| The Yamaha Motor Company began production of | | | | Be prepared to put out some serious cash for the |
| Yamaha Scooters in 1955 and started exported the | | | | larger Yamaha motorcycles models. These cruisers |
| first models of Yamaha Scooters to the United | | | | and touring bikes start at $15,000 and with |
| States in 1960. At first Yamaha's were little more | | | | accessories and customization can easily run $20,000 |
| than scooters of a style that was familiar in movies | | | | or more. Fortunately, like Harley-Davidsons, a |
| of the period. The company has produced ever | | | | well-maintained Yamaha can keep its value year after |
| greater examples of excellence in engineering ever | | | | year. Many older models sell for more than new |
| since. | | | | bikes. |
| Through the years Yamaha has worked to refine | | | | But in contrast, Yamaha scooters are very |
| their scooters to fit the end consumers. For the | | | | economical. On the low end you could spend as little |
| most part they have been very successful. Producing | | | | as $2000 dollars for a brand new Yamaha scooter. |
| models that are lightweight and could stand up to the | | | | But on the high end you could spend as much as |
| elements. The Yamaha 125cc and 250cc models were | | | | $8000 to $9000 dollars. The higher end models have |
| ridden by a million people in the 1970s. But even as | | | | more bells and whistles. They also have larger engines |
| early as 1970 Yamaha produced a four-stroke 650cc, | | | | allowing them to be very good resources in urban |
| the XS-1, that was a beauty to behold. | | | | cities. |
| Today, Yamaha makes a broad line of bikes and | | | | The 49cc Vino Classic is a great starter scooter for |
| scooters that encompass all types and sizes. Models | | | | younger riders, but would be appreciated by women |
| range from the 50cc scooters to the 249cc Virago all | | | | and others as well. This is a European classic retro |
| the way up to the 113ci (1854cc) Stratoliner S and | | | | style, straight out of the movies scooter. Weighing |
| the V-4 Royal Star Venture. The latter is 'only' 70ci | | | | 166lbs it may be small but it delivers plenty of power |
| (1147cc), but its liquid-cooled engine puts out a | | | | for zooming along the streets or hill climbing off-road. |
| throaty roar, and the ride is as smooth as a Jaguar. | | | | |