The History of Yamaha Motorcycles

The Yamaha Corporation was founded in the late 1880s.

Now, the company is a multinational corporation that produces many different products for a range of markets and was re-established as the Yamaha Motor Company in 1955, when it started producing motorcycles and marine products.

Since then, Yamaha has continued to produce iconic motorcycles and make a name for itself in the industry. Motorcycle Mechanics Institute (MMI) is proud to have developed a relationship with Yamaha that led to the formation of the YamaPro® program in 1987, which helps its students develop brand-specific Yamaha motorcycle servicing skills!

Keep reading to find out about the key parts of Yamaha history, as well as what MMI’s YamaPro specialized training is all about.

Key Summary Points

• The Yamaha Corporation, originally known for producing musical instruments since 1887, expanded into motorcycle production in 1955 under the leadership of Genichi Kawakami, marking the establishment of Yamaha Motor Co. The company's first motorcycle, the YA-1, was a success in racing, setting a strong foundation for Yamaha in the motorcycle industry.
• Yamaha has produced a wide range of iconic motorcycles over the decades, starting with the YA-1 in the 1950s and continuing through to modern models like the 2018 Star Venture. Each decade brought innovative models that catered to the evolving demands of riders, including the introduction of the first four-stroke motocross machine, the YZ400F, in 1998.
• The YamaPro program, endorsed by Yamaha Motor Corporation, USA, in 1987 and offered at Motorcycle Mechanics Institute (MMI) campuses, provides specialized training on Yamaha products. The program is divided into four modules covering various aspects of Yamaha motorcycle maintenance and repair, including electrical fuel injection systems, suspensions and service technologies for ATVs, side-by-sides and more.
• Students who complete the YamaPro program can earn Yamaha Bronze and YTA Silver certification levels, gaining specialized knowledge and skills that can enhance their employability in the motorcycle industry. The program covers a broad range of Yamaha machines, including motorcycles, ATVs, watercraft and snowmobiles, ensuring graduates have a versatile skill set.
• MMI offers the Yamaha motorcycle mechanic training program at its campuses in Orlando, Florida, and Phoenix, Arizona. The program is designed to equip students with the latest in technology and industry standards, thanks to the curriculum developed with the support of Yamaha. With brand-specific qualifications, graduates from our YamaPro program are qualified for roles that can let them further Yamaha Motor history.

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What Is Yamaha?

Yamaha is a global powerhouse that started its journey over a century ago in 1887, originally crafting only musical instruments. As the years rolled on, the Yamaha Corporation evolved, branching out into various sectors including electronics, audio equipment and, notably, motorcycles. Yamaha Motor Co., which was established in 1955, marked a pivotal turn in Yamaha history, allowing it to tap into the world of two-wheeled transport.

With a commitment to innovation and quality, Yamaha quickly made a name for itself, producing a range of motorcycles that cater to riders of all types — from casual cruisers to competitive racing machines.

At the heart of Yamaha’s identity lies its dedication to performance and engineering excellence. The brand’s motorcycles are celebrated not just for their style, but for their cutting-edge technology and reliability. Whether it’s the modern sportbikes like the YZF-R1 or the iconic cruisers in the Star series, Yamaha has consistently strived to push boundaries and elevate the riding experience.

With a robust fan base across the globe, Yamaha continues to inspire riders to chase new adventures, embodying a spirit of freedom and fun that resonates with motorcycle enthusiasts everywhere.

Read: The History of Kawasaki Motorcycles

Who Owns Yamaha?

Yamaha is owned by Yamaha Motor Co., Ltd., a subsidiary of the larger Yamaha Corporation. The corporation transitioned into the motorcycle industry under the leadership of Genichi Kawakami in 1955, establishing Yamaha Motor Co. to focus on motorized vehicles, including motorcycles and marine products.

Today, Yamaha is a globally recognized brand with various stakeholders, but it remains rooted in its rich history of innovation, sound engineering and a passion for performance, creating a legacy that continues to thrive in both music and motorcycling.

Early Days

The Yamaha Corporation dates to 1887, when founder Torakusu Yamaha began producing reed organs and, eventually, pianos. The company was known solely as a musical instrument manufacturer for many years.

So, when did Yamaha start making motorcycles? The answer—in 1955, after Genichi Kawakami, who joined the Yamaha Corporation in 1937, was named president in 1950.

In 1955, he introduced motorcycle production, which resulted in the establishment of Yamaha Motor Co.

The company’s first motorcycle, the YA-1, featured a single cylinder. It was an immediate success, winning the 125cc class at the Mount Fuji Ascent race in 1955. The YA-1 also took all three places at the All Japan Autobike Endurance Road Race that same year.

The success of Yamaha’s first motorcycle helped set the brand apart and gave it momentum to continue producing high-quality bikes for the racing and performance segments and beyond.

Read: The History of Honda Motorcycles

Motorcycle Models of Yamaha Motor Company – By Decade

Going through all the Yamaha motorcycle models by year would take some time, so we’ve broken it down into decades to highlight what was produced by the brand after the release of the YA-1.

1950s Yamaha motorcycles

1957 YD-1: A 250cc, twin-cylinder, two-stroke street bike, the YD-1 was the first racing motorcycle produced by Yamaha to participate in the second Asama Highland Race.

1959 YDS-1: This release was built on the sporty performance introduced in the YD-1. The street bike gained a reputation for outperforming other 650cc vertical twin-engine models at the time.

1960s Yamaha motorcycles

1960 YA-3: This 125cc, single-cylinder, two-stroke street bike was one of the first Yamaha models sold in the United States, along with the YD-2 in 1958.

1965 Big Bear Scrambler: Also known as the YDS-3C, the Big Bear Scrambler was designed in the U.S. to meet the demands of the country’s consumers. It became known for its style and loud exhaust.

Read: The History of Suzuki Motorcycles

1970s Yamaha motorcycles

1970 XS-1: The XS-1 was the first Yamaha four-stroke model and featured a 650cc engine. Its reputation for reliability made it widely popular.

1973 RD350: This model marked the first use of reed valves in two-stroke street bikes.

1975 YZ250: Yamaha created the first single-shock production motocross bike with the YZ250, helping to change the motocross industry moving forward.

1980s Yamaha motorcycles

1980 Maxim 650: A high-performance cruiser, the Maxim 650 had a four-cylinder shaft drive. The vehicle became very popular and was a favorite in showrooms.

1984 RZ350: The RZ350 was Yamaha’s final street-legal two-stroke motorcycle.

1984 FJ1100: This model featured 125 horsepower and weighed 500 pounds, making it an ’80s Yamaha motorcycle with unparalleled power-to-weight ratio in the superbike class.

1985 FZ750: The FZ750 featured the first use of Yamaha’s five-valve Genesis technology and lay-down cylinder configuration.

1987 FZR1000: The FZR1000 was the first model to utilize the company’s aluminum Deltabox frame.

Read: Hear from an Employer of MMI Graduates: Operations Manager Greg Hale

1990s Yamaha motorcycles

1993 GTS: This ’90s Yamaha motorcycle was the company’s first fuel-injected model. It was also the company’s first motorcycle to feature a catalytic converter.

1996 Royal Star: This model was the first in a long line of Star models for Yamaha. It featured a traditional cruiser design with inspiration drawn from an iconic motorcycle brand, Indian Motorcycles.

1998 YZF-R1: The R1 was the first of Yamaha’s R-series bikes, setting the stage for the modern era of the brand’s sport bikes.

1998 YZ400F: This bike was the first modern production four-stroke motocross machine.

2000s Yamaha motorcycles

2000 TT-R125L: The introduction of the TT-R125L helped Yamaha round off its off-roading line and put it on the map in that category of motorbikes. It featured a 125cc, four-stroke engine.

2001 YZ250F: Yamaha produced the first four-stroke, 250cc motocross bike, setting an example for the motocross world by combining the power of a four-stroke engine with the lightweight agility of a 250cc frame.

2007 YZF-R1: This model featured Yamaha Chip Controlled Intake (YCC-I), which was the first electronic variable intake system on a production bike.

Read: From Tinkering on Bikes to Getting Paid for Motorcycle Work

2010s Yamaha motorcycles

2013 Bolt: The Bolt was introduced as a cruiser and lightweight motorcycle optimized for speed and handling. It featured a four-stroke, four-valve, air-cooled V-twin engine. It’s known for being a customizable platform.

2018 Star Venture: This touring bike debuted with a fresh design and an air-cooled V-twin engine that differed from V-4 engines on previous models.

For more than 60 years, Yamaha has been producing quality motorcycles. You could learn to work on Yamaha motorcycles by taking the YamaPro program offered at MMI.

Yamaha YamaPro Program at MMI

Endorsed by Yamaha Motor Corporation, USA, in 1987, the YamaPro specialized training program gives students the opportunity to further their training at MMI and work specifically on Yamaha products.

Students are eligible to apply for the OEM training after completing the core Motorcycle Technician Prerequisite (MTP) program. The 12-week YamaPro program is split into four modules:

• Module 1: Students become familiar with Yamaha service management procedures. They also learn about electrical fuel injection (EFI) systems.
• Module 2: Students get to work on suspensions and perform Yamaha and Star motorcycle maintenance. Also covered is camshaft inspection and timing and valve clearance.
• Module 3: This set covers the different service technologies for ATVs and side-by-sides, along with snowmobiles.
• Module 4: The final module of the program covers personal watercraft service technology and generator service technology.

Read: MMI Grad Morgan Sanders: From a Stolen Motorcycle to New Career

Program benefits

Eligible students can choose to enroll in the YamaPro program, which is offered at two MMI campuses. There are several benefits for those who complete the manufacturer-specific training, including:

• Becoming certified: One of the biggest benefits to enrolling in specialized training is the opportunity to earn specific certifications. YamaPro students can earn Yamaha Bronze and YTA Silver certification levels.
• Vehicle variety: Not only does the program cover motorcycles, students also get the chance to work on other Yamaha machines, like generators, side-by-sides, ATVs, watercraft and snowmobiles.
• Updated curriculum: The information and curriculum presented in the YamaPro program at MMI is developed with the support of Yamaha. It is updated to reflect the most current technology and industry standards, so students get the most up-to-date education possible.

Yamaha History FAQs

1. How did Yamaha transition from its original product line to manufacturing motorcycles?

Yamaha's transition from musical instruments to motorcycles was driven by the vision of Genichi Kawakami, who saw the potential in the burgeoning motorcycle industry. By leveraging their existing engineering and manufacturing expertise, Yamaha introduced their first motorcycle, the YA-1, in 1955, setting the stage for their successful journey in the motorized vehicle market.

2. Can you list some of the most iconic motorcycle models produced by Yamaha Motor Company?

Yamaha has produced several iconic motorcycle models over the years, including the YA-1, which launched their motorcycle manufacturing journey, and the legendary YZF-R1, known for its high performance in the sportbike category. Other notable mentions are the RD350, celebrated in the racing world, and the timeless Star Cruiser series, appealing to riders seeking a classic ride.

3. How has Yamaha's approach to motorcycle design and technology evolved over its history?

Yamaha's approach to motorcycle design and technology has continuously evolved through a commitment to innovation and performance. From introducing ground-breaking features like the reed valve system in the RD350 to integrating advanced technologies like the Yamaha Chip Controlled Intake in modern models, Yamaha has consistently adapted to meet the demands of riders while pushing the boundaries of engineering excellence.

4. What role has Yamaha played in competitive motorcycle racing, and how has it influenced their commercial models?

Yamaha has a rich heritage in competitive motorcycle racing, with its early success in races leading to innovations that would later influence their commercial models. The performance and durability tested on the racetrack have translated into technologies found in production bikes, ensuring that Yamaha motorcycles deliver high performance and reliability for everyday riders.

5. What are some of the key milestones in Yamaha history that have contributed to its success in the motorcycle industry?

Key milestones in Yamaha company history include the launch of the YA-1, which established the brand's reputation in the motorcycle market, and the creation of the YamaPro training program, ensuring a new generation of skilled technicians. Additionally, consistently introducing innovative models and technologies, such as the first fuel-injected motorcycle and the pioneering YZF-R1, has solidified Yamaha's position as a leader in the industry.

Read: From Couch-Surfing to Working in the Racing Industry

Specialized Yamaha Training at MMI

Does working with Yamaha as a motorcycle technician interest you? Enroll in the YamaPro program after completing core training at MMI. Building brand-specific skills can help make you stand out when you’re applying to entry-level positions at Yamaha dealerships.^1.1

Find out more about MMI’s admissions requirements and the YamaPro program by visiting us online. You can request more information here or by calling 1-800-834-7308.

MMI Campuses That Offer Yamaha Motorcycle Mechanic Training

• Phoenix, Arizona
• Orlando, Florida