Yamaha Logo

Brand History

The Yamaha Story

Yamaha Motor Company was established in 1955 as a spin-off from Nippon Gakki (the Yamaha musical instrument company), when president Genichi Kawakami repurposed wartime machinery to build motorcycles. Its first model, the YA-1 125cc two-stroke, won Japan's Mount Fuji Ascent Race and launched the brand's competition pedigree. Yamaha grew into one of the world's largest motorcycle manufacturers, known for models such as the RD and RZ two-strokes, the YZF-R1 superbike, and the MT series, alongside marine engines, ATVs, and racing success in MotoGP.

Logo History

Evolution Of The Yamaha Logo

1. 1955–present

   Yamaha Motor inherited the three crossed tuning forks emblem from parent Yamaha Corporation, referencing the company's musical instrument origins and symbolizing the bond between technology, production, and sales. The motor company renders the mark in a red circle with tuning forks that extend to the circle's edge, subtly distinguishing it from the music company's violet-toned version.

Model Evolution

Yamaha Through The Years

7 milestone models from 1955 to 2013.

1955

1968

1973

1976

1985

1998

2013