2022 YAMAHA YZ125/250: THE UPGRADES

When we revealed Yamaha’s 2022 motocrossers recently, wasn’t it interesting that the new model-range was spearheaded by a completely new YZ125, which is effectively the first all-new 125cc two-stroke MXer from Yamaha in 15 long years? But perhaps we did its bigger and equally iconic brother, the YZ250, a bit of a disservice at the time. Why? Because it shared a lot of the 125’s sweeping upgrades. So, let’s take a more detailed look at the upgrades shared across the two models, and then the model-specific mods each received for 2022.

2022 YZ125 & YZ250 – SHARED MODS

BODYWORK…

• New flatter seat;
• Narrower fuel tank;
• Slimmer radiator shrouds;
• More integrated/seamless plastic panels for freedom of movement around the cockpit; and
• Stylish new embedded graphics (for both Team Yamaha Blue and Monster Energy Racing Edition models).

BRAKES…

• A more rigid front brake caliper with larger pistons;
• A redesigned 270mm front brake disc (with 30% more pad contact area and a higher-friction pad material; and
• A move from 245 to 240mm rear disc diameter for more feel and to help reduce unsprung weight.

ROLLING CHASSIS.

• The settings on both the Kayaba for and shock are revised to improve both bump absorption and cornering performance; 
• The Kayaba AOS-type USD 48mm fork gets new internal components (a new leaf spring in the mid-speed valve) for more precise damping and comfort;
• The KYB shock features reduced-friction Kashima Coat internals; 
• New lightweight chain; and
• New lightweight rear sprocket design.

2022 YZ125 – MODEL-SPECIFIC MODS

To generate more power in the mid- to high-range (for increased usability over the previous model), the redesigned liquid-cooled Yamaha Power Valve System (YPVS) 125cc two-stroke engine gets:

• New cylinder body;
• New cylinder head;
• Revised (straighter) intake design to bolster low-RPM power;
• New piston, piston pin and conrod;
• New crankcases;
• Revised six-speed, close-ratio transmission with revised ratios and a broader gear-tooth design to optimise performance;
• Revised 3D-map-controlled CDI unit;
• New high-precision Hitachi Astemo Keihin PKW38S carb; 
• New exhaust (expansion chamber muffler); and
• Race-developed Bridgestone Battlecross X20 tyres.

2022 YZ250 – MODEL-SPECIFIC MODS

• Race-developed Dunlop Geomax MX33 tyres.

The 2022 YZ250 (in both Team Yamaha Blue and Monster Energy Racing Edition versions) is available now in your local Yamaha dealer for $12,099 Ride Away, while the 2022 YZ125 (and special Monster edition) will be available in the final quarter of this year for $10,799 Ride Away. Add $100 to each of those Ride Away prices for the respective Monster Energy Racing Edition models.

Looking at the 2021 and 2022 models side by side reinforces just how different Yamaha’s 2022-model two-stroke MXers are. Aside from the new tank/seat/shroud design being flatter and slimmer, the bodywork’s contact points are noticeably more streamlined and seamless for easier movement around the cockpit.