At the recent Classic TT even, held at Red Star, Suzuki were happy to unveil their new 2023 V-Strom 1050DE. With a wealth of updates, including a 21-inch front wheel, and a bag full of new electronics, it'll certainly be a great addition to the big-capacity Adventure bike market.

Go to www.suzukimotorcycle.co.za for more details.

The time has finally come: the GYTR GRT Yamaha WorldSBK Team unveils Its 2023 colours ahead of the upcoming FIM Superbike World Championship campaign, with a brand-new rookie duo composed of Remy Gardner and Dominique Aegerter, set to run the new livery for the first time at the Portimao test (31st January-1st February).

Gardner and Aegerter will make their WorldSBK debuts after having already enjoyed successful careers. Indeed, the Australian already boasts a Moto2 title in 2021, while the Swiss rider is a three-time champion, after winning the last two WorldSSP campaigns and being crowned FIM Enel MotoE World Cup Champion In 2022.

Both are eager to shine in their new journey as the new GYTR GRT Yamaha WorldSBK Team duo look forward to a strong season, with their target to learn and make progress at each round to allow them to fight at the front.

The GYTR GRT Yamaha WorldSBK Team colour scheme has undergone minor but significant changes to its livery. Moreover, the team is delighted to welcome back several key partners, as well as introduce new ones for this season, who will be significant in the squad's successes.

Remy Gardner: GYTR GRT Yamaha WorldSBK Team

"Finally, I can see myself in blue! I'm excited about this new chapter, new paddock, and new bike; I'm thrilled. The team and Yamaha have been great, and we have enjoyed a good chemistry since the very first test. I can’t wait to start the season in Phillip Island. I am looking forward to starting a new project, and the championship looks very exciting. We'll keep working during the test days, trying to extract as much potential as possible to be ready for the first round of the season."Dominique Aegerter: GYTR GRT Yamaha WorldSBK Team

"I'm really looking forward to riding the new colours on track, I love the scheme, and I can't wait to show you on track the new livery. It's cool, and I hope you'll like it and we hope it will also be fast at every circuit, which is the most important thing. It's nice to be part of the Yamaha and GRT family, we already enjoyed good times in the first pre-season tests, and I believe we're working well together. We aim to improve consistently at each round, and I'm confident we can achieve this. l cannot wait for Phillip Island to begin a new, thrilling championship."Filippo Conti: Team Manager, GYTR GRT Yamaha WorldSBK Team

"We're all excited about this new beginning. Having Remy and Dominique with us represents a thrilling challenge that everyone in the team is looking forward to. Both riders will be racing in WorldSBK for the first time, but we're still talking about two great riders, as well as World Champions. We'll try to help them to reach their maximum potential from the very first races, with the goal of progressing and improving at each round. I want to thank Yamaha for the support they give us every year; we're more than ready to begin a new season together. In the same way, I'd like to thank all the partners who will support us again and say welcome to the new ones who will be crucial to the team's results. Now we need to keep working during the test sessions to be ready for the first round of the 2023 FIM Superbike World Championship."

The wait is finally over, Honda Quest True Adventure officially returns in 2023.

The adventure race that represents a journey of true grit, heart and determination onboard the ultimate adventure motorcycle on the planet, the Honda Africa Twin CRF1100 is back!

New Format

2023 will mark the start of a new approach to Honda Quest True Adventure.  Quest will now be held every two years with Honda Quest 2023 taking place in October this year.

Road To Quest 

Over the past months Honda fans and customers alike have had the opportunity to test ride the Quest Spec’d CRF1100 at Honda Wing Dealerships across the country through “Road To Quest” activations. The aim of Road to Quest is to not only involve the Honda Motorcycle Dealer network in the build-up to Quest 2023 but to take Quest to the people by giving everyone the opportunity to test ride the Quest Spec’d CRF1100 in off-road conditions while learning more about Quest and all that it represents. With Road to Quest coming to an end over the next two months in Gauteng, it is almost time to put the wheels in motion for the main event in October. Do you have what it takes?

We are looking for true adventure riders who can adapt to the journey with good humour and grace. Are you a resourceful and dependable team member when an adventure becomes challenging? Do you have a love for the places further off the beaten track? Are you willing to try your hand at all the challenges the desert will throw at you – sand and riverbeds, rocky trails, muddy gravel, and nights under the stars? Then Honda Quest True Adventure is for you!

Honda Quest is not a race, nor is it a rally. Honda Quest is simply a chance to be able to compete together with a teammate in the most beautiful of South African locations, living for a brief condensed moment, the epitome of adventure aboard the ultimate adventure motorcycle, the Honda Africa Twin CRF1100.

What happens next?

The much-anticipated call to entry will officially open on April 1, 2023 and will remain open for two weeks. After the call to entry window is closed the Quest Management Team will select 200 lucky riders to compete in one of four regional qualifier events to be held in June and August 2023. During these regional qualifying events 30 semi-finalists will be selected to attend the Bootcamp weekend in September. The 30 riders will be subjected to riding challenges, personality, general knowledge, mechanical & geography evaluations and more. 14 lucky competitors will then be chosen to compete in Honda Quest 2023 onboard the specially spec’d CRF1100 Africa Twin models supplied by Honda Motor Southern Africa. 

The Prize

The winning team will be crowned champions of Honda Quest True Adventure 2023 and they will also win the bikes they competed on.

For more information, make sure to follow Honda Wing SA on Facebook and Instagram as well as the Honda SA website using the links below. 

https://www.facebook.com/HondaWingSA

https://www.instagram.com/hondawingsa

https://www.honda.co.za/motorcycles

The full KTM ADVENTURE family has all the performance and travel/adventure segment-leading features a rider will ever need. Sometimes, however, bikers just want the most effective way to get from ‘A to B’ and with a motorcycle that endlessly invites temptation to an alternative path. This is where the sheer usability and superb power and handling engineering of the 2023 KTM 390 ADVENTURE (spoked wheel edition) comes to the fore.

This compact and highly advanced package is one of the most versatile in the KTM range. The 2023 KTM 390 ADVENTURE is not only about the epic outings but also the ‘every day’. Want that serviceable and dependable machine for the commute but also something that can handle a light offroad blast? No problem. Desire a bike that can still put out the torque and motor performance for a longer weekend ride-out with buddies? Easy. Need a modern, developed, race-informed all-rounder to discover the delights of a trail for the first time and for A2 requirements? Look no further. 

For 2023 KTM have not only splashed the KTM 390 ADVENTURE with a sharp, fresh look but have also beefed-up the offroad credibility even more. The bike now has tough and light black anodized aluminum rims and spoked wheels (19” front and 17” rear) so even the hardest of bumps and stones will not bring a journey to a swift halt. The 2023 KTM 390 ADVENTURE warranted this upgrade considering the strengths of the rest of the motorcycle, and to emphasize that ‘adventure’ really can be part of the daily routine. Elsewhere the impressively compact 4-stroke 373 cc single cylinder engine uses twin overhead camshafts, four values, a balancer shaft and electronic FI for smooth and uninterrupted momentum to the beat of 44hp and 37Nm of torque at 7000 rpm. Two catalytic converters ensure the system breathes within Euro5 emission targets while the fuel tank (sized for a 14.5-liter fill) vapor design also boosts the eco-friendliness of this particular KTM ADVENTURE. 

The 2023 KTM 390 ADVENTURE may have smaller dimensions and specs compared to some of its big brothers but it does not lack features essential to adventuring. Ride-by-wire, Motorcycle Traction Control, Cornering ABS, OFFROAD mode (more rear wheel slip) and linked OFFROAD ABS (disengaged on the rear, reduced on the front) are feathered by the 46mm throttle body and the slipper clutch while being administered through the 5” color TFT and intuitive handlebar switch. 

Light weight and unbeatable agility is partly supplied by a chassis that takes its design cues from KTM’s work at the sharp end of rally competition. The KTM 390 ADVENTURE’s ’23 color also comes from this racing background. The steel trellis design and subframe construction achieves a satisfying blend of both feel, flex and long-term comfort; even the wind of the exhaust system is optimized for prime centralization. WP Suspension APEX hardware is adjustable for compression, rebound and preload and achieves that rare chemistry of tactile grip with the road and confidence-inspiring efficiency for the dirt. 

Add bodywork that has been angled to protect zones of the bike and thrust the rider into full-control stance, a two-tier seat (that can be easily removed to reveal storage space and even swapped out for other models in the KTM PowerParts collection), LED lights, a windshield with two positions and wide ‘all-day’ footpegs, Brembo BYBRE brakes (320 front and 230 mm rear discs with four-piston calipers on the front) and the 2023 KTM 390 ADVENTURE is complete. Live adventurously. 2023 KTM 390 ADVENTURE highlights 
// New tougher aluminum spoked wheels for robust extra offroad potential and all-round topline performance granted by the CONTINENTAL TKC70 tires 
// Brand new 2023 color and graphics scheme for fresh vibrant and sporty look 
// Dependable 373cc 4-stroke single engine pumping out 44 hp at 9000 rpm & 37 Nm of torque at 7000 rpm. Euro5 ready for the best emissions count 
// Lightweight and reassuring steel trellis chassis with adjustable WP APEX 43 mm forks and shock 
// Bosch electronics helping to inform the latest generation of Motorcycle Traction Control and Cornering ABS systems 
// 172 kg fully fueled, 14.5-liter tank and 830 mm lowest seat height 
// Wide selection of KTM PowerParts including accessories, aftermarket components, aesthetic touches, riding gear and more

During the latter part of 2022, we estimated that total sales in respect of calendar year 2022 could exceed 30 000 new units. It was a pleasant surprise that the market ended up on 31 374 new units for the year under review. This represents an increase of 18.4% on comparative 2021, which in turn was up 28% on 2020. The market is now well above pre-covid sales levels.

Segment performance is volatile which is becoming the new normal. Small capacity commercial and commuting motorcycles and scooters grew by 29.6%. This growth is largely driven by the continuing growth of e-commerce business. The higher priced 500cc+ leisure segments shrank by 10%, whereas the leisure segment below 500cc grew by 39%. Off-road motorcycle sales, which is also a leisure segment, decreased by 12.3%.

The Quad market declined by 4%. This market is more affected by stock shortages than is the case with conventional motorcycles.

Electric 2 and 3 wheeled motorcycle sales are less than 150 units per annum yet grew by 135%. This is indicative of an ever-increasing interest in EV, with several models registered being homologation samples, and very little evidence of commercial traction.

Used motorcycle sales statistics are not yet available for the last quarter of 2022. End of 3rd quarter indications are that total registrations will be down 3% on 2021. Viewed over a 6-year period, annual used sales remain at a +/- 45 000 unit p.a. level, which makes 2022 more or less in line.

The 2022 sales results are therefore very good in some respects and disappointing in others. Importers remain positive that the growth pattern will continue in 2023 and beyond.

2022 marked a, somewhat, frustrating year for the Husqvarna racing team as they were faced with turmoil through out the year as the team was plagued with injuries and even a forced retirement from the sport completely in the form of David Goosen. Nevertheless, the team diversified and conquered. With the help of heroic efforts from fill in riders and the remaining members, there were still fantastic results throughout the season.

To bring stability to the team across the 3 facets of racing, Husqvarna racing has acquired the services of 3 extremely capable riders.

Travis Teasdale is no stranger to the Enduro scene in South Africa and brings with him, years of international experience as he looks to tackle the Enduro and Extreme Enduro series onboard his Husqvarna te300 in 2023. Travis has proven his outright speed and phenomenal endurance time and time again and will look at dominance in the E2 and gold classes.

Ryan Pelser will contest the OR3 cross country championship for the team onboard the, championship proven, fc250 and commented, “It truly is a dream come true to end up on a factory team and I look forward to a year of top results and lots of wins.”

Last, but certainly not least, the motocross team will field Barend Du Toit on the completely new tc125. Barend oozes talent and speed and is bound to be a front runner once again in the mx125 class this year.

Grant Frerichs, the KTM group motorsports manager, gleamed with excitement and commented, “2023 is an extremely exciting time for the team as we welcome new riders in each discipline of racing. We have a team filled with passion, determination, and raw talent and that is a combination which will give us the ability to fight for race wins every time we line up for a race.”

The second generation of the latest KTM 1290 SUPER ADVENTURE R will give a second wind. While the KTM 1290 SUPER ADVENTURE S will pound the roads and cope with the dust, gravel and light, loose ground, the ‘R’ is orientated for hardcore offroad adventurers who want-and-need premium kit to level any landscape or terrain.

KTM redefined the upper end of the travel/adventure motorcycling segment with the rejuvenated KTM 1290 SUPER ADVENTUREs in 2021. The winning combination of power, light weight, offroad agility and handling earthed from years of DAKAR, Rally and Enduro excellence, state-of-the-art electronics and WP suspension, unbeatable travel features and styling meant that KTM was the only choice for riders that craved a bike that could do anything and go anywhere. The fresh, sporty 2023 white colorway and distinct orange frame is a nod to this race-bred lineage.The KTM 1290 SUPER ADVENTURE R delivered acute offroad positioning by harnessing all of the company’s experience, nuance and confidence in the sector, R&D and through competition. A model that can conquer a mountain trail as effortlessly as a mountain pass can count on the fabled LC8 engine that was slimmed by 1.6 kg for the last iteration and pumps out 160 hp. The motor, fueled by a 23-liter three-piece tank, and with an improved heat system to disperse temperatures out and away from the rider, can deliver 138 Nm of torque as gently or as forcefully as possible and comes with the reassurance of 15,000 km service intervals.The KTM 1290 SUPER ADVENTURE R was enabled for the rigors of multiple surfaces by the advanced BOSCH 6D lean angle sensor that informs much of the bike’s behaviour and myriad of settings through Motorcycle Traction Control, Motorcycle Stability Control, various RIDE MODES, ABS and more. Further evidence that the bike is primed for traction comes through the 48 mm WP XPLOR suspension, featuring split cartridge forks and the modifiable rear shock with 220 mm of travel. The XPLOR materials and the stock settings have been tested and refined for the characteristics of the KTM 1290 SUPER ADVENTURE R. The suspension funnels the maximum level of feedback through the ALPINA aluminium spoked wheels; with an improved sealing system appropriate for tubeless tires. The 2023 KTM 1290 SUPER ADVENTURE R carries Bridgestone AX41s as stock.KTM invite all riders to #DARE2ADV so the KTM 1290 SUPER ADVENTURE R comes with everything people would possibly need to roam the globe and feel protected and capable while in the wilderness. From elements like adjustable screens and handlebar positions, honed and lightened bodywork for ergonomics that give the best possible control but also allow maximum comfort, optimized switches and simplistic infographic set-up menus through the wide, colourful 7” TFT display, RACE ON keyless functionality, Tire Pressure Management and an optional Quickshifter+.

For 2023 KTM has boosted the navigation potential of the KTM 1290 SUPER ADVENTURE R. Enhanced Turn-by-Turn+ guidance and the ability to set waypoints and diversions are now all possible through the handlebar switch dial and through the TFT. No need to prop the bike and fish around for the phone that engages the KTMConnect APP; everything – including phone call answering and logging top ten ‘favourites’ - can all be done with a dab of a finger.The KTM PowerParts collection is full of gear and protection for anybody to ‘align’ themselves further with their 2023 KTM 1290 SUPER ADVENTURE R. In case there are any bike components that riders feel is missing for their particular trip – such as luggage, crash bars, or more aesthetic touches - then the options are plentiful.
Highlights of the 2023 KTM 1290 SUPER ADVENTURE R
// Stand out from the trekkers on the trail with a brand new sporting white color and graphic scheme
// Never get lost or have direction doubts thanks to new Turn-by-Turn+ guidance and more travel navigation options
// Dependable LC8 V-twin engine with 160 hp and 138 Nm of torque means a world without limits and motor that will conquer any condition or landscape
// ChroMo stainless steel light chassis weighing just 10 kg and sculpted for cornering stability and more feeling under acceleration but based on long-travel Enduro sensibilities
// WP XPLOR suspension represents some of the most sophisticated hardware on any KTM offroad orientated motorcycle
// Adjustable and customizable ABS settings and RIDE MODES so the KTM 1290 SUPER ADVENTURE R can traverse all terrain and meet any demand
// Standing or sitting: the KTM 1290 SUPER ADVENTURE R ergonomics are a winner for comfort and confidence. Further options across the bike with a wide selection of KTM PowerParts (11 different seats)
// The complete adventure travel motorcycle with features such as: RACE ON remote key system, illuminated switches, 7” TFT dash board, adjustable windshield, LED lights and simplistic but advanced dashboard interactivity
// Robust spoked 21/18” aluminium wheels booted with Bridgestone AX41 tires to further underline the readiness of the KTM 1290 SUPER ADVENTURE R to head away from the beaten path

Few excuses remain. The newest edition of the KTM 1290 SUPER ADVENTURE R will be poised in KTM Authorized dealers from December 2022. Get moving, get exploring with FULL THROTTLE OFFROAD ADVENTURE.

Be sure to save the date, as an orange bleeder you won’t want to miss this. The annual European KTM ADVENTURE RALLY will forage north and across the spectacular topography of Norway for the 2023 edition that will mean plenty more exploration, adrenaline, camaraderie and good times.

24 - 28 July 2023 will bring likeminded bikers and KTM motorcyclists fueled to #DARE2ADV together in northern Europe for another spectacular three-day ‘sortie’. Places on the KTM ADVENTURE RALLY are always limited and eagerly sought after, especially with successful events in Italy, Bosnia, Greece and France in recent years. Norway will invite at least 150 riders to base themselves from the Kvitfjell Hotel, close to Lillehammer; allowing 24 to slot into four tour guide groups with the rest of the posse able to self-navigate, ‘Rally style’, thanks to GPS instructions. KTM ambassadors like Chris Birch will be on-hand for help, instruction and storytelling while each day of the program will feature dinner, music and entertainment as the KTM technical crew ensure the orange machinery is in fine fettle for the kilometers to come. 

All the hassle regarding accommodation and the search for the perfect mix of scenic but challenging and exciting routes has been removed; simply show-up with a KTM, an attitude for adventure in Scandinavia and a willingness to create some memories! 

Want a taste of more, or to see exactly what the KTM ADVENTURE RALLY is all about? Then watch this behind-the-scenes ‘tell-all’ film made from the 2022 incarnation in southern France.

For the first time, reservations for the KTM ADVENTURE RALLY will be made online, with a first-come-first-served policy. The portal will be open for bookings on 28th of February 2023 where pricing details will be provided. 

The KTM ADVENTURE RALLY is all about inclusion. The event encourages all KTM bikes, all skills and all levels to ride together: learning, laughing, living. The #1 priority is enjoyment. Don’t lose out. 

Essential need to know 2023 KTM ADVENTURE RALLY info: 
// 150 places for all KTM riders (and possibly more) in the spirit of #DARE2ADV on a first-come-first-served basis 
// Norway is the setting for the 2023 event from July 24 (registration day), July 25-27 (riding days) and July 28 (departure day) 
// Limited slots available and online booking possible from February, 28

The benchmark stays but will you go further? The KTM 1290 SUPER ADVENTURE S removed limits and boundaries for any motorcyclist curious to #DARE2ADV. How? The power, versatility, assurance, and technical excellence prompted riders to race into the unknown; safe in the knowledge that what they had underneath them would handle any requirement with a deft touch.

For 2023 KTM has taken the rich base of the KTM 1290 SUPER ADVENTURE S – engineered to conquer mile after mile on all types of terrain – and added a fresh sheen as well as several refinements for the benefit of practical adventuring.Eyes will be drawn to the two new shades: the glow of the unmissable KTM orange-and-black trim or the more neutral but elegant hue of KTM’s graded gray aesthetic. The orange, that stretches all the way through to the forged aluminum subframe, engineered to offer a lower seat (at 869 mm or 849 mm) superb load-carrying capability and contains a raft of components, is like a badge of honor for hardcore explorers. However, the classy gray spreads across the bodywork; chiseled to prioritize agile handling, front end confidence, comfort, protection and houses the 23-liter three-part tank with superlative fuel range. The tone is as fetching for a swift dash into the office as it would be for a blast across country borders.Roaming roads everywhere and anywhere with the 2023 KTM 1290 SUPER ADVENTURE S is now a lot easier thanks to augmented navigation software. KTM already made the 7” TFT display a cinch for customization due to the infographics and menu system that gave the rider full control over the RIDE MODES, advanced WP Semi-Active Suspension, ABS settings and Adaptive Cruise Control: the combination of intuitive handlebar switches and access to the technical possibilities of the KTM 1290 SUPER ADVENTURE S was a major calling card for one of the company’s flagship models. For 2023 KTM aimed for more utility. Adventurers can count on extra options with their navigation plotting. The KTMConnect App now boasts Turn-by-Turn+ guidance and waypoints markers while on the go and without having to stop and adjust any mobile device. The same functionality also extends to audio tracks and listing ‘Favorites’ when it comes to phone calls. Hands on the grips not only means gobbling more mileage but safe and more enjoyable interaction with the KTM 1290 SUPER ADVENTURE S.Let’s remind ourselves why the KTM 1290 SUPER ADVENTURE S is the ultimate high-performance Adventure bike. The V-Twin LC8 rumbles to 160 hp and 138 Nm of torque and the devastating spectrum of power allows the KTM 1290 SUPER ADVENTURE S to glide on cruise, dip through traffic or devore highways with glee. The compact heart of the bike is carefully regulated by one of KTM’s most advanced electronic management architectures: it administers the suspension configuration and reaction, ride height, ABS, RIDE MODES, Tire Pressure Management, Anti-dive and more. The unit fits inside a light 10 kg chrome-molybdenum stainless steel frame honed for handling the short blasts and mountain passes as well as the long haul. The rest of the package befits a premium motorcycle for travelling: the LED lights, reengineered windscreen and adjuster, multi-part saddle, light aluminum side-stand. The list and the specs have already been met with wide acclaim. The KTM 1290 SUPER ADVENTURE S can be elevated even further with optional electronic packs, a Quickshifter+ and WP Suspension Pro amongst other upgrades.

Although a rider might be wishing to reach one, no KTM model is an ‘island’. The KTM 1290 SUPER ADVENTURE S revels in a wide raft of specially made add-ons and accessories in the KTM PowerParts collection. From extra protective parts, aesthetic touches through detailing, performance enhancements or travel items like luggage, racks and bags; the KTM PowerParts are as enticing as it is well equipped.

Highlights of the 2023 KTM 1290 SUPER ADVENTURE S
// Two brand new color schemes with prominent black and orange as well as graded gray choices
// Enhanced navigation potential with Turn-by-Turn+ guidance and more travel options
// Versatile Euro5 V-twin LC8 engine with 160 hp and 138 Nm of torque means a world without limits
// Lightweight ChroMo stainless steel chassis with geometry that accentuates cornering potential & stability
// Sophisticated WP Semi-Active Suspension hardware and software smooths out every route, all the time, any time
// Cutting-edge technology and Bosch 6D sensor to influence bike behavior and ABS settings
// Ergonomics and bodywork emphasizing control but also comfort and confidence, 849 or 869 mm seat height
// A host of optimized travel-minded features: illuminated switches, footpegs, stand, windshield, LED lights and simplistic but advanced dashboard interactivity
// Adaptive Cruise Control as standard
// Mitas TERRA FORCE-R tires specialized for the KTM 1290 SUPER ADVENTURE S to guarantee the best offering of grip and long-term performance

Snap tight the luggage straps, zip-up the all-weather riding gear, open the GPS, connect the device, close your eyes and dream of the road, trail and the day ahead. Take the 2023 KTM 1290 SUPER ADVENTURE S into the unknown from January 2023. Begin the journey from any Authorized KTM dealer.

Find high-resolution images and further material HERE.
More information about the 2023 KTM 1290 SUPER ADVENTURE S can be seen on ktm.com.

A Water Purification System from Yamaha Motor Ushering in a New Life for People in Emerging Markets

The Yamaha Clean Water Supply System (YCW) is a compact water purification system that uses the natural water purification method of slow sand filtration. These facilities have been demonstrably effective in small villages or settlements lacking a source of clean water in developing countries.

In 2022, new YCW units were installed in villages in Kenya and Ethiopia, bringing the total number in operation to 45 across 15 countries, primarily in Africa and Asia.

Yamaha Motor aims to further expand the introduction of the YCW through close collaboration and cooperation with governments and international organizations.

Bringing Clean Water to People Around the World

The Yamaha Clean Water Supply System (YCW) is a compact water purification system that uses slow sand filtration, a natural water purification method. It is an effective system for small settlements or villages in developing countries without access to potable water. Operating a YCW facility does not require a large amount of electricity, maintenance by specialists, or special chemical agents, and can be maintained independently by residents.Access to clean water is a serious issue and part of the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals with SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation. To date, it is estimated that 26% of the world’s population—approximately 2 billion people—do not have access to safely managed drinking water services (UNICEF/2020). Yamaha Motor is actively working to introduce the YCW system through cooperation with international organizations, NGOs, Japanese embassies, and other organizations in each target country. At present, 45 units are in operation in Africa and Asia, and the potable water they provide is contributing to the reduction of diseases, freeing women and children from hard work of drawing water, and giving birth to new sources of cash income for residents through water-related businesses, such as delivery services.

OKABE, Norihiko of Yamaha Motor’s Overseas Market Development Operation (OMDO) Business Unit is in charge of introducing YCWs to new locations. “Life really does change when the water changes,” he explains. “We’ve seen this happen in every location and I want to keep growing the number of settlements equipped with YCWs into the future.”

A Job Overflowing with Kando

It takes about two weeks to install a single YCW unit and that sees Okabe and other members of OMDO working hard with local residents at the construction site. However, the work itself is not a straightforward process as it often is in countries with highly developed infrastructure. When the YCW system was initially developed, there were almost no instances of an installation moving to completion exactly as planned.

“When water couldn’t be pumped because of an unknown problem with the intake pump, I took the 40 kg pump back to the hotel and struggled for days in the bathtub trying to find the culprit,” shares Okabe. “We’d face unforeseen issues one after another, like if the plumbing got clogged, we’d head into the river with the locals to inspect it, or when working at high elevations in Ethiopia, we’d be battling altitude sickness together, and so on.”

All the memories that come to his mind are of dealing with problems, but his face speaks of the incredible fulfillment he gets from his job. “It’s because I’ve seen the big smiles of the villagers the first-time clean water comes out of the faucet after all the struggles and hard work.” And as they begin to rejoice, sing, and dance, Okabe maintains that it is a scene overflowing with Kando.*

Today, the storage tanks and other parts for YCW units are manufactured in Indonesia and exported to their destined countries. “But I feel to bring clean water to more people and communities, we need to set up a means for local production,” admits Okabe. In short, the local production of YCW systems is where he now has his focus trained on, i.e., the next big challenge for the project.

*Kando is a Japanese word for the simultaneous feelings of deep satisfaction and intense excitement that we experience when we encounter something of exceptional value.