The Japanese company was well known for its musical instruments, but in 1955 it began producing motorcycles. It began with simple and inexpensive machines but has grown to its position as a powersports powerhouse, offering some of the best sportbikes, cruisers and off-road bikes on the market. It ranks second only to Honda as the leader among Japanese manufacturers.

* 1851 Torakusu Yamaha is born. He will train as a watchmaker and make his first reed organ in his mid-thirties.

* 1890 He incorporates Nippon Gakki Company Limited, for the purpose of making pianos and organs. The company’s origins as a musical instrument maker are still reflected in its logo, which depicts three interlocking tuning forks. It becomes the world’s largest musical instrument maker.

* 1916 The founder passes away.

* 1955 In the years after WWII, the company’s president Genichi Kawakami realizes that if Japan is to rebuild, the country needs affordable transportation (more than pianos!)  The first Yamaha motorized product is the YA-1 Motorcycle. It’s a 125cc, 2-stroke, single-cylinder streetbike patterned after the DKW RT125 (as were both the BSA Bantam and the Harley-Davidson Hummer.) The YA-1, aka “Red Dragonfly,” is so successful that Yamaha incorporates a subsidiary, Yamaha Motor Corp.

* 1957 The 250cc twin-cylinder YD-1 is an improved version of another German bike, the Adler.

* 1958 The first Yamaha motorcycles are sold in the USA by Cooper Motors, an independent distributor. The models are the YD-1 (250cc, 2-stroke, twin-cylinder streetbike) and MF-1 (50cc, 2-stroke, single-cylinder step-through streetbike).

* 1959 The YDS-1 mounts a tuned-up version of the YD-1 motor in a double-cradle frame (the earlier version was built on a pressed-steel spine). The YDS-1 establishes the pattern for the next 20 years of sporty Yamaha two-stroke Twins.

* 1960 Yamaha International Corporation began selling motorcycles in the USA.

* 1964 Phil Read gives Yamaha its first-ever World Championship, in the 250cc class.

* 1966 The YDS-3 is the first Yamaha streetbike to really capture the American imagination.

* 1967 The Yamaha TD1C 250cc production racer is released. Though the factory racers have been effective for years, this is the beginning of a brilliant run of proddie racers. More than any other manufacturer, it is Yamaha that forces out four-strokes engines from Grand Prix racing.

Consider an alternative to sunscreen, garments made with UPF(Ultra Violet Protection Factor). They are very popular in sports like golfing, bicycling, surfing, swimming, hiking and the list goes on. Some are designed to wick away sweat from the skin allowing you to remain cool even when the temperatures soar. While they are popular for sports, the motorcycling community is being left out. Wearing long sleeves designed for surfing does not fit the style of the motorcyclist. While no one says you can't wear them, the bright white and pink, or white and teal for the ladies or bright blue for the gents, looks more like your heading for the beach instead on that ride through the country. In addition, they are very form fitting. Any overhang or dimple will be seen. If you are still interested, a recommendation is to order two sizes larger then you normally would wear. The same thing goes for bicycling shirts. These protective shirts are indicative of the sport and a motorcyclist wearing this style would look odd. A few shirts designed for golfing are not too bad but again they are not designed for motorcycling. The clothing worn while riding a motorcycle is important because of the high speeds. We all know what it is like to wear loose fitting clothing. Either it rides up or beats you until your skin is sore. Eventually someone will take notice that we too want the protection and there is a market out there. Until that time comes our choices are few.

Our motorcycles also need protection from the sun. The leather seats, saddlebags and any accessories can take a real beating if left uncovered for extended periods. There are many bike covers out there but some are good for both keeping your bike dry and keeping the sun from deteriorating your investment. Look for covers that have a heat shield around the bottom in case your pipes are still hot. Heavier and thicker is not always better. Motorcycle covers made from a light polymer can be just as effective and will be easier to store in your saddlebag with out taking up too much room.