Yamaha Motorcycles: Superstars In The Motorcycle World

It may not be popularly known, but pianos led Yamaha to the production of some of the best performance motorcycles in the world.

Before its motorcycle production days, Yamaha was, and still is, a known manufacturer of pianos, even making it as the leading piano maker in the world. Being the leading piano manufacturing brand, Yamaha had access to intensive research regarding the development of metal alloys, which were utilized in the production of acoustic pianos. This knowledge base was easily utilized into the production of metal frames and metal parts for motorcycles, eventually leading the Yamaha Motor Company into becoming among the leading manufacturers of motorcycles in the world today.

Today, Yamaha motorcycles are known for their durability, overall performance and easy maintenance. With a wide range of Yamaha motorcycles, the companies' products have taken part in various racing competitions, emphasizing Yamaha motorcycles' true standard of performance and quality. Two of the more famous competitions Yamaha motorcycles are known to shine are the Moto GP and the Dakar Rally. With a long standing racing heritage, Yamaha motorcycles are the products of intensive research, combined with the basics of road-related issues, with remedies implemented within the motorcycles themselves.

Yamaha made history with its Virago line of Yamaha motorcycles. The Virago was the first Japanese produced V-Twin powered cruiser motorcycle, as well as one of first Yamaha motorcycles produced with a single rear shock suspension system. It came out in 1981, originally with a 750 cc engine, but later came out with 500 cc to 920 cc engine versions.

1984 witnessed a major "facelift" with Virago Yamaha motorcycles, which switched from its mono-shock feature to a dual-shock feature, as well as a redefined tear-drop shaped gas tank. A tariff on imported motorcycles over 700 cc was put up after Harley-Davidson pushed for it, which led to the Virago Yamaha motorcycles boasting 699cc engine version. Smart move, if one would think about it.

Soon enough, a 920cc, 1000cc and a 1100cc version came to be, as well as 250cc Virago. A production of 125cc Virago Yamaha motorcycles came out of production lines, but was short-lived.

Today, the only remaining Yamaha Virago model being produced is the 250cc model, as larger displacement Virago types have been phased out of production, replaced by the Road Star and V-Star series of motorbikes.

Designed to be an "entry-level cruiser bike" the Yamaha Virago 250 is famous as a capable road bike which impressive handling features. Reaching a top speed of 85 miles per hour, it's an overall performance motorcycle, living up to the standards defining Yamaha motorcycles.

Of course Yamaha motorcycles aren't limited to Viragos only. Over a hundred models, with varying speeds are available for bikers to choose from, each powerful, each magnificent, each respectively ideal for one and all.