Image: Colin Speckner (Racer X Online).

Photos have surfaced of multi-time US champion James Stewart riding aboard a Yamaha YZ450F today at his private track in Florida while hosting an amateur ride day.

Stewart has been particularly quiet since his shaky season came to a premature end during the 2016 Lucas Oil Pro Motocross Championship, however today’s sighting is the first sign of the former factory Suzuki rider potentially returning to the professional circuit for 2017.

Speculation has linked the number-seven rider to the Cycle Trader Rock River Yamaha outfit following a recent social media post from the team, although nothing of significant value has been revealed to verify this.

Stewart last raced a Yamaha in 2012 with the JGR squad before making an early exit from the team and racing with Yoshimura Factory Suzuki for the second half of that season.

James’ brother Malcolm, the reigning Monster Energy Supercross 250 east coast champion, was also spotted aboard a Yamaha, while his most recent Instagram post displayed a selection of bikes from a variety of manufactures graced with his number 47.

Stay tuned on MotoOnline.com.au as this story develops and more information becomes available.