~WBike~ 2004 Yamaha YZs
amaha introduced its complete
line of 2004 YZ motocrossers at
its dealer show in Las Vegas, Nevada,
last week, and the word that best
describes the new YZs is - refined.
None of the YZ MXers feature huge or
dramatic changes for '04, but all of
the full-size YZs took on many minor
yet significant updates. The smallbore YZs, such as the YZ85, however,
are unchanged for '04.
Of all the full-size YZs (YZ 125,
YZ250, YZ250F and YZ450F) the
YZ250F took on the most changes
(mostly to the engine), though many
of the "major" alterations are found
throughout the YZ line.
Some of the significant shared
Y
60
JUNE 18, 2003'
cue
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changes include a newly designed
Kayaba fork, which has grown in size
from 46mm to 48mm. The new fork
has been reworked internally to
improve bottoming feel and to reduce
friction, and the outer tubes are now
. gold-colored (which is the best way
to visually distinguish the difference
between the '03 and '04 YZs).
All of the bikes now feature new
seat covers with heavier grip on the
sides, titanium footpegs and new,
lighter Dunlop tires (same knobby
pattern, different compound).
As for the YZ250F, the motor has
been tweaked slightly to improve
midrange power and to reduce overall
weight. The exhaust pipe and heat
n
e
vv
s
shield are now both made out of titanium, and the oil line has been
changed from steel to aluminum.
Combined with other weight-saving
moves throughout the chassis, Yamaha claims the '04 YZ250F weighs two
pounds less than last year's 250F,
that's 6 'I, pounds less than the original YZ250F.
Yamaha decided not to mess
much with the already-proven YZ250
two-stroke. There're a couple of new,
lighter exhaust mounting brackets to
be had, but that's about it when it
comes to the YZ250's motor. The
YZ 125, on the other hand, received
some changes to the power-valve,
cylinder ports and exhaust pipe to
achieve better bottom-end and
midrange, without sacrificing power
on top.
All of the YZs should be available
by the end of August or early September. It was announced at the dealer show that pricing will be the same
as the '03 YZs.
Whal They (osl:
YZ85 ....••••••...........$2949
YZ125 ....•.....•.........$4999
YZ250
$5899
YZ250F
$5599
YZ450r
$6299
(All prices remain unchanged for 2004)
