Yamaha YZ250 OFF Road Motocross

Yamaha YZ250 OFF Road Motocross Motorcycle USA 2011

Key Features Yamaha YZ250 OFF Road Motocross :

• A light aluminum frame housing a patented YPVS® Power valve-equipped ripper of an engine results in an awesome power-to-weight ratio.
• The YZ250 is ready to race out of the crate, complete with a ProTaper® aluminum handlebar, titanium footpegs, gripper seat, and Excel rims.
• Owning a Yamaha 2-stroke is less expensive to maintain.

Engine Yamaha YZ250 OFF Road Motocross :

• 249cc liquid-cooled reed-valve-inducted two-stroke engine is lightweight, compact and features an incredibly wide, hard-hitting powerband.
• Patented YPVS® power-valve system combines crisp, hard-hitting, bottom-end acceleration with strong midrange and eye-opening top-end.
• Special-design carbon fiber reed-valve petals improve throttle response and engine performance across the entire rpm range.
• Smooth-shifting, five-speed, close-ratio transmission with heavy-duty, multiplate clutch.
• Primary kickstarter ensures smooth, easy starting action and reduced weight.
• Large-capacity radiator features a ten-row core with four louvers for maximum cooling efficiency.
• 38mm Keihin® PWK carburetor with power jet and throttle position sensor (TPS) ensures precise fuel/air mixing and extra-crisp throttle response throughout the powerband.
• Digital CDI ignition system delivers precise spark for faster, stronger response anywhere in the powerband.
• Trick, works-style clutch lever features race-spec barrel adjuster for on-the-fly adjustability.

Chassis/Suspension Yamaha YZ250 OFF Road Motocross :

• YZ250F-style front-brake caliper and wave-style front and rear discs minimize unsprung weight and provide excellent stopping power.
• The KYB® 48mm forks feature the Speed-Sensitive System that uses piston speed to control damping force for super-precise handling and a smooth ride.
• A carefully engineered, advanced aluminum frame and swingarm give the YZ250 the best handling in the 250 class.
• Removable aluminum rear subframe is constructed of square-section tubing for reduced weight.
• Rear, fully adjustable KYB® shock features a super-light titanium shock spring and reduced-friction Kashima coating of internals. 12.4 inches of travel, separate adjusters for high-speed and low-speed compression damping, and a full lock oil rebound system for increased comfort all add up to fantastic rear wheel control and a sweet ride.
• Lightweight 21-inch front and 19-inch rear Excel rims provide exceptional durability and help reduce unsprung weight for optimal suspension, performance and handling.
• Tapered rear wheel spacers ease sliding the rear wheel into place for quicker tire changes.
• Premium Dunlop® knobbies offer race-spec traction and wear.

Additional Features Yamaha YZ250 OFF Road Motocross :

• Wide, cleated, folding titanium footpegs are lightweight and provide excellent comfort, grip and ground clearance.
• Special-design “gripper” type seat and fuel tank, forward-canted steering crown and low handlebar provide excellent movement and more comfortable ergonomics for riders.
• Wide-diameter fuel tank cap ensures easier usage, while larger tank opening means faster, hassle-free refueling.
• A light and strong ProTaper® aluminum handlebar in adjustable mounts means comfort and control.
• Premium drive chain has gold-colored plates for outstanding looks.
• Use of light box-head bolts throughout the chassis eases maintenance while reducing weight and increasing performance.
• Repackable exhaust silencer.
• Durable, comfortable handlebar grips.

Excellent RZ/RD350 YPVS Conversion

LOTS of tasty upgrades on this beauty..

Update: Another in a long line of Virago Cafe Pics..

Lots of updates in the comments section. Be sure to check em out.

From the comments. You guys rock! Thanks for the link to the builder / owner with lots more info!

http://johnryland.posterous.com/reciprocity-xv750-under-the-lights

I stumbled across this on a message board. Not sure who's logo that is on the photo. Great Stuff though

2011 WR250R

 Three years later, the design is holding tough, with basically just graphic changes. Yamaha says the bike can trace its lineage to YZF motocrossers and more aggressive enduro bikes, and we came away convinced this was not just marketing hype.

Our 298-lb California model weighs just one pound more than the 49-state version, and with its lights, turn signals and license plate, made riding to the trails and then hitting it a fairly do-able proposition.

 We’d estimate this is about a 60:40 bike in terms of its street/offroad prowess, and changing the tires to full-on knobbies would make it about a 50:50.

If you’re more an on-road person, you may also want to look at the WR250R’s supermoto-style sister, the WR250X, which differs mainly by use of 17-inch wheels, sport tires, larger front brake, slightly taller gearing, and different graphics. Both of these bikes were extensively reviewed when they were launched

 The WR250R’s fuel-injected, 4-valve-per-cylinder mill churns out respectable go-power, even with relatively lean, EPA-satisfying tuning and three-chamber muffler. When cold especially, it displayed a slight off-idle stumble at times, but this is something that could be tuned out.

We dyno’d the same-engined 250X model last year, and its oversquare, 11.8:1 compression ratio powerplant returned 27.7 hp and 16.95 ft-lbs torque. Combined with its wide-ratio six-speed transmission this is enough to stay ahead of traffic around town. It will easily wheelie in first, and second gear with a little clutch slip.

On the open road, with a 200-lb rider geared up and acting like a sail, it will still pull just shy of 90 mph into mild headwinds, and up to around 95 mph or so when tucked in, which is enough power even if traveling via interstate highways.

If desired, this bike could be pressed into duty as an ultra-lightweight adventure tourer, at least for several hundred miles, if not longer, depending on your needs and tolerance – particularly if much of your route is on secondary roads and off road.

Handling from the 55.9-inch wheelbase machine is stable enough at speed, yet light and nimble around town. Riding on 18-inch rear and 21-inch front wheels, the Bridgestone Trail Wing TW-301 front and TW-302 rear tires have adequate grip on tarmac. The 46mm, 10.6-inch-travel KYB fork, coupled with Soqi shock offering equal travel in the rear, soak up expansion joints and potholes with aplomb.

Slowing down the action is easy enough with a single 250mm disc brake up front, and 230mm rear disc.

Passenger pegs make it possible to carry someone at least moderate distances, and, if desired, the stock 36.6-inch ride height can be shortened by nearly an inch by means of a shock-linkage-mounted clevis pin arrangement. While sitting on the bike, normal sag under my 185 lbs dropped the ride height so I could just plant both feet flat beneath my 34-inch inseam.

The bike comes rather softly set up for street duties, but front and rear suspenders have provision for spring preload, as well as compression and rebound damping adjustments – items lacking on less-expensive Japanese competitors.

Reader Ride. A Pair Of Great of Great Yamaha's From A Confrssed XT Junkie!

Paul Hutchins Writes in:

Swerved into your site and thought you might post my Big Wheel photos.

I have a almost pathological interest in the 500 Yam and recently sold most of my examples of this great cult classic. My street ride was this SR custom, White Bros. 540cc motor, high lift cam, 38mm carb, with Omar's bodywork. I also restored this 1976 XT, the first ever model in the States, it was mint original and brought a similar price from a collector in Sydney, Australia. The TT is a dirtracker that was once on the street, it is now an ice racer in Michigan.

Thanks, Paul Hutchins

Reader Submittal. SR 500 Custom Rebuild

It there anything you can't do with these thumpers?  From Frank Naaykens Speed Dealer customs Joplin,mo.

Totally Sick! RZ500/R6 Hybrid. Too good not to share. Cross-post From The 2-Stroke Board.

You hear about bikes like this in lots of conversations.... "wouldn't it be cool to put engine X in chassis Y"..  Well someone REALLY did it.  More on the project over on BARF

"Current generation Yamaha R6 chassis with Ohlins forks and shock, Brembo brakes, forged wheels, and aluminum subframe. Engine swap with Yamaha RD500 (aka RZ500 aka RZv500) V4 twin-crank two-stroke. Handmade expansion chambers with carbon fiber silencers. Mikuni flatslide carbs."

Update: Reader Submittal. Old school Hybrid.

Update:  should have seen this coming...  for those of you e-mailng and commenting for more info...

The bike is for sale on EBAY UK Here: http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/YAMAHA-XT500-SUPERMOTO-PHASE-4-MAGAZINE-FEATURE-BIKE-/110613754451?pt=UK_Motorcycles&hash=item19c117f253

What a fantastic bike!  Thanks to Cal from the UK for sending me these.  I've seen a few like these over the years and this is the best by far! I love it when an old iconic bike gets modernized without the spirit of the original being overwhelmed by the new components.  It's a delicate dance and flawlessly executed here.

Amanda with our Yamaha YZF-R1 project bike.

Decorate your desktop with our beautiful pin-up girl Amanda as she poses with our Yamaha YZF-R1 Project bike.

Wow! you don't see bikes like this very often! Yamaha WR450 with a JVO rally kit!

Hardcore Rally bike! And it's FOR SALE!  No I don't know the owner.  Just an FYI.  I's a practice bike for this years Dakar!

Stone Cold Sexy Single Cylinder Yamaha.

Reader Submittal. First Ever Yamaha Enduro Fest!

Mark Robers Sends in some pics and video from the California Yamaha Endurofest!  Not THAT is a day very well spent.  Nicely done Gents.

Mark Writes In:
Hi,
I hope you are doing well, just wanted to pass some information. We just had the first Yamaha Enduro Fest offroad ride in Gorman California.
There were many early Yamahas there. I am attaching a few links to pictures and videos that we took while there. Feel free to use anything you like.
We are hoping to have a second event in the Eastern US in March or April of 2011.
Regards
Mark

And here's another one that ends with a grin..

2011 Yamaha FZ-16 Review

The Yamaha FZ-16 is bringing the company back from the dead in India. After several years hibernating, the Japanese giant has again made a motorcycle that captures the heart of the Indian enthusiast, and it’s become the country’s best all-round 150cc bike. This baby FZ has caused a flurry of activity at Yamaha showrooms, buyers queuing up across India to take one home.
Could a sporty small-displacement bike like the FZ-16 find a home on America’s urban streets?
Rugged and naked, the FZ-16 looks striking, borrowing its handsome lines from liter-class brother, the FZ1. Token fairing pieces clad the bike, with a massive, exquisitely sculpted tank dominating its macho profile. The compact single-cylinder engine sits exposed, and the FZ uses black, slim-spoke alloy rims while its engine, frame and silencer use the same color to good effect.

There’s a pseudo radiator cowl, complete with vents scooping air to the hot engine and spark plug region. A conical, halogen-bulb headlight throws a dazzling, well-spread beam. Orange backlit digital instruments look funky, going well with the bike’s youthful persona, and are easy to decipher.

A flat and wide handlebar is bolted to the FZ-16’s attractive triple clamp, home to all-inclusive switches, dogleg levers, conventional mirrors and nice palm grips.The FZ-16’s tank knee recesses properly accommodate even a tall rider’s thighs. Alloy footrests, drilled foot protectors and a split grab bar are present. This Yamaha’s muscular demeanor is aided by its wide rear tire beneath a neat hugger. The FZ-16 uses a 153cc, four-stroke Yamaha heart that pushes two-valves and feeds of a Mikuni CV type carburetor. Large cooling-fins are visible on the air-cooled engine, prominently visible on its sump section. The latest Yamaha sports a stubby silencer that concentrates its mass close to the motorcycle’s center of gravity. This is achieved by coiling its bent-pipe like a snake in a box just underneath the engine. The FZ-16’s exhaust beat is muted.Power output is a claimed 14 hp at 7500 rpm, while max torque of 10.3 ft-lb is made at 6000 rpm. Ignition is three-dimensional, considering throttle position – via a Throttle Position Sensor (TPS) – before deciding on the correct spark timing. A single-axis balancer kills engine vibes, while the rocker arms feature friction-slaying bearings. The FZ-16 comes with a precise-shifting 5-speed gearbox, and it’s a joy to shift through. The tranny has perfectly spaced ratios and is supported by a light, city-friendly clutch.

The engine delivers decent low- and mid-range power, but it tapers away abruptly at high rpm. The FZ-16 isn’t the fastest bike in its class, but it’s easy, city-friendly power delivery is a highlight. There’s seldom the need to overwork the gearbox, and the bike can chug away in fifth from speeds as low as 15 mph. The engine occasionally suffers an irritating tendency to misfire and skip a beat at low rpm. The FZ-16 managed a 0-to-36 mph run in 5.59 seconds, on its way to its true top speed of 68 mph. And it takes 4.87 secs to run from 36 to 50 mph in top gear. The FZ-16 engine is refined and smooth, always running with a vibe-free demeanor.The riding position is perfect, neither too upright, nor putting excessive weight on your wrists. Its wide handlebar provides good leverage, allowing for quick direction changes with minimal steering effort. Flicking this Yamaha from side to side is effortless.The FZ’s low riding saddle feels a tad soft but makes up with good width. A steel, single downtube frame deploys the FZ’s engine as a stressed member. Fat 41mm diameter front forks are supported at the rear by Yamaha’s ‘monocross’ suspension, mating with a box-section, steel swingarm. Carving through city traffic is stress-free, with fine ride quality that is adjustable in seven-steps at the rear. Among the best parts to this FZ are its ample, 17-inch tubeless radial tires providing good traction and a stable feel. The 100/80-17 front works with a wide (for its class) 140/60-17 out back to provide rock-steady handling in a straight line, as well as light, precise turn in. The FZ stitches up tight or high-speed corners with a reassuring feel. Confident, powerful braking is thanks to a single rotor, 267mm front disc-brake and rear 130mm drum, both offering progressive feel and plenty of bite. We managed to bring the FZ-16 from 36 mph to rest in 48.9 feet. Real-world testing confirms the FZ-16 is good enough for 97.4 mpg in crowded Indian city conditions, with 110 mpg possible on highways. The FZ-16 is an impressive, built-in-India motorcycle from Yamaha. It easily blows away its competition on those shores, thanks to stylish looks, excellent fit and finish, as well as rock-solid build quality.

I don't often direct link to other blogs but wow!

Go and visit Obiboi right NOW and check out his last 5 or 6 sketches. I'd be wildly encouraged if just one of his ideas were to bear fruit.


Warning: (rant alert) And by the way, Hey Yamaha! If by some fluke you ever see this post. One of my favorite bikes on earth (that I currently own) is my trusty 2001 DR650 Suzuki ( and it's 15 year old technology!!). As a kid I used to annoy the Yamaha dealer by always oogling the early XT/TT500's. So if you won't do the decent thing and build a modern bike like Obiboi's version how about at least bringing over the 660 Tenere? Not every American want's to go trail riding on a 1200cc 650 lb BMW GS/Yamaha Super Tenere/KTM990. There are a LOT of us waiting patiently for an updated version of the big DR or KLR and you have it in your lineup but you won't share it... and to put it bluntly, you suck for it. Hell even the small BMW GS series is dated. You've completely surrendered the market to KTM which would be fine if I had a 40 inch inseam. The 650 market is ripe for reasonably priced updated competition. What the F### are you waiting for. I'll buy one already and I know I'm not alone. (rant off. back to our regularly scheduled posts..)

Workshops that don't suck...

Classic Moto Guzzi's and a TZ thrown in for good measure... Jebus!

Reader Two-For-One And An Update On A Previously Posted Tracker.

Mike C Writes in with a nice Wanderlust Ducati and an unfortunate update on his wicked SR500 Tracker!


I had a look at some recent snaps thought you might like this for your ' Wanderlust ' bit.
It was taken a few weeks back by my buddy Rick H. outside of Rangely Lake NH.
The bike is my ' 98 748 with an 853 kit (among other mods) and 106,000km. on the clock.
The photo gives no warning of the hour and a half I would be sitting in bumper to bumper traffic, in the pouring rain, later that day.
Sadly my countershaft sprocket chewed the splines on the shaft, and broke the chain sending it through my engine cases just two weeks ago. I was thinking of opening the motor, just for fun, this winter anyway. Looks like I have some quality time in the garage over the next little while.


Oh, and more distressing news. My SR managed to ' shed ' its rear tail/subframe due to vibration...I am already McGyvering a tail from a Honda RS250 roadracer onto the mighty SR....Hey, I start shooting paint tomorrow !
Thanks for the site, I check in every day & always get a charge checking out the new postings.
Mike C.

Here's the link to his original post on the SR.

Great Stuff.  Thanks Mike and sorry for the delay in getting it posted. I'm getting flooded lately.  All good!