Yamaha makes some of the most competitive motorcycles on the planet. Most amateur motorcycle racers will opt for the YZF-R6 as their drug of choice when it comes to competing in the 600cc class.
While Yamaha's inline-four cylinders may not be the most reliable machines, they once produced more power than any other bike in its class, and in terms of suspension geometry, the bikes are reportedly unmatched. The R1 is a formidable bike to race against, delivering unimaginable speed, and is very responsive. Yamaha YZ dirt bikes are praised for having simple two-stroke engines that are easy to rebuild. Yamaha makes it all, and at the competitive level.
10 MT-09/SP
Less than $10,000 will buy a base MT-09. Yamaha has revised the MT-09 and has even come out with an additional trim level, the SP. New for this model year is the engine which burns cleaner and has four more horsepower. The MT-09 uses a 900cc inline-three with dual overhead camshafts and 11.5:1 compression.
Saving weight was Yamaha's plan with the MT-09, as the engine not only weighs less than its predecessor but the frame has been replaced with lighter aluminum. Additionally, the bike is equipped with rider aids including traction control, slide control, and wheelie control.
9 MT-07
Clocking in a little lighter than its previous generation is the MT-07. It uses a fuel-injected 700cc twin-cylinder engine with dual overhead camshafts, which provides lots of low-end power with a linear curve. A taller handlebar position offers a more diversified range of rider comfort.
Unlike the MT-09 the MT-07 uses a steel frame which Yamaha claims strengthen the chassis. Despite this typically hefty material the bike only weighs in at a lean 406 pounds wet. Also new for 2021 is bigger brakes and an LCD instrument display.
8 Bolt R-Spec
Yamaha did away with the standard trim level Bolt and stuck with the R-spec for 2021. Available only in black, Yamaha's standard position Bolt R-Spec comes equipped with a 942cc air-cooled V-twin with fuel injection and mated to a five-speed manual transmission.
Yamaha put extra attention into designing the combustion chamber, where it's designed to direct fuel to the center of the piston to maximize power. Aside from its exterior, the Bolt R-Spec didn't receive a great many changes for 2021.
7 Tenere 700
Yamaha graced adventure riders with the brand new Tenere 700 addition to its touring lineup. The Tenere uses a fuel-injected 700cc inline twin-cylinder engine that shares its design with the engine from the MT-07.
Also equipped on the bike is ABS which can be turned off if the rider desires, and suspension that can be adjusted to the moon. Adventure riders who opt for the Tenere 700 won't need to worry about fuel, as Yamaha touts its ability to stretch the fuel efficiency to 215 miles.
6 Hyper-EV Electric Motor Development
Yamaha developed an efficient electric motor it plans to throw into various kinds of vehicles. Yamaha's electric motor is compact and ensures the mechanical and electrical components are working in unison. Its output is 350kW, thus is more powerful than a Tesla Model 3 which operates at 258 kW in its AWD configuration. Its intended purpose is to power hyper-EVs, as well as other applications that need the power it's offering. Yamaha will showcase its hyper-EV motor at the Automotive Engineering Exposition on May 26.
5 Tracer 9 GT
Another model new for 2021 is the Tracer 9 GT. The GT is a sport-touring bike powered by a fuel-injected 890cc three-cylinder engine with dual overhead camshafts and 11.5:1 compression.
The bike features a new aluminum frame, electronically controlled KYB suspension, and the 6 axes inertial Measurement Unit (IMU) that includes traction, slide, and wheelie control. It also uses a brake control system, which modulates front and rear brake pressure. The bike also comes with cornering lights and saddlebags.
4 YZ250F
Yamaha flexed a bit when it released the 2021 YZ250F sporting some innovative features to its class. It uses a fuel-injected liquid-cooled four-stroke engine with a new cylinder head design, providing a powerband that lasts from mid to top range.
Yamaha has also included its own tuning software with the bike, where a rider can change the bike's tune from their smartphone. Also featured for 2021 are a new braking system, a newly tuned frame for stability, and improved parts including a beefier crankcase and more durable gears 3, 4, and 5.
3 WR450F
Yamaha continued its trend of improving on already exceptional dirt bikes with the 2021 WR450F. Weight has been reduced, engine internals was upgraded including aggressive camshafts, a higher compression piston, and a longer connecting rod.
It also features a redesigned LCD for reading speed, trip length and will warn the rider of low fuel consumption. Yamaha has made it easy to ride this bike in endurance settings as well. Riders can even purchase upgrades that actually improve the experience including an engine guard, a larger rear wheel and fuel tank, a steel rear sprocket, and an aluminum kickstand.
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2 YZ450FX
Yamaha's YZ450FX comes fully loaded with all the fixings for cross-country touring. Not only is it fuel injected to help prevent cold start headaches and improve fuel efficiency, but it also comes with Yamaha's Power Tuner software and adjustable engine mapping. Riders can choose which engine map to use, depending on the environment.
It's also electric-start, so more energy can be devoted to the ride, instead of pumping a starter. The YZ450FX is equipped with easily adjustable suspension as well. Yamaha has made dirt riding fairly easy, and all for less than $10,000.
1 Yamaha Invests In US Startup Siren Marine
Motorcycles don't even scratch the surface of what Yamaha is interested in. In late March it announced an investment made to a startup company based in the US called Siren Marine, which makes products that help monitor various parts of a vessel. Siren Marine products can check batteries, bilge levels, shore power, and location tracking. The main purposes of Yamaha venturing into this industry are to cultivate a marine environment with greater reliability and to encourage a more connected marine life.