2016 Japanese Motocross Bikes

It seems that new bikes are being previewed and released earlier and earlier each year. It’s only June and we already have information on the 2016 MXers from Kawasaki, Yamaha, Suzuki, Honda (and KTM). Transmoto’s Jackson Reardon took a quick look at each model and summarised the new features we can look forward to.

Kawasaki KX250F

The Kawasaki KX250F builds upon one of the most popular packages in the class for 2016 with minor improvements. Adjustability is key for Kawasaki at the moment; the 250 comes with adjustable footpegs and triple clamps to help suit riders of all shapes and sizes. The KX250F comes with an impressive launch control system to aid riders off the start line, which was first seen on the KX450F. The engine remains similar to 2015, and the KX250F retains the impressive SFF fork for 2016.

For more information, click here.

Kawasaki KX450F

For 2016, it’s clear Kawasaki focused on a revamp of the KX450F. They went on a weight saving mission, cutting 3.4 kilograms from the bike, all while revamping the engine and overall package. The engine features a new camshaft, revised piston and intake port and valve among other improvements, while the suspension remains unchanged (Showa SFF-Air TAC fork). The bike also features a new frame and swing-arm which Kawasaki claims is lighter, slimmer and improves the feel for the rider. The adjustability features of the KX250F are also included for the KX450F, allowing for multiple adjustments for improved rider comfort. It is clear the KX450F is an all-new bike, and will remain at the forefront of motocross classes worldwide.

For more information, click here.

Yamaha YZ250F

With the success of Jeremy Martin and Cooper Webb in the USA, and the Serco Yamaha boys on Australian soil, the YZ250F has been proven in the last year to be as good, if not better, then any 250 bike on the market. For 2016, Yamaha has made incremental changes to ensure they stay at the front of the pack. Revisions to the piston and crankshaft are stated to improve performance and reliability, while new ECU settings help to provide a smoother transition through the power range. A larger front brake rotor and new front and rear suspension settings round out the package for 2016.

For more information, click here.

Yamaha YZ450F

The 2016 YZ450F borrows a page out of Kawasaki’s book, implementing a launch control system of their own to optimise riders starts out of the gate. The engine remains similar to 2015’s popular package, with new intake and exhaust cam profiles being the only major change for the year. On the suspension and handling side, the bike gets the same larger front brake as the YZ250F, and revised suspension and triple clamp offset settings in a bid to improve handling. Finally, some minor changes to the frame are aimed at improving balance, which will in turn lead to better cornering traction and improved responsiveness from the front end of the bike.

For more information, click here.

Suzuki RM-Z250

Continuing the latest must-have moto trend, the RM-Z250 receives the Holeshot Assist Control which has been on the RM-Z450 since 2014. This 2016 250 could be considered all-new, as Suzuki provided a long awaited substantial update to its smaller four-stroke. A new frame provides the platform for the bike, but Suzuki promises the widely loved turning characteristics of the bike will remain. The engine received over 80 internal updates and changes, with a new piston, crank case and camshaft as the major changes; the engine will be a totally different package in comparison with 2015. Suspension was not to be missed either, as a new KYB rear shock was paired with the popular KYB PSF2 front forks to improve handling.

For more information, click here.

Suzuki RM-Z450

The 2016 RMZ450 remains extremely similar to the 2015 model, with the only changes being improvements to the Holeshot Assist Control and revised engine mapping settings. A popular bike in past years due to its turning and handling characteristics, a full revamp of the 450 may be coming in 2017.

For more information, click here.

Honda CRF250R

The CRF250R receives some substantial updates for 2016, aimed at increasing horsepower and improving handling. The engine is significantly improved through new exhaust valves, higher compression and updates to the cylinder head and piston. Enlarged radiators will aid temperature control, and improvements to the engine mapping will enable the bike to take full advantage of the engine updates. The length of the fork was increased by 5mm to improve stability. The only other suspension changes were minor changes to the settings.

For more information, click here.

Honda CRF450R

2016 is a quiet year for Honda’s 450 package and only minor changes will be made to the bike. Suspension updates are the only item on the agenda for 2016. The team at Honda made the fork 5mm longer to enhance stability, and gave the rear suspension a new link and spring as well as updated settings.

For more information, click here.