Yamaha Timeline By JesusGuerrero Nov 15, 1953 Kawakami researches other motorcycle companies in the US. Aug 1, 1954 Yamaha's first YA-1 is complete Jan 1, 1955 The Hamakita factory is built Jul 1, 1955 Genichi Kawakami founded Yamaha Motor company Genichi Kawakami creates Yamaha Jan 1, 1956 The YC1 is ready for production. Jan 1, 1960 Yamaha began selling motorcycles in the USA.