OUR STORY
1955
YA-1 Motorcycle
The first Yamaha motorized product was the YA-1 Motorcycle (125cc, 2-stroke, single-cylinder, street bike). Nicknamed “The Red Dragonfly,” it was produced and sold in Japan. The brand new YA-1 won the first two races it entered that year.
The first Yamaha motorized product was the YA-1 Motorcycle (125cc, 2-stroke, single-cylinder, street bike). Nicknamed “The Red Dragonfly,” it was produced and sold in Japan. The brand new YA-1 won the first two races it entered that year.
1958
The YD1 Motorcycle
The first Yamaha Motorcycles sold in the USA were imported by Cooper Motors, an independent distributor. The models were the YD1 (250cc, 2-stroke, twin cylinder, streetbike) and MF-1 (50cc, 2-stroke, single cylinder, streetbike, step-through).
Yamaha enters the world of international racing by competing in the Catalina Grand Prix in California, In this first attempt against the world’s seasoned racing machines, Yamaha placed an impressive 6th place. This race marked the first time a Japanese motorcycle raced in the U.S.
The first Yamaha Motorcycles sold in the USA were imported by Cooper Motors, an independent distributor. The models were the YD1 (250cc, 2-stroke, twin cylinder, streetbike) and MF-1 (50cc, 2-stroke, single cylinder, streetbike, step-through).
Yamaha enters the world of international racing by competing in the Catalina Grand Prix in California, In this first attempt against the world’s seasoned racing machines, Yamaha placed an impressive 6th place. This race marked the first time a Japanese motorcycle raced in the U.S.
1960
Yamaha's First Outboard Motor
Yamaha introduces its first Outboard Motor, the P-7, for the Japanese market. It was soon replaced by the more sophisticated and compact P-3 model. Both featured distinctive, bright yellow cowlings.
Yamaha International Corporation began selling motorcycles in the USA as well as Yamaha’s legendary musical instruments.
Yamaha introduces its first Outboard Motor, the P-7, for the Japanese market. It was soon replaced by the more sophisticated and compact P-3 model. Both featured distinctive, bright yellow cowlings.
Yamaha International Corporation began selling motorcycles in the USA as well as Yamaha’s legendary musical instruments.
1961
World Grand Prix, RND 3
Yamaha’s first appearance in World GP road racing at Round 3, the France GP. Took 6th place in World GP 250cc class at round 4, the Isle of Man TT Race in Britain.
Yamaha’s first appearance in World GP road racing at Round 3, the France GP. Took 6th place in World GP 250cc class at round 4, the Isle of Man TT Race in Britain.
1963
Yamaha Collaborates with Toyota
Yamaha collaborates with Toyota to develop and manufacture the Toyota 2000GT sports car. A modified convertible 2000GT was featured in the 1967 James Bond movie “You Only Live Twice.”
Yamaha wins its first 250cc class victory at the Daytona Grand Prix.
Yamaha collaborates with Toyota to develop and manufacture the Toyota 2000GT sports car. A modified convertible 2000GT was featured in the 1967 James Bond movie “You Only Live Twice.”
Yamaha wins its first 250cc class victory at the Daytona Grand Prix.
1967
Yamalube Brand is Introduced
Yamaha introduces the now iconic Yamalube brand of oils and lubricants. The Yamalube commitment to high quality and performance is now recognized around the world.
Yamaha introduces the now iconic Yamalube brand of oils and lubricants. The Yamalube commitment to high quality and performance is now recognized around the world.
1968
Yamaha's First Snowmobile
Yamaha's first Snowmobile, the SL350 (2-stroke, twin cylinder), is introduced. This was the first snowmobile with slide-valve carburetors.
The DT-1 Enduro is introduced. The world's first dual-purpose motorcycle had on & off-road capability. Its impact on Motorcycling in the USA was enormous.
Yamaha's first Snowmobile, the SL350 (2-stroke, twin cylinder), is introduced. This was the first snowmobile with slide-valve carburetors.
The DT-1 Enduro is introduced. The world's first dual-purpose motorcycle had on & off-road capability. Its impact on Motorcycling in the USA was enormous.
1970
Yamaha’s first 4-stroke motorcycle
Yamaha’s first 4-stroke motorcycle model, the XS-1 (650cc vertical twin) is introduced. Production of XS650 models would continue through the 1983 model year, and the bike is favored today by customizers.
Yamaha’s first 4-stroke motorcycle model, the XS-1 (650cc vertical twin) is introduced. Production of XS650 models would continue through the 1983 model year, and the bike is favored today by customizers.
1972
Daytona 200 Victory
Yamaha wins its first Daytona 200 and would go on to be unbeatable for more than a decade.
Yamaha wins its first Daytona 200 and would go on to be unbeatable for more than a decade.
1973
The SR433
The SR433, a purpose-built racer, was offered in 1972 and 1973.
Yamaha continues expansion into new markets by introducing Generators.
The SR433, a purpose-built racer, was offered in 1972 and 1973.
Yamaha continues expansion into new markets by introducing Generators.
1975
YZ Monocross Beginnings
Yamaha pioneers the very first single-shock, production motocross bikes. This was the beginning of the YZ Monocross machines that changed motocross forever.
Yamaha pioneers the very first single-shock, production motocross bikes. This was the beginning of the YZ Monocross machines that changed motocross forever.
1976
The SRX440 Snowmobile
The legendary SRX440 snowmobile hits the market and quickly catapults Yamaha to the forefront of the snowmobile racing scene.
The legendary SRX440 snowmobile hits the market and quickly catapults Yamaha to the forefront of the snowmobile racing scene.
1977
Yamaha Motor Corporation, U.S.A. is founded
Yamaha Motor Corporation, U.S.A. is founded to better fulfill the needs of the American market and establish a separate identity (from music & electronics) for Yamaha motorized products.
Yamaha Motor Corporation, U.S.A. is founded to better fulfill the needs of the American market and establish a separate identity (from music & electronics) for Yamaha motorized products.
1978
Golf Cars are introduced in the USA
Golf Cars were introduced in the USA with the G1 gas model.
The XS1100 motorcycle (four cylinder, shaft drive) is introduced.
XS650 Special is introduced. This was the first production Cruiser built by a Japanese manufacturer.
Kenny Roberts became the first American to win a Grand Prix motorcycle racing world championship, aboard his iconic yellow-and-black 500cc Yamaha
Golf Cars were introduced in the USA with the G1 gas model.
The XS1100 motorcycle (four cylinder, shaft drive) is introduced.
XS650 Special is introduced. This was the first production Cruiser built by a Japanese manufacturer.
Kenny Roberts became the first American to win a Grand Prix motorcycle racing world championship, aboard his iconic yellow-and-black 500cc Yamaha
1979
Yamaha Develops YICS
YICS (Yamaha Induction Control System), a fuel-saving engine system, is developed for 4-stroke engines.
YICS (Yamaha Induction Control System), a fuel-saving engine system, is developed for 4-stroke engines.
1980
Cypress, CA
The new Yamaha Motor Corporation, U.S.A. corporate office is opened in Cypress, California.
The first Yamaha 3-wheel ATV is sold in USA… the Tri-Moto (YT125).
The G1-E electric-powered Golf Car model is introduced.
The new Yamaha Motor Corporation, U.S.A. corporate office is opened in Cypress, California.
The first Yamaha 3-wheel ATV is sold in USA… the Tri-Moto (YT125).
The G1-E electric-powered Golf Car model is introduced.
1981
The Virago 750 Cruiser
Yamaha’s first air-cooled, V-twin cruiser, the Virago 750, was introduced.
Yamaha’s first air-cooled, V-twin cruiser, the Virago 750, was introduced.
1984
The FZ750 motorcycle
The first production 5-valve per cylinder engine is introduced on the 4-cylinder, DOHC, FZ750 motorcycle.
Yamaha’s first 4-wheel ATV, the YFM200 “Moto-4”, is introduced in the USA.
The Phazer snowmobile is introduced. Innovative design, light in weight and nimble handling character made this model one of the most popular for several years.
Yamaha begins marketing Outboard Motors in the USA.
The first production 5-valve per cylinder engine is introduced on the 4-cylinder, DOHC, FZ750 motorcycle.
Yamaha’s first 4-wheel ATV, the YFM200 “Moto-4”, is introduced in the USA.
The Phazer snowmobile is introduced. Innovative design, light in weight and nimble handling character made this model one of the most popular for several years.
Yamaha begins marketing Outboard Motors in the USA.
1985
The V-Max 1200 Musclebike
The V-Max 1200 musclebike hits the streets. The 4-cylinder V4 includes “V-Boost,” a butterfly valve technology that opens at higher rpm to feed each cylinder from two carburetors for extra power.
The V-Max 1200 musclebike hits the streets. The 4-cylinder V4 includes “V-Boost,” a butterfly valve technology that opens at higher rpm to feed each cylinder from two carburetors for extra power.
1986
Newnan, GA
Yamaha Motor Manufacturing Corporation of America is founded in Newnan, Georgia.
Yamaha Motor Manufacturing Corporation of America is founded in Newnan, Georgia.
1987
Yamaha introduces personal watercraft
The sit-down WaveRunner and the stand-up WaveJammer Water Vehicles. The WaveRunner is the model that created today's PWC market.
A new exhaust system for 4-stroke engines, “EXUP,” is developed to provide higher horsepower output throughout an engine's powerband.
The venerable TW200 is introduced. This practical, do it all dual purpose motorcycle is still a favorite today, making it Yamaha’s longest running model sold in the U.S. More trivia? The TW200 is the first motorcycle ever to be ridden to the North Pole, by Shinji Kazama in 1987.
The Banshee ATV is introduced. Featuring the 2-cylinder, 2-stroke engine originally from the RZ350 street bike, there was nothing like it on the dunes. Although it’s been discontinued in the U.S. for over a decade, it still enjoys a cult following to this day.
Yamaha Motor Manufacturing Company begins Golf Car and Water Vehicle production for U.S. and overseas markets.
The sit-down WaveRunner and the stand-up WaveJammer Water Vehicles. The WaveRunner is the model that created today's PWC market.
A new exhaust system for 4-stroke engines, “EXUP,” is developed to provide higher horsepower output throughout an engine's powerband.
The venerable TW200 is introduced. This practical, do it all dual purpose motorcycle is still a favorite today, making it Yamaha’s longest running model sold in the U.S. More trivia? The TW200 is the first motorcycle ever to be ridden to the North Pole, by Shinji Kazama in 1987.
The Banshee ATV is introduced. Featuring the 2-cylinder, 2-stroke engine originally from the RZ350 street bike, there was nothing like it on the dunes. Although it’s been discontinued in the U.S. for over a decade, it still enjoys a cult following to this day.
Yamaha Motor Manufacturing Company begins Golf Car and Water Vehicle production for U.S. and overseas markets.
1989
DOHC V6 designed and built by Yamaha
Ford Motor Company offers the high-performance Taurus SHO, featuring compact 3.0 L, 60°, 24-valve, DOHC V6 designed and built by Yamaha.
Ford Motor Company offers the high-performance Taurus SHO, featuring compact 3.0 L, 60°, 24-valve, DOHC V6 designed and built by Yamaha.
1990
The WaveRunner III 650
The WaveRunner III 650 is released as the world's first 3-passenger PWC.
The SuperJet stand-up WaveRunner is introduced, one of the most successful stand-up personal watercraft ever made.
The WaveRunner III 650 is released as the world's first 3-passenger PWC.
The SuperJet stand-up WaveRunner is introduced, one of the most successful stand-up personal watercraft ever made.
1992
The Vmax-4 Snowmobile
The Vmax-4 Snowmobile (2-stroke, four cylinder) is introduced.
The Vmax-4 Snowmobile (2-stroke, four cylinder) is introduced.
1993
The PAS electric power assist bicycle
Although not distributed in the U.S., Yamaha develops and introduces the PAS electric power assist bicycle.
The GTS1000 Motorcycle is introduced. It features ahead-of-its-time forkless front suspension, plus fuel injection, a catalytic converter, and ABS.
Although not distributed in the U.S., Yamaha develops and introduces the PAS electric power assist bicycle.
The GTS1000 Motorcycle is introduced. It features ahead-of-its-time forkless front suspension, plus fuel injection, a catalytic converter, and ABS.
1995
Yamaha Acquires Century and Skeeter
The Century and Skeeter boat companies are acquired by Yamaha.
The Century and Skeeter boat companies are acquired by Yamaha.
1996
Vonore, Tennessee
Tennessee Watercraft produces Sport Boats and later, the SUV-model WaveRunner in Vonore, Tennessee.
Yamaha introduces its first Star model with the 1300cc, V4 Royal Star.
Tennessee Watercraft produces Sport Boats and later, the SUV-model WaveRunner in Vonore, Tennessee.
Yamaha introduces its first Star model with the 1300cc, V4 Royal Star.
1997
Kennesaw, GA
Yamaha opens southeastern offices in Kennesaw, Georgia.
Yamaha acquires the G3 boat company.
At the Newnan, Georgia, manufacturing facility, the first ATV (the BearTracker) rolls off the assembly line.
The GP1200 PWC is released with the most powerful engine in the industry at that time.
Yamaha opens southeastern offices in Kennesaw, Georgia.
Yamaha acquires the G3 boat company.
At the Newnan, Georgia, manufacturing facility, the first ATV (the BearTracker) rolls off the assembly line.
The GP1200 PWC is released with the most powerful engine in the industry at that time.
1998
The YZF-R1 Sportbike
The YZF-R1 sportbike is introduced. It sets the standard for open-class sport bikes and later R1 generations continue to do so.
The YZ400F four-stroke motocross bike is introduced. This was the first mass-produced 4-stroke motocrosser.
The Grizzly 600 4x4 ATV with Ultramatic transmission is introduced.
The EF2800i inverter generator with Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) is introduced. PMW allows use with equipment such as computers that requires stable frequency and voltage
The YZF-R1 sportbike is introduced. It sets the standard for open-class sport bikes and later R1 generations continue to do so.
The YZ400F four-stroke motocross bike is introduced. This was the first mass-produced 4-stroke motocrosser.
The Grizzly 600 4x4 ATV with Ultramatic transmission is introduced.
The EF2800i inverter generator with Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) is introduced. PMW allows use with equipment such as computers that requires stable frequency and voltage
2000
The Big Bear 400 4x4
The Buckmaster® Edition Big Bear 400 4x4 is introduced. This was the first ATV with original-equipment camouflage bodywork.
The Buckmaster® Edition Big Bear 400 4x4 is introduced. This was the first ATV with original-equipment camouflage bodywork.
2002
The FX140 WaveRunner
The FX140 WaveRunner (1000cc, 4-stroke, four cylinder) is introduced. The world's first high performance 4-stroke personal watercraft.
The F225 Outboard Motor is introduced. The 3.4 L, 24-valve, V6 was the largest 4-stroke outboard available at the time.
The FX140 WaveRunner (1000cc, 4-stroke, four cylinder) is introduced. The world's first high performance 4-stroke personal watercraft.
The F225 Outboard Motor is introduced. The 3.4 L, 24-valve, V6 was the largest 4-stroke outboard available at the time.
2003
The RX-1 Snowmobile
The RX-1 Snowmobile (1000cc, 4-stroke, four cylinder) is introduced. The world's first high performance 4-stroke Snowmobile.
The RX-1 Snowmobile (1000cc, 4-stroke, four cylinder) is introduced. The world's first high performance 4-stroke Snowmobile.
2004
The First Side-by-Side
The first Side-by-Side model is introduced. Combined performance, terrainability, utility capabilities, and take-along-a-friend convenience to lead the way in a new category of off-road recreation.
The first Side-by-Side model is introduced. Combined performance, terrainability, utility capabilities, and take-along-a-friend convenience to lead the way in a new category of off-road recreation.
2005
MotoGP triple crown
Yamaha captures MotoGP triple crown by winning the rider, team and manufacturer titles.
Yamaha captures MotoGP triple crown by winning the rider, team and manufacturer titles.
2007
The F350 Outboard Motor
Yamaha introduces the F350 Outboard Motor, a 5.3 L, 32-valve DOHC V8.
Yamaha advances technology on the YZF-R1 by featuring new the Yamaha Chip Control Throttle (YCC-T) fly-by-wire throttle system and Yamaha Chip Control Intake (YCC-I), an electronic variable-length intake funnel system.
Yamaha introduces the F350 Outboard Motor, a 5.3 L, 32-valve DOHC V8.
Yamaha advances technology on the YZF-R1 by featuring new the Yamaha Chip Control Throttle (YCC-T) fly-by-wire throttle system and Yamaha Chip Control Intake (YCC-I), an electronic variable-length intake funnel system.
2008
MotoGP triple crown
Yamaha wins MotoGP triple crown of manufacturer, team and rider championships.
Yamaha’s proprietary NanoXcel is introduced for WaveRunner hulls and decks. It is engineered using cutting edge nano-technology to produce a watercraft that is lighter and stronger than conventional technologies.
Yamaha wins MotoGP triple crown of manufacturer, team and rider championships.
Yamaha’s proprietary NanoXcel is introduced for WaveRunner hulls and decks. It is engineered using cutting edge nano-technology to produce a watercraft that is lighter and stronger than conventional technologies.
2009
The FZR WaveRunner
Yamaha introduces the FZR WaveRunner. It features an 1812cc, supercharged 4-cylinder, 4-stroke, Yamaha marine engine.
The new-generation YZF-R1 features the crossplane crankshaft originally developed for Yamaha MotoGP machines. The crossplane design eliminates “inertial torque” for exceptional “combustion torque” feel.
Yamaha wins MotoGP triple crown of maker, team and rider championship titles for second year in a row.
Yamaha introduces the FZR WaveRunner. It features an 1812cc, supercharged 4-cylinder, 4-stroke, Yamaha marine engine.
The new-generation YZF-R1 features the crossplane crankshaft originally developed for Yamaha MotoGP machines. The crossplane design eliminates “inertial torque” for exceptional “combustion torque” feel.
Yamaha wins MotoGP triple crown of maker, team and rider championship titles for second year in a row.
2010
MotoGP triple crown
Yamaha wins the MotoGP triple crown of manufacturer, team and rider championship titles for third consecutive year.
The YZ450F adopts a bold new design – its distinct rearward-slanted cylinder design, complete with rear exhaust and forward-mounted intake system, provides optimized mass centralization and power output.
Yamaha wins the MotoGP triple crown of manufacturer, team and rider championship titles for third consecutive year.
The YZ450F adopts a bold new design – its distinct rearward-slanted cylinder design, complete with rear exhaust and forward-mounted intake system, provides optimized mass centralization and power output.
2011
Assembled in the USA
Yamaha announces that the majority of Yamaha’s ATV manufacturing worldwide will be moving to the United States by 2013.
New Intelligent Machinery group company is established to expand surface mounter sales in Europe and the USA.
Yamaha announces that the majority of Yamaha’s ATV manufacturing worldwide will be moving to the United States by 2013.
New Intelligent Machinery group company is established to expand surface mounter sales in Europe and the USA.
2013
Helm Master system
The Helm Master system is introduced for larger boats with multiple Yamaha outboard motors, providing electronic control of all steering, gear shifting and throttle functions, etc. Its joystick enables 360-degree control and turning of the boat at low speeds for unmatched maneuverability and docking.
Yamaha introduces the Yamaha Star Bolt 950cc V-twin cruiser.
The Helm Master system is introduced for larger boats with multiple Yamaha outboard motors, providing electronic control of all steering, gear shifting and throttle functions, etc. Its joystick enables 360-degree control and turning of the boat at low speeds for unmatched maneuverability and docking.
Yamaha introduces the Yamaha Star Bolt 950cc V-twin cruiser.
2015
The YZF-R1M is introduced
The YZF-R1M is introduced, featuring a sophisticated electronics control package that includes Yamaha’s Communication Control Unit (CCU).
Yamaha introduces the RiDE system in the WaveRunner product line, the world's first dual throttle handlebar controls on a personal watercraft.
Yamaha Motor Ventures and Laboratory Silicon Valley Inc. (YMVSV) established in the U.S.
The YZF-R1M is introduced, featuring a sophisticated electronics control package that includes Yamaha’s Communication Control Unit (CCU).
Yamaha introduces the RiDE system in the WaveRunner product line, the world's first dual throttle handlebar controls on a personal watercraft.
Yamaha Motor Ventures and Laboratory Silicon Valley Inc. (YMVSV) established in the U.S.
2016
Drive2
Yamaha Golf-Car Company introduces the Drive2. Featuring the quietest gas-powered engine in golf car history, bold new colors and new body styling, it’s quieter and more luxurious, and offers more value than ever
Yamaha Golf-Car Company introduces the Drive2. Featuring the quietest gas-powered engine in golf car history, bold new colors and new body styling, it’s quieter and more luxurious, and offers more value than ever
2016
The YXZ1000R Side-by-Side Launches
Yamaha introduces the YXZ1000R, the world’s first true sport Side-by-Side.
Yamaha introduces the YXZ1000R, the world’s first true sport Side-by-Side.
2017
UMAX Light Utility Vehicle
Yamaha Golf-Car Company introduces the new UMAX Light Utility Vehicle to be the best off the course.
Yamaha Golf-Car Company introduces the new UMAX Light Utility Vehicle to be the best off the course.
2018
Navione
Yamaha releases NAVIONE, an innovative and intuitive wheelchair power assist system that can enable manual wheelchair users to expand the range of their day-to-day lives.
Yamaha introduces the XTO Offshore Extreme 425 HP V8 Outboard Motor.
Yamaha introduces the big-bore Star Venture and Star Eluder Transcontinental Touring Model Motorcycles.
The NIKEN is released, introducing the revolutionary LMW chassis with two front tires leaning in unison, providing unparalleled rider confidence across a wide range of road conditions with double the available front wheel grip for exceptional stopping power, cornering confidence, rider comfort and impeccable road manners.
Yamaha introduces a line of power assist bicycles.
Yamaha releases NAVIONE, an innovative and intuitive wheelchair power assist system that can enable manual wheelchair users to expand the range of their day-to-day lives.
Yamaha introduces the XTO Offshore Extreme 425 HP V8 Outboard Motor.
Yamaha introduces the big-bore Star Venture and Star Eluder Transcontinental Touring Model Motorcycles.
The NIKEN is released, introducing the revolutionary LMW chassis with two front tires leaning in unison, providing unparalleled rider confidence across a wide range of road conditions with double the available front wheel grip for exceptional stopping power, cornering confidence, rider comfort and impeccable road manners.
Yamaha introduces a line of power assist bicycles.
2019
UMAX Rally™ and UMAX Rally 2+2
Yamaha Golf-Car Company harnessed the speed of our motorcycles, the power of our WaveRunners®, the durability of our outboard motors, the pure grit of our all-terrain vehicles, and the skillfully engineered quietness of our golf cars to create the new UMAX Rally™ and UMAX Rally 2+2. With a lifted suspension and 23” tires the UMAX goes where no other Light Utility Vehicle can.
Yamaha Golf-Car Company harnessed the speed of our motorcycles, the power of our WaveRunners®, the durability of our outboard motors, the pure grit of our all-terrain vehicles, and the skillfully engineered quietness of our golf cars to create the new UMAX Rally™ and UMAX Rally 2+2. With a lifted suspension and 23” tires the UMAX goes where no other Light Utility Vehicle can.