Breaking News: As a way to commemorate seven decades of creative thinking, racing legacy, and engineering brilliance, Yamaha is pleased to present the introduction of the 2025 Yamaha 70th Series YZ500 2-Stroke

In a moment that will reverberate through the world of motocross and motorsport history, Yamaha Motor Company has officially unveiled the 2025 Yamaha 70th Series YZ500 2-Stroke, a thunderous masterpiece commemorating 70 years of engineering excellence, competitive spirit, and bold innovation. This highly anticipated release pays homage to Yamaha’s storied legacy while setting a new standard for 2-stroke performance motorcycles in the modern era.

With this announcement, Yamaha signals more than a celebration—it’s a declaration that the spirit of two-stroke racing is not only alive but roaring louder than ever.

A Legacy Forged in the Dirt

Since the company rolled out its first motorcycle in 1955, Yamaha has remained at the forefront of competitive racing and motor engineering. From the iconic YA-1 “Red Dragonfly” that won the Mount Fuji Ascent Race in its debut year to the dominance of the YZ series across motocross circuits worldwide, Yamaha’s journey has been defined by daring ideas and groundbreaking execution.

Now, seven decades later, the YZ500 2-Stroke emerges as a symbol of that legacy, engineered with the lessons of the past and the technology of the future.

Rebirth of a Legend: The YZ500 2-Stroke

The YZ500 name alone stirs nostalgia in motocross circles, evoking memories of fire-breathing giants from the golden age of the sport. The 2025 version resurrects this iconic displacement, but it’s far from retro. This machine is a modern weapon, precision-engineered to meet today’s performance demands while embracing the raw power and visceral character that only a two-stroke can deliver.

Yamaha’s engineers have gone all-in to blend heritage and high-performance:

• Powerplant: A completely redesigned 499cc liquid-cooled 2-stroke engine, delivering earth-shaking torque and razor-sharp throttle response. The new digital ignition system and power valve control deliver predictable power across the RPM range, making it a beast on the track and a thrill on the trail.
• Chassis & Handling: At the heart of the YZ500 is a next-generation bilateral aluminum frame, re-engineered for superior rigidity balance. This allows for precise handling and optimal weight distribution, giving riders unprecedented control over such a powerful machine.
• Suspension: Equipped with KYB’s latest speed-sensitive suspension system, the YZ500 floats over terrain with race-tuned damping and fully adjustable settings, tailored for both amateur thrill-seekers and pro-level competitors.
• Braking & Ergonomics: With high-spec disc brakes, lightweight wheels, and an ergonomically refined bodywork design, the bike ensures maximum feedback and control during aggressive riding.

70th Anniversary Design: A Visual Throwback

Paying tribute to its rich racing lineage, the YZ500 70th Series comes adorned in a limited-edition livery that fuses retro and modern styles. The graphics echo Yamaha’s legendary factory race bikes of the 1980s and ‘90s, complete with yellow speed blocks, brushed silver number plates, and commemorative 70th Anniversary badging.

Only a limited number of units will be produced globally, adding an extra layer of exclusivity and collector’s appeal to this already iconic machine.

Statement from Yamaha Motor Co.

Yoshihiro Hidaka, President and CEO of Yamaha Motor Co., Ltd., expressed the emotional weight of the launch:

“The YZ500 70th Series is not just a motorcycle; it’s a time machine and a vision board all at once. It represents everything Yamaha stands for—innovation, competition, and the unshakable bond between man and machine. As we celebrate 70 years of building dreams on two wheels, we are proud to release a machine that connects our glorious past to a thrilling future.”

A Resounding Impact on the Industry

Industry insiders and motocross legends have already begun hailing the YZ500 as a turning point for two-stroke culture. While four-strokes dominate much of today’s competitive landscape, Yamaha’s bold move rekindles the raw appeal of the two-stroke era with cutting-edge updates that make it viable and exhilarating for a new generation of riders.

In a world where emission regulations and digital systems are reshaping motorcycles, the YZ500 reminds enthusiasts that pure mechanical passion still has its place.

Global Availability

The 2025 Yamaha YZ500 70th Series will be available in select markets beginning November 2024, with pre-orders opening in late August. Pricing will vary by region, but early estimates place the MSRP at approximately $12,999 USD, reflecting its status as a high-performance, limited-edition release.

Final Lap

With the introduction of the 2025 YZ500 2-Stroke, Yamaha isn’t just celebrating the past—it’s igniting a new era. It’s a declaration that performance, soul, and legacy still matter in a world driven by change. And for the thousands of riders who have raced, crashed, and conquered with Yamaha in their hearts, this is the ultimate thank-you—a fitting roar for 70 years of excellence.

Let the legend ride again.