Yamaha YZ celebrates 50 years of MX models

AFTER leading the way in the motocross world for 50 years, Yamaha is ramping up the range, with a new YZ250F and 50th anniversary models in 450, 250 and 125cc guises.

Each of the bikes features racing white bodywork, purple seats, black wheels and retro-styled purple/pink graphics, all inspired by the designs used on the YZ250 and YZ125 in the mid-1990s. It was an important time for the Iwata brand and was soon followed by the arrival of the first YZ 4-stroke in 1998 when the white bodywork was ditched in favour of the now traditional (across the brand) Yamaha Blue colourway.

2024 Yamaha YZ250F

For 2024, the YZ250F that features an all-new YZ450F-based frame that is claimed to provide lighter and easier handling, while also giving more feedback to the rider. One big change that has trickled down from the 450 is the move to relocate the head pipe which is now 15mm lower than before. The move is claimed to help centralises the bike’s mass for increased agility and faster direction changes. 

With the frame alterations, the chassis has also been updated, and the new YZ250F boasts new KYB suspension settings to help it deal with the improved agility. The hardware also includes a new hand-adjustable compression damping system on the front forks, making suspension changes and setting up the bike significantly easier.

The engine of the bike has also been updated, with Yamaha focusing on the air intake and fuel injection system. Air now enters the airbox via a rear duct system (as is found on the YZ450F MXGP and AMA SX bikes) and the compact new bodywork features ducts in the side panels, frame and tank that channel flow to the air filter. A new rear duct has also been introduced and is said to increase mid to high-speed performance.

The electronics of the bike have also been updated, with the traction control and launch control both headlining the changes. The traction control system has two levels plus off for the rider to choose from and can be adjusted by the latest version of the Yamaha Power Tuner App. The bike’s launch control system allows the rider to set the maximum rev limit between 6.000 rpm and 11.000 rpm in 500 rpm increments. In this way, the rider can set the limit based on the conditions, pin the throttle, dump the clutch, and focus on the holeshot.

The final big change for the model will appease the larger riders out there, as Yamaha has made the new 2024 YZ250F a slightly more accommodating place to be thanks to a more spacious and inviting rider triangle. The seat is new and features a flatter design and is 5mm higher than before. It’s joined by footpegs which are mounted 5mm lower, and combined with the higher seat give riders an extra 10mm of space to play with.

The new Yamaha YZ250F is available in Icon Blue and the special edition 50th Anniversary scheme as seen. Other bikes available with the 50th Anniversary colourway include the YZ450F, YZ250 (2-stroke), and YZ125.

More information can be found on the official Yamaha website.

2024 Yamaha YZ250F technical specifications

• All-new YZ450F-based bilateral aluminium beam frame with revised rigidity balance

• Slimmer and more compact bodywork dimensions for increased rider agility

• Flatter and narrower seat for greater freedom of movement

• Optimized KYB suspension settings

• New hand adjustable front fork compression damping adjuster

• Improved rear brake feel

• Stronger mid to high rpm performance

• New rear duct air cleaner

• New ECU with optimized FI settings

• Newly designed low friction cam chain

• New 2-mode adjustable Traction Control System

• Updated Launch Control System

• New more intuitive Power Tuner App

• New lap timer feature and more

• FAQ-style engine and suspension set up guidance

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