Yamaha Celebrates 70th Anniversary at Sugo Sportland With Racing, Vintage Bikes, and Tech Exhibits

On a breezy, overcast Saturday, October 18, 2025, the Sportsland Sugo circuit transformed into a vibrant tribute to Yamaha Motor Corporation's storied legacy, hosting "My Yamaha Motorcycle Day 2025" to celebrate the company's 70th anniversary. Located about 300 kilometres north of Tokyo in the picturesque Tohoku region, the 50-year-old facility—conceived by Yamaha itself in 1975—drew thousands of motorcycle enthusiasts from across Japan and beyond.

Nestled against lush green hills, Sugo spans 2.1 million square metres and features four specialised tracks, including a 3.6-kilometre main road course that has hosted prestigious events like the Super GT Cup, SRO Japan Cup, and Formula Drift Japan. The event showcased a dazzling array of vintage, modern classic, and high-performance Yamaha motorcycles, blending nostalgia with cutting-edge engineering to honour a brand that has revolutionised two-wheeled mobility since its founding in 1955.

The festivities kicked off with petite two-stroke icons like the YA-1—Yamaha's groundbreaking 1955 debut model that clinched the Fuji Ascent Race—purring along the FIA-certified West Coast go-kart track, under a kilometre in length and a former venue for All Japan Gymkhana and Kart championships. Models spanning eras, from the Zippy and Pocke to the iconic RD250, circled endlessly, evoking the raw thrill of Yamaha's early postwar innovation. Born from the ashes of Nippon Gakki Co. Ltd. (now Yamaha Corporation), which pivoted from musical instruments and wartime propellers to motorcycles under Genichi Kawakami's vision, the company has since expanded globally, producing everything from scooters to superbikes.

The main track buzzed with inclusivity, welcoming riders of all brands—Yamaha, Honda, Kawasaki, and more—in a lively, communal atmosphere. The star attraction was the rare Yamaha OX99-11, a 1992 supercar prototype revived for the occasion. With its fighter-jet canopy, tandem seating inspired by motorcycle ergonomics, and a detuned 3.5-litre V12 engine delivering 400 horsepower at 10,000 rpm, the OX99-11's guttural growl accelerated from 0 to 100 km/h in 3.2 seconds, captivating crowds as it led a parade of big bikes like the Tenere, V-Max, and XSR series.

Beyond the adrenaline-fuelled laps, the paddock and inner hub offered educational stalls demystifying Yamaha's technological prowess, typically confined to labs. Attendees queued to inspect dissected components, such as the MT-09's cross-section revealing its innovative Y-AMT semi-automatic gearbox, alongside semi-active dampers, adaptive headlights, and advanced braking systems. These displays highlighted Yamaha's multi-product strategy, tailoring lineups like the adventure-orientated Ténéré or retro XSR for diverse markets, including emerging ones like India, where enthusiasts clamour for such models.

The event's open-door policy fostered a sense of shared passion, with historic exhibits from Yamaha's Communication Plaza collection—including race machines and production legends—running live on the track. As the day unfolded, the air hummed with engines from seven decades, underscoring Yamaha's evolution from a 125cc two-stroke pioneer to a motorsports titan with championships in MotoGP, motocross, and endurance racing.

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Reflecting on the gathering, attendees departed with indelible memories and galleries full of snapshots, their devices brimming with images of gleaming two-wheelers against Sugo's scenic backdrop. This milestone event not only commemorated Yamaha's journey—from humble YA-1 victories to global dominance—but also reignited the unbreakable bond between riders and the brand that has "revved hearts" for 70 years. As whispers of future models for untapped markets like India circulate, Sugo Sportland stands as a testament to Yamaha's enduring spirit of innovation and community, promising continued adventures on roads worldwide. With the Tohoku winds carrying echoes of V12 roars and two-stroke purrs, the anniversary served as a bridge between heritage and horizon, inviting all to join the ride.

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