Yamaha motorbikes were the first focus of Yamaha Motor Company, founded in 1953 when Genichi Kawakami, President of Tenryu Factory Company, decided that it was time to make use of idle machining equipment at this musical instrument factory. The machining equipment had at one time been used to make aircraft propellers, but that time was over and the equipment stood useless, waiting to be moved or made use of in some other way.

Genichi researched products that could utilize this equipment in the manufacturing process. He considered items such as sewing machines, scooters, and motorcycles, finally deciding that there was room for one more motorcycle manufacturer in the world. It was then that Yamaha motorcycles were born.

Over the next decade the company grew and Yamaha motorbikes became cutting edge with the development of the Autolube System, which eliminated the need for pre-mixing fuel and oil. The company diversified and added snowmobiles, race kart engines, scooters, generators, personal watercraft and ATVs to its list of products. Yamaha (now marketed as Star Motorcycles) still holds a strong place in the world motorcycle market.

Star motorcycles offers a list of nine models to choose from, each with its own distinguishing features and uses. The Royal Star line is for the luxury touring crowd. Stratoliners and Roadliners are traveling bikes, and the Raider is inspired by the custom chopper trend. Roadstar and V-Star are both open road bikes, and Warrior models are for cruising. Prices are listed from approximately $12,500 to $17, 600, depending on model and features.

Yamaha motorbikes have long been considered to be one of the world's premier motorcycles. They offer style and a sense of freedom for the rider who wants to feel the rush of the wind. Yamaha motorbikes are still manufactured with the original philosophy of cutting edge quality that was first introduced in the 1950's by the company's founder, and with a healthy market share, promise to be around for some time to come.