THE third edition of the Yamaha Gen Blu Carnival saw around 15,000 riders converge upon Telok Batik in Lumut, Perak.
This edition was delayed by the Covid-19 pandemic for two years and it seemed as if everyone was making up for the time lost.
The carnival was officiated by Deputy Youth and Sports Minister Datuk Seri Ti Lian Ker and Manjung Municipal Council president Syamsul Hazeman Md Salleh.
Also present were Malaysia Motorcycle and Scooter Dealers Association president Datuk Wee Hong, Hong Leong Industries Bhd chairman Datuk Kwek Leng San, Hong Leong Yamaha Motor managing director Datuk Dr Jim Khor and Hong Leong Yamaha director Taketoshi Takabayashi.
Yamaha Marine was also present at the event with its products on display at sea, literally.
Demonstrations of the latest waverunner models and the ubiquitous outboard engines were supplemented by a dazzling display of acrobatics on a flyboard (powered by a Yamaha Waverunner, of course).
The Yamaha off-road division was also out in force with motocrossers of all sizes, such as the PW and the YZF, as well as enduro bikes such as the WR and the four-wheel all-terrain vehicles.
Available for test rides was the Proof of Concept Yamaha E-01 electric scooter. An 8.1 kW electric motor propels it up to an 80km range and its performance is likened to any 125cc scooter on the market.
The grapevine whispers say a price of RM10,000 is being bandied around, although it remains to be seen whether it will see production.
A brief test around the test course reveals a very well balanced machine with adequate power (it has two riding modes; Standard and Eco) as well as attractive styling touches.
The carnival also saw the new mascot Blu Boi introduced. The mascot will feature on all further Yamaha online and retail promotions.
Mascots aside, the sound stage also saw Malaysia's dangdut mascot, Baby Shima strut her stuff accompanied by Nadia Hasnan and other artistes.
Also a highlight were the lucky draws; this time an X-Max 250, an MT-25 and an R-15M won by lucky buyers of the Gen-Blu Goodie Bag.
There were competitions, all with generous prize money to be won. And those who felt a motorcycling overdose, a dip in the sea recharged their enthusiasm.
All in all, it was a great day at the beach and well worth the sunburn. Roll on the next Gen-Blu Carnival.
