News now: As a way to commemorate seven decades of creative thinking, racing legacy, and engineering brilliance, Yamaha is pleased to present the introduction of the 2025 Yamaha 70th Series YZ500 2-Stroke…….
In a bold and nostalgic move that has the global motocross and motorcycling community buzzing with excitement, Yamaha Motor Corporation has officially announced the launch of the 2025 Yamaha 70th Series YZ500 2-Stroke, a limited-edition model that marks a historic milestone—70 years of engineering excellence, racing legacy, and creative innovation.
The announcement came earlier this week as Yamaha unveiled its commemorative 70th Series at a special press event in Iwata, Japan, where executives, engineers, and motocross legends gathered to reflect on the company’s storied journey and look ahead to its electrifying future. The centerpiece of the celebration? The all-new YZ500 2-Stroke—a machine that not only pays homage to Yamaha’s legendary two-stroke heritage but also sets a bold new standard for modern motocross performance.
A Legacy Reborn
The 2025 Yamaha YZ500 is the company’s first production 500cc two-stroke motocross bike in decades. It resurrects the raw power and visceral riding experience that once defined the golden era of motocross, now enhanced with state-of-the-art engineering and technology. This launch is more than a marketing move—it’s a tribute to Yamaha’s legendary YZ lineage, which includes iconic machines like the YZ250 and the rare but revered YZ490.
This new model is part of Yamaha’s exclusive 70th Anniversary Series, a collection designed to celebrate the company’s roots while pushing boundaries into the future. The YZ500 features a modern frame architecture, lightweight components, and precision-tuned suspension, offering riders an unparalleled blend of power, agility, and control.
A Modern Engineering Marvel
While it honors the past, the 2025 YZ500 is far from a retro novelty. Its heart is a completely new 499cc liquid-cooled 2-stroke engine, designed from the ground up for high performance, durability, and ease of maintenance. Yamaha engineers have incorporated advanced fuel mapping, improved port timing, and state-of-the-art materials to make the YZ500 both a thrill on the track and a marvel of reliability.
The bike’s frame has been adapted from the acclaimed YZ450F chassis, providing optimal rigidity and balance, while KYB suspension systems ensure that it handles jumps, turns, and high-speed straights with surgical precision. Aesthetically, the bike dazzles with its 70th Anniversary livery, blending retro graphics with modern flair, a nod to the Yamaha race bikes of the 1970s and 1980s.
Community Reaction and Industry Impact
Riders, racers, and industry insiders have already begun hailing the YZ500 as a “dream bike” and a “proper two-stroke comeback” in an era dominated by four-stroke machines and electric propulsion. Motocross forums and social media platforms lit up within hours of the announcement, with many longtime Yamaha enthusiasts expressing joy over the return of big-bore two-strokes to the mainstream.
Racing teams are also taking notice. While Yamaha has not officially announced any factory race plans for the YZ500, speculation is already growing about potential appearances in select motocross events and possibly even development in international series.
Limited Edition, Lasting Legacy
The 2025 YZ500 will be released as part of a limited production run, with each unit individually numbered and packaged with a collector’s kit, including exclusive 70th Anniversary merchandise and a commemorative certificate signed by Yamaha’s engineering team. Pricing and availability are expected to be announced in the coming months, with high demand already anticipated across North America, Europe, and Australia.
A Fitting Tribute
Yamaha’s introduction of the YZ500 2-Stroke is not just the release of a motorcycle—it’s a celebration of speed, spirit, and seven decades of relentless pursuit of performance. As the company enters its eighth decade, the YZ500 stands as a thunderous reminder of Yamaha’s place in motocross history and its enduring commitment to innovation and passion on two wheels.
In the words of Yamaha’s President, Yoshihiro Hidaka, “The YZ500 is our way of saying thank you—to our riders, our fans, and everyone who has fueled Yamaha’s journey. Here’s to the next 70 years of excitement.”