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/128383
2006 YZ Four-Strokes Go Aluminum he big news from Yamaha's 2006 dealer show in Las Vegas, Nevada, on Sunday, June 12 was the introduction of its new four-stroke YZs, the YZ450F and YZ250F. The rumors are true, and both of the new motocross bikes will get aluminum frames for 2006. Additionally, Yamaha has released a new 50cc four-stroke play bike called the TT-R50. The YZ450F and YZ250F are both brand new from the wheels up. Both bikes receive T new aluminum frames, which sis, but it gets a new engine as well. The transmission is aJso new and reverts back to a fIVe- speed design after switching to a four-speed when the yz450F was introduced in 2003. The YZ250F's motor has been updated to increase power and also to lower the motor's center of gravity. Like the bigger YZ, the 250F gets a brand-new exhaust with a new aJuminum canister. Both Y2.s receive new suspension, includ- ing a new fork and adjustable triple clamps were and a new shock with a titanium spring designed specifically for the four-stroke models and are completely different than the frames on the 2005 YZ250 and yz 125, according to Yamaha. The YZ450F not only receives a new chas- mounted to a new swingarm. And both will come stock with aluminum Pro Taper handlebars and new plastic - including a new tank, radiator shrouds, front and rear fenders, and number plates. Kawasaki Releases '06 KX Info dled by a new 48mm Kayaba AOS (Air-OilSeparate) fork, and the back-end features a fully adjustable Kayaba shock that rides on new linkages. The bike also comes with Renthal aluminum handlebars, titanium footpegs and a slip-resistant seat cover. The 250F also features the new aluperimeter minum frame. It, however, is fitted with Showa suspension components. including a twin- chamber fork front. Kawasaki up claims that the 250F has a "harder-hitting powerband, especially from mid to high rpm," thanks to many internal changes. Kawasaki also claims that changes to the decompression system improves starting. The KX250F has a five-speed transmission, which is claimed to be stronger, as is tures double-overhead cams, four titanium the clutch. Kawasaki has yet released any weight number for either bike. As far as the '06 KX250R, the two- valves, a Keihin FCR40 carburetor, high- stroker, it received just minor changes, but it capacity Denso radiators, a titanium exhaust pipe and a four-speed transmission. The motor is now carried in a new aluminum perimeter frame, comprised of did get the new Kayaba AOS fork and aluminum handlebars. It also got a new piston; forged, extruded and cast aluminum parts. The new frame also allows the engine to sit a longer, wider silencer; a new water-pump impeller; more adjustability· to the shock; and new petal-style disc brakes (as did the four-strokes). 10 JUNE 22, 2005 • CYCLE NEWS The new TT-R50 will be available in July and features an electric starting system. There will also be an extensive list of aftermarket accessories available for the bike The 2006 Yamaha n-RSO through the GYT-R accessory catalog. Details are hard to come by at this time, but we will provide you with more technical information as it becomes available May Injured, Barnes Signs Up in a more upright position. Suspensionwise, the front end is han- Kawasaki officially unveiled its 2006 KX450F, KX250F and KX250R line of motocrossers this week. Highlighting the line is the brand-new KX450F four-stroker and the significantly changed KX250F. The 450'5 liquid-cooled 449cc motor fea- The 2006 Yamaha YZ2S0F Team M4 EMGO Suzuki lost one rider and gained another all in the span of a week when Geoff May dislocated his right shoulder in a minibike crash on Sunday, June 5, while he was celebrating his second-place finish in the AMA Superstock race at Road America and his 25th birthday, according to the team. The team then announced on June 9 that it had signed Michael Barnes to a contract for the rest of the season. Barnes had been filling in for the injured Vincent Haskovec. According to the team, alcohol was actions that have negatively affected my team, my sponsors, my fans and myself. I made a mistake that I won't make again. I will work to the best of my ability to regain your very appreciated respect." The team was obviously upset by the circumstances. "Just when we had climbed out of one hole and it looked like we were going to be okay, this happens," crew chief Keith Perry said in a team release. "The team is here, the Pirelli engineer is here, the Pirelli crew is here, and our test plan has been disrupt- involved in the May incident that occurred off the racetrack at Road America. The team ed because of something stupid that hap- learned of the incident during a test at the Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course on Tuesday, June 7, when May was only capable of going nine laps. May departed on June 8 for Atlanta pened in a parking lot. To say we are disappointed would be the understatement of the century." The Barnes announcement from the team to visit with doctors. The team continued its test with Barnes and was waiting for a med- came the following day. ical report on May before deciding on a said. "He's gone fast from the start and has a "Barney is a very impressive rider," Perry course of action. wealth of racing experience. The team was at On Thursday, June 9, May issued a public apology for his lapse in judgment. The statement read: "To Team M4 EMGO Suzuki Team Members and Sponsors, to all race fans: Please accept my sincere apology for my a low point after Vincent's injuries, but Mike running up front has helped lift our spirits as Vincent goes through his recovery." RESIGNED: lance Holst from his position of chief instructor at the The Kevin Schwantz Suzuki School at Road Atlanta in Braselton, Georgia "The entire staff of the Kevin Schwantz Suzuki School would like to thank lance for his hard work and dedication. We wish lance, Margo, Bebe. and Handsome all the best." OPENED: The Desmo Owners Club's homepage on the World Wide Web. The site can be found at the following address: www.ducaticlubs.com. AUTOGRAPH SIGNING: At Sun Enterprises in Thornton, Colorado, on July 22 from 7 to 9 p.m. Team Amsoil Chaparral Honda, Team Honda, Team Kawasaki, Team Pro Circuit and Team Red Bull KTM are The team also has an option on Barnes for the 2006 season. scheduled to appear. For more information, call 303/287-7566. CORRECTION: The cover of Issue #22 was photographed by Steve Cox and not Frank Hoppen as indicated. OPENED: The official homepage of the Red Bull U.S. Grand Prix. The site can be found at the following address: www.redbullusgrandprix.com. APPOINTED: Rick Newberry, as vice president of manufactUring at the laureldale plant of Yuasa Battery Inc., effective immediately. Newberry most recently served as plant manager for Exide Technologies in Bristol, Tennessee.