YAMAHA FOR 2016

The standard YZ450F will be available in either blue or white.

Yamaha just announced its new motocross bikes for 2016, and gave us a look at some new thinking on the off-road side of the fence. The YZ250X two-stroke off road bike is the biggest news, and you can read about it by clicking here. As for the motocross bikes, Yamaha made a handful of mechanical changes, and will offer special editions to commemorate the 60th anniversary of the company in America. The 60th Anniversary Editions of the YZ250F and YZ450F will sell for $100 more than their standard edition counterparts. Both of those will keep the same prices as last year; $7590 for the 250 and $8590 for the 450.

The 450 gets a launch control mode for the ignition, different mapping and new cam profiles. There are also changes to the clutch boss, the water pump impeller and the shifting mechanism. The chassis gets a 270mm front brake rotor, new suspension settings, different motor mounts and slightly different frame construction above the swingarm pivot. The footpegs are 5mm lower and the triple clamp offset is increased from 23mm to 25mm.

Yamaha gave the 250 the similar changes to the front brake, suspension, clutch boss and shifting mechanism. The 250 motor got some more extensive attention. There’s a new piston that’s said to be lighter, a different crank and a new treatment for the connecting rod. It didn’t get launch control, but the ignition is remapped for a softer ramp-down when the revs get too high.

As far as the motocross two-strokes, they got a little suspension work and new black rims with gold chains. Stay tuned to www.dirtbikemagazine.com for the first news of more models that have yet to be announced.