Yamaha

Yamaha is another long standing motorcycle manufacturer.  It too has produced many landmark motorcycles over the years Eg. V-Max and YZF-R1.  It has a great reputation in producing engines for a variety uses eg. Marine outboard and inboard motors.  At one stage it even helped Toyota with its engine designs like for the Celica. However like Kawasaki they have not made the transition to 4 wheeled cars.

It's motorcycles have won many motor races over the years and is the current MotoGP winner with Valentino Rossi at the bars.  In terms of its motorcycle range its YZF-R1 sports bike was THE bike to get in the late 90's and early 2000's.  It has even raced a 2 wheel drive bike in the DAKAR rally.  Yes you heard right 2 wheel drive and it wasn't an ATV.

In the 250cc and under class it hasn't made anything all that special although had numerous models over the years eg. FZX Zeal, Balius, SRV and YZR that where available here.  But despite that the Virago 250 was one of the most popular bikes to get in the 90's.  Why? price and looks mainly - most probably went on to own the large capacity Yamaha 'Star' series.