Cycle News is a weekly magazine that covers all aspects of motorcycling including Supercross, Motocross and MotoGP as well as new motorcycles
Issue link: https://magazine.cyclenews.com/i/127556
~ ~~!~~;d~~~~~~SI~~J'!.~~~~,a~~,:,~~:5 & YZ250 ~ straights. Despite Yamaha's attempts to improve shifting, the transmissions on both bikes are still hesitant when changing gears. The 250 is more noticeable in this respect, but fortunately the problem is not as apparent when the bike is short-shifted. Suspension on both the YZ125 and , YZ250 is top-notch. The bikes do a good ~ job of soaking up everything from stutter bumps to G-outs, and the fork and shock are well-balanced. The springs on ~ the 125 were a little soft for heavier or ~ ~ more aggressive riders, but a swap to t::: the stiffer springs of the 250 should be ~ enough for most people. -. Both machines are on the long side, and this is evident when you try to muscle them through a tight comer, but the length makes them stable on high-speed sections. The YZS track straight through 'rough cross-grain, and headshake is not a problem. Opinions were mixed on the appearance of the new bodywork, but all of the riders agreed that it was smoother to move around on than tha t of last year's bikes. The side panels don't bulge or binder lacks feel and tends to make noise. The stock Dunlop K490/K695 tire combination is a good choice for most conditions. (;N >... The YZ 125 comes jetted on the rich side, which hurts both power and throttle response. (Above) Yamaha tucked the rear suspension linkage up higher for 1993, making for less drag when casing the bikes over double jumps. (Right) A duct molded into the rear fender draws fresh air under the seat to the airbox, and hand holes in the side panels make it simple to lift the YZs onto a bike stand. Larger silencers are featured on both the YZ125 and the YZ2SO. 8 snag on the rider's boots, and the midsections are very slim. When refueling, the white plastic of the fuel tank rna kes it easy to tell when to stop pouring, but it doesn't take long to get the bodywork dirty. Speaking of the tank, its smallish 2.0-gallon size may make for a slim profile, but off-roaders will wish for more capacity. The larger air filter is a welcome addition, and access is simple and straightforward. Fortunately, the hand holes that were incorpora ted in to the side panels of last year's bikes have been carried over to the 1993 models, and hoisting the YZS onto a stand is not a problem. The brakes on the YZl25 and YZ250 pro- specifications Yamaha Y2125 Engine type: Yamaha "a25O Liquid-<:ooled single- Ilquid-cQOled single- cylinder twq-stroke Displacement: Bore x stroke: Compression ratio: Carburetor. Induction: Ignition: Transmission~ Front wheel travel: Rear wheel travel: Front tire: Rear tire: front brake: Rear brake: Claimed dry weight: Wheelbase: Ground clearance: Seal height: Fuel Capacity: Retail price: cylinder two-stroke 124« 56.Omm xSO.7rnm 9.1;1-10.3:1 (1) Mikuni TM35SS/1 Crankcase reed 249cc 68.Omm x 68.8mrn CDI Constant-mesh 6-speed 12.2 in. 12.8 in. DunlOp' K490 80/100-21 Dunlop K695100/90-19 Single disc Single disc 193 lb. S7.7 in. 15.6 in. 39.3 in. ~~allons 9.0:1-10.8:1 (1) Mikuni TM38SS/1 Piston reed CDl Constant-mesh 5-speed 12.2 in. 12.8 in. Dunlop K490 80/100-21 Dunlop K695110/90-19 Single disc Single disc 214 lb. 58.9 in. 15.Sin. 39.3 in. 2.0 gallons $4449