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/692010
IN THE WIND P40 YAMAHA OFF-ROADERS UPDATED Y amaha's line of big-bike off-roaders is return- ing for 2017, including the YZ450FX ($8999), YZ250FX ($7999), WR450F ($9099) and WR250F ($8099) four-strokes, and the YZ250X ($7499) two-stroke. The YZ250FX received the same top-end en- gine mods as the 2017 YZ250F motocrossers (re- vised intake, new cylinder head, more aggressive camshaft profiles with new valve springs and larger valve seats). The YZ250FX also gets a new, lighter and stronger piston, and revised EFI mapping. The results Yamaha says? More power. The FX's crankshaft and counterbalancer feature revised balance ratio for reduced vibration. There's also a new plastic skid plate and a larger (270mm) front-brake rotor. A fuel- level sensor has also been added for 2017. The YZ450FX gets the same changes as the new YZ450F, which includes a new air- cleaner cover. Like the 250FX, the 450FX is now fitted with a fuel-level light. CN 2017 YAMAHA YZS REVEALED T he Yamaha YZ250F ($7699) and YZ450F ($8699) have been updated for 2017, more so with the 250 than the 450. The YZ250F features revised intake geom- etry for additional downdraft effect, which is matched to a shorter intake funnel in the airbox for improved top-end power. It also gets more aggressive camshaft profiles and valve springs with larger valve seats. The 250's crankcase has a new heat-treating process to improve strength, and a new connecting rod is said to be stronger. Transmission has been modified for improved shifting action. The YZ250F also gets revised engine mounts and a reshaped swingarm pivot section to improve lateral rigidity, and footpegs have been positioned 5mm lower. Suspension settings have been re- vised, as well. The YZ450F features updated rear brake-rotor material for improved heat resistance, durability and braking feel, and both bikes get a redesigned air-cleaner cover that helps prevent contact with the quick-release quarter-turn Dzus air box fasteners. The 2017 Yamaha YZ250 ($7399) two-stroke gets a larger 270mm (formerly 250mm) front brake rotor. Besides their traditional Team Yamaha Blue color, the YZ250F and YZ450F will also be avail- able in White/Red. CN The 2017 Yamaha YZ250F MXer features a number of refinements, mostly to the motor and transmission The 2017 Yamaha YZ250FX takes many of the same changes as the 2017 YZ250F motocrosser, as well as a few of its own, which includes getting a skid plate.