Yamaha Motorcycles
Updated January 2020
The second largest of the Japanese “Big Four,” Yamaha has been producing motorcycles since 1955, which quickly appeared on U.S. shores not long after. Ever since, Yamaha has been in competition with main rival Honda on the track and off, racing at the highest levels and generously allowing all that technology and engineering expertise to trickle down to all its products.
Quickly adopted by racers including such legendary figures as Kenny Roberts and Valentino Rossi, Yamaha developed a reputation for excellent reliability that continues to this day. That reputation carries over into a full line of dirt, street and dual-purpose motorcycles, as well as the company’s line of ATVs, side-by-side off-road vehicles, boats, etcetera. (Yamaha Motors, in fact, spun off from the world’s largest maker of pianos, the original Yamaha Corporation, which is still the largest shareholder.)
Now the company makes pure pavement sport bikes ranging from the beginner-friendly YZF-R3 to the fire-breathing YZF-R1; YZ competition dirt bikes in both 2- and 4-stroke ranging from YZ65 to YZ450F; a range of trail bikes and dual-sports; Ténéré adventure touring bikes; “Hyper Naked” street bikes; “Sport Heritage” street bikes; big transcontinental tourers and the Eluder bagger, scooters… basically, if there’s a niche, Yamaha has a motorcycle or two to plug it.
Never apparently content to sit still, Yamaha recently introduced a couple of Niken three-wheelers to further expand the rider envelope, and it also began importing its long-running line of Ebikes to the USA in 2019: In fact, it’s the world’s largest producer of the increasingly popular electric-assisted bicycles.
Here are just a few of our current favorite Yamahas:
XSR900

The XSR900 is one of Yamaha’s Sport Heritage bikes, which combines the performance of its soul-stirring 847cc three-cylinder engine and all the latest chassis components, with classic styling reminiscent of Yamaha’s earliest four-stroke machines. This one’s a great do-everything motorcycle for all occasions.
Niken GT

The Niken and Niken GT are definitely pushing the definition of motorcycle, with their two front wheels. With twice as much front-end traction as a regular bike, the Nikens greatly increase the safety factor in inclement conditions, extending the riding season for all who live wherever the weather’s not always great. The GT version comes with a wider, taller touring screen, saddlebags, plusher rider and passenger saddles, heated grips, etc.
YZF-R1M

Yamaha’s apex-predator Superbike-racing platform is ready to hit the track right out of the crate: Its powerful 999 cc crossplane-crankshaft equipped four-cylinder engine is kept in control by the latest in electronic rider aids, including GPS course mapping capability. Suspension is state-of-the-art Öhlins electronic ERS, and everything about the R1M has trickled down from MotoGP and World Superbike to provide the fastest possible lap times.
Ténéré 700

Midsized is right-sized in the latest adventure bikes. Ténéré 700’s fuel-injected 689cc liquid-cooled Twin (derived from the excellent, award-winning MT-07) is maybe even better suited to adventure riding, thanks to its torquey, tractable power delivery and compactness. A narrow chassis, slim fuel tank, and flat seat allow maximum agility, sitting or standing. Adjustable long-travel suspension carrying dirt-ready spoked wheels, 21-inch front and 18-inch rear, ensure the Ténéré doesn’t shy away from aggressive riding when the pavement ends. Triple-disc brakes with selectable ABS, compact LED headlights, robust LCD gauges – this one’s ready to go anywhere, road or no road.
Most Popular Yamaha Models
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Yamaha Announces Redesigned WR450F and Returning WR250F for 2021
Yamaha announced a redesigned WR450F for 2021 along with a returning WR250F. They join the previously announced YZ450FX, YZ250X, YZ250FX and YZ125X in Yamaha’s 2021 cross country lineup. 2021 Yamaha WR450F Yamaha updated the WR450F’s engine, frame, suspension and brakes with the goal of producing a lighter, more powerful and better handling enduro and trail […] more -
Yoshimura Introduces 2021 Yamaha Tenere 700 RS-12 ADV Slip-On
Yoshimura now has an exhaust for Yamaha's exciting new Tenere 700 more -
2021 Yamaha Trail Bikes Announced
Yamaha announced its 2021 trail motorcycles lineup including the TT-R50E, TT-R110E, TT-R125LE, TT-R230E, and the PW50 which celebrates its 40th year of production. All five models return unchanged but for new Team Yamaha Blue colors. Begin Press Release Yamaha Announces 2021 Full Lineup of Trail Motorcycles Yamaha Celebrates the PW50’s 40th Anniversary Yamaha Motor Corporation, […] more -
All-New YZ450FX Headlines 2021 Yamaha Cross Country Lineup
Yamaha announced its 2021 YZ cross country models, including an updated YZ450FX model. The new 450 is joined by the YZ250FX four-stroke and the YZ125X and YZ250X two-strokes which return with a new Team Yamaha Blue color and graphics scheme. 2021 Yamaha YZ450FX The new YZ450FX is designed for Hare Scramble and Grand National Cross […] more -
2021 Yamaha YZ Motocross Lineup Announced
Yamaha announced its 2021 YZ motocross lineup, including a redesigned YZ250F, and new Monster Energy Yamaha Racing Edition versions of the YZ250F and YZ450F. Also returning for 2021 are the two-stroke YZ125 and YZ250, and the YZ85 and YZ65 youth models. 2021 Yamaha YZ250F The 2021 YZ250F receives a new cylinder head with an updated […] more -
Yamaha Announces Arrival Of 2021 Ténéré 700 in U.S.
At long last, the Yamaha Ténéré 700 is yours to buy – In June. more -
Yamaha Motorsports Launches “Deliver Your Ride” Program
Now a new Yamaha can come right to your home with just a few clicks. more -
Yamaha Announces Partnership with Motosports Travel
Want the VIP experience for select Supercross races? Yamaha and Motosports Travel has you covered. more -
Yamaha Announces Returning 2020 Street Models
The VMAX is back for 2020 more -
Several Manufacturers Offering Test Rides At 2019 AIMExpo Outdoors
Here's your chance to come try several new 2020 models more -
Some New Dirt Models Among Yamahas (Partial) Class Of 2020
New YZ125X and YZ250FX, as well as MotoGP edition YZF-R3, among the highlights of Yamaha's 2020 class more -
2019 Isle of Man TT: Monster Energy Supersport TT 1 Results
Lee Johnston won his first career TT, taking the first of two Supersport TT events at the 2019 Isle of Man TT. Johnston won the race, shortened from four laps to two due to rain, averaging a speed of 126.449 mph on the Mountain Course. James Hillier held the lead early in the race, but […] more -
Yamaha Motorsports Expands “Destination Yamaha” Experiences
Yamaha is expanding its “Destination Yamaha” rental program with new locations across the country more -
Kyle Wyman and Pirelli Storm to Victory at Iconic Daytona 200
Kyle Wyman benefitted from a late-race red flag to take his Pirelli-shod Yamaha R6 to the top of the podium more -
Yamaha Champions Riding School Will Have Demos At Lets Ride Trackday March 22
A prime opportunity to sample a Yamaha sportbike more -
Yamaha YZF-R3 Affected by Two Different Recalls
Yamaha announced two separate recalls for the YZF-R3, one for a problem with the gear shifter and the other for a potential coolant leak. The gear shifter recall affects 11,240 units of the R3 from model years 2015 and 2016 while the coolant leak recall affects 16,760 units from 2015 to 2018. According to the […] more -
See 2019 Yamaha Motorsports Models This Weekend At Long Beach IMS
We’re getting ready to go to the Long Beach International Motorcycle Show. Are YOU? Yamaha has some pretty cool new models for you to throw a leg over. Begin Press Release: Yamaha Previews 2018 Long Beach International Motorcycle Show Recently Introduced 2019 Motorsports Models Displayed, Demo Rides Offered Cypress, CA – November 13, 2018 – Yamaha Motor […] more -
Is American Flat Track the New Black?
James Douglas Beach will be racing a Yamaha flat-tracker full time in 2019 more -
2012-2013 Yamaha Super Ténéré Recalled for Electrical Issue
Yamaha is recalling the 2012-2013 Super Ténéré because of an electrical issue that can prevent the engine from returning to idle. The recall affects 4,736 Super Ténéré in the U.S.; models from later model years are not included in this recall. According to documents Yamaha filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, heat over […] more -
Yoshimura Introduces Rearset relocation kit for 2015-18 Yamaha R3
If you're looking for foot peg adjustment on your Yamaha YZF-R3, Yoshimura now has rear set brackets to move your pegs around for that perfect fit more -
2018 Yamaha MT-07 and XSR700 Recalled for Loose Chain Guard
Yamaha is recall certain 2018 MT-07 and XSR700 models because the change guards attached to the swingarms may come loose. The recall affects 3,493 units in the U.S. As of this writing, the MT-07’s predecessor, the FZ-07, is not included in the recall, despite sharing a similar swingarm design. According to documents released by the […] more -
2019 Yamaha Niken Priced at US$15,999; Online Reservations Only
The 2019 Yamaha Niken is now available to order for U.S. customers, at a suggested retail price of $15,999. 2019 Yamaha Niken First Ride Review The three-wheeled Niken won’t be available at dealerships however; the leaning multi-wheel Niken will only be sold through an online reservation system at YamahaMotorports.com/nikenorder. Supplies are limited, so orders will […] more -
Yamaha Yard Built XSR900 ‘Alter’ by Dab Motors + Video
Yamaha has its Yard Built series where different motorcycle builders transform and create new renditions of the XSR700 and XSR900 platforms. Here is French builder Simon Dabadie of Dab Motors’ creation. Click here for more pics and info. Yamaha: June 25, 208 – Yamaha Yard Built – Biarritz is famous for its laid-back approach to […] more -
Check Out This Custom Yamaha Star Eluder Built by Cory Ness
The Yamaha Star Eluder is one helluva cruiser/bagger, and was one of our favorite bikes in our Big Dam Tour: Seven Baggers for Seven Brosephuses. Cory Ness, legendary custom bike builder Arlen Ness’ son, seems to think so too, and he built a custom Star Eluder of his own. He calls it “Journey Further”. Yamaha: […] more -
Yamaha Introduces its Free Yamaha Power Tuner Smartphone App
We all enjoy motorcycling for a variety of reasons, and one of those reasons is to get away from it all, and that includes our precious cellphones, which unfortunately we’ve become glued to. On the flip side, cellphones are an incredible tool that have made our lives exponentially more convenient, and Yamaha has just announced […] more -
Yamaha Introduces 2019 XT250 and TW200 Dual-Sports
Looking for a fun and inexpensive way to explore the road and some trails? Or are you looking, or know someone looking to get into riding motorcycles? Both the 2019 Yamaha XT250 and TW200 Dual-Sports are cool little entry-level bikes that can surely put a smile on your face and keep your wallet happy too. […] more -
Yamaha Yard Built XSR700 by Workhorse Speed Shop
Brice Hennebert of Workhorse Speed Shop is the latest builder commissioned by Yamaha to create a Yard Built custom. Working with a Yamaha XSR700 as the base, Hennebert transformed it drag racing machine styled as a tribute to the FZR 750 OW74 raced by Christian Sarron in the 1985 Bol D’or.e Some of the changes […] more -
Yamaha Motor Co. Says its Earnings Are Up Solidly in First Quarter
Yamaha Motor Co. reports the company has enjoyed rising profits in all its major product categories so far this year in 2018. Yamaha: IWATA, JAPAN – May 14, 2018 – Yamaha Motor Co., Ltd. (Tokyo:7272) announces consolidated business results for the first quarter. Net sales for Yamaha Motor Co., Ltd.’s consolidated accounting period for the […] more -
Yamaha NIKEN – Electronic Aids and Benefits + Video
It’s weird, it’s crazy, it’s interesting and it sure looks like fun. Check out some of the tech aids benefiting Yamaha Niken riders. Look forward to a full first ride review soon! Yamaha: May 3, 2018 – The Yamaha NIKEN’s unique Leaning Multi-Wheel (LMW) system provides a sophisticated range of electronic aids enabling you to […] more -
Yamaha Says Its Riders Faced Unfair Competition in WSS300 at Aragon
Many road racing series kicked off their seasons this past weekend and the FIM Supersport 300 World Championship was one of them. This series, like MotoAmerica’s Junior Cup and the British Junior Supersport Championship, is geared to shine light on up and coming racers and their riding ability more than the capabilities of the machines […] more -
Justin Barcia Returns to Racing Supercross This Saturday in Minneapolis
Justin Barcia has been out with a hand injury from a mid air tangle with Tyler Bowers during a heat race at Round 7 in Arlington back in February, but Bam Bam will make his return to Monster Energy Supercross this weekend in Minneapolis. Since it was only a hand injury, Barcia has been able […] more -
Josh Hill to Fill In for Justin Barcia at Seattle Monster Energy Supercross
We know April Fools was earlier this week, but this is no joke. Josh Hill got a call from Factory Yamaha asking him if he wanted to race Seattle Supercross under the bLU cRU tent. He already had plans to race the night on his own, however this was an opportunity he surely couldn’t pass […] more
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