1986 Yamaha YSR80

Back in the 80s, the Japanese created the Gag Bike craze. Most crazes come and go, but if anything 40 years later their attraction is larger than ever. Many companies hopped on the Gag Bike trend, most notably Suzuki and Yamaha released scaled-down versions of their bigger bikes. These bikes were often half the size and featured 50 or 80cc engines. What these bikes lacked in size and power they made up for in fun, as is evidenced by how these bikes look and ride.

In 1986, Yamaha released two YSR models, the YSR50 and YSR80. These bikes were almost identical & designed as scaled-down versions of the YSR500 Race Bikes of the early 80’s The 80 performed and sold significantly better than the 50, largely due to its larger power output. Both had a 2-stroke-cylinder engine, yet the YSR80 offered riders 1.5 more hp than the ’50s model.

2 Stroke Power & Noise, 5-speed Manual Transmission & Front Disc Brakes. YSR was considered attractive in Japan for junior racers or those wanting something with style to drive around the streets of Japan. The demand for this motorcycle was so great that Yamaha couldn’t keep up. It was the best-selling motorcycle in Japan up until production ended in 1992.

Yamaha also had a little fun with the YSR80, pumping out some rather unique limited edition variants that sold with a sidecar, and even those sold plenty quickly.