From the 1970s to the early 2000s, Yankii culture emerged as a popular subculture in Japan. Yankiis, which means "rebels" in Japanese, are young people who embrace a rebellious lifestyle and fashion. This subculture is characterized by its distinctive clothing style, including dyed hair, heavily decorated nails, and a penchant for flashy clothing. Additionally, Yankii culture is also associated with motorcycles, which have played a prominent role in Yankii comic books.
In this article, we pay tribute to some of the most iconic motorcycles that have appeared in Yankii comic books over the years, from the classic Kawasaki 750RS used in the 1970s to the futuristic Honda NSR250SP that was popular in the 1990s.
The Kawasaki 750RS, also known as the Z2, was a popular motorcycle among Yankiis in the 1970s. It was known for its powerful engine and sleek design, which made it a favorite of Yankii comic book artists. One of the most popular Yankii comic books to feature the Kawasaki 750RS was "Tokyo Revengers," which follows the story of a young man who travels back in time to his Yankii days in the 1980s. In the comic book, the protagonist's gang is depicted riding the Kawasaki 750RS, which has become a symbol of Yankii culture in Japan.
The Yamaha RZ250 was another iconic motorcycle that appeared in Yankii comic books in the 1980s. It was a two-stroke motorcycle that was known for its speed and agility, which made it popular among Yankiis who were interested in racing. One of the most popular Yankii comic books to feature the Yamaha RZ250 was "Shonan Bakusozoku," which follows the story of a Yankii gang in the Shonan region of Japan. In the comic book, the gang is depicted riding the Yamaha RZ250 during high-speed chases and races.
The Suzuki RG250 was a popular motorcycle among Yankiis in the 1980s and 1990s. It was known for its lightweight frame and powerful engine, which made it a favorite of Yankii comic book artists. One of the most popular Yankii comic books to feature the Suzuki RG250 was "Initial D," which follows the story of a young man who becomes a street racer. In the comic book, the protagonist drives a modified Suzuki RG250 that is capable of drifting around corners at high speeds.
The Honda NSR250SP was a futuristic motorcycle that became popular in Yankii comic books in the 1990s. It was known for its advanced technology and sleek design, which made it a favorite of Yankii comic book artists who were looking to depict a more futuristic vision of the subculture. One of the most popular Yankii comic books to feature the Honda NSR250SP was "Crows," which follows the story of a high school gang that engages in violent battles with rival gangs. In the comic book, the protagonist rides a Honda NSR250SP that has been modified with various custom parts.
The Kawasaki ZX-12R was a popular motorcycle among Yankiis in the 2000s. It was known for its speed and power, which made it a favorite of Yankii comic book artists who were looking to depict a more modern vision of the subculture. One of the most popular Yankii comic books to feature the Kawasaki ZX-12R was "GTO: Great Teacher Onizuka," which follows the story of a former Yankii who becomes a teacher at a high school. In the comic book, the protagonist rides a customized Kawasaki ZX-12R that is capable of reaching high speeds and performing stunts.
