Yamaha Motorcycles

This is one of many illustrated classic motorcycle guides I've created for the community. I hope you enjoy it. If you wish to find out more about the classic Yamaha motorcycle art featured in this guide please click here.

Yamaha were a musical instrument manufacturer that had been founded in 1887 but diversified into motor cycle manufacture in 1955. Their first machine, the YA1 was a 125cc two-stroke based closely on the pre-war DKW RT125. It was soon followed by 175 and 250cc models. It was soon followed by 175 and 250cc models. By 1960, Yamaha were exporting to the US and developing specialized racing bikes. By the end of the 1960s, five World Championships had been won by riders using Yamaha machines. This guide celebrates six classic Yamaha models.

Yamaha XS 750

Produced: 1977-80

No. Cylinders: 3 

Bore x Stroke: 68 x 68.6mm 

Capacity:  747cc

Comp ratio:  9.2:1

Power Output:  68bhp @7,500rpm

Gearbox: 5-speed

Suspension: Front  teles

                     Rear  s/a

Brakes: Front  2 x 267 disc

               Rear    267 disc

Tyres: Front 3.25 x 19in

            Rear  4.00 x 18in

Wheelbase:  1,470mm (57.75in)

Weight: 238kg (525lb)

Top Speed: (approx) 120mph (193kph)

Yamaha XT500

Produced:  1976-89

No. Cylinders:  1

Bore x Stroke:  87 x 84mm 

Capacity:  499cc

Comp ratio:  9.0:1

Power Output:  28.2bhp @5,400rpm 

Gearbox:  5-speed

Suspension: Front  teles

                     Rear   s/a

Brakes: Front  180 drum 

               Rear   180 drum  

Tyres: Front  3.00 x 21in

            Rear  4.00 x 18in 

Wheelbase:  1,415mm (55.75in) 

Weight:  137kg (303lb)

Top Speed:  n/a

Yamaha RD 400

Produced: 1976-79

No. Cylinders:  2

Bore x Stroke:  64 x 62mm 

Capacity:  398cc

Comp ratio:  6.2:1

Power Output:  40bhp @7,500rpm 

Gearbox:  6-speed

Suspension: Front  teles

                     Rear  s/a

Brakes: Front  260 disc 

               Rear   180 drum 

Tyres: Front  3.00 x 18in

            Rear    3.50 x 18in

Wheelbase:  1,320mm (52in) 

Weight:  156kg (345lb)

Top Speed: (approx) 105mph (169kph)

Yamaha RD 350

Produced:  1973-76

No. Cylinders:  2

Bore x Stroke:  64 x 54mm 

Capacity:  347cc

Comp ratio:  6.6:1

Power Output:  39bhp @7,500rpm 

Gearbox:  6-speed

Suspension: Front  teles

                     Rear    s/a

Brakes: Front   300 disc

               Rear    180 drum 

Tyres: Front  3.00 x 18in

            Rear    3.50 x 18in

Wheelbase:  1,320mm (52in) 

Weight:  154kg (340lb)

Top Speed: (approx) 105mph (169kph)

Yamaha XS-1

Produced:  1969-72

No. Cylinders:  2

Bore x Stroke:  75 x 74mm 

Capacity:  653cc

Comp ratio:  8.7:1

Power Output:  53bhp

Gearbox:  5-speed

Suspension: Front  teles

                     Rear   s/a

Brakes: Front  192 drum 

               Rear   180 drum 

Tyres: Front  3.50 x 19in

            Rear    4.00 x 18in

Wheelbase:  1,410mm (55.5in) 

Weight:  199kg (439lb)

Top Speed: (approx) 105mph (169kph)

Yamaha YDS3C

Produced:  1964-67

No. Cylinders:   2

Bore x Stroke:   56 x 50mm

Capacity:  246cc

Comp ratio: 7.5:1 

Power Output:  24bhp @7,500rpm 

Gearbox:  5-speed

Suspension: Front  teles

                     Rear    s/a

Brakes: Front  180 drum 

               Rear    180 drum 

Tyres: Front  3.00 x 18in

            Rear    3.00 x 18in

Wheelbase:   1,320mm (52in)

Weight:  159kg (350lb)

Top Speed: (approx) 85mph (137kph)

Thank you for reading my guide and I hope you found it interesting!