Yamaha ATV History
You may know Yamaha today as a titan in the powersports industry. But the company actually got its start in a different field. In the late 19th century, it was created as a piano and organ manufacturing company by Torakusu Yamaha. The company was met with success and decided to diversify. In 1955, the company created the Yamaha Motor Company, which created Yamaha ATVs in 1980. Every year saw new innovations and improvements to the ATVs, bringing us to the iconic models we have today. To learn more about the company history, read on. Then come and visit H&W Marine to experience Yamaha ATV present. We offer a range of ATV models for all budgets. We proudly serve those in Shreveport, Louisiana and Marshall, Texas.
The Beginning of Yamaha ATVs
When Yamaha ATVs first came on the scene, it was at a time when three-wheel designs were praised. The majority of companies in the 1980s focused on releasing and innovating their trike ATVs. Yamaha followed suit with their models such as the Tri-Moto, the 225DX, and the Tri-Zinger. Each was designed for comfortable endurance riding. The Tri-Zinger was made with younger riders in mind, offering 59cc capabilities and adjustable speed limiters.
Though the three-wheel design was gobbled up by the public, the designers at Yamaha saw a problem. The three-wheel design held back the performance potential as they weren't very stable traveling over uneven terrain (which is where ATVs are used). They also were not the safest. Their safety issues were severe enough that most manufacturers won't even make them anymore.
The Four Wheel Yamaha ATV
The staff at Yamaha ATV set out to make an improved design. In 1985, they released the first 4-wheel model: the YFM200. This vehicle offered unparalleled stability. This improved the ATV's safety, which allowed its performance to be boosted. It offered a 196cc 4-stroke engine, snorkel air intake, shaft drive, and centrifugal automatic clutch. As if that wasn't enough, it also offered improved storage and towing capacities.
When the 80s came to a close, Yamaha was only producing four-wheel models. During this time, one of the best vehicles built was the Banshee. It was tailored to riding in sand, which more and more people were aiming to do. This expanded the offerings of Yamaha ATVs. In 2000, the company made a model tailored to those using their ATV to go hunting. It even came in a camouflage design to better fit into its surroundings without scaring off prey.
Yamaha ATVs Today
The Yamaha ATVs released today build on their history of innovation, performance, and user experience. A high number of them offer better comfort and control through their use of Electric Power Steering. Many frames are made with composite material, which makes them more durable as they tackle off-road obstacles. These are usually a blend of steel and aluminum. As an added bonus, this combination makes for easier maintenance. Many of the engines found in Yamaha ATVs are high performers, such as their 686cc engine. Tap into this raw power to tackle a range of terrains from sand to gravel to mud. Whatever type of riding adventure you hope to embark on, you can do it on a Yamaha ATV.
Ready to pick your ideal Yamaha ATV? Visit H&W Marine. Check out our range of new and used ATVs for all budgets and riding levels. We also operate a parts and servicing department. If your ATV isn't running like it used to, we can fix it. We proudly serve those in Shreveport and Bossier City, Louisiana. We also serve those in Marshall, Longview, and Texarkana, Texas.