2017 YAMAHA MOTOCROSS & OFF-ROAD LINE
The Boyz in Blue just unleashed their off-road and moto line for 2017. I know you are on the edge of your seat with anticipation for the big news!! Well, here it isn’t. Yes there are some refinements, updates, and changes but not the “ALL NEW” some may have hoped for. But we ask why were some waiting for “all new” when one of their existing bikes is still king of the shootouts and the year isn’t even over? Even though the YZ250F killed the media shootouts, it was the bike for 2017 to get the most changes. Off-road 250F racers will also be elated that the ’17 YZ250FX will receive all of the same updates as the motocross bike for the coming year.
The YZ450F, already a solid mount, got looked at but only received a small group of changes and a new color option for ’17 in the form of white and red.
The two-stroke line (off-road and moto) inherited a larger oversized 270mm front brake rotor that is standard on the F models in 2016.
The 250F seems to like the top of the shootout leader board and updates are their answer to stay on the board for 2017. According to Yamaha, the 250F engine alone had 18 new changes tossed at it.
250F(X) engine changes:
-Designed for more power “DUH” with smoother and more precise shifting
-A new head with new port design with a straighter direct angle and exhaust port shape
-Exhaust cam has an increased lift and profile change
-Air funnel reduced 15mm
-Throttle body joint has a new shape, larger volume, and aluminum core
-Larger diameter exhaust mid-pipe
-Updated rod made from new material and new shape
-New engine case heat treatment
-New ECU with revised rev limiter cut sequence
-Clutch arm bushing, ratio, and cable
-Updated transmission parts with thicker output shaft with oil holes, 2nd and 3rd gears are wider, and 1st, 3rd, and 5th have larger radius dogs
-Shift drum grooves and new shift lever material and shape
The chassis was also not left alone with changes in several sectors:
-New top and bottom engine mount shape was altered and rigidity altered; bottom mount went from aluminum to steel
-The forging around the swingarm pivot increased 12mm for more rigidity
-Updated shock damping
-5mm lower footpegs
-New rear disc material
-Air cleaner cover Dzus fasteners recessed to avoid getting snagged while riding
The goal of these changes is to increase top-end performance without hampering the bottom end, create smoother clutch action and shifting, and improve stability and improve cornering. If these changes prove successful, they will raise the bar to the next notch in the ever-competitive 250F moto and closed course off-road racing segment. These bikes should hit dealers any day and suggested retail is $7,699.
The ’17 YZ450F, also another solid machine, only gets a handful of changes for 2017. Some had hoped for an all-new bike with possibly an electric start and whatnot. If you want an E start, your best bet is to get the YZ450FX and turn it into a moto bike. A conversion is and will be a lot easier than trying to put an E start on a 450F.
The first change is pretty simple and one of the first changes we made to our 2016 YZ450F—swap out the stock MX52 tires for Dunlop MX3S (formerly known as MX32).
The 450F also got the upgraded rear brake disc material, counter shaft seal, and oil strainer. In addition to the white and red color scheme, the 450F also gets the updated airbox cover with recessed Dzus fasteners. The 450F will also be available in June for a list price of $8,699.
Off-Road:
Like we noted above, the ’17 YZ250FX received all of the updates as the 250F, except the FX will no longer come standard with a kickstart gear and lever to save weight. However, if you like the feeling of a backup, you will be able to add a kickstart if desired. Both the 250 and 450FX are now E start 100 percent.
The FXs will also come with a skid plate standard, the larger 270mm front rotor, revised fork seal scraper, fork seal, black rims, and a low fuel indicator light. The 250FX will be available in August with a list price of $7,999.
The YZ450FX, in addition to the above, was honored with revised suspension settings, $8,999 list price, and in dealers August of this year. YZ250X lands itself the larger 270mm front rotor with an August release date at $7,499. The WR line, 250F and 450F, get the larger rotor and new airbox cover. WR250F will list at $8,099 and WR450F at $9,099, with a July expected delivery.
