,<br />

we’ll trade in the sharp teeth for some<br />

studs on our Yamaha snowmobiles.<br />

Over 95 percent of snowmobile owners<br />

consider the sport a family activity, and<br />

there are over 370,000km of groomed<br />

and marked trails throughout the beautiful<br />

landscape of North America. With Yamaha’s<br />

wide range of sleds, you’ll find a fit for<br />

every member of the tribe and have no<br />

problem traversing the hills, valleys, lakes,<br />

and mountains of this great land.<br />

Just don’t eat the yellow snow!<br />

So there you have it. Next time you go<br />

to purchase a Yamaha, remember, you’re<br />

getting more than reliability, performance<br />

and a fuel-efficient product; you’re building<br />

brain cells, creating romance, and bringing<br />

the family together. Now if only we could<br />

get them to figure out how to get the kids<br />

to clean up their rooms on a weekly basis....<br />

Volume 22 - Issue 1 9


More power, more fun, less fuel!<br />

The 2010 Toyota Tundra includes new, leaner and meaner 4.6L V8-equipped models<br />

You work hard, really hard, and in this economy, harder than<br />

before, because it’s no longer just about hard work. Shouldn’t<br />

you be able to play just as hard? Shouldn’t your truck be able to<br />

work and play just as hard for you?<br />

Toyota thinks so. That’s why the full-size pickup truck that was<br />

designed from the road up for the hard work and play that<br />

North Americans demand of their pickups is now even better for<br />

the 2010 model year. Better? You bet — with a choice of two<br />

powerful yet efficient V8 engines, including an all-new 4.6L V8.<br />

“Wait a minute,” we hear you say. “It was a 4.7L last year;<br />

what’s up with that?”<br />

The answer is simple. This new, 4.6L i-FORCE V8 generates more<br />

horsepower and torque than the 4.7L it replaces, and does it while<br />

using less fuel. At 310 peak HP, that’s 34 HP more. Torque is up<br />

14 lb-ft to a peak 327 lb-ft. What’s more, the new 4.6L Tundra<br />

models are about 10 percent more fuel-efficient, with a combined<br />

city/highway fuel efficiency of 12.1 L / 100km (4x2 models) and<br />

12.9 L / 100km (4x4 models). That’s 10 percent that stays in your<br />

pocket instead of going into the gas pump.<br />

Of course, Toyota also offers the 2010 Tundra with the take-noprisoners<br />

muscle of its 5.7L i-FORCE V8, a proven workhorse that<br />

delivers 381 peak HP, up to 401 lb-ft of torque, and a jaw-dropping<br />

towing prowess of up to 10,500 lb – perfect for jobs where<br />

anything less just won’t do.<br />

10<br />

Spring/Summer 2009<br />

But regardless of engine size, all work-and-play-ready 2010 Tundra<br />

models feature a six-speed automatic transmission with tow/haul<br />

settings, and are available in a variety of cab sizes, bed lengths<br />

and trim levels — making it easy to find your perfect on-the-job<br />

partner. Need to transport a big team to a job-site or to go ATVing?<br />

Have a look at the Double Cab or CrewMax models. Hauling<br />

sheet materials or a new WaveRunner? A number of Tundra<br />

models feature 8’1” cargo beds that can accommodate tools and<br />

materials for serious work and serious fun.<br />

What’s more, new standard features add useful equipment to a<br />

number of models, such as adjustable headlamp levelling systems,<br />

an auto-dimming rearview mirror with integrated compass, map<br />

lamps and fog lamps, and more. And every Tundra model can<br />

be ordered with a number of options packages, giving you the<br />

flexibility to tailor your pickup to your needs.<br />

The bottom line? When you’re ready to work or play, your truck<br />

should be too. And you should benefit from maximum value for<br />

your truck-buying dollar, backed by Toyota’s experience — the best<br />

part of a century’s worth — in building trucks that never quit in the<br />

toughest environments on the planet. That’s why your next truck<br />

is the 2010 Toyota Tundra.<br />

2010 Toyota Tundra


Are you and your Yamaha<br />

‘Summer Ready’?<br />

Before you turn the key, ensure you and your Yamaha are safe and shining for the season with Genuine Yamaha.<br />

From genuine parts and maintenance, to quality accessories and apparel, your Yamaha dealer offers superb products and great<br />

service to fulfill all your requirements for a safe, enjoyable Yamaha season. Yamaha factory and Yamaha manufacturing partners<br />

research, measure, and test all Yamaha products before they receive the “Yamaha seal of approval” and more importantly, before<br />

they reach you. That means you can rest assured that all Yamaha products stand up to Yamaha’s commitment to quality, fit, finish,<br />

and are built to last. We built it, now make it your own with Genuine Yamaha Products and Service.<br />

Want to see more? Visit yamaha-motor.ca or your local Yamaha Dealer<br />

to see the full line of Yamaha Apparel, Gift Items, Parts and Accessories.<br />

Ensure your Yamaha is in top shape for the season with<br />

Genuine Yamaha Service & Maintenance Products.<br />

Personalize your Yamaha and make a statement on<br />

the road or trail with Genuine Yamaha Accessories.<br />

Refresh and modernize your style while protecting<br />

yourself with Genuine Yamaha Apparel.<br />

Ensure you are fully equipped with the proper safety gear and<br />

equipment required for the water, with Genuine Yamaha.<br />

<strong>Get</strong> more performance out on the trails with<br />

Genuine Yamaha Parts.<br />

Volume 22 - Issue 1 11


Look-Alike Photo Contest Winners<br />

12<br />

They say that the proof is in the pudding. Well, Shawn Elmhirst<br />

of Keene, ON may not have any pudding, but there is no<br />

denying his family’s love for Yamaha. Since 1990, the Elmhirst’s<br />

have owned 36 Yamaha products! Crazy, eh? Shawn matches<br />

up well with his FX Nytro and his property could pass for a<br />

Yamaha dealership. He also earns extra points for being an<br />

avid snocross and motocross racer. With that, Shawn is<br />

crowned this month’s Photo Contest champ and takes<br />

home $500 Yamabucks.<br />

Spring/Summer 2009<br />

1 st Place – Shawn Elmhirst<br />

3 rd Place – Jacques Janvier<br />

2 nd Place – Constance Gignac<br />

Even though this entry from Constance Gignac of Saskatoon, SK<br />

arrived right on our deadline, we had no choice but to bump her<br />

up onto the podium. Constance says that her Vino 125 is quiet and<br />

powerful, just like a leopard, and that’s where the inspiration came<br />

for her matching Vino and gear. This cat definitely deserves secondplace<br />

and $300 Yamabucks!<br />

Jacques Janvier likes to do things his way. After purchasing a 40th<br />

Anniversary Edition Apex GT, Jacques did some customizing of his<br />

own and added several goodies to set him apart from others on the<br />

trail. Jacques didn’t skimp out on apparel either and is decked out<br />

in a matching retro-inspired Yamaha suit. Go ahead and buy some<br />

more “bling” with $100 Yamabucks, Jacques!


Next Photo Contest:<br />

Yamaha’s “Most Embarrassing Moment” Photo Contest<br />

You and your Yamaha have shared many experiences together, some good, some bad, and some that were utterly embarrassing. You’ve probably taken those embarrassing<br />

moments with your Yamaha and pushed them deep down inside, hoping that no one would ever see or hear about them ever again. Until now!<br />

If you want to win some Yamabucks, then you’re going to have to suck up your pride, find that embarrassing moment that was captured on camera and send it to us. If it<br />

delivers fall-to-the-floor laughs, you’ll receive $500 Yamabucks, a tummy rumble deserves $300 Yamabucks, and a good giggle gets $100 Yamabucks.<br />

We accept original, hard copy photographs, and digital images that are high-resolution JPEG (300 DPI). We will return all hard copy photos that are mailed in. Judges<br />

are looking for funny, high-quality, and appropriate photos. Please ensure that riders are wearing proper equipment for action photography. Please do not ride outside of<br />

your limits. Fill out your name, address and a description of your photo and any pertinent information.<br />

To be eligible, send photos to:<br />

Yamaha Motor Canada Ltd.<br />

Horizons Newsletter<br />

Attn: Editor<br />

480 Gordon Baker Road<br />

Toronto, ON M2H 3B4<br />

Kathryn Lucas is a Toronto musician who has been part of the Toronto music scene<br />

for a number of years. She has also been a member of the “Yamaha Family” for most<br />

of her life. Kathryn grew up in Scarborough composing and performing music from<br />

an early age at the Yamaha Music School. Recently, Kat joined P!NK, performing on<br />

keyboards and guitar for their “Funhouse” World Tour. We caught up with Kathryn in<br />

Europe to find out how she got to where she is and how Yamaha played an important<br />

role in getting her there.<br />

When did you start musical training with Yamaha?<br />

I started my music lessons at the Yamaha Music School at the age of three. I begged my<br />

mom for piano lessons because all my siblings were doing it. I would even steal their<br />

music and try to play it! I guess she decided to keep the peace and finally enrolled me.<br />

Yamaha has some pretty unique courses. What programs did you study?<br />

My mom first enrolled me in the Junior Music Course for young children. This is<br />

specifically aimed at developing good ears. I was then invited to join the JSAC, a course<br />

with a focus on composition and piano performance. I did group and private lessons<br />

Please note: Contest closes August 15, 2009. Selection of the winning photo will be<br />

at the sole discretion of the judges. Chances of winning depend on the number and<br />

quality of entries received. By entering this contest, you consent to the use of your<br />

photo and name in Horizons Newsletter.<br />

Yamaha MusicChecking in with a Yamaha Grad<br />

in this course and was composing my first pieces at the age of six. I also was heavily<br />

involved in Yamaha’s Junior Original Concert, which provided me with some pretty cool<br />

performance opportunities.<br />

How has this training helped you in your musical career?<br />

The whole Yamaha system helped me to grow and develop, musically, from an early age.<br />

I was exposed to many different genres and styles of music, which greatly contributed<br />

to my versatility. We did lots of ensemble playing, which helped me learn to play and<br />

collaborate with others, an essential to playing in a band. Improvisation was a major<br />

thing we focused on, and that training has obviously helped when I do studio work.<br />

The ear training development proved to be a very useful tool in the world of being a<br />

professional musician as well.<br />

What are some of your most memorable moments in your Yamaha days?<br />

There are way too many memorable moments, but some include: learning Solfege singing<br />

“do duckie do, re the raccoon, mi Minnie mouse, etc”; running to the staff lines on the<br />

carpets in group lessons; learning notes on a staff; getting to perform my own music all<br />

over; performing my own piano concerto with a live orchestra; and meeting other talented<br />

musicians from around the world. The workshops were also very cool, meeting some very<br />

influential people, like Mr. Kajitani from Japan, David Benoit in San Diego, among others.<br />

The highlight would have to be Oscar Peterson’s workshop; I was so nervous to play in<br />

front of him!<br />

How is life on the road and touring with one of the biggest musical acts in the world?<br />

Life on the road is pretty sweet! It’s fun, but probably the hardest I have ever worked in<br />

my life. It’s hard being away from home life as well, always on the go, no time really to<br />

relax, but it’s definitely worth it. The whole tour family is great, and working with such<br />

great musicians in the band, as well as such a phenomenal artist makes me a better player,<br />

and makes me want to keep working harder at my craft.<br />

Volume 22 - Issue 1 13


You and Yamaha<br />

14<br />

When life hands you a lemon, make<br />

lemonade, and when life hands you snow,<br />

make a boat! That’s what Jane and Albert<br />

White of Harrison, ON did to entertain<br />

themselves this winter. At first we thought<br />

Albert was dressed up as a Smurf with his<br />

big blue top, but it’s actually a replica of<br />

his 60 HP Yamaha Outboard made from<br />

chicken wire, papier mâché and paint.<br />

Keep up the creativity, Yamaha fans!<br />

Ed. Note: We’ll be sure to send out an<br />

official Yamaha sweater to keep you warm<br />

for your next creation, Albert! Actually,<br />

that sculpture took a lot of effort, so<br />

here’s $100 Yamabucks. Enjoy!<br />

Dusty and Diana Baird of Hines Creek, AB expressed<br />

their love for each other on August 8, 2008. Their<br />

wedding party also expressed some love for their<br />

Yamaha Rhino’s by using a fleet of them to ensure that<br />

things went off without a hitch on the big day. Down<br />

the aisle side by side and on the trail side by side!<br />

Congratulations from everyone at Yamaha,<br />

Dusty and Diana!<br />

Spring/Summer 2009<br />

This is “Gramps” Yamaha!<br />

What dedication!<br />

Garry “Gramps” Spear is a lifelong motorcycle rider.<br />

After beginning his two-<strong>wheel</strong>ed journey back in<br />

1942, “Gramps” has gone on to own several great<br />

motorcycles, both street and off-road. Five years<br />

ago, he lost a good friend to leukemia, but before he<br />

passed away, he left Gramps with some money to<br />

purchase a new bike. After searching around for just<br />

the right cruiser, Gramps settled on a 2006 Midnight<br />

Star 1700 from Clare’s in Fonthill, ON.<br />

This is Gramps’ Yamaha.<br />

Yamaha enthusiasts say<br />

“I do!” in Hines Creek, AB


Colton Facciotti shows off his #1 plate earned<br />

from last year’s Canadian National MX1 series.<br />

Team Toyota Yamaha/OTSFF Racing’s Kevin Lacombe<br />

ON THE LINE:<br />

Yamaha Racing Preview<br />

It’s get nervous time … for the competition that is! We love<br />

racing, we always have. It’s where we learn the intricacies<br />

about our products in race conditions, develop innovative<br />

parts for the future—and hey, we’re enthusiasts, too, and love<br />

nothing more than being trackside watching our racers battling<br />

against the country’s best.<br />

For 2009, we have a very talented and motivated lineup across<br />

the board. Leading off the charge is Team Toyota Yamaha/Red<br />

Bull/Blackfoot/Fox Racing, who are contesting the Monster<br />

Energy Motocross Nationals. The opener kicks off on June 6-7<br />

in Kamloops, BC, but it can’t come fast enough for our racers.<br />

In the MX1 class, we have Colton Facciotti looking to defend<br />

his title; he’s joined by fellow BC resident Dusty Klatt, last year’s<br />

second-place finisher and a three-time Canadian champion.<br />

In MX2, we have proven race winner, Kyle “KD Beats” Beaton,<br />

and Aron Harvey, a Nevada kid who won several motos for<br />

BF last summer before suffering a broken femur at Round 7<br />

in Moncton, NB. The pundits are saying this is one of the most<br />

powerful teams in Canadian MX yet, and if all goes as planned,<br />

we could see BF riders finishing one-two in each class.<br />

Thanks to Lawrence Hacking and his crew of dedicated offroad<br />

enthusiasts, we’ll see a true national off-road enduro<br />

champion with the eight-round, four-venue Canadian Enduro<br />

Championships that kick off on July 4-5 in Blairmore, AB.<br />

The races will be similar to the World Enduro format, with<br />

trails broken up into three special tests: extreme, motocross<br />

and enduro. With an opportunity to crown a true National<br />

Off-Road Champ, we went out and found two of the most<br />

talented Yamaha riders in Canada, Jake Stapleton, who<br />

actually hails from Down Under, and Pontypool, ON’s Brian<br />

Wojnarowski, to represent Team Toyota Yamaha at all 8 rounds.<br />

Our plans of national domination don’t end in the dirt. On<br />

the asphalt side, Toyota Yamaha has partnered with OTSFF<br />

Motorsports to lay assault on the Parts Canada Superbike<br />

Championship. Kevin Lacombe, who finished second and<br />

third in the 600 and Superbike classes last year, is back, along<br />

with proven race winner Tony Kasper from Becker, MN, and<br />

15-year-old Royce McLean of Coaldale, AB. With a new rig,<br />

new R1, and an enthusiastic crew involved, we’re expecting big<br />

things in 2009. Go team go!<br />

Volume 22 - Issue 1 15


Published by:<br />

<strong>YAMAHA</strong> MOtOR <strong>CANADA</strong> LtD.<br />

480 Gordon Baker Road<br />

Toronto, Ontario M2H 3B4<br />

Horizons thanks all contributors and<br />

welcomes all letters, photographs, etc.<br />

from our readers. Please keep them coming.<br />

Yamaha is a registered trademark<br />

of Yamaha Corporation.<br />

Yamaha Motor Canada Ltd.<br />

is a registered user.<br />

This correspondence has been sent<br />

using your personal information on<br />

file. In accordance with the Personal<br />

Information Protection and Electronic<br />

Documents Act, should you rather not<br />

receive promotional information from<br />

Yamaha or others, please check the<br />

appropriate box and return this page<br />

to Yamaha Motor Canada Ltd. at the<br />

address listed above.<br />

Please, do not send:<br />

1. Yamaha newsletter and other<br />

promotional information.<br />

2. Third party (non-Yamaha) marketing<br />

materials.<br />

MOVING?<br />

Let us know. Please mail your new<br />

address with the model and serial<br />

number of your unit. Thank you for<br />

reading Horizons.<br />

LOOKING FOR A DEALER?<br />

Visit our website: yamaha-motor.ca<br />

“Racing is life. Anything<br />

before or after is just<br />

waiting.” Steve McQueen<br />

25%<br />

This newsletter is printed with vegetable-based inks<br />

and contains recycled post-consumer fibre.<br />

Please recycle.<br />

2009 Summer eventS<br />

Yamaha Motor Canada Ltd.<br />

480 Gordon Baker Road<br />

Toronto, Ontario M2H 3B4<br />

MONstER ENERGY MOtOCROss NAtIONALs – cmrcracing.com<br />

Round 1 June 6-7 Whispering Pines Raceway, Kamloops, BC<br />

Round 2 June 13-14 Wild Rose MX Park, Calgary, AB<br />

Round 3 June 20-21 Castrol Raceway, Edmonton, AB<br />

Round 4 June 27-28 Shadow Valley Raceway, Morden, MB<br />

Round 5 July 18-19 Gopher Dunes, Courtland, ON<br />

Round 6 July 25-26 MX Ste-Thecle, Ste-Thecle, QC<br />

Round 7 August 1-2 River Glade MX Park, Moncton, NB<br />

Round 8 August 8-9 Sand Del Lee, Munster, ON<br />

Round 9 August 15-16 Walton Raceway, Walton, ON<br />

PARts <strong>CANADA</strong> suPERbIKE CHAMPIONsHIPs – cdnsuperbike.com<br />

Round 1 May 21-24 Calabogie Motorsports Park, Calabogie, ON<br />

Round 2 June 11-14 Mirabel ICAR, Montreal, QC<br />

Round 3 June 25-28 Race City Motorsport Park, Calgary, AB<br />

Round 4/5 July 16-19 Mosport Int’l Raceway, Mosport, ON<br />

Round 6 August 6-9 Atlantic Motorsport Park, Shubenacadie, NS<br />

Round 7 September 3-6 Shannonville, Shannonville, ON<br />

CANADIAN ENDuRO CHAMPIONsHIPs – worldendurocanada.com<br />

Rounds 1/2 July 4-5 Blairmore, AB<br />

Rounds 3/4 July 11-12 Penticton, BC<br />

Rounds 5/6 September 12-13 La Belle, QC<br />

Rounds 7/8 September 19-20 Parry Sound, ON<br />

sPORtbIKE RALLY – sportbikerally.com<br />

July 3-5 Parry Sound, ON<br />

RIDE FOR sIGHt – rideforsight.com<br />

June 5-7 Aylesford, NS<br />

June 12-14 Olds, AB<br />

June 19-21 Collingwood, ON/Longlac, ON<br />

June 26-28 Gander, NL<br />

June 27 Moose Jaw, SK<br />

July 10-12 Treherne, MB<br />

The Yamaha Advice Guy<br />

Got a question? Concern?<br />

Or maybe just a comment?<br />

Drop the Yamaha Advice Guy<br />

a line and he just might include<br />

your query in the next issue!<br />

E-mail:<br />

Horizons@yamaha-motor.ca<br />

(Attn: Advice Guy)<br />

Snail Mail:<br />

Yamaha Motor Canada Ltd.<br />

Horizons Newsletter<br />

Attn: Advice Guy<br />

480 Gordon Baker Road<br />

Toronto, ON<br />

M2H 3B4

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