Yamaha Design Chief Visits Australia

Why was Taisuke Sakurai, YMC Japan’s project leader for Yamaha’s YZ-F and WR-F models, recently in Australia? Several reasons…

In 1988, a mechanical engineer called Taisuke Sakurai began working with Yamaha Motor Corporation (YMC) in Japan, and he’s still with the company 28 years on – these days, as the Group Manager of YMC’s YZ Motorsports Development Division, where he oversees the R&D of several road and off-road models, including the pivotal YZ-F and WR-F ranges.

The highly respected Japanese engineer recently visited Australia to catch up with key personnel from Yamaha Motor Australia (YMA), and with the race teams YMA invests heavily in. And as Sakurai-San’s trip coincided with the Yamaha-sponsored Transmoto 12-Hour, he also took the opportunity to swing by the Batemans Bay event and cut a few laps on the machines he played a key role in developing.

We sat down with the likeable 48-year-old to get an insight into his whirlwind trip to Australia, and what he thought of the Transmoto event.

TM: We understand this is not your first time in Australia, Taisuke.
TS: That is true. I first came to Australia 20 years ago for my honeymoon, and this trip is the first time I have been back here since.

What’s the purpose of this trip? Another honeymoon?
No (laughs). I have come here to discuss future models and future developments with Yamaha’s race teams in New Zealand and Australia, and also to see our motorcycles in action. Because I have been involved in the design and development of Yamaha’s YZ-F and WR-F models, it is very satisfying for me to come to Australia and experience your fantastic Transmoto 12-Hour.

“Australia is the biggest market in the world for the WR450F, and that is why we made the special yellow version only for Australia.”

What did you think of the event?
I was surprised by how big this event is, and by how many riders and families are involved. The weather was good, the track was very beautiful, and I got the opportunity to ride Yamaha’s YZ250FX for the first time. I can now see why Yamaha Australia is supporting your events. For YMC, Australia is a very important market. In fact, Australia is the biggest market in the world for the WR450F, and that is why we made the special yellow version only for Australia. We are very happy with the performance of the new-generation WR-Fs, but we have plans to make them lighter, more powerful and more agile. That development and progression is a never-ending goal for us.

And tell us about your experience on the 12-Hour track?
I was excited and also a bit nervous to ride the track with so many other riders. It was very rough so I needed to pay attention all the time, but I enjoyed myself very much. The atmosphere and your hospitality have made it a memorable experience.

Perhaps you can come back to ride another Transmoto event some time soon.
Why not? I hope so. And I shouldn’t wait another 20 years this time (laughs)!

^ Taisuke Sakurai, flanked by YMA’s Ollie Sharp (left) and Ty Watanabe at the 2016 Transmoto 12-Hour.