YAMAHA
KTM
C Y C L E N E W S • JULY 5, 2006
43
The YZ two-strokes are alive and well. Both the YZ250 (pictured) and
the YZ125 return for another year, and it appears that Yamaha will
keep their trusty two-strokes in the lineup for at least a while, claiming
that, while two-stroke sales have dropped, the company is still selling
plenty of their popular premixers. However, both the YZ250 and 125
see little changes over their predecessors. The 250 has minor carbure-
tion changes, and both bikes take on similar suspension changes as the
four-strokes. The 125 did get revisions to its ignition mapping and a
new silencer to improve mid-range performance. Both YZ two-strokes
get the ProTaper handlebar.
YAMAHA
YZ250
While it is known that Yamaha is testing and rac-
ing a fuel-injected YZ450F in Japan, the technolo-
gy did not make it on to the '07 YZ450F produc-
tion bike – perhaps in '08. But the new YZ450F,
which was completely reworked last year, did get
some refinements for '07. The aluminum frame
received some minor geometry changes and a
slightly longer shock to help improve cornering,
and the fork took on some minor revisions, as
well. The motor is said to produce better power
off the bottom thanks to a new exhaust system, a
lighter counterbalancer and revised valve timing.
The clutch was also worked on to achieve lighter
clutch pull. The YZ450F, as well as the YZ250F,
will be offered in traditional Yamaha blue and
white, as well as white and silver (pictured).
Unlike last year's limited edition yellow and black
versions, the white and silver YZs will be available
as an option.
YAMAHA
YZ45OF
The new YZ250F took on a number of refinements, as well. Many
of the changes were made to improve the little thumper's ability to
get through the turns quicker, such as modifying the frame slightly
and positioning the motor in a more upright position for better mass
centralization. It, too, gets a new exhaust system, a longer shock and
revised fork settings. Both the YZ250 and 450F also get new wave
brake rotors, new upper cast triple clamps, and ProTaper handlebar.
Unique to the YZ250F is a smaller and more compact front disc-
brake caliper and master cylinder.
YAMAHA
YZ250F
