Yamaha motorcycles have become iconic for their distinctive Yamaha Blue paint. This shade of blue is a key part of the Yamaha brand identity and has been used on many of their motorcycles over the years. But what exactly is the color code for Yamaha Blue?
The History of Yamaha Blue
Yamaha Blue first appeared in the 1960s when Yamaha was establishing itself as a global motorcycle manufacturer. The company wanted a standard corporate color that would identify its motorcycles around the world. After considering various options, Yamaha selected a bright blue hue for many of its bikes. This shade came to be known as Yamaha Blue.
The exact origins of Yamaha Blue are uncertain. Some sources claim it was inspired by the blue sky over the Pacific Ocean near Yamaha’s headquarters in Iwata, Japan. Others say it was influenced by the racing colors of the Yamaha factory team. Whatever its roots, Yamaha Blue made its racing debut in 1964 and was an immediate hit with fans.
Over the next few decades, Yamaha Blue became the signature color for iconic Yamaha motorcycles like the RD350, SR500, XS650, and FZR1000. It became synonymous with Yamaha’s racing successes in motocross, road racing, and other disciplines. By the 1980s, practically every Yamaha motorcycle was dressed in some version of Yamaha Blue.
Yamaha Blue Color Formulas
So what exactly is the color code for Yamaha Blue? Like many automotive and motorcycle paint colors, there have been several official Yamaha Blue formulas over the years as paint technology evolved.
One of the earliest Yamaha Blue colors was known as Deep Purplish Blue Metallic (#18C). It was a vibrant metallic blue used on Yamahas through the 1960s and 1970s. By the 1980s, Yamaha began using more advanced paint formulas like Candy Brilliant Blue (#46V). This added a brighter, bluer metallic flake to give more pop and visual depth.
In the 1990s, Yamaha introduced an even more advanced formula called Liquid Blue Metallic (#50G). This achieved a deeper, liquid metal effect by manipulating the size and alignment of aluminum flakes in the paint. It became the most modern and up-to-date Yamaha Blue during the 1990s and 2000s.
Today, the current official Yamaha Blue for motorcycles and scooters is Racing Blue (#42V). Introduced in 2010, it uses a high concentration of blue and silver aluminum flakes laid across a neutral gray base. This creates a cool metallic tone that seems to shift from bright blue to steel gray.
Key Yamaha Blue Color Codes
| Name | Paint Code | Year Introduced |
|---|---|---|
| Deep Purplish Blue Metallic | #18C | 1960s |
| Candy Brilliant Blue | #46V | 1980s |
| Liquid Blue Metallic | #50G | 1990s |
| Racing Blue | #42V | 2010 |
Yamaha Blue in Other Color Systems
In addition to its original paint codes, Yamaha Blue can also be identified by several other color standards used in design, manufacturing, and graphics.
For example, a close equivalent in the RAL color system is RAL 5010 Gentian Blue. This captures the deeper metallic blue tone of many Yamaha paint schemes.
In the Pantone Matching System (PMS), Yamaha Blue is closest to Pantone 2925 C or 3005 C. Both are deeper, brighter blues with hints of azure or teal tone.
The HEX triplet code used in web design and graphics is #1857da. This replicates the balance of blue and neutral tones in Yamaha Blue.
For CMYK printing, Yamaha Blue can be matched using 100% Cyan, 65% Magenta, 0% Yellow, 5% Black. The high cyan content delivers the blue tone while black adds depth.
The main RGB values used on screens are R=24, G=87, B=218. Adjusting the blue higher than the red and green creates the Yamaha Blue look digitally.
Modern Yamaha Blue Shades
While Yamaha Blue originated as a motorcycle color, it has since expanded into many other products categories. Yamaha uses similar blue shades on everything from pianos and guitars to boats and ATVs. But motorcycle shades remain the purest representation of Yamaha Blue.
Current Yamaha motorcycles like the R1, R6, MT-07, and MT-09 all wear shades of Racing Blue. It’s also found on vintage-inspired models like the SR400 and XV950 cruiser. Yamaha Blue remains an integral part of the company’s identity and appeal.
There can be slight variations in hue and metallic flake concentration across model lines. For example, the darker Impact Blue of the MT-10 or vivid Icon Blue of the YZF-R1M. But Racing Blue remains the core color today.
Yamaha also produces a factory touch-up paint pen for retouching chips and scratches. It’s labeled Racing Blue 4 (#42V) and uses the most current official paint code.
Matching Yamaha Blue on Custom Bikes
For Yamaha owners looking to customize or touch up their bikes, matching the exact Yamaha Blue shade can be tricky. The original paint codes aren’t always easy to determine for older models. And fading or oxidation can alter the appearance of original finishes over time.
The best way to color match is to use a paint system like PPG or Dupli-Color. Take a sample of the bike’s paint to a paint supplier and have them scan the color and mix a custom match. This will replicate the precise hue and metallic flake blend. Mixing paint by eye usually can’t match the complexity of Yamaha Blue.
Owners can also order small trial batches of custom paint mixed online through services like ColorRite. Send them paint sample numbers or values and they’ll create a close match. Just brush out samples until achieving a color that matches the bike.
With custom paint, owners can recreate either vintage or modern shades of Yamaha Blue. And touch-up pens let riders quickly repair chips to keep their Yamahas looking factory fresh.
Conclusion
Yamaha Blue has become one of the most iconic colors in motorcycle history. Its bright blue tones with metallic flake instantly identify Yamaha machines. While the formulas have evolved over the decades, Yamaha Blue maintains its strong brand recognition even today.
With paint codes like Racing Blue 4 (#42V), owners and designers can recreate the Yamaha Blue hue. Custom paints can be mixed to match the specific shade on any given Yamaha. So whether preserving a vintage bike or customizing a modern ride, the distinctive Yamaha Blue can be applied for years to come.
