The Yamaha Technical Academy (YTA) was established in 2002 to provide the best technical training and expertise on Yamaha products for Yamaha technicians around the world; with very high standards of education and training being the cornerstone of the YTA strategy in order to uphold the level of quality in servicing and repairing the range of motorcycle and marine products that Yamaha owners have come to expect.

Under the auspices of the YTA in Japan, Yamaha Distributors South Africa initiated the YTA in South Africa in 2006, offering three courses to Yamaha technicians from dealerships around the country in the technical intricacies on Yamaha products. Three levels of qualification can be attained. A qualified level one technician is awarded a Bronze certificate, whilst qualified second and third level technicians are awarded Silver and Gold certificates respectively.

Bronze covers theory of complete Motorcycle engineering including customer care:

* Basic workshop practice and repair operations, including correct use of tools and measuring instruments
* Motorcycle components and basic terms
* Two- and four stroke engines
* Lubrication and cooling systems
* Fuel systems
* Electrical systems
* Frames, steering, suspensions, brakes, wheels and tyres
* Customer Care is emphasised throughout the course

Silver expands on the above with more information on trouble shooting and parts failure identification.

Gold covers workshop and business management.

The success of the training is evident in the completion of three Bronze certificate courses of YTA training in South Africa since 2006, and as a consequence has provided the first group of Gold Certificate awardees in selected Yamaha dealers around the country. To date YTA South Africa has awarded a total of 105 Bronze certificates, 52 Silver certificates, and 18 Gold certificates to qualified students, bringing the total 175 highly qualified Yamaha technicians in Yamaha dealerships in Southern Africa.

The academy is recognised worldwide by authorized Yamaha dealers.

Yamaha owners can now send their motorcycles, outboards, WaveRunners and ATVs in for service or repair at their Yamaha dealer, confident in the fact that the technician working on their Yamaha is highly trained and capable of delivering the best possible expertise and service available to them.