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/127964
10' Fou r s t roke s . One mtssron. 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 YZM400 four-stroke at the '97 Supercross finale in Las Vegas. We couldn't have wished for a better showcase for t h e dominating, state-of-the-art technology found on what's now our production YZ400F™-a bike that pretty much swept 199B Bike of the Year honors. With its ultra short-stroke, 5 valve, torque-packed powerplant, "w or k s - s t yl e P KYB suspension and race-bred YZ chassis, there's simply no bike like it. Cycle News called it P one .of the most exhilarating production race bikes on the planet / while Dirt Bike Magazine hailed Yamaha as having P ais ed motocross to a r new level...in one fell swoop, dubbing the four -stroke P definitely the Bike of the Year, maybe the decade. Well, that hard-hitting, all-world package has just become even more potent, as the " 9 9 YZ400F gets a newly redesigned , lightweight swingarm with an upgraded shock linkage ratio; lighter, stronger rear huh 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 P ld's greatest four-stroke " that much more unstoppable. wor I h i s is where the YZ experience begins. And the moment you swing your leg over a YZBO™ you become , part of a storied history. With a legacy lined with victories much like its legendary bigger YZ brethren, the YZBO has made a hab it of dominating pretty much everything that has anything to do with the mini class. And, of course, experts have been quick to chime in with their own praise, most recently crowning it the 199B "BO of the Year" and "BOcc Motocross Shootout" winner. Can 't really say we 're surprised, · though. After all, from its torquey liquid-cooled B3cc s ingle and smooth-shifting six-speed gearbox to its race-bred frame, ultra-strong brakes and fully adjustable suspension, the YZBO is the mini-racer of choice for those serious abut winning. And if you're going to kick off your career aboard a YZBO, you better be prepared to start doing that a lot. P p Maxim.um mini. 00 0\ 0\ ...... -.::1" There are few jays in life equal to the free -spirited thrill and experience of motorcycling. And t hat' s why it's important f or all of us t o do our part as respons ible r iders . By following I logical common- se nse rules, we can maintain season after of season of unparalleled enjoyment of our sport . Always remember to rev iew your Yamaha motorcycle Owner's manual and Tips ...... Booklet before yoo ride . Before each ride , take time to check all your equipment . Always wear an approved helmet, eye protection, long- s leeved shirt, long trexJsers, gloves and boots . And always be sure your bike is in f irst-class condit ion before riding. Never r ide a yz on paved surfaces or public roads: never carry passengers: never engage in stunt r iding and avoid excessive speed . Every motorcycle rider should be aware of the limits of his or her skill , experience and ab ilities and ride accordingly. Beginners shCXJld be extremely cautious and allow extra ti me s and distance for maneuver ing and braking. All riders shoold r ide will within the limits of their ab ilities , never beyond them. Do not drink and ride . I t is illegal and dangerous . Yamaha and the Motorcycle Safety FCXJndation encourage yoo t o ride safely and respect the environment . For further information regarding the M5F course , please call 1- 800-446- 9227 . The riders used during phatography of this brochure are highly skilled, very talented professional racers . All of the action was shot on a closed cee-se, and is not int ende d t o be duplicated in any way. Specifications subject t o change without notice. VZs come with a 30- Dey Limited Factory Warranty. Limited warranty does not apply to units f or rac ing. See your dealer for details. .c o ..... u • l-< (]) o 69