Yamaha Motorcycles

Yamaha Motor Co., Ltd. — a Japanese manufacturer founded in 1955 as a spinoff of Yamaha Corporation (the musical instrument maker). Headquartered in Iwata, Japan. US operations run from Yamaha Motor USA in Cypress, California.

MT-07, MT-09, YZF-R1, YZF-R7, YZF-R3, Ténéré 700, and YZ450F — these are the models with the strongest demand and dealer support across the US.

Yes. Yamaha is known for exceptional engine longevity. CP2 and CP3 engines are widely documented past 100,000 miles with routine maintenance — oil changes every 5,000 miles and regular chain service.

Cheapest new Yamaha in the US for 2026: TW200 (~$4,599), MT-03 (~$5,199), YZF-R3 (~$5,499). Prices vary by dealer and region.

It depends on what you want. Yamaha leans into engineering character — crossplane crankshafts, uneven firing order. Honda leans into universal usability, low running costs, and the broadest dealer network. For track-day and sportbike use Yamaha usually wins; for touring and commuting Honda usually wins.