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/128089
@[j)@@O(]O@fiJ710@[JDfS Yamaha YZI25 ENGINE: Liquid-cooled, two-stroke, reed-valve single DISPLACEMENT: ] 24cc BORE x STROKE: .54mm x 54.5mm COMPRESSION RATIO: ...• " _.•.•..•..........................8.7-10.8:1 CARBURETlON: .........•••• , .•.•....•..............( 1) 38mm Mikuni TMX IGNITION: _ CDI STARTER: Kick-start CLUTCH: Wet, multiple disc TRANSMISSION: , Constant-mesh 6-speed PRrMARY REDUCTION: .spur gear SECONDARY REDUCTION: Chain drive CHASSIS: Semi double-cradle wi 25.6° caster angle g~~J: ~~~~~:. ::::::::::: ::: ::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::~t~ :~: accelerating out of the corners. But the key with the YZ's motor is to keep it in the meat of the powerband, which is easy to do since the Yamaha powerband is so wide and broad. Clicking the Yamaha through the gears is simple. When it comes to the YZ's transmission, Yamaha has made great progress over the years. No longer is shifting under a heavy load a difficulty. The YZ suspension is another of the bike's strongpoints. The Yamaha soaks up the gnarliest bumps like they're not even there, resulting in a very cushy ride. One of our Pro test riders, however, felt the YZ comes set up a little too soft for him, which prevented him from "seat-jumping" it over some of the doubles, but he felt that this was nothing that stiffer springs wouldn't solve. The other Pro tester, who is a good ] 5 pounds lighter, felt that the YZ's suspension was sprung just about right for him, perhaps even a little too stiff. He felt the fork "doesn't want to use all the action very well," meaning that about the last half of the stroke gets suddenly hard and produces a slightly harsh feeling. He noticed this The YZ's suspension is very good, but riders over 170 pounds might want stiffer springs. mostly on the high-speed straights. On the up side, he said, the YZ's forks absorb high-impact landings extremely well, eliminating the worry of overjumping big doubles or triples. Despite the discrepancy, everyone agreed that the YZ's suspension, overall, feels very balanced and works quite well right out of the crate. Hauling the YZ in for the turns is a cinch. The front brake is very strong and offers good feedback, as does the rear brake. The YZ is a quick turner, but it still handles very well through the flat corners. In the ruts, however, the YZ's front end had the tendency to sometimes pop up out of the grooves. All of our testers said the YZ is very comfortable. The bike is roomy and you never feel cramped on it. The seat and tank are very narrow, as well, allowing the rider to scoot back and forth on it without any interference or hang-ups. The handlebars and control levers are fairly comfortable for stockers, but one rider OVERALL HEIGHT: .. _, •••.•...... , .5].9 in. SEAT HEIGHT: ",., .. , .39 in. WHEELBASE: ...........••. _..•................................ 56.9 in. GROUND CLEARANCE: .,.", 15.7 in. STEERING ANGLE: , •••. , .43° right/43° left FRONT SUSPENSION: .46mm coil-sprung, oil-damped Kayaba inverted telescopic fork wi 11.8 in. travel REAR SUSPENSION: Fully adjustable coil-sprung, gas/oil-damped Kayaba single shock wi 12.4 in. travel FRONT BRAKE: ", .single 250mm Nissin hydraulic disc brake REAR BRAKE: Single 240mm hydraulic disc brake FRONT TIRE: Dunlop 739FA 80/1 00-21 REAR TIRE: Dunlop 739 100/90-] 9 CLAIMED DRY WEIGHT: ] 94 Ibs. SUGGESTED RETAIL PRICE: $4999 Fora 125cc two-stroke. the YZ's motor is about as userfriendly as it gets. complained that the grips are too hard (he installed softer Renthal grips when we weren't looking). Unlike some of the other] 25s we've ridden so far, the Yamaha doesn't snag your boots on the side panels or radiator shrouds. Once again, Yamaha has produced an extremely good • Powerful, yet manageable motor "'!\., • Compliant suspension package • Roomy ergonomics • More power on top wouldn't hurt • Graphics tear easily ] 25cc motocrosser, just like all of their other '0] YZs. So far, our test bike has proven to be very versatile in original condition, as it appeals to both our novice and expert test riders alike, despite our making very little adjustments from one rider to the other Uust the usual personal-preference stuff). But no matter how good the YZ]25 is, it's going to be interesting to see how it stacks up against the new kid on the block, the YZ250F, on the Supercross and National circuit. If there's a ]25cc motocrosser that can beat the thumper, it's the YZ. Just ask Justin Buckelew. eye I e n e _ s • JANUARV31,2001 CN 19