First Look: Yamaha’s 2021 MX Range

Yamaha Motor Australia (YMA) has unveiled its race-ready 2021 motocross and cross-country model-range, which is spearheaded by an all-new YZ250F, an overhauled YZ450FX, a race-kitted YZ125 and YZ250, and all-new race team-inspired Monster Energy edition machines.

Arguably the biggest news of the range is the 2021 YZ250F, which gets significant engine, frame, suspension and brake updates that are collectively designed to “deliver more class-leading power and offer a superior balance of nimble yet confidence-inspiring handling,” according the YMA’s PR.

Meanwhile, the rest of Yamaha’s 2021 MX models – the YZ65, YZ85, YZ125 and YZ250 two-strokes, plus YZ450F four-stroke – all score the next-generation Team Yamaha Blue colour and graphics scheme.

To flesh out those 2021 updates, here’s some detail from YMA’s PR…

2021 YZ250F

The new 2021 Yamaha YZ250F has been redesigned for a more competitive, greater performing motocross experience. The new 250cc, liquid-cooled, four-stroke, electric start engine features an all-new cylinder head with an improved intake port shape and new camshaft profiles, as well a new airbox and intake track, a new silencer, and an updated ECU. These modifications, along with other refinements like an updated transmission and shift cam, a revised clutch design and improved water-pump impeller, all help to produce stronger mid to top-end power and increased peak power, while retaining its class-leading low-end torque.

Tuned specifically for the 2021 YZ250F, the updated lightweight aluminium, bilateral beam frame, and new engine mounts have been redesigned with all-new flex characteristics to improve bump absorption, traction, and cornering performance. The industry-leading, fully adjustable KYB coil spring-type fork with enhanced speed-sensitive damping provides an exceptional balance between comfort and bottoming resistance while the link-type rear suspension features a KYB shock with revised damping characteristics to match the updated chassis.

Other chassis components such as the top triple clamp, handlebar mounts, and front axle were also redesigned to complement the new frame. Improved braking performance is achieved with newly engineered lighter-weight front and rear brake callipers, larger surface area brake pads, and redesigned front (270mm) and rear (240mm) discs.

The 2021 YZ250F gives racers the edge right out of the gate. Standard equipment includes electric start, a lightweight lithium battery, advanced fuel injection, a front-positioned intake, and rear-positioned exhaust layout to deliver the widest spread of power with reliable performance while balancing the weight for excellent mass-centralisation. Racers can adjust their engine performance straight from their phone using the onboard wireless connectivity through the industry’s only free of charge complete tuning system, which is highlighted by the Yamaha Power Tuner App.

Once settings are dialled-in, racers can then choose between two user-defined ECU maps on the fly via the handlebar-mounted dual-mode engine map switch. Complemented by new next-generation Team Yamaha Blue colours and graphics, the 2021 YZ250F showcases Yamaha’s race-winning pedigree.

2021 MONSTER ENERGY YAMAHA RACING EDITIONS

Stand out from the crowd. The 2021 YZ250F and 2021 YZ450F now come in a new Monster Energy Yamaha Racing Editions. With a factory team-inspired colour and graphics package, riders can feel as if they too are a part of a Yamaha championship-winning team. Monster Energy is a major sponsor of Yamaha race teams globally including the MotoGP team, US supercross team – featuring SX West champion Dylan Ferrandis. Plus our own factory race team – and Australia’s most winning outfit – the CDR Yamaha Monster Energy team.

2021 YZ450F

The 2021 YZ450F returns with all of the class-leading features first introduced on the 2020 YZ450F, including an updated engine, cylinder head, frame and technology features for a lighter, more powerful and better handling motocross experience. Racers can achieve quicker, smoother race starts through Yamaha’s Launch Control System, adjust their on-track performance using the onboard wireless connectivity through the free of charge Yamaha Power Tuner App right from their phone, and choose between two user-defined ECU maps on the fly through the handlebar-mounted dual-mode engine map switch.

2021 YZ125 & YZ250

Yamaha’s YZ125 and YZ250 models return for 2021 to complete Yamaha’s full-size line-up of motocross bikes. With their modern styling, lightweight aluminium frame and industry-leading KYB Speed Sensitive System front forks and KYB fully adjustable rear shock, the 2021 YZ125 and YZ250 continue their outstanding performance and durability with a rider-friendly chassis and race-ready features.

The 2021 YZ125 and YZ250 come fitted with race kits in Australia to make them even more competitive. For the 125, GYTR silencer and exhaust; V-Force Reed Block; 48T GYTR Sprocket and GYTR Launch Master are specified with a value of $1275 RRP including GST. For the 250, GYTR silencer and exhaust; V-Force Reed Block; 48T GYTR Sprocket and GYTR Launch Master are fitted valued at $882.80 RRP incuding GST.

2021 YZ450FX

In the world of competition enduro models, the 2021 YZ450FX has been reworked to remain at the top of its class. The new 449cc, liquid-cooled, four-stroke, electric start engine features an all-new compact cylinder head with redesigned combustion chamber shape, and steeper valve angles. The rearward-slanted cylinder houses a higher compression piston with low friction rings attached to a longer connecting rod. The transmission has been refined to provide smoother shifting, and a more efficient crank breather system has been adopted to decrease pumping losses. In all, the lighter, more compact engine produces increased power across the entire RPM range for stronger and more linear pulling power.

The latest evolution of Yamaha’s lightweight aluminium bilateral beam frame has been redesigned with all-new flex characteristics that provide improved cornering performance, traction and bump reaction to give the rider more confidence to push harder in any off-road condition. Other chassis components such as engine mounts, top triple clamp and front axle, as well as the class-leading KYB suspension with enhanced compression and rebound characteristics were carefully refined to reduce weight while improving handling and performance.

To bring the new package to a stop, the 2021 YZ450FX features a newly designed front brake calliper, brake pads and front and rear disc. The combined changes to the new 2021 YZ450FX deliver increased power output with more controllable, linear acceleration and lightweight handling characteristics that mimics the YZ250FX.

To further showcase the YZ450FX’s cross-country edge, electric start, a lightweight lithium battery, and advanced fuel injection are all standard features. The front-positioned intake and rear-positioned exhaust layout deliver the widest spread of reliable power while balancing the weight for excellent mass-centralisation.

This enduro racer also continues to feature Yamaha’s advanced racing technology. The dual-mode switchable engine mapping and wireless connectivity is handled through the industry’s only free of charge complete tuning system, which is highlighted by the Yamaha Power Tuner App. This system allows racers to adjust their engine performance using their smartphone, while the Yamaha Launch Control System helps to achieve quicker, smoother race starts. With new next generation Team Yamaha Blue colours and graphics, the 2021 YZ450FX showcases Yamaha’s cross-country competitive edge.

In Australia, both YZ250FX and 450FX come with a rec rego kit (that includes a headlight) to enable these models to be registered in applicable states such as Vic.

The otherwise unchanged YZ125X, YZ250X and YZ250FX cross-country models are also available in the new trick blue/black plastics combo and all come with the rec rego kits in Australia.

2021 PRICING

Yamaha Motor Australia has announced the availability of the YZ/FX models at the indicated ready-to-ride prices, with all other 2021 models’ upgrades, availability and pricing to be announced shortly.

MX MODELS…