TWO-STROKE THUNDER RETURNS
Yamaha Unleashes the 2025 YZ500 2-Stroke 70th Anniversary Edition – A Roaring Tribute to 70 Years of Racing Dominance and Innovation
June 7, 2025 — Tokyo, Japan / Anaheim, CA – In a move that has left motocross enthusiasts buzzing and old-school purists grinning from ear to ear, Yamaha Motor Company has officially unveiled the 2025 YZ500 2-Stroke 70th Anniversary Edition — a high-revving, smoke-belching tribute to seven decades of engineering brilliance and championship pedigree.
Released as part of Yamaha’s 70th anniversary celebration, the YZ500 marks the triumphant return of a large-displacement two-stroke motocross machine, something fans of the golden era never thought they’d see again. With styling that nods to the iconic YZs of the ’70s and ’80s, but technology firmly planted in the 21st century, the YZ500 is being hailed as “the ultimate fusion of nostalgia and next-gen performance.”
Built to Roar, Tuned to Win
The 2025 YZ500 features a completely new, liquid-cooled, 499cc two-stroke engine — not a rehash of past designs, but a ground-up rebuild engineered with modern materials, digital mapping, and electronically controlled power valves. Yamaha claims it produces a staggering 72 horsepower while weighing just 228 pounds fully fueled, giving it one of the highest power-to-weight ratios in the class.
“The soul of a two-stroke is in its raw, aggressive character,” said Kenji Tanaka, Yamaha’s global motocross division lead. “But for this machine, we wanted to bring that iconic thrill to a modern track — smoother delivery, better handling, and the reliability riders expect today.”
Other key features include:
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Electronically tuned exhaust valve system (YEES) for optimal low-end torque and top-end power.
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Aluminum bilateral beam frame for enhanced rigidity and cornering precision.
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Electric start with lithium-ion battery, a first for Yamaha two-strokes.
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Fully adjustable KYB suspension tuned for aggressive racing conditions.
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70th Anniversary livery with retro graphics, gold-accented wheels, and brushed aluminum finishes.
A Nod to the Legends
The 70th Anniversary YZ500 isn’t just a motorcycle — it’s a rolling tribute to Yamaha’s racing history. From the legendary YZ250 of Broc Glover and Bob Hannah, to Stefan Everts’ dominance in Europe, and the championship battles in AMA Supercross, the two-stroke lineage runs deep in Yamaha’s blood.
Veteran racer and Yamaha brand ambassador Jeremy McGrath was at the launch event and swung a leg over the YZ500 himself: “It’s like going back in time but with jet-age performance. This thing is insane — responsive, brutal, and beautiful.”
Limited Numbers, Unlimited Demand
Yamaha confirmed the YZ500 70th Anniversary Edition will be a limited-production model, with only 1,700 units to be made globally — a symbolic nod to the company’s founding year of 1955. Each unit will come with a numbered plaque, commemorative tool kit, and a certificate of authenticity.
Pre-orders open worldwide on July 1st, with North American MSRP starting at $12,999 USD. Dealers are already reporting waiting lists and high demand from collectors, racers, and two-stroke fanatics alike.
The Two-Stroke Renaissance?
While the industry has largely shifted toward four-stroke dominance in both motocross and enduro racing, recent years have seen a resurgence in two-stroke popularity — from KTM’s fuel-injected models to boutique brands catering to hardcore enthusiasts.
Yamaha’s bold entry into the modern big-bore two-stroke market could signal a broader shift.
“This isn’t just a retro exercise,” says motocross journalist Ryan Cooke. “It’s a challenge to the status quo. It proves the two-stroke still belongs at the highest level.”
Available 2025 – But For How Long?
With environmental regulations tightening in various markets, it’s unclear how long high-performance two-strokes like the YZ500 will be allowed to roam free. But for now, riders can rejoice: the thunder is back, the blue smoke is rising, and Yamaha has just dropped a historic bombshell.
The YZ500 is more than a bike. It’s a legacy reborn.
