Yamaha YA-1 [SEP] manufacturer
Yamaha YA-1
The Yamaha YA-1 is the first motorcycle produced by the Yamaha Motor Company. It was made from 1955 to 1958. This was also the first vehicle in Japan to have a primary kick start system (allowing the engine to be started with the transmission in gear). The , includes the 1955 Yamaha 125YA-1 as one of their "240 Landmarks of Japanese Automotive Technology".
Background.
In the early-1950s, Yamaha had to replace its musical instrument factories as they were severely damaged during the war. Yamaha
new motorcycle manufacturer built about 200 units per month by the end of 1955.
That same year, Yamaha entered its new YA-1 in the two biggest race events in Japan. They were the 3rd Mt. Fuji Ascent Race held in July 1955, and the 1st Asama Highlands Race in November. In these debut races, Yamaha won the 125 cc class.
The following year, the YA-1 won again in both the Light and Ultra-light classes of the Asama Highlands Race. The YA-1 soon established a reputation as