VOLUME ISSUE NOVEMBER , P91
sound rules, and those changes
carry over to 2027.
The hydraulic clutch, which
debuted in 2026, also receives
a small update for 2027, with a
larger hose intended to improve
modulation at the lever. We felt
the clutch action was smooth
and consistent, and it feels ex-
actly like what you'd expect from
a modern-day hydraulic system.
We had no issues shifting gears
or feathering the clutch through
rough corners. The clutch was
never a complaint of ours on last
year's bike, and most riders are
unlikely to notice the change.
The rear brake is the last area
Yamaha addressed. The new rotor
drops from 240mm to 220mm,
with revised caliper and master-
cylinder piston sizes to suit the
smaller disc. Yamaha says the
assembly saves roughly 180
grams, or just under half a pound.
The smaller disc matches the
YZ250F's 220mm rear rotor, and
the piston changes are intended
to maintain the same usable feel
at the pedal. Yamaha says its
in-house test riders couldn't make
a clear distinction in performance
between the two sizes, so it opted
for the lighter one.
(Top) The rear brake assembly is
smaller and saves nearly half a
pound. It's the same disc and caliper
used on the YZ250F. (Middle)
Yamaha's engine received a major
overhaul last year to meet the new
AMA sound restrictions. (Bottom) The
Nissin hydraulic clutch sees a larger
hose aimed at better modulation.
