Yamaha Motor is a well-known name in the powersports world. They are also known for other product lines like musical instruments, electronics and even unmanned helicopters.
The company began with a repair shop for reed organs in 1887. The tuning fork in their logo represents the company’s musical roots.
Motorcycles
Yamaha’s motorcycles have a long history of success. Founded by Torakusu Yamaha as a reed organ repair shop, the company expanded into motor vehicles later on. Its first motorcycle was the YA-1, which was powered by a two-stroke engine. Its success led to the company opening up its first offices and dealerships worldwide.
The YA-1 was followed by the YD-1, which featured a double downtube cradle frame and a 250cc two-stroke twin cylinder engine. Its success in racing and sales also led to the company opening its first international offices in Thailand and the Netherlands.
The Yamaha logo has undergone several changes over the years, but one constant remains – a tuning fork. This symbol pays homage to the company’s musical roots and reflects its engineering, production and sales divisions. The company carries on this tradition to this day with their current three-fork logo.
Scooters
Yamaha’s scooter lineup was beginning to show its age by the early 2000’s. The Jog and Riva had been around since the late 80’s and a sharp new generation was due for introduction. For the USA market, a completely overhauled version of the CW50 was offered with the Zuma name plate while in Canada the same model was sold as a BWs or BeeWee.
For 2024 Yamaha rolled most of their scooter models over unchanged other than adding the TMAX back to the lineup after an 8 year hiatus. They also added a new color for the XMAX and gave a fresh coat of paint to the 125cc YS200. The YS200 was previously offered under the Beluga and Riva 125 names in Europe. This new model is called the YS250 in Japan. It is also known as the YS185 in other markets.
Outboard Motors
Yamaha outboard motors are engineered to last. They boast a 96 percent reliability rate.** In addition, the company offers several warranty options to keep your boat in top shape.
The company spin off from musical instrument manufacturing in 1955. Its first motorcycle was the YA-1, which was a 125cc two-cycle, single cylinder model. It was a competitive bike at racing from the start, winning a class victory in the Mt. Fuji Ascent that year.
The company sponsors professional ATV riders in both cross country and motocross racing. For example, Bill Ballance won 9 straight titles on the YFZ450. Traci Cecco also won 7 titles on the same model of ATV. The company also manufactures golf cars and WaveRunner personal watercrafts. It assembles these vehicles at the YMMC in Newnan, Georgia.
All Terrain Vehicles
The first all-terrain vehicle was produced by Yamaha in 1964, a two-cylinder, four-stroke model that competed with the popular British bikes of the time. This was followed by a variety of single and double-cylinder models.
The company also produces golf cars, personal watercraft, generators and other outdoor power equipment. Its facilities meet the highest quality and safety standards and are certified by ISO 9001 and ISO 14001 management systems.
The company recently transferred ATV production to its Newnan facility, making the US the largest market for the company’s ATVs and Side-by-Side vehicles. The move helped offset the rising value of the yen against the dollar and reduced shipping costs. YMMC is an important part of the local economy, and its employees’ dedication to quality has been reflected in numerous community service projects. The company’s factory and employees were featured in the season 19 premiere of the HISTORY Channel show Modern Marvels: Machines.
Snowmobiles
Snowmobiles are motor-driven vehicles that use a wide track to move forward and back (depending on the model). A two or four-stroke engine under a decorative hood drives the tracks. Snowmobiles are referred to as sleds, although they also have leading sets of skis for steering control.
Consumers seeking a new snowmobile have an enormous choice. Bombardier Recreational Products offers forty models under eleven categories, Arctic Cat thirty-eight arranged into four groupings and Yamaha twenty-one divided into six categories.
Before a snowmobile is marketed each engine is tested on eight engine dynos that simulate operating conditions, such as cold temperatures and altitude. Noise testing facilities are also impressive. Computer readouts tell technicians where sound is coming from, its formation and frequency. This information helps engineers to reduce or eliminate noise. The company also employs a team of testers to determine how offensive each type of noise is to the human ear.
Boats
Whether you’re an angler or a family cruiser, there’s a Yamaha boat that’s built for you. Featuring innovative features like DRiVE X for smooth, precise low-speed maneuvering and Simrad electronics, Yamaha boats offer premium comfort and performance.
YMFUS announces the launch of the Yamaha Marine Training Center at Arkansas State University-Beebe in Searcy, Arkansas. The facility provides a hands-on, college-style education for marine technicians and will help ensure the future of the company’s industry-leading outboard service.
YMFUS manufactures and markets outboard marine engines from 2.5 to 425 horsepower, fiberglass sport boats, WaveRunner personal watercraft and accessories. YMFUS also manages manufacturing divisions, including Kracor of Milwaukee, Wisconsin (rotational molding), Bennett Marine of Deerfield Beach, Florida (trim tabs) and Yamaha Precision Propeller of Indianapolis, Indiana (stainless steel propellers).
Outdoor Power Equipment
Yamaha is a leader in the manufacture of outdoor power equipment. They produce lawn mowers, generators, and snowmobiles. The company also produces golf carts, power-assist bicycles and surface mount technology machines. It is based in Cypress, California, and has two corporate offices in Georgia and facilities in Wisconsin and Alabama.
The company sponsors many professional ATV riders in motocross and cross country racing. They have a great deal of success in motocross, including winning the championship in 2008 and 2009 with Chad Reed and James Stewart riding YZ450Fs. They also have a successful cross-country program, with Bill Ballance and Traci Cecco racking up wins riding the YFZ450.
In addition to outdoor power equipment, Yamaha manufactures a wide range of musical instruments and marine products. Their products are sold all over the world. Yamaha’s newest mower, the MX825V-EFI E-Throttle, features built-in engine protection that reduces damage from conditions that can cause loss of power.
Race Kart Engines
The Newnan factory produces a range of golf cars, personal watercraft and Side-by-Side vehicles and has earned ISO9001 Quality Management System and ISO14001 Environmental Management System certifications. It also employs nearly 2,800 Americans in its corporate offices, field staff, distribution centers and factories.
If you’re just starting out on karting a 2 stroke engine may be a good idea until you’re ready for a rotary. However, you’ll need to understand that it will require specialty tools and clutch maintenance, especially over time.
The Star Eluder features a pair of dual alternators that produce an impressive 750 watts, enough to power the bike’s heated seats, audio system and lighting. Its class-leading 6.6 gallon fuel tank and upper and lower faring storage compartments provide ample space for gear. The bike also offers a variety of Drive Mode settings for optimum performance and control.
Gifts
Give the gift of Yamaha this holiday season. Whether they’re into motorcycles, outboard motors, all terrain vehicles, snowmobiles, boats, outdoor power equipment, race kart engines or gifts, there’s something for everyone on your list.
Help them progress, express and connect through music and sound this holiday with world-class Yamaha musical instruments. The company’s renowned pianos, wind and string instruments, electronic keyboards, guitars and drums as well as professional and home audio are sure to make a big impression this Christmas. Stocking stuffers like boat cleaning products or tools will keep the boater in your life out on the water longer this year. The Faster Sons apparel and gifts collection also makes a thoughtful gift for the mustachioed, tattoo-laden, biker in your life.
Apparel
Yamaha manufactures a wide range of apparel including motorcycle gear, riding attire and accessories. The company also produces music instruments like pianos and keyboards. The company is also known for its strong commitment to supporting musical activities worldwide.
The Yamaha logo has undergone several changes over the years but a tuning fork remains as the trademark of the company. This represents the roots of the company which started out as a reed organ repairing organisation in 1887.
The Newnan facility is an important contributor to the economy in the state of Georgia. It has received the highest certifications for quality, safety and environmental manufacturing in producing golf cars, personal watercrafts, side-by-side vehicles and all-terrain vehicles. The company also participates in EPA’s National Performance Track and the Georgia Department of Natural Resources P2 AD Partnership Program. These voluntary programs demonstrate the company’s commitment to go beyond regulatory compliance in environmental stewardship.
