Yamaha Motorcycles
The history of Yamaha Motors
Yamaha is well known for making quality musical instruments, but since 1955 they began developing Yamaha motorcycles. Today the Japanese company is one of the leading motorcycle giants in the industry, second only to Honda. The Yamaha Motor Company offers a large selection of vehicles to choose from including, motorcycles, ATVs, off-road bikes, snowmobiles, sport-bikes, waverunners, and sport boats.
One of the first motorbikes introduced in the mid 1950’s by the Yamaha Motor Company was the YA-1. Yamahas well staffed Hamakita Factory built an astonishing 200 units per month which sold rapidly. Soon Yamaha Motors decided to show competition what the YA-1 was capable of. TheYA-1 was entered into the two most important race events taking place in mid 1955 Japan; the 1st Asama Highlands Race and the 3rd Mt. Fuji Ascent Race. Yamaha surprised the competition and won the 125cc class in both races! That following year Yamaha proved that they were here to stay by taking Light weight and Ultra-light weight bike classes in the Asama Highlands Races. Yamahas success with the YA-1 inspired the company to design a new and improved model. They began production of the second model in 1956. It was the 175cc YC1, and it was everything they hoped for. Yamahas success with both the YA-1 and the YC1 excelled the company even higher up into the ranks of automotive industry. In 1957 the development of the 250cc YD1 put Yamaha in the spotlight as it received world wide recognition. For the first time ever Yamaha had a bike that could compete in United States of America; and that exactly what it did. In 1958 Japan entered their Yamaha into Catalina Grand Prix race and shocked the crowd by taking 6th place. Yamaha won American fans over with their high level of technology and all eyes were on Yamaha. They continued to win competition after competition and quickly became a leading provider of top quality motorcycles which sold world-wide.
In 1996 Yamaha introduced their all new Yamaha YZF 1000R Thunder Ace. The Yamaha 1000R Thunder had a superior design and was able to prove it by winning several different competitions. Topping out at speeds of 261.9 kmh and with an incredible torque of 8500 rpm, made it a mind-blowing ride that could knock your socks off!
Several world-famous riders including Heikki Mikkola, Bob Hannah, Chad Reed, Kenny Robers and the most recent Valentino Rossi have made world records riding on Yamaha motorcycles.
If you’re looking for a smooth motorcycle ride, then Yamaha motorcycles are for you! With the spirit and intent to produce world-class motorcycles, Yamaha implements cutting-edge technology with creativity to produce innovative designs.
