The 1970s were a turning point for motorcycling — new technologies, expanding off-road culture, and racers pushing limits shaped what riders wanted. Yamaha responded with a wide range of models that showed up on trails, streets, and tracks around the world.
There are 27 1970s Yamaha Motorcycles, ranging from the DT125 to the YZ250. For each model in this complete list you’ll find below the key details organized as Production years, Displacement (cc), Type so you can compare specs quickly — you’ll find those entries below.
How can I verify the authenticity of a 1970s Yamaha motorcycle before buying?
Check the frame and engine numbers against Yamaha records or model-specific registries, inspect paint and decals for period-correct finishes, look for matching casting numbers on major parts, examine wear patterns (too-perfect condition can mean refinishing), and ask for maintenance or ownership history; photos and community forums for the specific model are also helpful.
Which 1970s Yamaha models are best if I want a rideable vintage off‑road bike?
For accessible, rideable vintage off‑road use, look to trail-oriented models like the DT125 for light, reliable fun and the MX/YZ family (e.g., YZ250) if you want race-style performance; prioritize models with good parts availability and straightforward engines so maintenance stays manageable.
1970s Yamaha Motorcycles
| Name | Production years | Displacement (cc) | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| XS650 | 1970–1979 | 654 | Street |
| XS750 | 1976–1979 | 741 | Street |
| XS1100 | 1978–1979 | 1,101 | Street |
| SR500 | 1978–1979 | 499 | Street |
| RD250 | 1973–1974 | 246 | Street |
| RD350 | 1973–1975 | 347 | Street |
| RD400 | 1976–1979 | 392 | Street |
| TX750 | 1972–1975 | 743 | Street |
| TZ750 | 1974–1979 | 747 | Race |
| TZ250 | 1973–1979 | 250 | Race |
| YZ250 | 1974–1979 | 250 | Motocross |
| YZ125 | 1974–1979 | 125 | Motocross |
| IT250 | 1975–1979 | 248 | Enduro |
| IT400 | 1976–1979 | 397 | Enduro |
| TY250 | 1974–1979 | 249 | Trials |
| TY175 | 1974–1979 | 175 | Trials |
| DT250 | 1970–1979 | 250 | Trail |
| DT125 | 1974–1979 | 125 | Trail |
| DT400 | 1973–1979 | 397 | Trail |
| MX250 | 1976–1979 | 250 | Motocross |
| GTD/CT models (Enduros) | 1970–1979 | 100–175 | Trail |
| XS360 | 1974–1979 | 360 | Street |
| DT400MX | 1975–1979 | 397 | Motocross/Trail |
| SR250 | 1978–1979 | 250 | Street |
| TL125/TL250 | 1973–1979 | 125–250 | Trials/Trail |
| XT500 | 1976–1979 | 499 | Enduro/Trail |
| R5/RD-era sport family | 1970–1971 | 350–500 | Street |
Images and Descriptions
XS650
Classic four-stroke 654cc twin launched in 1970, the XS650 is a rugged standard popular in US and Europe. Noted for tunability, simple mechanics and cafe-racer/custom conversions; common donor for restorations and a staple of 1970s Yamaha street line-up.
XS750
Three-cylinder 741cc inline triple introduced mid‑1970s as a sporty touring/standard machine. Sold in North America and Europe, notable for smooth power, distinctive triple exhausts and early Yamaha multi-cylinder engineering; a rarer factory triple that appeals to collectors.
XS1100
Large-displacement 1,101cc four-cylinder flagship introduced late in the decade. Known for strong torque, touring capability and novelty in Yamaha’s lineup; sold in select markets and remembered for ambitious engineering and early big-bore Japanese superbikes.
SR500
Single-cylinder 499cc standard introduced in 1978, the SR500 mixed vintage styling with simple air-cooled thumper reliability. Popular worldwide for easy restoration, lightweight handling and use as a base for customs and desert racers.
RD250
Small two-stroke 246cc sport twin sold as a lightweight performance bike in early 1970s. Noted for peppy power, nimble handling and affordability; common in European and US markets as an entry-level sport motorcycle for commuters and racers.
RD350
Iconic two-stroke 347cc sport twin that defined 1970s performance for many riders. Celebrated for explosive midrange, racing pedigree and light chassis; highly collectible today and often sought by restorers and vintage racers.
RD400
Evolution of Yamaha’s two-stroke sport twins, the RD400 (392cc) offered stronger torque and refinement over earlier RD machines. Sold in late‑1970s markets, notable for its 2-stroke bark, sportbike handling and appeal to enthusiasts wanting light high-revving performance.
TX750
Ambitious 743cc twin introduced early 1970s as a touring-oriented inline twin. Known for distinctive engine vibration and early reliability challenges, the TX750 is noteworthy for its engineering issues and subsequent fixes—an important chapter in Yamaha’s large‑bike development.
TZ750
Factory racing superbike with a 747cc four-cylinder two-stroke used in Formula 750 and unlimited classes. Dominant in 1970s road racing with immense power, the TZ750 is legendary among racers and collectors for raw speed and race heritage.
TZ250
Purpose-built 250cc Grand Prix racer used by Yamaha works and privateers through the 1970s. Lightweight, high-revving and influential in 250cc competition, the TZ250 is sought after by historic racers and collectors for period authenticity.
YZ250
Two-stroke 250cc motocross machine that helped establish Yamaha’s off-road racing credentials. Introduced mid-decade, the YZ250 combined lightweight chassis and strong power delivery and became a staple in national motocross series and privateer garages.
YZ125
125cc two-stroke motocross bike aimed at youth and entry-level racers. Praised for agility, tunability and race-ready geometry, the YZ125 became a base for developing riders and remains a classic small-displacement motocross machine.
IT250
Enduro-focused 248cc two-stroke designed for competitive off-road and trail use in the mid‑1970s. The IT250 featured rugged suspension, wide-ratio gearing and was sold in off‑road markets worldwide; favored in club enduros and as a versatile dual-purpose machine.
IT400
Mid‑1970s 397cc enduro model offering more displacement for open-country enduro racing and trail riding. Noted for strong midrange, long-travel suspension and versatility; a capable heavyweight enduro from Yamaha’s growing trail/enduro family.
TY250
Purpose-built trials machine introduced in the 1970s for competition; 249cc two-stroke trials bike with a light frame, low gearing and excellent maneuverability. Sold to trials competitors and enthusiasts, it helped establish Yamaha’s trials presence.
TY175
Smaller-displacement trials bike for lighter riders and amateur competition. The 175cc two-stroke offered tractable power, low weight and precise handling, making it popular in club trials and for riders seeking a nimble competition machine.
DT250
Yamaha’s dual-sport 250cc two-stroke (DT series) was a cornerstone of 1970s trail riding. Known for reliability, simple engine design and versatility on-road or off, the DT250 was widely sold and used for commuting, adventure and light competition.
DT125
Lightweight dual-sport offering accessible off-road capability with a 125cc two-stroke engine. Popular with younger riders and trail commuters, the DT125 combined easy maintenance with Yamaha’s growing reputation in the dual‑purpose market.
DT400
Larger-displacement DT model aimed at riders needing highway ability plus off-road use. The 397cc twin/large single variants (market dependent) provided strong midrange and touring-capable dual-sport performance across global markets.
MX250
Factory and production motocross machines marketed under MX/YZ designations during the late 1970s. The MX250 family offered race-ready suspension and chassis geometry derived from Yamaha’s competition bikes, popular in national motocross circuits.
GTD/CT models (Enduros)
Various small-displacement CT/GTD series commuter and trail machines sold globally in the 1970s. These lightweight models (100–175cc) were notable for economy, simplicity and widespread availability for rural and urban riders.
XS360
Mid-size four-stroke twin offering a balance of city-friendly size and highway capability. The XS360 served markets seeking lighter, more economical machines than the big-bore XS650 while retaining comfortable ergonomics for daily use.
DT400MX
Hybrid motocross-inspired DT model introduced mid-1970s combining long-travel suspension with road-legal features. Suited to riders wanting competitive off-road geometry with street registration for dual-purpose use.
SR250
Small single-cylinder standard introduced alongside the SR500 styling cues for entry-level riders. The SR250 offered retro looks, simple thumper character and was popular in markets with licensing restrictions and commuter demand.
TL125/TL250
Lightweight twin/trials inspired models in the early-to-mid 1970s combining low gearing and nimble chassis. Sold in select markets for both trials practice and trail exploration; useful restoration targets for vintage off-road enthusiasts.
XT500
Early big single enduro introduced mid‑1970s in some markets offering 499cc thumper torque and rugged chassis. The XT500 became the basis for long-distance and desert-style riding, notable for simplicity and adaptability for restoration and rallying.
R5/RD-era sport family
Early sport two-stroke family that crossed into the early 1970s in various markets; includes R5/RD early variants. Noted for lightweight performance and as progenitors of later RD-series sport twins; important context for 1970s two-stroke development.
