The 2012 Yamaha cross bike range marks 40 years of offroad Yamaha bikes, and this year it’s the Yamaha YZ250F four-stroke model that gets the most important updates.
The motor has been tweaked for better performance, there is a new lighter piston and a 39-mm carburettor as well which contributes to better power delivery in the mid to high rev range.
The steering has been upgraded and there is a more robust fork which gives the YZ250F better stability than previously.
A stiffer chassis gives a better ride feel and more control when cornering.
It was here that Yamaha particularly wanted to improve things and now more stable cornering and faster reaction out of a corner can be achieved.
Stylistically, the YZ250F gets a new gold-coloured chain which we think adds a little touch of class.
The bike’s bigger brother, the Yamaha YZ450F, pretty much remains the same having already introduced an evolution to the MX1 class with its upside-down cylinder engine.
Yamaha considers it a little gem in technology and is happy to leave it as is for the next season.
Meanwhile, the two-stroke models continue their funny sort of nostalgic heyday with light, fast bikes, and Yamaha claims it is the only Japanese manufacturer to offer a full range of two-stroke off-road models.
It has the YZ85LW is aimed at younger riders, the YZ125 with a stiffer chassis and the YPVS valve system for better performance, and the range topping YZ250.
All the bikes come in Yamaha’s classic racing blue, while the YZ250F and YZ450F are also available in Sports White.
2012 Yamaha offroad range