10 Yamaha Motorcycles That Still Punch Above Their Weight 

A certain Team Blue introduced its first motorcycle in 1954, the YA-1, heavily inspired by the German DKW RT125. From those humble beginnings, Yamaha has grown into one of Japan’s Big Four, with a unique, wild personality about it. This company has built some of the most iconic motorcycles across almost every category, from laid-back cruisers to cutting-edge superbikes. Look at the hall of fame in nearly any segment, and you’ll probably find a Yamaha somewhere near the top.

It has managed to achieve this with its extensive R&D, rich racing pedigree, and a fun-first approach to motorcycling. But what makes some Yamaha motorcycles even more special is that they punch above their weight. Here are ten such examples, ranging from humble dual-sports to a near-200-horsepower power cruiser, with a few vintage icons that remain relevant in 2025.

In order to give you the most up-to-date and accurate information possible, the data used to compile this article was sourced from Yamaha Motorsports, and other authoritative sources.

Yamaha TW200

Starting Price: $4,999

The Yamaha TW200 is a one-of-a-kind dual-sport that doesn’t focus on tall suspension and skinny wheels. Instead, it features a low seat height with an equally low center of gravity, paired with chonky rubber and relatively long-travel suspension. The result is a trail bike that’s as easy to ride as a dual-sport can get. Sure, it won’t handle technical terrains like a proper off-roader, but that’s missing the point. This bike is aimed squarely at those who want to explore the back country without living out their Dakar dreams. It’s a simple machine for a simple job: go over everything that comes its way with ease.

Performance Specs

Yamaha XT500 Enduro (1976 to 1989)

Used Price: $5,000 and up (for good condition examples)

The good ol’ XT500 Enduro is one of the best old-school dual-sports you can get your hands on today. It is synonymous with durability and off-road ability, thanks to its simple thumper engine that produces plenty of torque and runs with minimal maintenance. Even the frame is light and suspended on a simple, long-travel suspension. Don’t let its age fool you, though; it once dominated Paris Dakar and Paris Abidjan Nice rallies and, even today, they are found jumping about on trails. Today, the prices are all over the place for this bike, with rust box examples going for as low as $200 while well-maintained ones costing over $5,000.

Performance Specs

Yamaha XT250

Starting Price: $5,499

Such motorcycles are becoming increasingly hardcore each year, closing the gap with proper enduro motorcycles. While it’s great to have such an off-road focus, it does come at a cost of practicality, simplicity, and approachability. That’s where the XT250 comes in. It’s a simple, old-school thing with a humble single-cylinder engine, simple steel frame, and basic suspension. It’s forgiving of beginner mistakes and simple to work on without sacrificing its off-road capabilities. It can still keep up with modern dual sports under an experienced hand.

Performance Specs

Yamaha V-Max (2009 to 2020)

Used Price: $10,000 and up

The Yamaha V-Max is one of the most legendary motorcycles ever created, known for setting a benchmark for power cruisers. It is powered by a monstrous V4 engine that produces tire-melting power figures that give it supercar-levels of acceleration. It matches this near-200-horsepower character with a unique design that looks right out of a Mad Max movie. Put simply, the V-Max isn’t just a fast cruiser; it is a quick motorcycle that can outrun most things on the road. And the best part? This iconic power cruiser can be yours for as low as $10,000 today!

Performance Specs

Yamaha XSR900

Starting Price: $10,599

Modern retro motorcycles often sacrifice performance for simplicity and nostalgia, and the XSR900 fixes that problem. It offers modern performance and features wrapped up in retro styling. This is also a terrific alternative to the MT-09, thanks to its less polarizing design. Power comes from a versatile CP3 engine that’s known for its meaty mid-range and searing top-end. Then there are fully adjustable KYB suspension, Brembo radial brake calipers, SpinForged wheels, and a six-axis IMU. It’s a sleek, minimalistic retro-styled motorcycle that performs way better than its design would hint.

Performance Specs

Yamaha MT-09

Starting Price: $10,799

The current-generation MT-09 is the sharpest and smartest it’s ever been, and while its transformer-ish design may polarize some, you can’t deny its practicality and capability. The CP3 crossplane engine is powerful enough for sporty sessions without sacrificing everyday practicality. As a result, it sits bang in the middle of excessive super nakeds and middleweights that are not sporty enough. And if you want more, you can even go for the SP variant, which features fully adjustable Ohlins suspension, Brembo Stylema brake calipers, and advanced electronics.

Performance Specs

Yamaha Tenere 700

Starting Price: $10,999

Few adventure motorcycles punch above their weight (or should we say under their weight?) quite like the Tenere 700. On the surface, it’s a simple middleweight ADV with a peppy CP2 parallel-twin engine, lightweight chassis, and long-travel suspension. Give it to an experienced rider, and the Tenere 700 can transform into a proper dirt bike, despite its ADV clothing. In fact, this ADV has even bagged a couple of hard enduro races that are typically dominated by lightweight two-stroke dirt bikes! It’s a rare bike that bridges the gap between adventure bikes and dual sports.

Performance Specs

Yamaha Tracer 9

Starting Price: $12,599

The Yamaha Tracer 9 is yet another CP3-powered motorcycle, combining the engine’s versatile character with long-distance comfort. This one’s got a dual personality. For example, the CP3 engine can sit at highway speeds for hours and rev up to the redline when the occasion calls for it. You can tune the fully adjustable suspension to suit your mood, while wind protection, a Matrix headlamp with cornering function, and standard luggage ensure long-distance comfort. All of this comes at a tempting price that undercuts the competition by a considerable margin, too!

Performance Specs

Yamaha FJR1300ES

Starting Price: $18,299

The Yamaha FJR1300ES is perhaps the most underrated and understated tourer you can get your hands on. It doesn’t scream for attention, but give it a chance, and it will surprise you with its comfort-first approach. Its highlight is that the electronic suspension makes it easy to find the right setting at the push of a button. Then there are all the adjustable bits, including the windscreen, side fairings, handlebars, pegs, and seat, helping you find the right ergonomic setup. Rounding out the package is an age-old yet powerful inline-four engine with adjustable mapping, heated grips, cornering lights, and plentiful storage. It’s easily one of the most sensible and comfortable choices in the touring segment that often goes overlooked.

Performance Specs

Yamaha YZF-R7 OW02

Auction Price: $53,500

The Yamaha YZF-R7 OW02 is the ultimate supersport you can buy with a Yamaha logo on it. It features a race-ready inline-four engine with a three-axis layout, titanium connecting rods, and twin injectors. That’s paired with an aluminum Deltabox II frame and fully adjustable Ohlins suspension. This old-school R7 would crush most modern supersports, including the R7, with its track-ready performance. Since this was a homologation special, each motorcycle was hand-built in Japan, and out of 500 units ever produced, only 50 of them made it to the States. As a result, it’s also the most expensive Yamaha motorcycle you can buy today!

Performance Specs