5 Yamaha motorcycle models that were discontinued most regretfully

Motorcycle lines from major brands are constantly changing and some models are even suddenly discontinued despite their popularity. These models are discontinued for a variety of reasons, but one of the most common reasons listed below is due to increasingly stringent emissions regulations over the years.

The policy change made production costs too expensive, forcing the brand to phase out some products in favor of more cost-effective options. With any luck, some models will be revived in the future under a different name, but for now, customers are unlikely to see the return of the discontinued Yamaha models listed below.

1. Yamaha YZF-R6

One of the best examples of a model that was discontinued early due to new emissions regulations is the Yamaha YZF-R6. The Japanese motorcycle brand discontinued the iconic sports bike in 2020. The reason given was the Euro 5 emissions limits and Yamaha’s decision not to update the model to meet the new guidelines. The model had been in production for 21 years before it was discontinued.

While it's a popular model, sales have been on a downward trend since the mid-2000s, so that may be part of the reason why Yamaha decided not to update the model to meet new emissions standards.

Technically, the Yamaha YZF-R1 is a race bike, which means you can own one but you can’t take it out on the regular city streets. Since the model was discontinued not too long ago, if you really want one, you can still find one on the used market, where mid-2010s models typically cost under $10,000, but newer variants can command a hefty premium.

2. Yamaha VMAX

Sharing the same fate as the YZF-R6, the Yamaha VMAX was also discontinued in 2020 due to the introduction of Euro 5 regulations. Unlike the R6, the VMAX was a cruiser-style motorcycle that was introduced in 1985. After its discontinuation, Yamaha still had a few other cruiser models left, but none of them could compare to the "power cruiser" VMAX. Although the VMAX did not have the "hottest" motorcycle engine Yamaha has ever produced, at the time of its launch and production, its 1,197 cc engine was enough to satisfy most customers.

Like the YZF-R6, you can still find some prototypes floating around, with near-discontinuation models fetching upwards of $18,000, while 80s variants are more affordable.

3 and 4. Yamaha Star Venture and Star Eluder

When Yamaha first entered the luxury-touring niche, the Yamaha Star Venture was well received during its short production run. It was a top choice for those looking for a bike that looked like a Harley-Davidson but wore a different logo. The Star Venture debuted in 2018 but was quickly discontinued after just three years.

Another luxury touring bike, the Star Eluder, has suffered the same fate as the Star Venture, as Yamaha has largely exited the luxury touring bike business. You can still find both on the used market, but they don’t come cheap. A Star Eluder starts at around $13,000, and it’s no surprise that that number has been rising. The Star Venture, on the other hand, is a bit pricier, going as high as $20,000.

5. Yamaha YA-1

The Yamaha YA-1 was produced from 1955 to 1958. Although not many speed enthusiasts recognize this legendary model today, the Yamaha YA-1 was once the dream of many speed enthusiasts in Japan because at the time of its launch, the model had a price far beyond the means of most citizens of the land of the rising sun. It is known that this is the first model of car in Japan to use a kick starter.

At the 2011 Tokyo Motor Show, Yamaha teased a motorcycle that had similar features to the Yamaha YA-1 but was upgraded to better suit the tastes of consumers at the time. The upgraded model used a 125cc engine and weighed 176 pounds (80 kg). However, the project seems to have been forgotten, so customers are unlikely to see the Yamaha YA-1 again.