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By Amiel Martin Cabanlig
About five years ago, Yamaha Motor Co., Ltd.
created a bold, brand new segment, which was initially referred to
as the “hybrid scooter-underbone” category for the Asean market.
The innovative Japanese motor cycle company married the handling
characteristics, ecnomical operation and versatility of the popular
step-thru commuter motorcycle, (more commonly known in the
Philippines as the “underbone” motorcycle) with the
“twist-and-go” riding ease of a scooter.
Yamaha Motors Philippines is bound to create a
new wave of excitement as it launched the Yamaha Mio Soul in SM
City, Cebu on March 6 to 12.
Feel the Evolution
The week-long event, dubbed “Yamaha Evolution
2008,” reached fever-pitch as Bamboo, and the Kitty Girls were
featured in a free concert. The Cebu leg was preceded by a
successful stint in SM City Marilao in Bulacan and an engaging promo
on the hit Magic 89.9 morning radio show Good Times hosted by DJ Mo,
Mojo and Grace Lee where lucky listeners competed and took home a
pair of Yamaha AT motorcycles—the Mio Soul and Nouvo!
The Yamaha Mio Soul is an exciting new take on
the acclaimed Yamaha Mio. The latter continues to dominate the
automatic commuter motorcycle segment. The Mio has become a byword
among motorbike fanatics since its debut five year ago.
Previously known as the “hybrid scooter-underbone,” the Mio and
its bigger brother, the Yamaha Nouvo, combine exceptional handling
capabilities, economical operation and versatility of the popular
“step-thru” commuter motorcycle. It is known hereabouts as an
“underbone” motorcycle. It possesses a “twist-and-go” ease
that provides a smooth ride.
The Nouvo, which means “new” in Latin, was
Yamaha’s flagship automatic model with its forced air-cooled
4-stroke, SOHC, 2-valve 115cc single-cylinder engine and
first-in-its-class continuously variable transmission (CVT)
automatic transmission that were developed exclusively for the Nouvo
and the Mio. Sporting a strong and lightweight frame with a
single-spar main frame from where the term “underbone” was
coined, the Nouvo was built with a wind-tunnel designed body and
high-quality fit and finish. 16-inch wheels and tires helped
the Nouvo skim through road undulations that would otherwise
sidetrack scooters with 10-inch or 12-inch tires.
Practical Fun
Radio/TV host Grace Lee says: “With our
contests, I’m sure Nouvo and Mio will satisfy our listeners need
for a convenient way of transportation. From riding around in
the village to going out with friends, it’s a practical and fun
way to get around. Right now I’m very much looking forward to
riding the Nouvo and Mio when we go to Davao for the Yamaha tour
there! Yamaha Evolution 2008 is taking its successful road show to
SM City Davao. I know I’m going to have a lot of fun getting to
where I want to be and can’t wait to give away the same chance to
our show’s listeners on Good Times.”
Yamaha goes to Davao
The event at SM City Davao from April 8 to 14
promises to be a much-awaited one among Yamaha fans and other
motorcycle enthusiasts around the Philippines. The next leg of
Evoution 2008 will showcase not only the latest Yamaha models like
the Mio, Nouvo, Crypton and Sniper that are available in local
dealerships but will also feature the latest technologies developed
by Yamaha Motor Co. Ltd. of Japan.
For visitors with valid drivers’ licenses
(with Restriction Code 1), YMPH has a test-riding course where
motorcyclists can ride and experience Yamaha motorcycle models
including the CVT-equipped automatic ones, which are currently the
rave in the country and around Asean.
“There will be a lot of activities at
Davao’s Yamaha Evolution 2008 to communicate the fun and the joy
of riding motorcycles,” said YMPH Advertising Supervisor Ryan Jude
Camus.
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