2022 YAMAHA YZ250F & YZ450F: THE UPGRADES

A year ago, Yamaha’s 2021 race-ready motocross and cross-country model-range was spearheaded by an all-new YZ250F, which came with sweeping changes to engine, frame, suspension and brakes. And the year prior, it was the 450F that came in for major changes. So, it’s no surprise that Yami’s 2022 four-stroke MX models are more about refinement than reinvention. And if you look at these four-strokes’ sales and race-track success around the world over the past year, you could argue that neither model was in need of major changes. That said, several refinements made to the 2022 bikes are interesting because they focus almost entirely on improving agility and compliance over bumps.

For 2022, Yamaha’s designers have concentrated their energies on generating handling gains via tweaks to suspension settings, judicious reductions in unsprung weight and driveline inertia, and an all-new rear wheel spoke pattern that, in itself, is claimed to improve impact absorption and overall feel. So, let’s take a closer look at those refinements for 2022, and how they specifically claim to improve performance…

2022 YZ250F & YZ450F – SHARED MODS

ROLLING CHASSIS

• New lightweight rear hub (engineered to be thinner while still retaining strength) and new lightweight rear sprocket – both to reduce unsprung weight;
• New lightweight chain to reduce driveline inertia;
• The settings on both the Kayaba for and shock are revised to improve both bump absorption, stability of corner entry and exit and cornering performance;
• In a first for a Yamaha off-road competition model, a new three-cross-spoke pattern is used for the rear wheel to complement the new suspension settings to further improve impact absorption and overall feel; and
• Race-developed Dunlop Geomax MX33 tyres.

BODYWORK…

• Stylish new embedded graphics (for both Team Yamaha Blue and Monster Energy Racing Edition models); and
• Blacked-out radiator louvres to complement the aggressive new look.

2022 YZ250F-SPECIFIC MODS

• New wider (2.15-inch) rear rim, which is paired with a 110-width Dunlop Geomax MX33 tyre for a wider footprint, increased traction and better bump absorption under hard acceleration and cornering; and
• Revised suspension settings, which aim to strike the perfect balance between the wider rear tyre and lightened rear wheel assembly for increased stability and better bump reaction.

2022 YZ450F-SPECIFIC MODS

• Revised suspension settings, designed to take full advantage of the lightened rear wheel assembly, improve bump reaction, and offer increased stability on corner entry and exit.

PRICE & AVAILABILITY

The 2022 YZ250F is now available from Yamaha dealers for $12,499, while its Monster Energy Racing Edition version will be here from September and priced at $12,599. The 2022 YZ450Fs (both Team Yamaha blue and Monster Energy Yamaha Racing Edition) are available now for $13,499 and $13,699, respectively. All prices quoted are ‘Recommended Ride Away’ and include GST.