Big Day For The bLU cRU
The day the message boards have been talking about for years has finally come. Yamaha reinvigorated their two-stroke lineup with heavy updates to the YZ125, as well as some boosts to the YZ250, YZ85, YZ65, and the introduction of the YZ85LW (Large Wheel). With that being said, let’s jump in to see what the bLu cRU has in store for the new model year!
YZ125
First up is the YZ125 which received the most changes. The engine has been heavily redesigned with a new cylinder body, cylinder head, piston, piston pin, connecting rod, crankcase, and expansion chamber. All of these changes are designed to increase mid-top end performance. To fuel the new motor design, a Hitachi Astemo® Keihin PWK38S carburetor with throttle position sensor and 3D-map-controlled CDI unit mix the fuel and air in addition to VFORCE4 reeds that are now stock on the yzinger. The muffler has been reduced in length to a shorter design, likely aiding in bottom end performance and to lose weight. Transmission ratios are also updated with wider ratios between gears.
Like the four-stroke models have been receiving, the brakes are updated with a stronger, more powerful front brake and a smaller, lighter rear brake. The rear rotor has been reduced to 240mm while the front caliper features larger pistons for more contact area on the 270mm rotor. To match the new power and updated braking, the KYB coil-spring components have updated valving including a leaf-spring mid-valve.
The bodywork and styling is all new as well with updated plastics, graphics, and an airbox. The airbox design is said to help airflow and the plastics now feature embedded graphics like the four-strokes have had for years. As a result, the fuel tank has been changed to a sleeker design, though it is down in capacity from 2.2g to 1.8g. The bodywork is said to be slimmer and flatter than the previous design, and the seat height is reduced from 39.1” to 38.1”.
Lastly, the chain and sprockets have been updated to a lighter, more efficient design. The little YZ now rolls on Bridgestone Battlecross X20 tires. The MSRP has increased $300 to $6,899 MSRP, with a Monster Edition selling at $7,099 MSRP.
YZ250
The bigger YZ doesn’t have quite as many updates, but it took a few notes from the small bore machine. It features the same styling updates as the 125, along with the updated brake systems. The KYB suspension settings are also updated for the new year. Dunlop MX33 tires are mounted to the signature blue rims instead of the traditional MX52’s that have been used for years. The MSRP has increased $300 to $7,799 MSRP, with a Monster Edition selling at $7,999 MSRP.
YZ85 & YZ85LW
To keep with the theme, the mini 85’s received styling enhancements and resembles the big bikes. The aluminum swingarm sees some updates for enhanced rigidity, while the subframe is now aluminum for less weight and the rear brake master cylinder has some refinements for better control.
The big news for the 85cc crowd is the addition of a big wheel version boasting a longer swingarm and 19”/16” wheels mounted to Dunlop MX3S tires.
YZ65
The YZ65 is back for more, though updated graphics are the only changes to the mini model.
YZX Models
The YZ125X and YZ250X still use the same platform as before and the traditional styling. Aside from the updated graphics scheme, the bikes will be unchanged.
