Tech & Auto
Here’s Where Yamaha Really Makes Their Motorcycles
By RON KING
The Yamaha Motor Company has been manufacturing motorcycles since the 1950s and has expanded its operation and production worldwide.
Its facilities in Japan produce the highest percentage of its products, but China, Taiwan, Indonesia, Thailand, Vietnam, India, Brazil, and the U.S. also contribute to production.
Yamaha builds most of its higher-end motorcycles in Japan, including the YZF-R1. However, bikes like the XMAX400 come from assembly plants like those in France and Spain.
Some beginner-friendly motorcycles, such as the YZF-R3, originate in Indonesia and Brazil. Meanwhile, Yamaha’s smaller bikes, like the YZF-R125, are made primarily in India.
If you’re curious about the country of origin of a specific motorcycle, the vehicle identification code, or VIN, could provide some clues.
The VIN starts with a three-letter world manufacturer identifier or WMI, and the 11th position identifies the assembly location. Use an online VIN decoder to find the information.