Yamaha Proudly Announces the 2025 YZ500 70th Edition 2-Stroke: A Tribute to 70 Years of Innovation and Challenge
June 9, 2025 — Hamamatsu, Japan— Yamaha Motor Co., Ltd. has proudly unveiled the 2025 YZ500 70th Edition 2-Stroke motorcycle, a limited-edition model that pays homage to the company’s legendary legacy of racing, innovation, and perseverance. Celebrating 70 years of Yamaha’s dedication to excellence in motorcycling, the YZ500 70th Edition marks a bold return to the roots of raw performance while looking confidently toward the future.
“Everything Begins with Challenge”
Yamaha’s 70th Anniversary is not just a celebration of past achievements—it’s a reaffirmation of the brand’s founding spirit: “Everything begins with challenge.” This motto has driven Yamaha’s relentless pursuit of perfection, from its very first motorcycle, the YA-1, to its cutting-edge MotoGP machines and off-road champions.
The new YZ500 70th Edition embodies this spirit. Drawing inspiration from Yamaha’s two-stroke heritage while integrating modern technology and design elements, it stands as a symbol of where Yamaha has been and where it’s going.
The Return of a Legend: YZ500 2-Stroke
The YZ500 is not just another model—it’s a resurrection. Revered among motocross enthusiasts and vintage racing fans, the YZ500 legacy dates back to a time when raw two-stroke power ruled the track. The new 2025 YZ500 brings back that adrenaline-fueled performance with a refined 499cc liquid-cooled two-stroke engine that delivers blistering acceleration, lightning-fast throttle response, and a powerband that defines high-performance off-road riding.
Unlike its predecessors, however, the 70th Edition integrates advanced engineering such as:
Revised Power Valve System: For smoother power delivery across the rev range.
Lightweight Aluminum Frame: Designed for enhanced rigidity and precision handling.
Upgraded Suspension:Featuring KYB SSS forks and a fully adjustable rear shock, tuned for competitive-level performance.
Electronic Launch Assist System: A first for Yamaha’s two-strokes, offering optimal starts on any surface.
70th Anniversary Styling: A Nostalgic Yet Modern Aesthetic
Visually, the YZ500 70th Edition is a masterpiece of retro-modern design. It features the classic Yamaha Racing White color scheme with iconic red and black striping, a nod to Yamaha’s historic racing liveries from the 1970s and ’80s. The anniversary edition also includes:
Gold-anodized rims
70th Anniversary badging and graphics
Special edition seat cover with retro cross-stitch pattern
Laser-engraved production number plate (limited to 1,954 units worldwide in honor of Yamaha’s founding year)
Every detail has been thoughtfully crafted to celebrate Yamaha’s history, right down to the vintage-inspired number plate font.
Global Community Reaction: A Roar of Excitement
The announcement has sparked widespread excitement across the global motocross and off-road community. Long-time Yamaha riders and collectors see the YZ500 70th Edition as a long-awaited dream come true.
James Stewart Jr., former Yamaha factory rider and Supercross legend, commented on the launch:
“This is a bike that brings back memories. The sound, the power, the feel—it’s everything a racer dreams of. Yamaha nailed it.”
Looking Ahead: Honoring the Past While Driving the Future
Yamaha has emphasized that while the 70th Edition YZ500 is a celebration of the past, it also reflects the company’s vision for the future—one that embraces innovation while respecting legacy. The brand continues to invest in sustainable technologies, electric mobility, and intelligent performance systems, ensuring that Yamaha’s next 70 years are just as groundbreaking as the first.
Yoshihiro Hidaka, President and CEO of Yamaha Motor Co., Ltd., stated during the launch event:
“The YZ500 70th Edition is more than a motorcycle. It’s a tribute to every rider, engineer, and fan who has believed in Yamaha. Everything we’ve achieved began with a challenge, and this bike honors that journey.”
Availability and Pricing
The 2025 Yamaha YZ500 70th Edition will be available in select markets starting November 2024, with pre-orders opening in July. Due to its limited production run, early reservation is highly recommended. Pricing starts at \$11,499 USD.
**Conclusion**
With the launch of the YZ500 70th Edition, Yamaha not only delivers a stunning piece of motorcycling history but also reminds the world why it remains one of the most respected names in motorsports. It’s a machine built with soul, speed, and the kind of heritage you can hear in every rev.
