company was performing well and had some financial
leeway, I felt the need to look for our next area of
business. So, I did some
research." He explored producing many products,
including sewing machines, auto parts, scooters,
three-wheeled utility vehicles, and…motorcycles.
Market and competitive factors led him to focus on
the motorcycle market. Genichi actually visited the
United States many times during this period.
When asked about this decision, he said, "I had my
research division chief and other managers visit
leading motorcycle factories around the country.
They came back and told me there was still plenty of
opportunity, even if we were entering the market
late. I didn't want to be completely unprepared in
this unfamiliar business so we toured to German
factories before setting out to build our first
125cc bike. I joined in this tour around Europe
during which my chief engineers learned how to build
motorbikes. We did as much research as possible to
insure that we could build a bike as good as any out
there. Once we had that confidence, we started
going."
The First Yamaha Motorcycle - the YA-1 |
"If you are going to make it, make it the very best
there is." With these words as their motto, the
development team poured all their energies into
building the first prototype, and ten months later
in August of 1954 the first model was complete.
It
was the Yamaha YA-1. The bike was powered by an
air-cooled, 2-stroke, single cylinder 125cc engine.
Once finished, it was put through an unprecedented
10,000 km endurance test to ensure that its quality
was top-class. This was destined to be the first
crystallization of what has now become a long
tradition of Yamaha creativity and an inexhaustible
spirit of challenge. |
Then, in January of 1955 the Hamakita Factory of
Nippon Gakki was built and production began on the
YA-1. With confidence in the new direction that
Genichi was taking, Yamaha Motor Co., Ltd. was
founded on July 1, 1955. Staffed by 274 enthusiastic
employees, the new motorcycle manufacturer built
about 200 units per month.
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 and the 1st Asama Highlands
Race. In these debut races Yamaha won the 125cc
class. And, the following year the YA-1 won again in
both the Light and Ultra-light classes of the Asama
Highlands Race.
By 1956, a second model was ready for production.
This was the YC1, a 175cc single cylinder
two-stroke. In 1957 Yamaha began production of its
first 250cc, two-stroke twin, the YD1.
The
First Yamaha to compete
in America (1957) |
Based on Genichi's firm belief that a product isn't
a product until it can hold it's own around the
world, in 1958 Yamaha became the first Japanese
maker to venture into the international race arena.
The result was an impressive 6th place in the
Catalina Grand Prix race in the USA. News of this
achievement won immediate recognition for the high
level of Yamaha technology not only in Japan but
among American race fans, as well. This was only the
start, however.
Yamaha took quick action using the momentum gained
in the USA and began marketing their motorcycles
through an independent distributor in California. In
1958, Cooper Motors began selling the YD-1 250 and
the MF-1 (50cc, two-stroke, single cylinder, step
through street bike). Then in 1960, Yamaha
International Corporation began selling motorcycles
in the USA through dealers.
With the overseas experiences under his belt, in
1960, Genichi then turned his attention to the
Marine industry and the production of the first
Yamaha boats and outboard motors. This was the
beginning of an aggressive expansion into new fields
utilizing the new engines and FRP (fiberglass
reinforced plastic) technologies. The first
watercraft model was the CAT-21, followed by the
RUN-13 and the P-7 123cc outboard motor. |
In 1963, Yamaha demonstrated its focus on
cutting-edge, technological innovations by
developing the Autolube System. This landmark
solution was a separate oil injection system for
two-stroke models, eliminating the inconvenience of
pre-mixing fuel and oil.
Yamaha was building a strong reputation as a
superior manufacturer which was reflected in its
first project carried out in the new Iwata, Japan
Plant, built in 1966. (The YMC headquarters was
moved to Iwata in 1972.) Toyota and Yamaha teamed up
to produce the highly regarded Toyota 2000 GT sports
car. This very limited edition vehicle, still
admired for its performance and craftsmanship,
created a sensation among enthusiast in Japan and
abroad.
Genichi said, "I believe that the most important
thing when building a product is to always keep in
mind the standpoint of the people who will use it."
An example of the commitment to "walking in the
customers' shoes" was the move in 1966 by Yamaha to
continue its expansion. Overseas motorcycle
manufacturing was established in Thailand and
Mexico. In 1968, the globalization continued with
Brazil and the Netherlands. With manufacturing
bases, distributors and R&D operations in a market,
Yamaha could be involved in grassroots efforts to
build products that truly met the needs of each
market by respecting and valuing the distinct
national sensibilities and customs of each country.
Yamaha continues that tradition, today.
By the late 1960s, Yamaha had quality products that
had proven themselves in the global marketplace
based on superior performance and innovation.
Distribution and product diversity were on the right
track. But Genichi knew that beyond quality, success
would demand more. He had this view on the power of
original ideas. "In the future, a company's future
will hinge on ideas over and above quality. Products
that have no character, nothing unique about them,
will not sell no matter how well made or
affordable…and that would spell doom for any
company."
He also knew that forward vision, walking hand in
hand with original ideas, would create an
opportunity for the company and its customers that
could mean years of happiness and memorable
experiences. Genichi said, "In the business world
today, so many people are obsessed with figures.
They become fixated on the numbers of the minute and
without them are too afraid to do any real work. But
in fact, every situation is in flux from moment to
moment, developing with a natural flow. Unless one
reads that flow, it is impossible to start out in a
new field of business."
A real-world illustration of this belief is the
Yamaha DT-1. The world's first true off-road
motorcycle debuted in 1968 to create an entirely new
genre we know today as trail bikes. The DT-1 made a
huge impact on motorcycling in the USA because it
was truly dirt worthy. Yamaha definitely "read the
flow" when it produced
the 250cc, single cylinder, 2-stroke, Enduro that
put Yamaha On/Off-Road motorcycles on the map in the
USA. The DT-1 exemplified the power of original
ideas, forward vision, and quick action coupled with
keeping in mind the customers' desires.
In years to come Yamaha continued to grow (and
continues to this day).
"Make every challenge an opportunity."
Genichi Kawakami |
Diversity increased with the addition of products
including snowmobiles, race kart engines,
generators, scooters, ATVs, personal watercraft and
more.
Genichi Kawakami set the stage for Yamaha Motor
Company's success with his vision and philosophies.
Total honesty towards the customer and making
products that hold their own enables the company
that serves people in thirty-three countries, to
provide an improved lifestyle through exceptional
quality, high performance products.
Genichi Kawakami's history with Yamaha was long and
rich. He saw the new corporate headquarters in
Cypress, California and the 25th Anniversary of
Yamaha become a reality in 1980. He also watched
bike #20 million roll off the assembly line in 1982.
Genichi passed away on May 25, 2002 yet his vision
lives on through the people and products of Yamaha,
throughout the world. |
History Timeline (Yamaha Motor Origin)
1955
The first Yamaha motorized product was the YA-1
Motorcycle (125cc, 2-stroke, single cylinder,
streetbike). It was produced and sold in Japan.
1958
The first Yamaha Motorcycles sold in the USA were by
Cooper Motors, an independent distributor. The
models were the YD1 (250cc, 2-stroke, twin cylinder,
streetbike) and MF-1 (50cc, 2-stroke, single
cylinder, streetbike, step-through).
1960
Yamaha International Corporation began selling
motorcycles in the USA.
1964
"Autolube" oil injection system for 2-stroke engines
was first offered on the YA-6 motorcycle (125cc,
2-stroke, single cylinder, streetbike).
1968
The DT-1 Enduro was introduced. The world's first
dual purpose motorcycle which had on & off-road
capability. Its impact on Motorcycling in the USA
was enormous.
Yamaha's first Snowmobile, the SL350 (2-stroke, twin
cylinder) was introduced. This was the first
Snowmobile with slide valve carburetors.
1970
Yamaha’s first 4-stroke motorcycle model, the XS-1
(650cc vertical twin) was introduced.
1971
The SR433 high performance Snowmobile was
introduced.
1973 Yamaha continued expansion into new markets by
introducing Generators (ET1200).
1975
Yamaha pioneered the very first single-shock,
production motocross bikes. This was the beginning
of the YZ Monocross machines that changed motocross
forever.
1976 The legendary SRX440 snowmobile hits the market
and quickly catapults Yamaha to the forefront of the
snowmobile racing scene.
1977
Yamaha Motor Corporation, USA, was founded in order
to better appeal to the American market and
establish a separate identity (from music &
electronics) for Yamaha motorized products.
1978
The XS1100 motorcycle (four cylinder, shaft drive)
was introduced. XS650 Special was introduced. This
was the first production Cruiser built by a Japanese
manufacturer. Golf Cars were introduced in the USA
with the G1 gas model.
1979
YICS (Yamaha Induction Control System), a
fuel-saving engine system, was developed for
4-stroke engines.
1980
The new Yamaha Motor Corporation, USA, corporate
office was opened in Cypress, California. The first
3-wheel ATV was sold in USA… the Tri-Moto (YT125).
The G1-E electric powered Golf Car model was
introduced.
1981
The first air-cooled, V-twin cruiser, the Virago
750, was introduced.
1984
The first production 5-valve per cylinder engine was
introduced on the FZ750 motorcycle. Yamaha’s first
4-wheel ATV, the YFM200, was introduced in the USA.
The Phazer snowmobile was introduced. Known for its
light weight and agile handling. Yamaha begins
marketing Outboard Motors in the USA.
1985
The V-Max 1200 musclebike hits the streets.
1986
Yamaha Motor Manufacturing Corporation of America
was founded in Newnan, Georgia.
1987
A new exhaust system for 4-stroke engines, “EXUP,”
was developed to provide higher horsepower output
throughout an engine's powerband. Yamaha introduces
personal watercraft...the sit-down WaveRunner and
the stand-up WaveJammer. Yamaha Motor Manufacturing
Company begins Golf Car and Water Vehicle production
for USA and overseas markets.
1992
The Vmax-4 Snowmobile (2-stroke, four cylinder) was
introduced.
1994
Yamaha expands its product offerings by acquiring
the Cobia boat company.
1995
The Century and Skeeter boat companies are acquired
by Yamaha.
1996
Yamaha introduces its first Star model with the
1300cc, V4 Royal Star. Tennessee Watercraft produces
Sport Boats and later, the SUV WaveRunner.
1997
Yamaha acquires the G3 boat company. At the Newnan,
Georgia, manufacturing facility, the first ATV (the
BearTracker) rolls off the assembly line. Yamaha
opens southeastern offices in Kennesaw, Georgia.
1998
The YZ400F four-stroke motocross bike was
introduced. This was the first mass produced
4-stroke motocrosser. The YZF-R1 sport bike was
introduced. It set the standard for open class sport
bikes for several years. The Grizzly 600 4x4 ATV
with Ultramatic transmission was introduced.
The EF2800i generator with Pulse Width Modulation (PWM)
was introduced. PMW allows use with equipment that
requires stable frequency and voltage.
2002
The F225 Outboard was introduced. It was the largest
4-stroke Outboard at the time.
The FX140 WaveRunner (1000cc, 4-stroke, four
cylinder) was introduced. The world's first high
performance 4-stroke personal watercraft.
2003
The RX-1 Snowmbile (1000cc, 4-stroke, four cylinder)
was introduced. The world's first high performance
4-stroke Snowmobile.
We
Put the Motor into Motorsports |
