Performance is an integral part of most Yamaha offerings. But the real USP is the usability of that performance. Instead of smacking you in the face with all the might, Yamaha bikes usually go about their business in a tamer fashion. This is thanks to a clever combination of accessible form factor, linear curves, and assistive technology features. Want one of these fast but friendly Yamaha bikes in 2026? Well, we have bundled together ten such examples. Most of these are available as new today, while a handful are uber-fun used machines. This list of new and used Yamaha motorcycles is organized in ascending order of horsepower ratings. For those with identical horsepower ratings, lower curb weight is the deciding factor. 2026 Yamaha XSR700 Power: 72.4 Horsepower Yamaha Motorsports This is a less-appreciated middleweight Yamaha that is arguably the most well-rounded roadster from the brand. Powering this neo-retro-styled roadster is the popular CP2 parallel-twin engine, shared across various other Yamahas, including the MT-07. You get similar performance figures, too, with 72.4 horsepower and 49.4 pound-feet of torque.Yamaha Motorsports While the powertrain is punchy, the XSR700 has a comfortable rider triangle and predictable riding dynamics thanks to simplified underpinnings tuned for the streets. It gets 41 mm telescopic forks up front and a preload-adjustable monoshock at the rear. This neo-retro Yamaha weighs 410 pounds and lacks even basic electronics. But despite this, the XSR700 offers a linear riding experience thanks to its practical CP2 mill. 2026 Yamaha MT-07 Power: 72.4 Horsepower Yamaha Motorsports This is arguably the most practical Yamaha motorcycle on the market today. The famed and reliable CP2 crossplane parallel-twin engine powers the MT-07, with 72.4 horsepower and 49.4 pound-feet of torque via a six-speed manual. A curb weight of just 403 pounds improves the performance further.Yamaha Motorsports Making things accessible and easy to ride further is a seat height of 31.7 inches and a wheelbase of 54.9 inches. The latest update also brings a by-wire throttle, three throttle maps, switchable traction control, and ABS to instill confidence in riders. Bonus points for the aggressive MSRP, even with the updates. 2026 Yamaha Tracer 9 Power: 117 Horsepower Yamaha Motorsports This is the Yamaha motorcycle that strikes the right balance of comfort and performance. That's down to how well Yamaha has fused a sports bike-grade CP3 inline-3 engine with a tall-standing design and the very comfortable ergonomics of a sport tourer. The engine, while punchy, has a meaty midrange and produces 117 horsepower and 68.6 pound-feet of torque. A lightweight chassis and long-travel suspension setup up the versatility.Yamaha Motorsports As for electronics, the package comprises five ride modes, a variable speed limit, and MotoGP-derived features such as lean-sensitive brake control and adjustable lift-and-slide control. A lot of mile-munching features like a tall windscreen, an upright stance, ample seating for both rider and pillion, and lockable side cases come standard, too. 2026 Yamaha YZF-R9 Power: 117 Horsepower Yamaha Motorsports This brand-new Yamaha sports bike is getting all the attention for being an affordable alternative to the Ducati Panigale V2. The engine plays a big role in that, as you get the versatile CP3 engine. So the performance curve, while tuned for track use, is linear and tameable. Yamaha Motorsports Its predictable combination of engine and chassis is what makes the R9 a sports bike that doesn't intimidate. Furthermore, a loaded electronic suite aids the rider in taming the R9. It weighs 430 pounds, has a seat height of 32.7 inches, and returns 48 MPG for guilt-free road use. The result is a machine that punches above its class, both on and off track. 2026 Yamaha XSR900 Power: 117 Horsepower Yamaha MotorsportsIf you dig the XSR700 but want more oomph, the XSR900 is for you. This is more comfortable with a longer swingarm and a more relaxed rider triangle than the MT-09. But the CP3 engine retains the same performance curve, producing 117 horsepower and 68.6 pound-feet of torque.Yamaha MotorsportsElectronic features like a by-wire throttle, cornering traction control, three levels of slide control, selectable wheelie control, ride modes, and a back slip regulator help keep things calm and composed. Finally, you get a lightweight die-cast aluminum twin-spar frame and adjustable KYB suspension at both ends. 2026 Yamaha MT-09 Power: 117 Horsepower Yamaha MotorsportsThe MT-09 is a do-it-all middleweight streetfighter. This is thanks to Yamaha's popular and very reliable CP3 inline-3 engine that produces 117 horsepower and 68.6 pound-feet of torque. This mill produces a surge of usable power across the rev band that feels more accessible than its high-revving inline-4 rivals.Yamaha Motorsports The dynamic chassis setup consists of a lightweight aluminum Deltabox main frame, which helps keep the curb weight low, at 425 pounds. Also, keeping this energetic streetfighter composed is an array of assistive electronics like lean-sensitive traction control, slide control, wheelie control, and cornering ABS, among others. Its compact form factor further helps the cause. 2024 Yamaha FJR1300ES Power: 146 Horsepower Yamaha The FJR1300ES is one of the coolest Yamaha motorcycles. It is powered by a meaty 1,298 cc inline-4 engine that produces 146 horsepower and 101.8 pound-feet of torque. Helping it stand out as a durable and composed mile-munching companion are features like an electronic suspension, final shaft drive, and relaxed yet fairly sporty riding dynamics.Yamaha Motorsports Despite packing sports bike-grade performance, the FJR doesn't intimidate thanks to its touring-tuned underpinnings, electronics, and overall performance. Notable electronic features include ride modes, cruise control, traction control, and by-wire throttle. Also, its 642-pound heft shows that Yamaha has not compromised on the FJR's touring features. It's a bummer that this sport tourer has been discontinued. 2015 Yamaha Fazer 1000 Power: 150 Horsepower Yamaha Motorsports Archives The Yamaha Fazer 1000 was cutting-edge for its time. This forgotten motorcycle is unique because it blends sports bike performance with touring comfort. Consider it a Tracer 9, but with an actual liter-class engine. The lightweight 998 cc four-cylinder engine produced 150 horsepower and 76.7 pound-feet of torque, so the low-end power is gentle, but the top-end has a frantic rush.Yamaha Motorsports Archives Oh, and thanks to a well-balanced weight distribution and a curb weight of 487 pounds, the Fazer has regular riding comfort, too. Fully adjustable suspension and a lightweight chassis further help the cause. This is a Yamaha motorcycle that nails the balance between performance and comfort. 2026 Yamaha MT-10 SP Power: 163.6 Horsepower Yamaha Motorsports The MT-10 SP is essentially a stripped-down Yamaha R1. Of course, attention has been paid to dial things down for road usage, so the CP4 engine has 164 horsepower here. You also get an upright, spacious rider triangle and smooth, well-spread-out power delivery.Yamaha Motorsports This adaptive mill is paired with electronic Ohlins suspension and R1-derived aluminum perimeter chassis. Electronics like slide control, wheelie control, engine braking management, and ride modes help keep this feisty naked bike at bay. If you don't want the Ohlins, the base MT-10 offers incredible value for what is a full-size liter-class naked bike. 2020 Yamaha V-Max Power: ~200 Horsepower Yamaha MotorsportsThe V-Max is the flag-bearer of the modern muscle bike league. This ~200-horsepower cruiser was so ahead of its time that, despite being discontinued over five years ago, we haven't seen a more powerful cruiser yet. In fact, there hasn't been a more powerful Yamaha motorcycle, either. Full credit goes to the 1,679 cc V4 engine for the accolade. Yamaha Motorsports Despite these intimidating figures, the V-Max is a surprisingly approachable cruiser bike thanks to its low-end performance, fairly sporty yet still upright ergonomics, and a low seat height. Its linear performance curve and forgiving low-rpm power delivery make the Yamaha V-Max comfortable at crawling speeds, too. All while weighing 683 pounds, making it the heaviest Yamaha on this list.Source: Yamaha Powersports and Archives