So what are you guys’ thoughts on Yamaha putting the feelers out there for a junior road race series featuring Yamaha’s YZF-R125 as the control bike: https://www.motoonline.com.au/2010/06/10/oz-rr-yamaha-reveals-plans-for-junior-development-series/

I have been testing the road going production model and am really impressed with its handling characteristics, I think it will transfer good to the track even if it may be a touch tall for some of the shorter kids (unless they lower them).

Only problem I can really see is their power is quite low, which could plague development of the young riders compared to when the two-stroke Moriwaki 80 was in its prime with riders such as Vermeulen, Brookes, West, Maxwell, O’Halloran, Crowe and more cutting their teeth on them.

Junior racing is something that’s important in my eyes, and I’m pretty sure Yamaha/YRD is planning on putting a kit on the bikes to boost power like they do in Italy, however to me they at least need to be as fast as the 80cc two-strokes on the market if they are going to make a big splash for the long term.

I do like the idea of trying to get more dirt guys to try out road racing in the ‘rental’ type process, and apparently there won’t be any practice bikes for sale for at least the first year so it remains a level playing field. In saying that, it can’t be that hard to go buy a stock one from your local Yami dealer!

Whether you’re in juniors with a young one or just have an interest in the sport’s development, give us your thoughts here. I have helped coach quite a few of the kids and it’s so much more rewarding watching these young guys go out on track and pick up things so quickly, makes it all worthwhile I reckon.

Either way, I’m happy Yamaha is trying to think outside the box and make something happen again.