Yamaha

The Yamaha XSR700 is easily one of the best motorcycles in the 650-700cc neo-retro segment, and a lot of the credit goes to its charming design. But what if we told you the motorcycle could get even sexier? Don’t believe us? Then, we suggest you read on and check out Velocity-moto’s new bespoke body kit for the XSR700 inspired by the iconic RD350.

Yamaha has taken the wraps off the 2023 R7 and R3. Both motorcycles gain a new color each which should help lure more customers. Sadly, like each year, the model-year update also comes with a small price hike.

Unlike Triumph, BMW, Ducati, or Moto Guzzi, Yamaha entered the retro - or ‘modern classic’ - field with a restyled version of a modern motorcycle - the three-cylinder MT-09. This approach gives the best of both worlds - a thoroughly modern bike with old-school looks. For 2022, the XSR900 is better than ever in every respect and deserves your attention.

Yamaha’s R1 family brings genuine racebike fun to the unwashed masses for a price that belies their capabilities. The base-model YZF-R1 and its even more race-tastic “M” variant come with MotoGP-level performance, and indeed are actually set up to be quickly converted for track use. A powerful liter-sized mill pushes the R1 family well into the stupidfast category with updated electronic subsystems, and of course, the synergy between the components makes the R1 family much greater than the sum of its parts.

Yamaha’s “MAX” family has long been among the leaders in top-shelf, metro-tastic scooters, and the factory extends that legacy yet again with the TMAX model. The upgraded wheels and suspension come wrapped in compact new bodywork for a fresh look and better handling than the outgoing generation. A light and efficient 560 cc engine complete the package.

The YZF-R7 is an enjoyable motorcycle as it is, yet Yamaha wants you to up the fun quotient even more. How? Well, with the company’s new accessory packs made especially for the supersport. Sold under Yamaha Genuine Accessories, there are two options to choose from - Style Pack and Adrenaline Pack - and here’s what each one packs:

Ever since its inception, the YZF-R1 has always been the flagship Yamaha bike and it has the credentials to back this up too. So when the Japanese marquee wanted to celebrate its 50th anniversary, the R1 was the pre-destined pick for a limited edition variant, and thus, birthed the Yamaha R1 50th-anniversary limited edition.

Only 500 examples of the special R1 ever went into production, making this an exquisite affair. However, if you want one, Iconic Motorbike Auctions has an immaculate piece up for grabs with just six miles on its odometer!

In the last five years, if there’s one rider who’s repeatedly given Marc Marquez a taste of his own medicine, it is Andrea Dovizioso. The Italian has prevailed over the Spaniard in multiple last corner battles, a feat only a few MotoGP riders can boast about. However, Dovi’s illustrious MotoGP career will come to end later this year, as confirmed by the rider himself. This isn’t the end of his racing career, though, as there are a few options he can explore hereon.

Ever since its debut in the 1970s, Yamaha’s Race Developed (or RD) lineup has had a cult following, and it’s only gotten stronger thanks to the tightening emission norms. Hence, pristine bikes (RD350 or RD400) either sell particularly well on the market or become a “keeper” for their owners. Fitting into the latter is Coti Sanders, who’s been riding two-stroke Yamahas since adolescence and was a fan of the RD400.

So when he got the opportunity, Sanders brought home a 1976 RD400 with the goal of making the bike as rideable and fun as ever. One thing led to another, and Coti ended up converting his RD400 into a stunning cafe racer that’s not only a riot to ride but can take on modern sportbikes with ease.

Yamaha plugs the hole in its YZF line between the R3 and R1 Supersports with the all-new-for 2022 YZF-R7 model. Power comes from the proven CP2 plant with a new LCD instrument bundle, all LED lighting, and adjustable KYB suspension as part of the stock equipment package. All of this comes built around the narrowest YZF platform that also incorporates the pilot’s body in the overall shape to maximize penetration. This is also the first YZF model to come stock with a slip-and-assist clutch for an extra layer of safety on the street, and even on the track if you’re into that sort of thing.

Yamaha expands its “Faster Sons” footprint in 2022 with the new XSR900 naked/roadster model. This sled has the distinction of relying on ’80s design inspiration for its looks, while under the hood, its performance chops are respectable with plenty of modern amenities and electronics to make it a thoroughly contemporary ride.

Yamaha expands its MT lineup with an all-new-in-2022, entry-level model, the MT-03. Previously available in other markets, it joins the MT-07, -09, and -10 within Yamaha’s hyper-naked range it touts as the “Dark Side of Japan.” The MT-03 toes the family line with minimalist appointments that waste not an ounce on superfluous details. Power delivery is both smooth and predictable to reinforce its rider-friendly nature. ABS protection provides an extra safety net to help make sure you keep it rubber side down.

MY2021 brings a ground-up rebuild for the existing Yamaha MT-09. The factory doubles the “09” lineup by adding the top-drawer MT-09 SP to the mix. A new engine rides in a new frame with new suspension components and ride-quality electronics to make this a genuinely new version of Yamaha’s second-largest “Master of Torque” model.

Part of Yamaha’s “Faster Sons” lineup, the XSR700 is based largely on the proven MT-07 platform. It is a reinterpretation of a vintage design for a modern-retro look, clearly meant to draw in the hipster/Millennial crowd, as well as those with an appreciation for classic design elements.

It’s not all about looks, though, the mill churns out a claimed 73.8 horsepower and 50.2 pound-feet of torque to push the 410-pound wet weight, so there’s no shortage of thrills to be had on Yamaha’s mid-size roadster.

At a price just over the $12k mark, the Yamaha YZF-R6 claims over 120 horsepower with a host of features to help riders manage the tremendous forces this sportbike generates. The 600 cc-ish bracket has been getting a little stale as of late between competition from the liter category and the burgeoning interest in the 300 cc bikes, so the updated version of a proven mid-size racetrack champ is exciting news indeed.

In the past year, Yamaha has overhauled the majority of its lineup, and next in line seems to be the company’s flagship sportbike, the YZF-R1. This is because Team Blue has registered a new motorcycle codenamed YZF1000W with a “New for 2023” tag beside it, as revealed by FIM documents gathered by Motorcycle.com.

The YZF-R125 is Yamaha’s smallest R-badged motorcycle, and it is a fairly important product for the company in European countries where new riders can only ride small bikes first, then progress to more powerful models.

So in an attempt to spruce up the bike, Yamaha has introduced a new Sport pack for the YZF-R125 that aims to make the bike sportier than usual. However, the reality is that it isn’t all that exciting.

Yamaha’s Ténéré line expanded down into the mid-range with the all-new-in-2021 Ténéré 700 (XTZ700). The “700” brings solid dual-sport capability to the adventure-touring range with an off-road bent that definitely favors soft terrain. Yamaha’s CP2 engine delivers the goods with a transmission and chassis tuned specifically for trips off the beaten path, much more so than its bigger brothers in the Super Ténéré family. After a race to the top, this model marks a new front in the battle for market supremacy as the factory seeks to fill in under the 1,200 cc units.

There are literally hundreds of motorcycles on the market today, for all different purposes and wallets. How do you choose? Well, for a start, you read a list like this one - Top Ten Best Motorcycles in 2022 - to give you some inspiration. Then you completely disagree and make up your own list.

Whether you’re just starting out in motorcycling or returning to riding after a few years away, there is a great choice of small bikes out there that don’t look or feel like small bikes. They will all remain attractive once the first months of learning to ride are over.

Whilst the bikes in this list are great for beginners, they also make great choices as second bikes to use to buzz around town instead of your gas-guzzling car. All of them make perfect alternatives to big bikes, for example in the adventure bike or touring categories.

What do beginners want from a motorcycle? They want a bike that doesn’t look or feel like a bike for beginners: they want a real motorcycle that will gain the respect of their fellow riders. It must be light and easy to handle, with not too much power to be intimidating while they are learning but not so little that they will soon tire of it when they get more experienced.

A real win for the manufacturers is that none of these bikes are seen by seasoned riders as beginners bikes: a lot of fun can be had on any of them, no matter your skill level.