Cycle News - Archive Issues - 1990's

the use of a banana-type swingarm that and the bikes sport purple seats and YZI25 and 250. Both machines share the brake disc and sintered brake pads. In has received additional gussetting and graphics, mimicking the look of the facaddition, the YZ250 has received the same plastic, including slimmer side is similar in appearance to that used on tory team's '92 bikes. same modifica tions to the front and rear panels that integrate with the smaller Schmit's works bike. suspension, though stiffer springs are 2.D-gallon fuel tank. The rear fender feaBut are they really better? Up front, the fork's damping cylinder utilized. tures a straighter bend and a dud that is was increased from 20 to 25mrn, and While they are very similar to each With all the changes to the motors designed to channel air under the rear of new low-friction bushings were also utiother in appearance, the YZ250 and the seat to the airbox. The front number and suspension, Yamaha felt that a new lized. Axle underhang was reduced by YZ125 are complete opposites when it body style was warranted on both the plate and side pan~ls are also larger, 10mm, and different comes to their power valving accompanies the characteristics. The 125 have never been a huge yz 'fan, but this year's pair of white and purple motocrossers changed my mind in two ways. altered spring rate. came jetted too rich in Let's start with the good. Within the first two la s r took on the YZ250, r felt comfortable and in control In past years, Finally, the fork was stock form, especially at the YZ250 has felt too long and uncomfortable for my tastes, but this year's newest version fit me like a glove. given a darker workslow-end and midrange Although the bike still feels long, it doesn't have that "limousine" feel that r disliked in the past. 1be Kayaba fork and like color. rpm. Throttle response shock do an admirable job of absorbing both small braklng bumps and larger square edges in a predictable and controlWhile the frame was hesitant, and power lable manner. Hard landings from large jumps are handled with relative ease, although I was able to bottom the fork on geometry has remained was lacking. We swapped several occasions. But even without dialing in the adjusters or setting the sag for my 170 lb. weight, the bike as a whole unchanged, larger-diamthe stock 22.5 pilot jet for handled extremely well in bone stock form. eter tubing has been utia 15, and the 330 main jet Rough straights and rutted jumps are not troublesome obstacles for a YZ pilot, as the bike has extremely stable manlized throughout. was replaced with a 300. ners. Headshake was never a problem. Gussetting has also been These modifications gave The YZ2S0 motor is impressive. It's power starts down low and and pulls steadily and controllably through an added, and a completely the bike good throttle impressive mid-range and into an average top-end. The motor likes to be ridden a gear high through turns and overremovable sub frame response and helped the revved, but less-than-stellar shifting will keep you from clicking off shifts down the following straight. r found myself replaces the removable power down low, though letting off the throttle in order to shift, and planning my shifts well ahead when a tricky section approached. left-side frame member the motor still has a Guiding the bike through tight or rutted. comers requires a bit more body English than much of the competition, but of last year. Also, the rather peaky powerband such turning habits are the trade-off for high-Speed stability. front brake features a and prefers to be revved. All in all, I thoroughly enjoyed riding the YZ250, and for the first time ever wiII argue with the other editors about new stainless steel disc We traded the stock 50whose garage this Yamaha gets parked in. and sintered brake pads. tooth rear sprocket for a The YZl25, though, is another story. Though r have heard that the 1993 version is worlds better than its predecessor, The YZ250 has under52-cog unit, and this I didn't spend any time in the '92's saddle due to injury. I'm sorry to say that the new YZI25 is the slowest 12Sec gone most of the same made it easier to keep the motocrosser that I have ever ridden. In stock form, the bike felt as if it had a rag left in the airbox. The motor revved changes as its little bike screaming on tight slowly for a 125 and no part of the powerband really caught my attentiOn. After the jetting changes, though, the motor brother, including the tracks. came to life and felt much cri$per, but still delivered a lackluster amount of power. Luckily, the YZl25 can be made. into increased clutch capaciThe 250 came jetted a fire-breather, as recently-erowned 125cc National Champion Jeff Emig and so many others proved last year. ty, the addition of an spot-on for our southern With the exception of the motor, the YZl25 is just as pleasurable to ride as its big brother. Both large and small extra clutch plate and California test tracks' difbumps and jumps are soaked up with ease, as the 125 enjoys the same I

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