News & Topics

Yamaha Continues to Engage the Next Generation of Powersports Technicians

Yamaha Motor University (YMU) is proud to announce its latest collaboration in growing the next generation of powersports enthusiasts. Working closely with the Barber Vintage Motorcycle Museum, YMU created a series of custom-built circuit boards that replicate the starting systems found on modern Yamaha motorcycles. These interactive electrical systems allow for hands-on exploration and testing of key concepts required when diagnosing real-world electrical problems, while illustrating lessons from YMU’s industry-leading dealer training program, the Yamaha Technical Academy.

Built in-house at Yamaha’s headquarters in Kennesaw, Georgia, these circuit boards will allow YMU and Barber Vintage Motorcycle Museum to bring an even closer connection to thrilling Yamaha motorcycles for the thousands of students that participate in the museum’s education programs. Through a combination of school field trips and the Barber Design Camp, the museum’s education program led by Dr. Liz Johnson, engages students of all ages with hands-on, experiential learning opportunities that connect the thrills of motorsports with the worlds of science, technology, engineering, math, art, and design. These experiences spark creativity, bolster critical thinking, and illustrate how foundational classroom lessons can lead to full-time careers.

“Yamaha Motor University is proud to team-up with the Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum to launch this hands-on STEM lab,” said YMU Manager John Grubb. “Modeled after our YZF-R3 motorcycle’s starting system, these boards will provide visiting students an engaging way to learn about electrical circuits using a real-world motorsports application.”

“THESE OPPORTUNITIES ALLOW US TO SHOW GENERATIONS TO COME THAT THE SAME KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS THEY’RE BUILDING HERE AND IN THEIR CLASSROOMS ARE THE VERY ONES DRIVING THE FUTURE.”
– Dr. Liz Johnson, Education Programs Manager, Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum

“We’re thrilled to collaborate with Yamaha to bring its technical expertise directly into our program here at Barber,” said Johnson. “This new module will not only enrich the learning experiences we offer but also open doors to career pathways in STEM and the motorsports industry. These opportunities allow us to show generations to come that the same knowledge and skills they’re building here and in their classrooms are the very ones driving the future.”

YMU and the Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum are uniquely positioned to blend history with up-to-date OEM learning, engaging with and strengthening the next generation of leaders and visionaries.

Bob Starr, Yamaha Motor U.S.A. (YMUS)