This website has been developed to document the history of Yamaha's earliest racing motorcycles, starting with the works 250cc racers; the 1957 models code named the YD-A and YD-B.
The YD racers were specifically developed to participate in the 2nd Mount Asama Highlands Volcano Race in 1957, the most prestigious race in Japan at that time. If successful, they would prove Yamaha's superiority amongst the hotly contested Japanese home market; Yamaha were indeed successful!
The site also follows the restoration of one of these unique factory racing machines, the very YD-A which Osamu Masuko rode to victory at Asama and documents it's fascinating and pioneering history, paving the way for the global Yamaha brand as we know them today.
Please note, this site is a "work in progress" and will be being edited and updated as time goes on.
I have used several pictures from sources online, wherever possible I have listed picture credits at the bottom of the page, if I have missed a credit or you do not wish me to use your picture, please advise me.