1959 Yamaha YD2 250
VIN: YD228070
Yamaha did not enter the U.S. market until 1960, though a few were imported by a Los Angeles dealer and a few others were brought home by service personnel who had been stationed in Japan. Most likely this first year 1959 model was brought in via the latter method, as it retains the rare factory installed turn signal lights and switch gear that were required only on models sold in Japan.
The example you see here was described by Yamaha as a “business-luxury tourer” and would have sold for around $500 when formally introduced to American shores a year later. You likely would not want to jump on it for a ride from LA to Daytona Beach, and in its day it was generally used for commuting or Sunday afternoon rides. Power was supplied by a 250cc two stroke engine coupled to a 4 speed transmission, and it was the first Yamaha to feature electric starting. The Hitachi starter was connected to the generator, which is a unique setup: Pushing the starter button results in “instant on” running, much like pushing the button on a blender, rather than the more familiar chuffing sound of a motor turning over.
This YD2, a rare example of Yamaha's early motorcycle technology, was purchased out of a museum collection by the current owner in 2016 with just over 6,500 miles showing on the odometer. An unusual metallic dark gray/black in color, it is an all original bike that underwent thorough servicing and minor cosmetic refurbishing before being ridden and shown in various antique motorcycle events. It is fully operational and shows only an additional 110 miles ridden since its purchase in 2016.
THIS MOTORCYCLE TO BE COLLECTED FROM BORREGO SPRINGS, CALIFORNIA.
The Motorcycle has been consigned to the Classic Motorcycle Online Auction hosted by the Classic Car Auction Group. The auction is Saturday, May 9, 2026, with online bidding only. To consign your motorcycle and/or to register to bid on this and other bikes in the auction go to http://www.classiccarauction.us.
