Yamaha Proudly Announces the Arrival of the 2025 Yamaha 70th Edition YZ500 2-Stroke, Celebrating Seven Decades of Innovation, Racing Legacy, and Engineering Excellence
June 9, 2025 — Cypress, CA – Yamaha Motor Company has officially unveiled the highly anticipated 2025 Yamaha 70th Edition YZ500 2-Stroke, a special commemorative model that pays tribute to 70 years of innovation, dominance in motorsports, and commitment to cutting-edge engineering. This iconic release brings back the raw power and unmistakable thrill of the two-stroke era, honoring Yamaha’s rich legacy while incorporating modern performance upgrades for today’s riders.
The YZ500 70th Edition marks a historic return for Yamaha, as it’s the first time in decades that the company has offered a 500cc two-stroke motocross bike in its lineup. This limited-edition model serves not only as a nod to Yamaha’s storied past but also as a celebration of its relentless pursuit of progress in motorcycle design and technology.
Classic Spirit, Modern Performance
Inspired by the original YZ500 machines that dominated the motocross scene in the late 1970s and 1980s, the 2025 model merges retro aesthetics with high-performance features. The bike boasts a completely redesigned liquid-cooled 499cc two-stroke engine, delivering immense torque and lightning-fast throttle response while meeting today’s stringent emissions standards through a new electronic fuel injection (EFI) system and smart exhaust valve technology.
Paired with a lightweight aluminum frame derived from Yamaha’s championship-winning YZ450F platform, the YZ500 offers unparalleled agility and stability. Riders will benefit from fully adjustable KYB suspension, modern ergonomics, and advanced traction control — a first for Yamaha’s two-stroke lineup.
Limited Edition, Maximum Impact
To mark this historic milestone, the YZ500 70th Edition comes in a striking retro livery, featuring the classic yellow-and-black “speed block” graphics that harken back to Yamaha’s golden era in motocross. Gold anodized rims, a numbered triple clamp, and a commemorative 70th anniversary badge complete the exclusive package.
Yamaha has announced that only 1,954 units will be produced globally — a symbolic nod to the year the company was founded. Each bike will be accompanied by a certificate of authenticity and an exclusive collector’s kit that includes a heritage photo book, branded gear, and a documentary link chronicling Yamaha’s 70-year journey.
Celebrating a Legacy
“Launching the 70th Edition YZ500 is more than just introducing a new motorcycle — it’s about honoring the DNA that built Yamaha,” said Koji Sato, Executive Officer of Yamaha Motor Company. “This machine symbolizes the passion, innovation, and spirit of competition that have defined our company for seven decades. We’re thrilled to share it with a new generation of riders and longtime enthusiasts alike.”
Yamaha fans and motocross aficionados around the world have reacted with excitement across social media, hailing the return of a true legend. The YZ500 is expected to hit select dealerships by late fall 2024, with pre-orders opening this summer.
With the 70th Edition YZ500, Yamaha proves that great legends never fade — they evolve, roar back to life, and inspire the future.
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