The International Six Day Event is one of motorcycling's toughest tests. And the most recent event in New Zealand was regarded as one of the sternest challenges offered to enduro bikes and riders.
Anyone who completes the gruelling six days of competition has a place among the off road riding elite guaranteed. But in order to finish the event you need a bike that is both competitive and reliable... two character traits that Yamahas have in spades. So it's no surprise to see the blue bikes dominating the finish rate statistics.
Of the motorcycle brands that were represented by a statistically significant number of bikes entered (more than 10), the finishing percentages were:
Finishing Rate
|
E1 |
E2 |
E3 |
Overall |
| Yamaha |
84% |
87% |
N/A |
85% |
| KTM |
73% |
79% |
82% |
78% |
| Honda |
72% |
78% |
66% |
75% |
| Kawasaki |
66% |
80% |
N/A |
75% |
| Husaberg |
N/A |
66% |
83% |
73% |
| Suzuki |
60% |
83% |
N/A |
71% |
| Gas Gas |
33% |
65% |
76% |
67% |
| Husqvarna |
76% |
59% |
60% |
65% |
KEY:
E1: 100cc to 125cc 2ST and 175cc to 250cc 4ST
E2: 175cc to 250cc 2ST and 290cc to 450cc 4ST
E3: 290cc to 500cc 2ST and 475cc to 650cc 4ST
Data source: Official entrants list and results at www.isde06.com
Overall
Among those who finished the 2006 ISDE, many Yamaha riders placed well, including Aussies Stefan Merriman (3rd in E2 Class), Chris Hollis (10th in E1 Class), and AJ Roberts (14th E1 Class). Hollis was part of the Junior Trophy Team that finished third overall and was full of praise for the bike that carried him there:
"I didn't have a drama at all with the WR250F I was riding, it went fine. I think I changed the oil once and that was it except put fuel in."
Yamaha enduro bikes have set the standard in terms of performance, reliability and even sales success in recent years. Many competitors (including Hollis and Roberts) were riding the all new 2007 model alloy framed WR250F and WR450F at the ISDE. So the new models are perfectly poised to uphold Yamaha?s dominant tradition.
Sean Hawker, advertising and PR co-ordinator
Yamaha Motor Australia,
489-493 Victoria Street, Wetherill Park, NSW 2164
Office: (02) 9757 0068 Mob: 0438 423844 Fax: (02) 9757 1384
Website: www.yamaha-motor.com.au