67 Vintage Yamaha Motorcycles You Have to See

Vintage Yamaha Motorcycles
Photo by Santa3

A motorcycle is more than just a way to get from point A to point B – it’s an experience. While some like sporty and aggressive rides, others prefer something roomier and comfortable. 

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It’s the latter crowd that makes vintage Yamaha motorcycles so popular. With their luxurious interiors and incredible features, these bikes will take you back in time with every ride.

Read on to find out which Yamaha models have made our list of the vintage Yamaha motorcycles of all time!

1. Yamaha RZV

Yamaha RZV
Yamaha Motor Co., Ltd.

The Yamaha RZV was first introduced in 1985 as a response to the Honda VFR750R. It was one of the first mass-produced motorcycles with a liquid-cooled V4 engine.

The RZV won several prestigious races, including the Isle of Man TT and the Macau Grand Prix.  It was discontinued in 1996, but its legacy remains in modern Yamaha vintage motorcycles like the R1 and R6.

2. Yamaha SC

The Yamaha SC was first introduced in 1968 as a street version of the company’s successful DT line of off-road motorcycles. It quickly became a popular choice for riders looking for a reliable and affordable bike that could handle both on and off-road riding.

Today, the SC is considered one of the most collectible vintage Yamaha motorcycles. It’s not hard to see why.

3. Yamaha SDR

The Yamaha SDR was a street-legal dirt bike produced in the early 1990s. It was one of the first bikes to be able to compete in both motocross and trial competitions. 

The SDR had a powerful two-stroke engine and could reach speeds of over 100 mph. Despite its success, the SDR was discontinued after only three years due to changes in emission regulations.

4. Yamaha SR

The Yamaha SR was first introduced in 1976 and was in production until 1985. It was a popular choice for those looking for a lightweight, nimble motorcycle that could still pack a punch. 

The SR had a cult following and remained among the popular vintage Yamaha motorcycles enthusiasts. If you’re lucky enough to find one, take a closer look!

5. Yamaha XJ

The Yamaha XJ was a series of motorcycles produced by the Japanese manufacturer Yamaha between 1976 and 2003. The XJ series had four main sub-series: the XJ650 Seca, the XJ550 Maxim, the XJ750 Seca, and the XJ900F. Air-cooled inline four-cylinder engines powered all four sub-series.

6. Yamaha V5

The Yamaha V5 was introduced in Japan in 1971 as the GX-6. It was a 125cc two-stroke twin with a 6-speed gearbox and kick start.

The V5 was similar to the Honda CB250 but with different styling.It had a red and white color scheme with Yamaha across the tank. The V5 was discontinued in 1973, but it remains one of the popular vintage Yamaha motorcycles today.

7. Yamaha V-max

The Yamaha V-max is a popular choice for vintage motorcycle enthusiasts. It was first introduced in 1985 and quickly became known for its unique design and powerful engine.

The V-max was produced until 2007, when the Yamaha Star Raider replaced it. Today, the V-max is considered a classic motorcycle and is highly sought after by collectors.

8. Yamaha U5

The Yamaha U5 was a 125cc two-stroke moped produced by the Japanese company from 1967 to 1971. It was similar in design to the earlier YL1 but with a smaller engine. The U5 had a claimed top speed of 60 km/h (37 mph).

9. Yamaha TZR

The Yamaha TZR was introduced in 1984 and was one of the first motorcycles in the world to feature a water-cooled, inline four-cylinder engine. The TZR quickly gained a reputation for being fast and agile.

It became a popular choice for racers and stunt riders alike. In 1987, Yamaha released the TZR250, which featured an even more powerful engine and updated suspension.

10. Yamaha TZ

Yamaha TZ is making the highly sought-after vintage Yamaha motorcycles. This two-stroke racing bike was first introduced in 1968 and quickly gained popularity among motorcycle enthusiasts.

The TZ was known for its high performance and unique design. It remains one of the most iconic Yamaha vintage motorcycles to this day. 

If you’re lucky enough to find one, be prepared to pay a pretty penny. These bikes are now collector’s items and can sell for tens of thousands of dollars.

11. Yamaha TY

The Yamaha TY was a series of motorcycles produced by the Japanese manufacturer Yamaha from 1974 to 1984. The TY50 was the first in the range, followed by the TY80, TY125, and TY175. 

All of the bikes in the range were two-strokes and featured drum brakes and air-cooled engines. The bikes were popular at the time and are now sought-after by collectors.

12. Yamaha TX

The Yamaha TX750 was produced from 1973 to 1974. It is considered one of the most important Japanese motorcycles of the 1970s. 

Also, it was the first Yamaha motorcycle with a four-cylinder engine and shaft drive and the first mass-produced Japanese motorcycle with disc brakes. The TX750 was well-received by the public and was praised for its reliability, affordability, and performance.

13. Yamaha TR

The Yamaha TR was a trail bike produced by Yamaha from 1974-1981. It was available in 125cc, 175cc, and 250cc versions. 

The TR was similar to the DT in that it had a single-cylinder, two-stroke engine, but it differed in that it had a five-speed gearbox instead of six. It was very successful off-road and won many championships in its class.

14. Yamaha TD

The Yamaha TD was a two-stroke, single-cylinder 125cc motorcycle produced by the Japanese company from 1969 to 1971. It was known for its simplicity and reliability.

Also, popular among the vintage Yamaha motorcycles with both beginners and experienced riders alike. 

The TD had a top speed of around 60 mph and could achieve up to 70 mpg. This makes it a great choice for those looking for an economical ride. The bike was also praised for its handling and maneuverability, making it a great choice for city riding.

15. Yamaha TT

The Yamaha TT was a motorcycle produced by the Japanese company Yamaha from 1983 to 1985. It was available in two versions: the standard TT600 and the higher-specification TT600S. 

Both versions were powered by a 595 cc four-stroke, air-cooled, DOHC inline-four engine, mated to a six-speed gearbox.

The suspension consisted of 38 mm telescopic forks at the front and twin shocks at the rear, while braking was handled by dual discs at the front and a single disc at the rear. 

Also, the bike had a steel tubular frame with an aluminum alloy swingarm. Wire-spoked wheels were fitted, shod with dual-purpose tires.

16. Yamaha T80 townmate

The Yamaha T80 Townmate was a scooter produced by the Japanese manufacturer Yamaha from 1986 to 1993. It was available in both standard and deluxe versions. The Townmate was powered by an air-cooled two-stroke 80 cc engine and had a CVT transmission.

17. Yamaha TA

The Yamaha TA was a two-stroke, twin-cylinder motorcycle produced by Yamaha from 1970 to 1971. It was a street-legal version of the company’s successful DT model line of off-road bikes. 

Although it was only in production for two years, the TA is considered one of the most collectible vintage Yamaha motorcycles.

18. Yamaha yz80

The 1974 Yamaha YZ80 is considered by many to be one of the best dirt bikes ever made. It was incredibly lightweight and nimble, with a powerful two-stroke engine that made it a blast to ride.

The YZ80 was so successful that it helped establish Yamaha as a major player in the motocross world. Today, the YZ80 is a highly sought-after collector’s item, and it’s not hard to see why. 

19. Yamaha AS1

The Yamaha AS1 was introduced in 1969 as the company’s first 125cc two-stroke. It quickly became a popular choice for budget-minded riders.

The AS1 featured a simple air-cooled, piston-port engine and a four-speed gearbox. It could reach up to 60 mph and got great gas mileage. The AS1 was discontinued in 1971 but remained a popular choice for vintage motorcycle collectors.

20. Yamaha AS2

The Yamaha AS2 was a 125cc two-stroke motorcycle produced by Yamaha from 1969 to 1971. It was similar to the YAS1, but with a four-speed gearbox instead of three and a larger fuel tank.

The AS2 was not as successful as the AS1, with only 15,000 sold in three years. However, it is still considered a classic today and one of the sought-after vintage Yamaha motorcycles by collectors.

21. Yamaha AS3

The Yamaha AS3 was a 250cc twin-cylinder two-stroke motocross bike produced by Yamaha from 1974 until 1976. It was very similar to the YZ250 that was released the following year. 

The AS3 was a very successful racing bike and won many championships in its day. If you’re lucky enough to find one of these bikes today, it will make a great addition to any collection.

22. Yamaha AT1

The Yamaha AT1 was introduced in 1969 as the company’s first All Terrain bike.  It had a 125cc engine and was designed to be lightweight and rugged, with high ground clearance and long travel suspension. 

The AT1 quickly became popular with riders who loved its go-anywhere capability and simple, reliable design. 

Today, the AT1 is among the highly sought-after vintage Yamaha motorcycles, and its classic looks continue to turn heads. 

If you’re lucky enough to find one in good condition, it’s worth adding to your collection.  The Yamaha DT1 was released in 1968 as the world’s first production Enduro bike.

23. Yamaha AT2

The Yamaha AT2 was a 125cc two-stroke motorcycle produced by Yamaha from 1969 through 1971. The AT2 was known as the Baby Bike and was similar in design to the larger bikes of the time. The AT2 was available in two colors: blue and orange. 

Also, if you want to buy a new version, it is $4,000 at secondhand dealers. It is not worth buying unless you are an avid collector because it doesn’t have enough power for road racing.

24. Yamaha AT90

The Yamaha AT90 was an Enduro motorcycle produced by the Japanese manufacturer Yamaha from 1974 to 1990. It had a 90cc, air-cooled, two-stroke engine and a five-speed gearbox. 

The AT90 was very popular in Australia and New Zealand during the 1970s. In 1981, the AT90 was replaced by the similar but more powerful XT200.

25. Yamaha CS2

The Yamaha CS2 is a true classic for vintage Yamaha motorcycles. This model was first released in the 1970s and quickly became a favorite among motorcycle enthusiasts. 

The CS2 features a sleek design and powerful engine, making it a joy to ride. If you’re lucky enough to find one of these bikes in good condition, take it for a spin!

26. Yamaha CS3

The Yamaha CS3 was a 200cc two-stroke street motorcycle made by Yamaha from 1969 to 1971. The CS3 was notable for using the then-new Autolube oil injection system, which automated adding oil to the fuel mix. This made the CS3 much easier to operate and maintain than the other two strokes of the time. It required manual premixing.

27. Yamaha CS5

The Yamaha CS5 is a two-stroke, 250cc street motorcycle made by Yamaha from 1971 to 1975. It was one of the last two strokes sold in the US market. Today it’s classified as a vintage bike with an estimated value of $1,000-$2,000.

28. Yamaha CT1

The Yamaha CT1 was a 175cc two-stroke trail bike produced from 1969 to 1971. It was equipped with a five-speed gearbox and could achieve speeds of up to 60mph.

The CT1 was popular among the vintage Yamaha motorcycles for its agility and lightweight design. This makes it a great choice for off-road riding. Today, the CT1 is considered a vintage motorcycle and is highly sought after by collectors.

29. Yamaha DS6

The Yamaha DS6 was popular among riders in the 1960s and 1970s. This motorcycle was known for its speed and power. The DS6 was also popular because it was one of the first motorcycles equipped with a disc brake. If you’re looking for vintage Yamaha motorcycles, the DS6 is a great option.

30. Yamaha DS7

The Yamaha DS7 was a 250cc two-stroke dual-sport motorcycle produced by Yamaha from 1972 to 1975. The DS7 was one of the first mass-produced two-stroke motorcycles and was very popular today. Today, the DS7 is a sought-after vintage motorcycle prized by collectors.

31. Yamaha DT1

The Yamaha DT1 was released in 1968 as the company’s first true off-road motorcycle. It featured a 250cc two-stroke engine and quickly gained popularity among motocross riders.

The DT1 was followed by a series of successful off-road bikes from Yamaha, including the DT2, DT3, and DT4. Today, these bikes are highly sought-after by collectors and can fetch high prices at auction.

32. Yamaha DT100

DT100 is a 2-stroke, 100cc off-road motorcycle that was first released in 1974. It quickly became popular for its simple design and reliability.

Today, the DT100 is considered a classic and is highly sought after by collectors. If you’re lucky enough to find one in good condition, it’s worth adding to your collection.

33. Yamaha DT50

The DT50 was a moped produced by Yamaha from 1974 until 1983. It had a 50cc two-stroke engine and could reach speeds up to 30 mph.

The DT50 was known for its reliability and easy maintenance, making it a popular choice for those looking for a first moped. It was available in various colors, including blue, red, and yellow.

34. Yamaha DT 175

The Yamaha DT 175 is a two-stroke enduro motorcycle that was first released in 1974. It quickly became popular for its lightweight and nimble handling. This made it a great choice for both novice and experienced riders alike.

The DT 175 was updated several times throughout its production run. The most notable change happened in 1979 when the bike received an updated engine and frame.

35. Yamaha F5

The Yamaha F5 was first introduced in 1974 as a replacement for the popular F3 model. It was available in two different engine sizes, 125cc and 175cc, and could reach speeds of up to 60mph. 

The F5 was known for its simple yet stylish design and was one of the most popular bikes of its time. Today, the Yamaha F5 is among the highly sought-after vintage Yamaha motorcycles by collectors and enthusiasts alike.

36. Yamaha FJ1100

The Yamaha FJ1100 was a sports bike produced from 1984 to 1985. It was the first Yamaha motorcycle with a four-cylinder engine and could reach speeds of up to 150 mph. 

It won several awards, including Bike of the Year by Cycle World in 1984. Today, the FJ1100 is considered a classic motorcycle and is popular among collectors and vintage bike enthusiasts.

37. Yamaha DT125

The Yamaha DT125 is a great option for those looking for vintage Yamaha motorcycles. It was first released in 1974 and was popular for its reliability and affordability.

The DT125 was discontinued in 2006, but you can still find them on the used market. It’s a great bike for beginners and experienced riders and is perfect for city riding and off-road adventures.

38. Yamaha FJ1200

The Yamaha FJ1200 is a stylish and timeless motorcycle that’s sure to turn heads. First released in 1984, the FJ1200 was ahead of its time with its water-cooled, 4-cylinder engine.

The FJ1200 was known for its excellent handling and raced successfully in the World Superbike Championship. Today, the FJ1200 is a highly sought-after motorcycle by collectors and enthusiasts.

39. Yamaha FS1

The Yamaha FS1 was a two-stroke motorcycle produced by Yamaha from 1970 to 1975. It was also known as the Fizzy or the Runt Rat due to its small size.

The FS1 was powered by a 49cc two-stroke engine with a top speed of around 60mph. It was very popular in Europe, especially in the UK, where it was one of its best-selling vintage Yamaha motorcycles.

40. Yamaha FS1E

The Yamaha FS1E, also known as the Fizzy, is a moped produced by Yamaha from 1973 until 1975. It was one of the first mass-produced mopeds and became very popular in Europe. 

The FS1E featured a 50cc two-stroke engine that could reach speeds up to 30 mph. It was lightweight and easy to ride, making it a great choice for commuters.

41. Yamaha FZ600

The Yamaha FZ600 was introduced in 1986 as a middleweight sportbike. It was powered by a 599cc DOHC inline-four engine with 68 horsepower and 45-foot pounds of torque.

The FZ600 had a six-speed gearbox, disc brakes front and rear, and a full fairing with dual headlights. It reached a top speed of 136 miles per hour and could accelerate from 0 to 60 miles per hour in 4.8 seconds.

42. Yamaha FZ700

The Yamaha FZ700 was a sport bike introduced by Yamaha in 1986. It was the first motorcycle in the popular FZ series. The FZ700 featured a four-cylinder, water-cooled engine with six-speed transmission and chain final drive.

The bike had a comfortable riding position and was easy to handle. This makes it a great choice for beginners and experienced riders alike.

43. YamahaFZR400

The Yamaha FZR400 was first introduced in 1986 and was produced until 1994. It was a lightweight sports bike powered by a 399cc DOHC inline-four engine.

The FZR400 could reach speeds of up to 150 mph and had a 0-60 time of 4.8 seconds. It was also fitted with Ohlins shocks and Brembo brakes. This makes it one of the great handling vintage Yamaha motorcycles.

44. Yamaha FZR750

The Yamaha FZR750 was a sports bike produced by Yamaha from 1984 to 1988. It was the first production motorcycle with a frameless, full-floating mono-shock rear suspension. 

The FZR750 was also the first mass-produced motorcycle with a single-sided swingarm. The bike was incredibly successful in racing, winning the Daytona 200 four times in a row from 1987 to 1990.

45. Yamaha FZX700

The Yamaha FZX700 was a motorcycle produced by Yamaha from 1984 to 1985. It was powered by a 700cc inline-four engine with a top speed of over 150 mph. 

The FZX700 was one of the first motorcycles equipped with anti-lock brakes. It was also one of the first production bikes to use fuel injection.

46. Yamaha GT80

The Yamaha GT80 was a motocross bike produced from 1974 to 1981. It was one of the first Yamahas built with an aluminum frame. 

The GT80 was powered by a two-stroke, air-cooled engine with a displacement of 79cc. It had a five-speed gearbox and could reach speeds of up to 60 mph. The bike weighed just over 200 pounds and had a fuel capacity of 2.5 gallons.

47. Yamaha H3

The Yamaha H3 was produced from 1974-1976 and is one of the rarest bikes on this list of Vintage Yamaha motorcycles. It’s a two-stroke, three-cylinder machine that was incredibly ahead of its time. 

The H3 was designed for long-distance touring and was fitted with many innovative features for its day. This includes an electric start, a six-speed gearbox, and a full fairing. Despite its incredible engineering, the H3 was never a commercial success, and only around 1,000 were made.

48. Yamaha HT90

The Yamaha HT90 was a stylish motorcycle produced by Yamaha in the 1970s. It was one of the first motorcycles to feature a liquid-cooled engine, and its design was inspired by British bikes of the era.

The HT90 was available in both two-stroke and four-stroke versions, and it quickly became a popular choice for riders looking for a fast and reliable bike. 

Today, the HT90 is considered a classic by many collectors. It remains one of the most sought-after vintage Yamaha motorcycles.

49. Yamaha LT5

The Yamaha LT5 was a two-stroke, enduro-style motorcycle produced by Yamaha from 1974-1975. It was available in 125cc and 175cc versions and was designed for off-road riding. 

The LT5 was equipped with a six-speed gearbox with a top speed of around 60 mph.  It was considered to be a very reliable motorcycle and was popular with both amateur and professional riders.

50. Yamaha MR50

The Yamaha MR50 is a 50cc two-stroke street motorcycle produced by Yamaha from 1973 until 1976. The similar but more refined DT50 then replaced it. The MR50 was one of the first production motorcycles with mono-shock rear suspension.

It had a quick-release seat which allowed the rider to easily access the gas tank for fueling without having to remove any body panels. The gas tank was uniquely shaped and unlike anything else on the market then.

51. Yamaha RT1

The Yamaha RT1 was a two-stroke, twin-cylinder motocross racing motorcycle. Yamaha produced it from 1970 through 1974. It featured an innovative mono-shock rear suspension.

Also, it quickly became one of the most dominant motorcycles on the motocross circuit. The RT1 is considered one of the most collectible vintage Yamaha motorcycles.

52. Yamaha RD80

The Yamaha RD80 was a two-stroke motorcycle produced by Yamaha from 1973 to 1975. It had a six-speed gearbox and could reach speeds of up to 60mph. 

It was popular for its time and is now considered a classic. If you’re lucky enough to find one, it’s worth checking out.

53. Yamaha RT2

The Yamaha RT2 was a powerful machine, and it still looks great. Its two-stroke engine provided plenty of power, making it a popular choice for riders looking for speed.

The RT2 was also known for its excellent handling, thanks to its lightweight design. Today, the RT2 is a highly sought-after motorcycle by collectors and riders.

54. Yamaha RD500

The Yamaha RD500 is a racing motorcycle made from 1984 to 1986. It was also known as the RZ500 in Canada and Australia. It was powered by a liquid-cooled, two-stroke V4 engine and had a six-speed gearbox. 

The RD500 was developed as a successor to the RD350LC. It won the Suzuka 8 Hours endurance race in 1985 and 1986.

55. Yamaha YZ

The Yamaha YZ is a two-stroke motocross race bike produced by Yamaha from 1974 until 2003. It was the bike that made Jeremy McGrath into the superstar that he is today. 

The YZ125 and YZ250 are still racing competitively to this day. If you’re looking for vintage Yamaha motorcycles that you can ride, the YZ is the way to go.

56. Yamaha YSR

The Yamaha YSR is a motorcycle produced by Yamaha from 1987 to 1992. It was designed as a lightweight sports bike with a two-stroke engine. The YSR was very popular in its day and won many races.

Today, the YSR is considered a classic motorcycle and is highly sought after by collectors. If you’re lucky enough to find one, the Yamaha YSR is a motorcycle you need to see!

57. Yamaha YR

The Yamaha YR was a two-stroke racing motorcycle produced by Yamaha from 1974 to 1976. It was very successful in motocross competitions, winning several world championships.

The bike was equipped with an air-cooled, reed valve-inducted, single-cylinder engine with a six-speed gearbox. 

Also, the chassis was made of twin cradle steel tubing with swingarm rear suspension. The YR was considered one of the most technologically advanced motocross bikes.

58. Yamaha YM

The Yamaha YM was a motorcycle produced by the Japanese company Yamaha from 1966 to 1971. It had a four-stroke, air-cooled DOHC engine with four valves per cylinder. The YM was one of the first production motorcycles with an oil cooler. 

It had a five-speed gearbox and could reach speeds of up to 100 mph. The bike was known for its lightweight and nimble handling.

59. Yamaha YL

The Yamaha YL was a moped produced by the Japanese company Yamaha from 1975 to 1977. It had a 50cc two-stroke engine and could reach speeds up to 30 mph. 

The YL was available in two colors: red and blue. It was a popular model and is now considered a classic.

60. Yamaha YC

The Yamaha YC was a line of motorcycles produced by the Yamaha Motor Company from 1974 to 1984. The YC-1 was the first motorcycle produced by Yamaha and was released in Japan in February 1954. 

The bike had a two-stroke, air-cooled 125cc engine and a top speed of 60 mph. The YC-2 followed in 1955 and was powered by a two-stroke, air-cooled 250cc engine.

61. Yamaha YD

The Yamaha YD was a 125cc, two-stroke, single-cylinder Enduro motorcycle produced by Yamaha from 1967 to 1971. It had a maximum speed of 60 mph and could travel up to 100 miles on a single gas tank. The YD was popular for its off-road capabilities and easy-to-maintain design.

62. Yamaha YG

The Yamaha YG was introduced in the early 1970s as a successor to the popular DT model. It was one of the first motorcycles to feature a mono-shock rear suspension. It would become a signature feature of Yamaha bikes for years to come. 

The YG was available in two- and four-stroke versions, with the latter being more popular in North America. It was also one of the first vintage Yamaha motorcycles sold with an optional fairing. This makes it perfect for long-distance touring.

63. Yamaha YC

The Yamaha YC was a series of mopeds produced by the Japanese company from 1974 until 1992. The bikes were known for their simple design and easy-to-use controls.

This made them a popular choice for beginners and experienced riders alike. The YC was available in various engine sizes, from 50cc to 125cc, and could reach speeds of up to 60 mph.

64. Yamaha YA

The Yamaha YA-1 was the first motorcycle produced by the company. It quickly established its reputation for quality engineering and design. The 125cc two-stroke engine delivered an impressive performance for its size. The bike became a favorite of both racers and commuters.

65. Yamaha XV

The Yamaha XV is a great choice for anyone looking for vintage Yamaha motorcycles. It’s comfortable, stylish, and handles well. Plus, it’s affordable, which makes it a great option for beginners. However, remember that the XV is no longer in production, so you’ll have to find one used.

66. Yamaha XT

The Yamaha XT was a trail bike manufactured by Yamaha from 1976 to 1981. It was available in two versions: the XT500 and the XT550. The XT500 was powered by a 499 cc, air-cooled, single-cylinder four-stroke engine, while the XT550 had a 558 cc engine. 

Both versions had five-speed gearboxes and chain drive. The XT500 won the inaugural Dakar Rally in 1979.

67. Yamaha XS

The Yamaha XS was a line of motorcycles produced by Yamaha from 1977 to 1982. The XS series included the XS650, XS750, and XS1100. The XS650 was a middleweight bike available in both standard and touring versions. 

The XS750 was a larger bike available in both standard and Special versions. The XS1100 was the largest bike in the lineup and was available in both standard and Special versions.

Conclusion

There’s no doubt that Yamaha has produced some incredible motorcycles over the years. But which ones are the best of the best? The above listed are our vintage Yamaha motorcycles that you have to see.

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