Diversifying from its traditional role as a manufacturer of high quality musical instruments, Yamaha introduced its first motorcycle in 1955. This was the YA-1, a 123cc single-cylinder two-stroke strongly influenced (like BSA's Bantam) by the pre-war DKW RT125. The foundations of Yamaha's sporting tradition were soon established when YA-1s won prestigious races at Mt Fuji and Asama that same year. Introduced for 1956, the successor YA-2 departed considerably from the DKW design, boasting a pressed steel spine frame, leading link front fork, swinging arm suspension and an electric starter, all features that were carried over to the mildly revised YA-3 model in 1957.The YA-2 was only made for the home market and it is believed that there are only one or two in the UK.

This rare early Yamaha was imported from the USA in 1998 and acquired by the current vendor that same year. Cosmetically restored in 1999, this beautiful little machine is offered with dating certificate and Swansea V5.