A lineup of nostalgic, legendary 2-stroke World GP machines! Four Japanese manufacturers that have made their mark in road racing history [Japan Mobility Show 2025]

Yamaha YZR500 / 1984

Eddie Lawson’s riding takes him to the top of the World GP!

A new sound roared across the circuit! The Yamaha YZR500 was the first motorcycle to be fitted with a 2-stroke V4 engine in the Road Racing World Championship (now MotoGP). Its sharpness, intense acceleration and unique sound were a testament to technological innovation.

Tadahiko Taira rode this machine and, while aggressively attacking, beat his rivals with precise, well-organized driving, winning the All Japan Road Race 500cc class championship for the second consecutive year.

The YZR500 established itself as Japan’s top machine, and with Eddie Lawson riding it, it took glory in the 500cc class of the World GP, leading Yamaha to the top.

The combination of a spirited ride that had been stripped of all unnecessary elements and the sharp dynamic performance of the YZR500 brought Yamaha new glory.

Suzuki RGΓ500 (XR35) / 1981

The World GP winning machine driven by Randy Mamola!

The moment you start, it leaps forward in an instant… The Suzuki RGΓ500 (XR35) combines a lightweight chassis with a powerful 2-stroke engine, achieving both sharp acceleration and ease of handling.

The spectators were captivated by the bold riding of Suzuki Works rider Randy Mamola, known as the “Mamola rider” (riding at such a steep banking angle that the outside foot was off the ground). The sight of him freely maneuvering his red and black RGΓ500, sometimes even letting the front tire slide as he stood up, is burned into the memories of many fans, more so than the record itself.

The sight of it racing along with the roaring sound of its two-stroke engine was the pride of Suzuki. The speed of the RGΓ500, which shared first and second place in the 500cc class of the World GP, is still engraved in racing history.

Kawasaki KR350 / 1982

Anton Mang wins both the 250cc and 350cc class titles!

A flash of green light racing across the circuit! In the early 1980s, Kawasaki’s KR dominated the 250cc and 350cc classes. Its lightweight two-stroke engine allowed it to accelerate sharply out of corners and launch faster down the straights than anyone else.

Anton Mang perfectly harnessed the power of the KR, taking the 1981 double title in both the 250cc and 350cc classes and taking the championship in style.

The following year, 1982, was the final season for the 350cc class, and Anton Mang and the KR350 completely dominated the stage, bringing the green light to a fitting end.

Honda NSR500 / 1994

Mick Doohan wins his first World GP title!

Ten years have passed since the NSR500’s debut in 1984. Michael Doohan (aka Mick) has perfectly brought out the potential of the NSR500, which is now equipped with a new “Big Bang engine” with improved ignition timing.

Mick won nine of the 14 races in the Road Racing World Championship GP1 (500cc) class, including six consecutive wins from the fourth round, to become the riders’ champion in that class for the first time.

Cheers erupted every time the red and white machine raced through corners and onto straightaways. The crowd gasped at the speed and power, instinctively realizing, “A new era has arrived!” The NSR500 was no ordinary racer. It was born to win, and it evolved as it won.