Posted June 17, 2005 Email this page

Yamaha celebrates golden anniversary

At the Yamaha dealer show in Las Vegas recently, the company celebrated its 50th anniversary by bringing in 38 significant bikes from its past, and 32 past and current champions (right) who rode some of those bikes.

The motorcycles were aligned on either side of the entranceway to the new bike showroom, allowing dealers and visitors the chance to take a step back in time and see the progress Yamaha has made through the years.

Current Yamaha racers and champions were lined up in the main showroom to sign autographs and posters. Even Chad Reed (right), current contender in the AMA Motocross Championship presented by FMF, was on hand after breaking Ricky Carmichael's moto win streak by finishing 1 and 2 in Southwick, Massachusetts, just the day before.

Yamaha execs reiterated to the dealers their commitment to be champions on the street and track for another 50 years, and then turned the party over to the two headliners for the evening, the B-52s (left) and Huey Lewis and the News. The dance floor filled and the party went straight to redline.

Below are a few of the antique bikes that were on display and the descriptions provided by Yamaha.

YA-1 — The first Yamaha model ever produced. Unique features included a cantilever seat, plunger rear suspension and a glove compartment in the fuel tank area. Circa 1955.
Before and after—the YA-1 with a new Stratoliner in the background.	A fishtail exhaust when fishtails were more than a design exercise.
The tuning fork as a fender ornament. A gorgeous piece that would look great on any retro-styled bike today.	Built in 1955, the YA-1 was a street bike powered by a 125cc, single-cylinder, two-stroke engine.

XS650 Special — recognizing the growing demand for cruiser styling in the 1970s, the U.S. product development team went to work to create the first cruiser specifically for the American rider—this bike was the result of those efforts. Circa 1980.	RZ350 — A true milestone sportbike, the lightweight 350cc two-stroke was offered in white/red and as the Kenny Roberts signature model. Liquid cooling and the Yamaha Power Valve System (YPVS) added exceptional performance. Circa 1985.
XS-1 — The first Yamaha 4-stroke model. It was powered by a "rock-solid" 653cc vertical twin engine. It became extremely popular due to its reliability, clean styling and high level of rider enjoyment. Circa 1970.	JT-1 — The Mini Enduro. With a 58.2cc engine mated to a four-speed transmission and 15-inch wheels, this bike delivered the right look and performance to the up-and-coming generation of young dirt bike enthusiasts. Circa 1971.
DT-1 — This bike made a huge impact on motorcycling in the U.S. because it was truly dirt worthy. The 250cc, single-cylinder, two-stroke Enduro put Yamaha On/Off-Road motorcycles on the map in the U.S. Circa 1968.	Tri-Moto 175 — Following the success of the first Tri-Moto 125 a year earlier, the YT175J added a peppy 171cc two-stroke engine and front suspension. Circa 1982.
	YDS2 — Yamaha's reputation for performance early on was built on its string of twin-cylinder street 2-stroke models. This 250 (left and above) was part of the reason for that success.. Circa 1962.
YZM400F — History was made when Doug Henry piloted his handmade factory YZM400F to the first-ever four-stroke AMA National Motocross Series win. Circa 1997.	YDS3C — This spirited 249cc Catalina two-stroke twin was one of the early models using the revolutionary Autolube oil injection that eliminated premixing oil and fuel. Circa 1966.
YZR500 — Kenny Roberts' championship-winning motorcycle. Circa 1980.	YZR500 — In its 30 years of world racing dominance, the YZR500 constantly evolved, serving as the testing ground for many bold advancements, including YPVS, the Deltabox frame and and bottom-link rear suspension. The bike started as an inline four, then a square four, the bike eventually became a V-4 like this OW98 ridden by Eddie Lawson. Circa 1988.
FZ750 — Some motorcycles simply redefine state of the art. The FZ750 Genesis engine was the first with five-valve cylinder heads and 45 degree forward-leaning cylinders for a near 50/50 weight distribution and nearly straight intake tracks. Circa 1985.	YZ250 — Marty Tripes won the "Superbowl of Motocross" at the Los Angeles Coliseum in July 1972, considered the first-ever true stadium AMA Supercross race. This 1974 YZ has been specially reworked to commemorate the 1972 bike Tripes rode to that historic win. Circa 1972.

Seca 650 Turbo — The only production turbocharged Yamaha. The beefed-up 653cc engine used the world's smallest turbocharger, capable of 210,000 rpm operation and pressurized carburetion. A wind-tunnel-shaped full fairing was standard equipment to reduce wind resistance and add visual appeal. Circa 1983.	TT500 — This 499cc thumper offered a wide powerband with abundant torque. It used a dry-sump engine, with a 5-speed transmission, and had a reasonable (for its time and size) 262-pound dry weight. Circa 1976.