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/127971
s ti Z40 Four strokes. Orre :mission. • h i s is where the YZ experience . begins. And the moment you swing your leg aver a YZ80™, you became part of a storied history. With a legacy lined with victories much like its legendary . bigger YZ brethren, the YZ80 has made a h a b it of dominating pretty much everything that has anything to do with th e mini class. And, of course, experts have been quick to chime in with their awn praise, mast r ecently crowning it the 1998 "8 0 of the Y ear" and "8 0cc Motocross Shootout" winner. Can't r eally say we 'r e s u r prise d, though. After all, from its torquey liquid-coaled 83 cc s ingle and smooth-shifting s ix- s pe e d gear box to its r a ce-br ed frame, ultra-strang brakes and fully adjustable suspension, the YZ80 is the mini-racer of choice for those serious abut winning. . And if you're going to kick off your career aboard a YZ80 , you better be prepared to start doing that alaI. T I t started when Doug Henry delivered a crushing blow to the SX world twa 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 far a better showcase for th e dominating, state-of-the-art technology found an what's now our production YZ400F™-a bike that pretty much swept 1998 Bike of the Year honors. With its ultra short-stroke, 5v alv e , torque-packed powerplant, "w or k s - s t yl e" KYB suspension and race-bred YZ chassis, there's simply no bike lik e il. Cycle News called it "one of the mast exhilarating production race b ikes an the planet, " while Dir t Bike Magazine hailed Yamaha as having "r ais ed motocross to a new level...in one fell swoop," dubbing the four -stroke "definitely the Bike of the Year, maybe the decade:' Well, that hard-hitting, all-world package has just became even mare patent , as the ' 9 9 YZ400F gets a newly redesigned, lightweight swingarm with an upgraded shack linkage ratio; lighter, stranger rear hub 'and Excel rims; new Dunlap 739s; and a larger rear brake disc. The goad news? Enhanced handling and finer-tuned overall performance to make the "wor ld's greatest four-stroke " that much mare unstoppable. Maximum mini. 00 0\ 0\ ,..... N There are few joys in life equal to the free-spirited thrill and exper ience of motorcyc ling . And that's why it 's important for all of us to do our part as responsible riders . By following I logical common-sense rules. we' can maintain season after of season of unparalleled enjoyment of our sport. Always remember to review your Yamaha motorcycle Owner's manual 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-sleeved shirt . long trousers. gloves and boots . And always be sure your bike is in f irst-class candition before riding. Never ride a yz on paved surfaces or public roads; never cmry passengers; never engage in stunt riding and avoid excessive speed . Every motorcycle rider should be QWare of the limits of his or her skills. exper ience and abilit ies and ride accordingly. Beginners should be extremely cautious and allow extra time and distance for maneuvering and braking. All riders should ride will within the limits of their abilities . never beyond them . Do not drink and ride. It is illegal and dangerous. Yamaha and the Motorcycle Safety Foundat ion encourage you to ride safely and respect the environment. For further informat ion regarding the MSF course. please call 1-800-446-9227. The riders used dlring photography of th is brochure are highly skilled, very talented professional racers , All of the action was shot on a closed course. and is not int ended to be duplicated in any way. Specifications subject to change without notice. VZs come with a 3O-l>ay Urnited Factory Warranty . Umited warranty does not apply to units for racing. See yolr dealer for details. l-< Q) .n E Q) u Q) ·0 33