After the succesful Yamaha YL1 Yamaha wanted to replace this model with a more cost-efficient but equally quick, single cylinder model, it was called the Yamaha YL2.

The Yamaha YL2 took many design and construction ideas from the other smaller machines. Frame, frontfork, rear swinging arm, headlamp and other parts are very similar to other bikes as you can see.

The first 1968 model has painted mudguards and looks like the first YL1 models.

Yamaha YL2 July 1968, front side