A certain Team Blue introduced its first motorcycle in 1954, the YA-1, heavily inspired by the German DKW RT125. From those humble beginnings, Yamaha has grown into one of Japan’s Big Four, with a unique, wild personality. This company has built some of the most iconic motorcycles in almost every category, from laid-back cruisers to cutting-edge superbikes. Look at the Hall of Fame in just about any segment, and you’ll probably find a Yamaha somewhere near the top.
It has managed to achieve this thanks to its extensive R&D, rich racing history and fun approach to motorcycling. But what makes some Yamaha motorcycles even more special is that they punch above their weight. Here are ten such examples, ranging from a simple dual-sport to a power cruiser with almost 200 horsepower, with a few vintage icons that remain relevant in 2025.
To provide you with the most current and accurate information, the data used to compile this article was obtained from Yamaha Motorsports and other authoritative sources.
Yamaha TW200
Starting price: $4,999
The Yamaha TW200 is a unique dual-sport that does not focus on high suspension and thin wheels. Instead, it has a low seat height with an equally low center of gravity, combined with firm rubber and relatively long suspension travel. The result is a trail bike that’s as easy to ride as a dual-sport can be. Sure, it can’t handle technical terrain like a true off-roader, but that misses the point. This bike is aimed squarely at those who want to explore the hinterland without fulfilling their Dakar dreams. It’s a simple machine for a simple job: processing everything that comes its way with ease.
Performance Specifications
Engine type | Single cylinder |
|---|---|
Displacement | 196cc |
Frame type | Tubular steel |
Assets | 16 hp |
Torque output | 11 LB-FT |
Control weight | 278 pounds |
Yamaha XT500 Enduro (1976 to 1989)
Price Used: $5,000 and up (for good condition examples)
The good old XT500 Enduro is one of the best old-school dual-sports you can get your hands on today. It’s synonymous with durability and off-road capability, thanks to its simple thumper engine that produces plenty of torque and runs with minimal maintenance. Even the frame is light and hung on a simple, long-travel suspension. Don’t let his age fool you, though; it once dominated the Paris Dakar and Paris Abidjan Nice rallies and even today they are still found jumping around on paths. Today, prices for this bike are all over the place, with rustbox examples going as low as $200, while well-maintained examples cost upwards of $5,000.
Performance Specifications
Engine type | Single cylinder |
|---|---|
Displacement | 499cc |
Frame type | Half-duplex holder |
Assets | 32 hp |
Torque output | 28.91 LB-FT |
Control weight | £308.6 |
YamahaXT250
Starting price: $5,499
Such motorcycles are becoming more and more hardcore every year, closing the gap with true enduro motorcycles. While it’s great to have such an off-road focus, it comes at the expense of usability, simplicity and accessibility. That’s where the XT250 comes into the picture. It’s a simple, old-fashioned thing with a modest single-cylinder engine, a simple steel frame and basic suspension. It’s forgiving of rookie mistakes and easy to work on without sacrificing its off-road capabilities. Under an experienced hand it can still keep up with modern dual sports.
Performance Specifications
Engine type | Single cylinder |
|---|---|
Displacement | 249cc |
Frame type | Diamond type |
Assets | 19 hp |
Torque output | 15 LB-FT |
Control weight | 291 pounds |
Yamaha V-Max (2009 to 2020)
Price Used: $10,000 and up
The Yamaha V-Max is one of the most legendary motorcycles ever made and is known for setting a benchmark for power cruisers. It is powered by a monstrous V4 engine that produces tire-melting power that gives it supercar levels of acceleration. It combines this nearly 200 horsepower character with a unique design that looks straight out of a Mad Max movie. Simply put, the V-Max isn’t just a fast cruiser; it’s a fast motorcycle that can outrun most things on the road. And the best part? This iconic power cruiser can be yours today for just $10,000!
Performance Specifications
Engine type | Q4 |
|---|---|
Displacement | 1,679 cc |
Frame type | Aluminum double girder |
Assets | 197 hp |
Torque output | 123 LB-FT |
Control weight | 683 pounds |
0 to 60 mph | 2.7 seconds |
Top speed | 150 mph (limited) |
YamahaXSR900
Starting price: $10,599
Modern retro motorcycles often sacrifice performance for simplicity and nostalgia, and the XSR900 solves that problem. It offers modern performance and features wrapped in retro style. This is also a great alternative to the MT-09, thanks to its less polarizing design. Power comes from a versatile CP3 engine known for its meaty midrange and blistering top end. Then there’s the fully adjustable KYB suspension, Brembo radial brake calipers, SpinForged wheels and a six-axis IMU. It’s a sleek, minimalist retro-style motorcycle that performs much better than its design suggests.
Performance Specifications
Engine type | CP3 inline triple |
|---|---|
Displacement | 890cc |
Frame type | Delta box aluminum |
Assets | 117 hp |
Torque output | 68.6 LB-FT |
Control weight | 432 pounds |
YamahaMT-09
Starting price: $10,799
The current generation MT-09 is the sharpest and smartest it’s ever been, and while its transformer-like design may polarize some, you can’t deny its usability and capabilities. The CP3 crossplane engine is powerful enough for sporty sessions without sacrificing everyday usability. The result is that he’s stuck in the middle between over-the-top supernakeds and middleweights who aren’t sporty enough. And if you want more, you can even opt for the SP variant, which features fully adjustable Ohlins suspension, Brembo Stylema brake calipers and advanced electronics.
Performance Specifications
Engine type | CP3 inline triple |
|---|---|
Displacement | 890cc |
Frame type | Controlled Filling (CF) cast aluminum diamond type |
Assets | 117 hp |
Torque output | 68.6 LB-FT |
Control weight | £425 |
Yamaha Tenere 700
Starting price: $10,999
Few adventure motorcycles punch above their weight (or should we say below their weight?) like the Tenere 700. On the face of it, it’s a simple middleweight ADV with a punchy CP2 parallel-twin engine, lightweight chassis and long-travel suspension. Give it to an experienced rider and the Tenere 700, despite its ADV clothing, can transform into a real dirt bike. This ADV even has a few tough enduro races to its name, which are usually dominated by lightweight two-stroke dirt bikes! It’s a rare bike that bridges the gap between adventure bikes and dual-sports.
Performance Specifications
Engine type | CP2 parallel twin |
|---|---|
Displacement | 689cc |
Frame type | Double cradle tube steel |
Assets | 73 hp |
Torque output | 50.15 lb-ft |
Control weight | 452 pounds |
Yamaha Tracer9
Starting price: $12,599
The Yamaha Tracer 9 is yet another CP3-powered motorcycle, combining the versatile nature of the bike with long-distance comfort. This one has a dual personality. For example, the CP3 engine can sit at highway speed for hours and accelerate to the redline when the occasion calls for it. You can tailor the fully adjustable suspension to suit your mood, while wind protection, a Matrix headlight with cornering function and standard luggage ensure long-distance comfort. All this at a tempting price that also undercuts the competition by a significant margin!
Performance Specifications
Engine type | CP3 inline triple |
|---|---|
Displacement | 890cc |
Frame type | Diamond frame |
Assets | 117 hp |
Torque output | 68.6 LB-FT |
Control weight | 483 pounds |
Yamaha FJR1300ES
Starting price: $18,299
The Yamaha FJR1300ES is perhaps the most underrated and understated tourer you can get. It doesn’t scream for attention, but give it a chance and it will surprise you with its comfort-oriented approach. The highlight is that the electronic suspension makes it easy to find the right setting at the touch of a button. Then there are all the adjustable parts, including the windshield, side fairings, handlebars, pegs and saddle, that help you find the right ergonomic setup. The package is completed with an age-old but powerful inline-four engine with adjustable mapping, heated grips, cornering lights and ample storage space. It’s easily one of the most sensible and comfortable choices in the touring segment, which is often overlooked.
Performance Specifications
Engine type | Inline-four |
|---|---|
Displacement | 1,298 cc |
Frame type | Twin-spar aluminum |
Assets | 142 hp |
Torque output | 102 LB-FT |
Control weight | 644 pounds |
Yamaha YZF-R7 OW02
Auction price: $53,500
The Yamaha YZF-R7 OW02 is the ultimate supersport that you can buy with a Yamaha logo on it. It features a race-ready inline-four engine with three shafts, titanium connecting rods and dual injectors. This is accompanied by an aluminum Deltabox II frame and fully adjustable Ohlins suspension. This old-school R7 would crush most modern supersports, including the R7, with its track-ready performance. Because this was a homologation special, each motorcycle was hand-built in Japan, and of the 500 examples ever produced, only 50 made it to the United States. This also makes it the most expensive Yamaha motorcycle you can buy today!
Performance Specifications
Engine type | Inline-four |
|---|---|
Displacement | 749cc |
Frame type | Aluminum Deltbox II |
Assets | 104.55 hp |
Torque output | 53.54 LB-FT |
Control weight | £388.01 |
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