Yamaha is pleased to announce the release of an all new YZ250F for 2012. The world's first modern era four-stroke 250cc MX bike has copped a host of revisions aimed at placing the new model at the top of the winners rostrum.

Following a successful press launch at Stanmore MX track in QLD, the new YZ250F hits dealers showrooms today with a revised frame, engine and suspension offering a lightweight, sharp handling package.

Yamaha's YZ250F retains its carburettor design which is one of the main reasons for this model retaining its status as the lightest bike in the 250cc class. However, the carb size has been beefed up to 39mm and the optimised engine pumps out more power in the 8000 to 12000 rpm range.

This increased hit combines with outstanding throttle response thanks to new crankshaft webs, a new vibration-reducing counterbalancer, new connecting rod, and low-friction piston rings - as well as a new piston, piston pin, and clip assembly. The piston setup alone is over 8% lighter overall than before. The lighter piston spins up superbly and minimises friction-based power losses.

To take full advantage of these advancements, there's also a new CDI mapping and the bigger 39mm carb breathes freer thanks to a larger air cleaner cage. Added to the new frame and suspension refinements, this latest engine gives YZ250F amazing balance - a powerful, light-handling and sharp handling machine that appeals to pro riders but is also easy to ride.

The new-for-2012 Bilateral Beam frame has revised rigidity balance for superior cornering performance as well as great stability on rough, high-speed straights. Beefy new front KYB suspension components plus revised rear shock internals and more rigidity in the swingarm axle block area give this new machine a serious handling advantage with light, quick steering and zero headshake.

There's no disputing the YZ250F's unmatched four-stroke prowess - it was the first four-stroke 250 motocross bike on the market, the first to win an international race, the first to win an AMA Supercross Championship title, as well as the +»-¼-ürst to win an AMA national race.

Despite the large number of revisions, the 2012 model YZ250F goes on sale today at the same price as the outgoing 2011 YZ250F.

NEW FOR 2012:

  • Engine refinements, including a larger 39mm carburettor, optimised CDI, and lighter piston with a lighter piston pin, mean YZ250F has more power as well as exceptional throttle response in the mid-to-high speed range.
  • The crankshaft web design is revised to match the lighter piston and reduce high-rpm vibration.
  • The air cleaner cage is a new design that provides increased airflow, contributing to the excellent throttle response in the mid-to-high speed range.
  • The new Bilateral Beam frame with a revised balance of longitudinal, lateral, and torsional rigidity is used for superior cornering performance, especially while exiting turns, as well as great stability on rough, high-speed straights.
  • YZ250F has beefy new outer fork tubes and triple clamps. The
    result? An increase in the front fork assembly's torsional rigidity for unmatched chassis stability.
  • Fork offset has been changed from 25mm to 22mm to accommodate the new frame design. This shortened offset increases trail length which, in turn, contributes to excellent stability and reduces the inertial moment of the front fork assembly for quick, race-winning handling. The rider can take advantage of the higher level of performance throughout the turn.
  • The redesigned axle block portions of the swingarm provide greater rigidity to further optimise the rigidity balance between the new frame and the revised front fork assembly.
  • Front and rear suspension settings have been optimised for the new frame design, including a shock that uses a 16mm shaft for optimal hydraulic flow, resulting in exceptionally smooth suspension and great traction capability.
  • New seat foam material has an excellent cushion feel.
  • Both colour options feature trick black rims and a gold-colour drive chain.

ENGINE:

  • The valve spring retainers are lightweight aluminium instead of steel, and light valve spring pressure reduces valve-opening force. Valve stem ends are chromium-nitride coated for exceptional reliability and reduced maintenance.
  • The exhaust port is "D" shaped instead of round. This increases velocity through the port for excellent throttle response, while enhancing the power feeling of the engine.
  • The low-mounted radiator is as far back as possible and the compact oil tank is positioned to achieve greater mass centralisation.
  • The new 39mm carburettor has a venturi-shaped bore, plus recalibrated jetting and an accelerator pump. This translates to impressive response when the rider snaps open the throttle, and contributes to superb mid-to-high-rpm power characteristics.
  • The intake boot offers a straight, smooth tract for excellent engine breathing and more power. The airbox is shaped to tuck neatly into the Bilateral Beam frame.
  • The exhaust pipe has been carefully tuned to optimise engine power while meeting FIM noise standards.

CHASSIS/SUSPENSION:

  • The new Bilateral Beam frame is crafted from a carefully chosen combination of forged and extruded aluminium pieces, all welded together to provide unmatched rigidity balance and superb cornering characteristics, as well as excellent handling on rough, high-speed straights.
  • The KYB speed-sensitive front forks deliver exceptional damping feel, responsiveness, and bump absorption characteristics.
  • The 4-way-adjustable KYB rear shock makes the most of the latest Bilateral Beam frame design. It's low in the frame for excellent mass centralisation, with a 16mm shaft and new settings for optimal hydraulic flow.
  • The tank, seat, and rear fender are flat and the relationship between handlebars, pegs, and seat result in a natural, more forward riding position that facilitates rider movement. The fuel tank is placed toward the centre of the bike for mass centralisation. The ProTaper bars are 4-way adjustable, and handlebar mounts and foot pegs optimise rider position on the chassis. Seat cushion material is updated for great rider comfort.

For more information contact:

Sean Goldhawk
Communications manager
Yamaha Motor Australia
Office: (02) 9827 7568
Mob: 0438 423844
Fax: (02) 9757 1384