Breaking news:Yamaha proudly announces the arrival of the 2025 Yamaha 70th Edition YZ500 2-Stroke, celebrating seven decades of innovation, racing legacy, and engineering excellence….
In a bold celebration of its 70th anniversary, Yamaha Motor Company has officially unveiled the highly anticipated 2025 Yamaha YZ500 2-Stroke 70th Anniversary Edition. This limited-production motocross machine not only pays homage to the company’s legendary racing heritage but also reignites the passion of two-stroke enthusiasts around the world with a powerful, modern interpretation of a classic platform.
A Nostalgic Return to Two-Stroke Glory
The new YZ500 2-Stroke marks Yamaha’s return to the open-class two-stroke segment, a category that once dominated motocross circuits worldwide. The 500cc two-stroke was the crown jewel of motocross machines during the golden age of the sport in the 1980s and 1990s, and Yamaha was a pioneer with its iconic YZ490 and earlier variants. With this release, Yamaha aims to blend retro appeal with cutting-edge technology, offering riders an unmatched combination of raw power and modern handling.
Engineered for Excellence
At the heart of the YZ500 lies an all-new liquid-cooled 499cc single-cylinder two-stroke engine, designed from the ground up with modern performance in mind. Yamaha engineers have leveraged decades of expertise to produce an engine that delivers explosive power throughout the rev range while remaining lightweight and responsive.
The YZ500 features a state-of-the-art electronic power valve system, ensuring precise exhaust flow and enhanced power delivery across different RPMs. Combined with a redesigned expansion chamber and lightweight aluminum silencer, the new engine offers both the trademark bark of a two-stroke and refined power characteristics suited for today’s demanding tracks.
Lightweight, Agile, and Ready to Race
The frame of the YZ500 has been completely reimagined. Borrowing design cues and materials from Yamaha’s championship-winning YZ450F, the new chassis is made from hydroformed aluminum, offering exceptional rigidity and weight savings. With a wet weight of just over 230 pounds, the YZ500 promises razor-sharp handling and nimbleness that defies its displacement category.
Complementing the chassis is an updated KYB suspension package, with fully adjustable front and rear components fine-tuned specifically for the unique dynamics of a 500cc two-stroke engine. Whether soaring through whoops or carving berms, the YZ500 is engineered to handle the rigors of modern motocross with confidence and precision.
A Design That Honors the Past
The 70th Anniversary Edition YZ500 also stands out visually. Yamaha has adorned the bike with a special retro-inspired livery that harkens back to the brand’s golden era in motocross. Classic speedblock graphics in white and red, gold rims, and a commemorative 70th Anniversary badge make this model an instant collector’s item.
Other key design touches include a gripper seat with anniversary stitching, special engine case markings, and a numbered plaque on each unit, highlighting its exclusivity.
More Than a Motorcycle: A Celebration of Yamaha’s Legacy
Yamaha’s 70th anniversary isn’t just about commemorating time—it’s about recognizing the company’s profound impact on motorcycling and motorsport. From the first YA-1 to MotoGP dominance and now this rebirth of the 500cc two-stroke, Yamaha’s legacy is one of innovation, passion, and performance.
“Bringing back the 500cc two-stroke in this form is more than just a nod to our history. It’s a statement that Yamaha is committed to the soul of motorcycling,” said Hiroshi Ito, Senior Executive Officer of Yamaha Motor Company, during the press launch. “The YZ500 70th Anniversary Edition is for the purists, the thrill-seekers, and the racers who grew up dreaming of big-bore two-strokes.”
Limited Availability
Yamaha has confirmed that the 2025 YZ500 70th Anniversary Edition will be produced in limited numbers, with each unit hand-assembled in Iwata, Japan. The bike is expected to arrive at select dealers worldwide in early 2025, and demand is already surging among collectors, racers, and die-hard fans.
Final Thoughts
The return of a 500cc two-stroke motocross bike in an era dominated by four-strokes and electric motors is both bold and refreshing. With the 2025 YZ500 70th Anniversary Edition, Yamaha honors its storied past while proving that the spirit of high-performance two-stroke riding is alive and well. For those lucky enough to secure one, it’s not just a motorcycle—it’s a piece of living history.