Yamaha Motorcycle Brief History

by: Michael O'Brien

Since their first motorized product was built in 1955; the YA-1 Motorcycle (125cc, 2-stroke, single cylinder, street bike), Yamaha has made many changes to their bikes to improve their quality.

Though, at first only sold in Japan, Yamaha brought their commerce to the United States in 1958 to sell their bikes through an independent dealer. The models were the YD1 (250cc, 2-stroke, twin cylinder, street bike) and MF-1 (50cc, 2-stroke, single cylinder, street bike, step-through). In 1960, the Yamaha International Corporation was founded and Yamaha started selling their bikes themselves.

Yamaha then broadened their range of power-driven products; the brand already known for electronic and music products. In 1968, Yamaha introduced both the world’s first dual purpose motorcycle, the DT-1 Enduro, which had both on and off road capabilities as well as producing their first snow mobile, the SL350 (2-stroke, twin cylinder).

Over the years to come, Yamaha continued the expansion of their business. The bikes became more advance, and Yamaha also introduced the world’s first 3 wheeled ATV, the Tri-Moto (YT125) as well as personal watercrafts such as the sit down Waverunner and the stand-up WaveJammer.

With their incessant desire to constantly advance their products, Yamaha made their name one that is now known world-wide. They continue to further the quality of their products to this day.

About the Author

Michael O'Brien is Staff Writer for Motorcycle Sales & Service