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/127965
Four strokes. One miasron . T I h i s is wh e r e th e YZ experience begins. And the moment you swing your leg over a YZ8D™, you become part of a storied history. With a legacy lined with victories much like its legendary bigger yz brethren, the YZ8D has made a h a bit of d omin a ti n g prelly much everything that has anything to do with the mini class. And, of course, experts have been quick to chime in with their own pr ai se, most recently crowning it the 1998 "8 0 of the Y ear" and "8 Dce Motocross Shootout" winner. Can 't r e ally say we're s urpr ised, though. After all, from its torquey liquid-cooled 83cc s in gle and s mooth -shif ling six-spe ed gearbox to its race-bred frame, ultra-strong br akes an d fully adjustable s us pension, the YZ8D is the mini-racer of choice for those serious abut winning. And if you're 'going to kick off your career aboard a YZ8D, you beller be prepared to s tart doing that a laI. t started when Doug Henry deliver.ed a crushing blow to the SX world two years ago by spanking the entire field aboard his factory YZM4DD four-strok'e at the '9 7 Supercross finale in Las Vegas. We couldn 't have wished for a beller showcase for the dominating, state-of-the-art technology found on what's now our production YZ4DDF™-a bike that prelly much swept 1998 Bike of the Year honors. With its ultra short-stroke, 5valve, torque-packed powerplant, "w or k s - s t yl e" 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 "r a is ed motocross to a new .l evel...in one fell swoop," dubbing the four-stroke "defini tely 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 YZ4DDF gets a newly redesigned, lightweight swingarm with' an upgraded shock linkage ratio; lighter, stronger rear hub and Excel rims; new Dunl op 739s ; and a larger rear brake disc. The good n ews? Enhanc e d handling and finer-tuned overall performance to make the "wor ld's greatest four-stroke " that much more unstoppable. z Maximum mini. There are f ew joys in life equal to the free - spirited thrill and experience of motorcycling. And t hat's why it's important f ar all of us t o do our part as responsible riders. By fallowing I logical carnrnan-sense niles , we can maintain season after of season of unparalle led el\jayment of our sport . Always remember t o review your Yamaha motorcycle Owner's maroa! and Tips Booklet before you ride . Before each ride, take t ime to check all your equipment . Always wear an approved helmet, eye protection, long- sleeve d shirt, long trousers, gloves and boats . And always be sure your bike is it' f irst-class condit ion before riding. Never ride 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 ar her skills, experience and ab ilit ies and ride accordingly. Beginners should be extremely cautious and allow extra time and distance far lIICIIleU\IeI"ing and braking. All riders should ride will within t he limits of t he ir ab ilit ies , never beyond them. Do nat drink and ride . It is illegal and dangerous . Yamaha and the Matareycle Safety Foundation encourage you t o ride safely and respect the environment . Far flrther inf ormati on regarding the MSF course, please ca ll 1-800-446-9227 . The r iders used dlring photography of this brochure are highly skJlled, very talented professiona l racers, All of the action was shot on a dosed COlrSe , and is nat intended to be duplicated in any way. Specifications subject to change without notice. ns came with a 30 - Day Umited Factory Warranty. Umited warranty does nat apply to units far racing . See your dealer far details. ,....., C'J s... OJ ..0 o ..... u o 23