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/127963
- ou, str-clees. F r One mtsston. h is i s where the YZ experience begins. And the moment you swing , your leg over a YZ8D™ you become par t of a s tor ied history. With a legacy lined with victories much like its legendarY bigger YZ brethren, the YZ8D has made a h a bit of domi n a tin g , pretty much everyt~ing that has anything to do with the mini class. And, of course, experts have been quick to chime in with their awn praise, most recently crowning it the 1998 "8 D of the Year'~ and "8Dcc Motocross Shootout" winner. Can't really say we're surprised, though. After all, from its torquey liquid-cooled 83cc single and smooth-shifting six-speed gearbox 't o its race-bred frame, ultra-strong brakes and fully adjustable suspension, the YZ8D is the mini-racer of choice for those serious abut winning. And if you're going to kick off , -our career aboard a YZ8D, you better be prepared to start doing that a lot. T -~ t started when Doug Henry delivered a crushing blow to the SX world two years ago by spanking the entire field aboard his factory YZM4DD four-stroke at the '97 Supercross finale in Las Vegas. We couldn't have wished for a better showcase for the dominating, state-of-the-art technology found on what's now our production YZ4DDF™-a bike that pretty much swept 1998 Bike of the Year honors. With its ultra short-stroke, 5valve, torque -packed powerplant, "works-style" KYB suspension and race-bred YZ chassis, there's simply no bike like it. Cycle News called it "one of the most exhilarating production race bikes on the planet," while Dirt Bike Magazine hailed Yamaha as having "raised motocross to a new level...in one fell swoop," dubbing the four-stroke "definitely tile Bike of the Year, maybe the decade:' Well, that hard-hitting, all-world package has just become even more potent, as the '99 YZ4DDF gets a newly redesigned, lightweight swingarm with an upgraded shock linkage ratio; lighter, stronger rear hub and Excel rims; new Dunlop 739s; and a larger rear brake disc. The good news? . Enhanced handling and finer-tuned overall performance to make the "world's greatest four-stroke" that much more unstoppable. I Maximum mint. There are few joys in life equal to the me-spirited thrill and experience of motorcycling. And t hat's why it's import;.rn for all of us to do our part as respons ible riders. By following I logical convnon-sense niles, we can maintain season after of season of unparalleled enjoyment of our sport. Always remember to review your Yamaha motorcycle Owner's monuaI and Tips Booklet before you ride. Before each ride, take time to check all your equipment. Always wear an "I'flI'OV"d helmet , eye protection, Iong-sleewd sh irt, long trousers, gloves and boots. And always be sure your bike is in first-class condition before rid ing. Never ride a yz on paved surfaces or public roads; never carry passengers; never f:I'I9CI9" in stunt riding and lMlid excessive spud. Every motorcycle rider should be aware of the limits of his or her skills, experience and abilit ies and ride accordingly. · Beginners should be extremely cautious and allow extra 'ti me and distanc:e for ~ n g and braking. All riders should ride will within the limits of their abilities, newr beyond them. Do not drink and ride. It is illega l and cIangerous. Yamaha and the Motorcycle Safety Foundation enc:ourogo: you to ride safely and ,respect the environment. For further inf ormation regarding the M5F eotrSf: , please call 1-800-446-9227. The riders used cbing photography of this brochure are highly skilled, very talented professional racers. All of the action was shat on a closed eotrSf:, and is not intended to be duplicated in any way. Specifications subject to change without notice . VZs COlIlf: with a ~O- Doy Umited Factory Warranty. Umit ed warranty does not apply to units for racing. 5« your dealer for details.