The History of Yamaha Motorbikes

Yamaha is a leading manufacturer of motorcycles worldwide.

Originally founded in the late 1800s, Yamaha (formerly the Nippon Gakki Co., Ltd) manufactures a number of products from computers and electronics to musical instruments. Yamaha is also well known for building motorcycles.

1950s

In 1955, the 125cc, 2-stroke street bike known as the YA-1 was first released in Japan. In 1958, independent distributor Cooper Motors sold the first Yamaha motorcycles in the United States, the YD1 and MF-1.

1960s

In the early 1960s, Yamaha International began selling its own motorcycles in the United States. In 1968, Yamaha forever changed motorcycles with the DT-1, the first bike capable of both on- and off-road riding.

1970s

In 1970, Yamaha released its first four-stroke 650cc motorcycle, the XS-1. In 1978, Yamaha founded Yamaha Motor Corporation, USA, to take better advantage of the American market.

1980s and 90s

In 1980, Yamaha Motor Corporation, USA opened its first U.S.-based corporate office in Cypress, California. In 1998, Yamaha released the YZ400F, the first four-stroke motocross bike to be mass produced for consumers.

Early 2000's

While still producing high-quality motorcycles for both on- and off-road use, Yamaha now also focuses on boats, golf carts, snowmobiles and jet skis.

References

• Yamaha Motors: Yamaha History Timeline
• Smoke Riders: Yamaha History