Yamaha’s All-New 2019 YZ250F

2019 YZ250F – UPGRADES:

Make no bones about it; Yamaha is having a crack at the moment. Hard on the heels of their much-updated YZ450F for 2018, Yami has just launched their first ever YZ65. And this week, they’ve announced the impending arrival of an all-new 2019 YZ250F, which comes with a new engine, new frame, new bodywork, and the ingenious smartphone tuning technology that we first saw with Yami’s 2018 YZ450F. In fact, the 2019 YZ250F appears to have adopted many of the upgrades introduced to its 450cc sibling a year ago…

ENGINE…

• New engine with higher-compression piston and new intake and exhaust valves delivers more top-end power.
• Smartphone tuning system, which lets you use your iPhone to change engine and fuel settings and check diagnostics.
• The engine’s cylinder is lighter and angled more upright to improve mass-centralisation.
• An electric-starter system with ultra-lightweight lithium battery has been fitted.
• Two-mode adjustable engine mapping.
• Enhanced cooling with larger and repositioned radiators.
• Lighter gears and selector drum with larger-diameter clutch to boost reliability.

FRAME & SUSPENSION…

• Larger upper frame bracing improves rigidity and durability, while wider rear frame spars and all-new engine mounts centralise mass to deliver the best possible balance of bump absorption, stiffness and traction.
• Updated KYB suspension settings to match the updated frame and engine layout.
• Enhanced mass centralisation with engine, aluminium muffler and more compact fuel tank positioned close to the machine’s centre.

ERGOS/MISC…

• New compact bodywork and seat design.
• Large 270mm front brake.
• Lighter wheels.
• Adjustable four-position handlebar mounts.
• Fresh embedded graphics, blue rocker cover.
• Simplified servicing with tool-free access to the air filter.

The 2019 YZ250F will hit Australian showrooms in early August with an RRP of $11,399. It will be available in two colours: Team Yamaha Blue and White and Competition White. For more information, visit Yamaha’s website.

2019 YZ85 – UPGRADES:

Like the 2019 YZ250F, Yamaha’s 2019 Junior MX race model is new from the ground up. The 2019 YZ85’s mods are headlined by an engine that gets a revised intake, exhaust and transmission, and Yamaha’s YPVS power-valve system to improve performance. On the chassis side of the equation, the new YZ85 gets a new fork, new swingarm, new wave-style brake discs, and more ergonomics adjustability. And, with many of the new YZ85 parts being interchangeable with the YZ65, there’s less hassle for your young gun’s mechanic and sponsor (also known as Dad!) when it comes to making the step up to the 85.

ENGINE…

• All-new YPVS equipped two-stroke engine delivers broad tractable power across the rev range without losing peak power at high rpm.
• New crankcase, intake and expansion chamber for improved gas flow and enhanced power delivery.
• Revised transmission provides improved gear engagement and smoother shifts.
• New lightweight, high-capacity radiator.
• High-flow airbox ensures excellent performance and easy maintenance.

FRAME & SUSPENSION…

• New lightweight 36mm KYB inverted cartridge fork features new settings and new lower fork guards provide protection.
• Fully adjustable shock with progressive linkage-type design features updated settings for improved bump absorption and bottoming resistance.
• Redesigned swingarm features a new composite chain guide as well as updated chain adjusters for easier maintenance.
• Lightweight subframe is removable to allow easy maintenance.
• Lightweight rims are durable and reduce unsprung weight for optimal suspension performance.

ERGOS/MISC…

• New front brake line improves braking feel, while wave-style brake discs offer improved self-cleaning and cooler-running performance.
• New Dunlop knobbies provide exceptional traction on a variety of tracks and terrain.
• New four-position adjustable handlebar mounts and taper-style handlebars allow the rider to tune the handlebar position to suit their size and preferences.
• The flat fuel tank, radiator shrouds, side panels and rear fender provide generous freedom of movement.

The new YZ85 comes in two variants, each with different sized wheels. The standard model (with 17-inch front and 14-inch rear) is priced at $6799, while the LW model (with 19-inch front and 16-inch rear) is priced at $7399. For more information, visit Yamaha’s website.