Yamaha Motorcycles

Updated: May 18th, 2025

Updated May 2025

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" road bikes, scooters... basically, if there's a niche, Yamaha has a motorcycle or two to plug it.

Seeing beloved models get the axe is sad and disappointing, but additions like the Tenere 700 have taken the middleweight adventure bike world by storm. With its manageable size, power, and weight – not to mention its extremely attractive price – the bike has already earned itself a cult following.

Of course that's not all Yamaha has to offer. Here are just a few of our current favorites:

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.

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

Mid-sized is right-sized in the latest adventure bikes. The 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 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.

MT-09/MT-09SP

Consumers have come to love the middleweight nakedbike category and that’s due in part to bikes like the MT-09 and its up-spec counterpart, the MT-09SP. Offering thrilling performance from its 890cc CP3 three-cylinder engine, the MT-09 not only boasts a fun engine, but a capable chassis to go with it. Pair that with an electronics package derived from the same technology Yamaha uses in its racing program, and you have a recipe for a slim, svelte, performance bike that’s equally adept at taking you to work as it is carving up the twisties.

Not to mention, it looks good, too.

YZF-R9

If the MT-09 is all about nakedbike fun, then the long-awaited YZF-R9 delivers sportbike fans thrills in a package equally at home on the track or the street. Just like the MT-09, the heart of the R9 is the 890cc CP3 Triple, but the frame is new to better suit the demanding needs of the sportbike rider. You’ve got clip-on bars, a full-fairing complete with aerodynamic winglets, Brembo Stylema brake calipers, and an R1-derived electronics package that’ll make you feel more comfortable lapping faster and safer. Then, when you’re done at the track, click on the cruise control and the R9 will be just as capable taking you home in style.

Tracer 9 GT+

Yamaha knows how to do sport-touring, and its latest example of a fine sport-tourer is the Tracer 9 GT+. Based on the venerable CP3 890cc three-cylinder, the capable engine is mated to a chassis that’s somehow achieved the ability to be both sporty and comfortable. Not only is the engine fun and practical, but it also makes addicting sounds both from its intake and its exhaust. Its comfortable upright seating position makes it easy to chew up the miles with ease, and spacious saddlebags on both sides means you can pack your essentials away for a weekend getaway. More than just a sport-tourer, the Tracer 9 GT+ is a tech-forward sport-tourer, offering both electronic suspension and adaptive cruise control. The former changes its damping on the fly based on road conditions for a more comfortable ride, while the latter makes cruise control even more versatile than ever. It’s a brilliant choice if you’re taking the long way to practically anywhere.