Which Motorcycle Should You Buy: Honda or Yamaha?

When you think of Japanese motorcycles, two giants loom large over the competition: Honda and Yamaha. Honda is known for the powerful road racers, compact powerhouses that deliver tonnes of speed. However, Yamaha also produces motorcycles which dazzle with their refined appearances, enhanced manoeuvrability, and ease of use. Both motorcycle brands produce exceptional motorcycles, yet there are some vast differences that set them apart.

The History of Yamaha Motor Co.  

Known for being a jack-of-all-trades, Yamaha is one of the largest manufacturing giants in not only Japan but the entire world. Starting out as a piano manufacturer, the company pivoted following the Second World War to the burgeoning motorized products market, starting the Yamaha Motor Co. in 1953. From Yamaha's Heritage stories, their motto was, "If you're going to do it, try to be the best." Production at Yamaha dwarfed any company in the world. Although they continued to produce excellent musical instruments, while also moving into the production of electronics, they took the motorcycle market by storm with the YA-1, a beautiful and sporty bike that went against the conventions of the time. 

All of this means that Yamaha is a much larger, highly diversified company, creating motorized components for anything from motorcycles to powerboats, snowmobiles to ATVs, and electric wheelchairs to industrial robots. If it has a motor, then it's likely that Yamaha produces it. This diversity allows Yamaha to apply principles and techniques they've learned by producing a wide variety of motor vehicles.

Alternatively, Honda draws from a more shallow well of knowledge, but still continuing to excel in the motorcycle market. Respectively number one (Honda) and number two (Yamaha) in global motorcycle sales, and yet as a large conglomeration of companies, Yamaha can produce world class motorcycles with two major advantages to Honda.

Style 

Honda motorcycles are monsters on the road, and yet they all seem to fit the 'sports bike' mould. However, Yamaha offers a wide variety of motorcycles, from comfortable cruiser bikes to powerful dual sport bikes, and every conceivable combination of both. The selection offered from Yamaha allows for anyone to find something that they'd enjoy.

For example, the 2019 Yamaha YZF-R3 is the next iteration in Yamaha's signature R line of super-sport bikes. Producing a fun riding experience, the YZF-R3 is everything you want in a sports bike. Powered by a light, compact 320 CC engine, this bike can tear up asphalt like any superbikes produced by Honda, Kawasaki, and Suzuki.

Meanwhile, for those who prefer a more relaxing, leisurely cruise, Yamaha also produces the V-Star 250. The V-Star 250 boasts a V-twin power-plant, which gives the bike that classic "easy-rider" look. Rugged styling mixed with a lightweight frame and easy-to-shift clutch, make this motorcycle the ideal bike for someone who is looking to purchase their first bike to take on a long, cross-country ride. The swept-back handlebars make this one of the most comfortable bikes to take on the open road.

Pulling from all the best styles that have been produced, Yamaha produces more unique styles of motorcycles than Honda. Honda primarily fills a niche market of powerful sports bikes. Meanwhile, Yamaha's ability to innovate allows them to think differently about what makes a motorcycle appealing to customers, producing far more aesthetically pleasing sports bikes, cruisers, and scooters.

Price 

This brings up the big difference between the two companies. Since Yamaha has a larger company, they have the ability to produce the same quality of motorcycles but at a significant discount to Honda. Both companies produce motorcycles that compete in both the world market and on racing circuits. Yet Yamaha offers these bikes at a much lower price.

Consistently lower in price, Yamaha offers a way into motorcycle ownership for any person. This allows people living on a fixed budget to take advantage of the low carbon footprint and cheaper gas prices that driving a motorcycle allows. If you check out our Yamaha motorcycle inventory, you can find two great motorcycles, 2020 Yamaha V-STAR 250 ($5,299) and 2020 Yamaha MT-03($5,899) for under $6,000 CAD. Both of these motorcycles combine style and power, especially the MT-O3, which boasts lightweight handling and naked styling. Unfortunately, Honda doesn't compare in price with the Yamahas.

Both Honda and Yamaha produce exceptional motorcycles, which can compete with any motorcycles on the market. However, only Yamaha can boast such a unique catalogue of motorcycles with affordable price tags. As a result, Yamaha creates world class motorcycles with aesthetically appealing styles which anyone can enjoy. With a company that's motto has always been, "If you're going to do it, try to be the best," is it any wonder that they've achieved success as one of the world leaders in motorcycle sales? From those who like to tear down an open road to those who like to sit back, relax, and take in the scenery on a long cross-country trip, there is a Yamaha motorcycle for you that will outperform your expectations.