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A Japanese OEM makes several pre-production versions of each model. They use the same assembly lines as the production bikes, but with a special set of parts for each version. Those units are not called "YZ450F," for example. The 2025 YZ450 may be called something like "GE12," or "MCBE." They would then attach a suffix or some other identifier to describe what it is. They will make a prototype, using the expected rolling chassis and parts. The plastics would be largely finished, but not all features would be present (especially any "new" ones, like a steering stabilizer or some new aftermarket part, like a handlebar or wheel change.) This bike would be called "GE12P" or something like that. They'll use this bike to inspect, measure, tear down and beta test. This thing gets hammered and will be crushed.
About 6 months later, the pre-production model will roll out. They'll make probably ten units, more if there are R&D people around the world working on it. This would be closer to the final product. It might be called "GE12Q" or "GE12PP." The changes that all the various departments have requested will be present on this one. All the accessory mounting holes will be present, any new parts, and for the most part, any graphics, etc. will be on the bike. It is the hope that this is the final version, but even this bike might not be final.
If there are any last-minute changes, those go into the next prototype run of about 40-50 units. This is also six months later, or perhaps more. These might be called "GE12Z." They are for display at trade shows, testing by regional distributors (Yamaha USA, for instance,) and photoshoots.
The next run of product will be the production run, wherein the thousands of bikes intended for sale will be built. This is when the model sheds it pre-production name "GE12" and gains its internal model name. (In the case of Yamaha YZ450s, I think it is called "1SY" for 2022 YZ450. You can see the model designation in many part numbers.) The timeframe for production is slated to give the distribution network plenty of time to get the machines shipped around the world in time for release. In other words, this would happen in the spring of 2024 for the 2025 model. Note that this is at least one year after the first grumblings of the "GE12" model were bolted together (early 2023 or late 2022.)
By the way, none of the bikes assembled in the pre-production process has a VIN. Know what that means? They ALL have to be crushed after being utilized for their tasks.
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Fact of the matter was the reps knew at 9 pm the night before the embargo broke (in the case of the redesigned rmz250 for 2019). People who actually knew were few and far between, and always higher up and/or Japanese. Dealers had access to a dealer bulletin the same time you could read the press release on vital.
EDIT: All the above assumes Yamaha's information embargo goes to plan. It's entirely possible your dealer was right before because someone leaked info
Ummm... That isn't true. People know about the same second as we do as a dealer.
I did not do this at Yamaha, although I've worked for them, too. I'm making assumptions that they follow the same procedure, and I could be wrong. However, all the Japanese OEMs operate in much the same manner in a lot of ways; it's not too much a stretch to believe that's how they all do the R&D process as well.
So yeah, dealers don't know anything, either. Pretty much my point.
I remember hearing about new models a little early back when I worked at a dealer, though. Maybe I wasn't aware that the rest of the world found out at the same time.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C-XnHeIwvsI
I'll spill all in about 7 more years!
Then it would be like: "Revolutionary", "The future of motocross is now", or whatever.
Pit Row
charge your batteries for the drones and get started.
Personally I’d like them to just make it slimmer with a lil better ergonomics,
But each to there own!
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