The Yamaha's YZI25 continues to show its winning colors. First, the YZI25 was named "1996 Motocross Bike of the Year" by a leading motocross publication. Then, Team Yamaha's John Dowd took two wins and five podium finishes with his YZ125 in the 1996 Eastern Regional 125cc Supercross Series. Not to be outdone, teammate Kevin Windham piloted his YZ125 to six wins and the 1996 Western Regional 125cc Supercross Championship. It would have been easy for Yamaha to sit back and enjoy the sweet success of the YZ125 in 1996. But resting was not in Yamaha's engineering plan for 1997.
Yamaha's challenge for 1997 was to make a great bike even better. A number of enhancements for the 1997 YZ 125 are sure to keep it at the front of the pack. In addition, all riders will now look like the factory pros as Yamaha has replicated works-bike graphics on all YZs.
Yamaha engineers looked to increase top-end power and over-rev without the loss of bottom or mid-range power. They were able to exceed their objectives by incorporating an all-new exhaust pipe, exhaust power valve, a new ignition curve, and a four gram lighter piston and pin combination.
For optimal control of the newly added engine power, the transmission has been redesigned. This new transmission will allow more precise shifting and an exceptional amount of durability for the engine power. Engineers also reworked the front fork compression base valve to reduce harshness and increase stability. To further enhance the fork's smooth action, a new oil-flow system was introduced, further adding an increased level of serviceability. The YZI25's front brake performance has been substantially enhanced in feel and reflex by providing the rider with one to two finger responsiveness through use of an improved disc brake rotor with a new cross-drilled hole pattern.
Stronger wheel spokes, a new chain guide, a new cooling system impeller, a new kick-starter, stronger frame main and down tubes, and a new rear sprocket made of a harder 7075-T6 aluminum are among the enhancements providing an increased level of reliability and durability in the 1997 YZI25.
Ergonomic improvements include taller handlebars which help provide a better riding position, a new and more comfortable handlebar grip pattern, and wider footpegs for increased comfort and stability. Besides being one of the best 125cc bikes on the planet, the 1997 YZ is the only 125cc motocross bike with a factory warranty.
The YZI 25 will be available in Team Yamaha Ink blue and
white and will go on sale at Yamaha dealerships nationwide in
early September.
Suggested Retail Price: $ 4,799 (US)
Yamaha's mission for 1997 is to reclaim the undisputed title of "holeshot king" for its YZ250. Besides seeking more power, Yamaha looks to improve handling into the berms and increase the level of rider comfort and maneuverability. With the engineering changes to the YZ250 in 1997, Yamaha's performance goals have been met and surpassed.
Factory tuners worked fast and furious to increase throttle response, mid-range engine power, and engine over-rev. Yamaha's engineers met their engine performance objectives with several changes; new crankcases with optimized transfer port shapes, a new cylinder body with re-shaped ports and revised port timing, a modified combustion chamber shape and volume, a revised reed valve, and an all new exhaust pipe. The result is a precise and responsive powerplant that delivers class-leading performance.
A new front disc brake rotor with an improved cross-drilled pattern was added to enhance front brake performance and stopping power. Suspension performance has been improved by redesigning the compression base valve in the front forks to reduce harshness, introducing a new oil-flow system for smoother action and absorption over jumps, and changing both front and rear spring rates for greater control.
Other changes for 1997 include; taller handlebars which help provide a better riding position, a new handlebar grip pattern allowing more comfort and operating control, wider footpegs for increased stability, stronger spokes, a more durable chain guide, increased frame tubing thickness and a harder aluminum rear sprocket.
The popularity of the factory works-bike graphic kits inspired Yamaha to replicate the color scheme into production. Now even weekend warriors can look like factory pros. Like the other members of the Yamaha dirt bike family, the YZ250 offers the only factory-backed warranty for any motocross bike.
The YZ250 is available in Team Yamaha Ink Blue/White.
Suggested Retail Price: $ 5,599 (US)
The off-road competition cousin of the race-proven Yamaha YZ is proud of its family's winning tradition. The 1997 Yamaha WR250, taking full advantage of its motocross-inspired family and YZ racing technology, is designed specifically to meet the needs of today's off-road riders and cross-country racers. The WR's wide and torquey powerband continues to be the strongest in its class, and its lightweight design has helped win numerous cross-country events. For 1997, enhancements to the WR250 make it an even more serious competitor for the off-road circuit.
A new upper coil and ignition curve have been introduced to provide a more powerful and enduring spark, specifically at low speeds. TheWR's exceptionally broad powerband will hookup more effectively this year with the addition of new Dunlop tires as standard equipment. Stopping power has been enhanced with the addition of a new front brake master cylinder, borrowed from the YZ250.
New handlebars, 10mm taller than on last year's WR250, allow the rider a more comfortable riding position, while new blue and white graphics give the WR a fine new look.
Yamaha is committed to customer satisfaction and it shows. The 1997 WR250 is the only off-road competition bike that comes with a factory warranty. Yamaha's off-road contingency program - designed to support both pro and amateur riders-- covers more events than its competitors, and its free Wrench Reports has been giving riders technical tips for nearly two decades.
Suggested Retail Price: $ 5,599 (US)
For the past few years, Yamaha's YZ80 motorcycle has been a dominant player in mini-motocross venues around the world. In 1997, the YZ80 has benefited from several notable improvements that will allow for continued ownership of the track and will, once again, make it the bike to beat.
As they did with its big brothers the YZ250 and the
YZ125, Yamaha has increased the mid-range and top-end power to
improve rideability and lap-times with several engine
enhancements- new port timing, increased combustion chamber
volume and compression ratio, a new exhaust pipe, a new ignition
curve, and optimized carburetor jetting. To make the most
efficient use of the newly added power and improve shifting ease,
the transmission gears have been re-designed.
To harness the YZ80's power and provide more precise control and stopping ability, braking performance has been elevated. The same master cylinder used by its big brothers in the YZI25 and YZ250 is now a part of the YZ80. In addition, a softer, new semi-metallic brake pad material provides more rider feedback and control.
The YZ80 is available in Team Yamaha Ink Blue/White.
Suggested Retail Price: $ 3,149 (US)