1962 Yamaha YD3 250
VIN: Y13-40163
For rare Yamaha enthusiasts, this is the second of three highly collectible museum quality early Yamahas presented in this collection.......
When the Yamaha Corporation came to the U.S. in 1960 to introduce its motorcycles to the American public it proudly unveiled its new and improved “touring” model, the YD3. An upgraded version of the YD2 that had been its top offering in Japan, the more luxurious YD3 would now serve as Yamaha's flagship product for the American market. While preserving the YD2's 250cc two stroke 4 speed running gear and ground breaking “instant on” electric start, the YD3 also featured a modest increase in power and a larger fuel tank (including, for the first time, Yamaha's iconic “triple tuning fork” emblem logo) for the improved performance and range needed for American roads.
A number of YD3's were also brought to American shores by GI's returning stateside following their tour of duty in Japan. This is likely the case with the motorcycle that you see here, in part because it carries a 1963 title though production actually ended in 1962; and partly because it is equipped with factory installed turn signals and switch gear that Yamaha generally omitted from models that it produced for export.
As with many introductory brands that were unknown at the time, Yamaha sold only a tiny fraction of the motorcycles it sells today. Furthermore, a new YD3 could be purchased in 1962 for $500 to $550 – whereas a Triumph Bonneville retailed for $1,000-$1,200 and a Harley Sportster brought $1300-$1500 – so the little Yamaha tended to be a “use and throw away” bike, and it is rare to find a well preserved one in good running condition. It is rarer still to find a museum quality example such as this one that is complete with the turn signals and switch gear that was generally sold only on models made for consumption in Japan.
The YD3 that you see here was purchased in all original condition by the current owner in 2007, with just under 5,500 miles showing on the odometer. It received a complete and thorough service to ensure that all mechanical and electrical components were in proper working order, and subsequent to that it was treated to a cosmetic restoration that included a fresh coat of black paint embellished with white pin stripes and a new set of white wall tires. It has since been carefully maintained and ridden sparingly, mostly to participate and be shown in various antique motorcycle events. The odometer currently shows 5,716 miles.
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.
