OFFICIAL RELEASE The 2026 Yamaha 70th edition YZ500 2- stroke is here in yellow color and it’s set to retail for $10,999 in the U.S. It will arrive in selected European dealerships starting in 1st July 2025, reach North America in August, and subsequently expand to the rest of the world. A special logo has been created under the theme “Everything Begins with a Challenge.” This design draws inspiration from…Read More ⬇️
Official Release: The 2026 Yamaha YZ500 2-Stroke – 70th Anniversary Edition
Yamaha has officially unveiled the highly anticipated 2026 YZ500 2-stroke motorcycle, released in celebration of the company’s 70th anniversary. This special edition marks a historic return of a full-size, high-displacement 2-stroke machine, and it arrives with a striking yellow color scheme that pays homage to Yamaha’s racing legacy. Priced at $10,999 USD, this commemorative model reflects a blend of modern engineering and classic design rooted in Yamaha’s competitive heritage.
The YZ500 70th Anniversary Edition will first become available at select European dealerships starting July 1, 2025—exactly 70 years to the day since Yamaha Motor Co., Ltd. was founded. North American availability is expected to follow shortly thereafter in August, with additional global markets receiving the model in a phased rollout.
To honor this major milestone, Yamaha has introduced a special anniversary logo centered around the theme: “Everything Begins with a Challenge.” This powerful message reflects Yamaha’s core identity as a company built on innovation, competition, and the drive to push boundaries. The design of the logo draws inspiration from the original racing number plates used in Yamaha’s very first foray into motorcycle competition in the mid-1950s. It represents a symbolic bridge between Yamaha’s storied past and its bold future.
This new 2-stroke YZ500 isn’t just about nostalgia. It’s a statement piece for riders who demand raw power and responsive handling in a package that remains true to Yamaha’s performance DNA. Engineered with modern suspension components, precision-tuned geometry, and weight-saving materials, the 2026 YZ500 delivers a riding experience that blends vintage 2-stroke power with state-of-the-art control.
Throughout the remainder of 2025 and into 2026, Yamaha’s 70th anniversary celebrations will continue to unfold through a series of global marketing campaigns, racing events, and branded merchandise featuring the commemorative logo. Yamaha fans and collectors will find this edition to be more than just a motorcycle—it’s a piece of motorcycling history, built to ride and built to last.
With the release of the YZ500 2-stroke, Yamaha signals a powerful return to its roots while forging ahead with vision and purpose. The yellow livery, the bold design cues, and the unmistakable 2-stroke character all serve as a tribute to seven decades of innovation, competition, and excellence.
Stay tuned for more details on dealership availability, pre-orders, and accompanying 70th anniversary events. The 2026 Yamaha YZ500 is not just a machine—it’s a celebration of Yamaha’s legacy and a bold ride into the future.
