This is ridiculously vain, so I gotta get it out before the new year. I'm a Yamaha fan boy, so don't take this too seriously. Gonna buy a YZ 2T in 2026.
Does anyone else think modern YZ F's look significantly worse than the old ones. I'm not a fan of BLUE EVERYTHING, wish there was more white and black. I can get over that though.
My main issue is with the "gas tank" area or air filter area as it is. The new ones (2018-2026) look like humpback whales, where I circled in yellow in the picture below, while the old ones are more angled and clean looking.
I know they redesigned it, to be thinner and handle "better", so I guess more plastic had to go towards a hump instead of on the sides. However I also think the 2017 chassis handled better overall than the 2022 I rode recently, in terms of track toughness on soft dirt or hardpack. Thin bikes up top are cool but also slightly harder to grip with knees. New one is less stable and twitchy, although more nimble now, but now I'm getting into an entirely different subject..
I'll die on the hill that the current front fender looks stupid and too short. Retrofit the last gen one.
New ones look better.
That downvote is not from me. Can you explain why? If not, its cool.
I’m definitely bias, but I think they look fucking sweet. And damn is it a fun bike to ride.
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I just think the newer ones look better around the air box area behind the steering head. The radiator shrouds seem to blend better into the side number plates. The newer front fender could be better though.
Front fender looks good in person, especially when looking over it from the cockpit. Now other fenders look long and droopy to me, especially the 22’ and newer Yamaha.
Easily the worst looking. If in the market, I’d have it near the top of the list to buy, but certainly not based on looks. Agree its the area circled and the radiator guards.
If I was in the market for another 4T right now, it'd hands down be the 2026 YZ450F. They just look so weird to me. From everything I've read, seems like some of that 2017 YZ stability I miss has been combined with the newer versions cornering and agility prowess. I cant wait for the 2027 250F redesign, I'm already saving up for one.
Those look so much better than stock for sure, I'd gladly have one..but still something about the shape of the air filter cover from the side looks like Humpback of Notre Dame to me. From certain angles it's barely noticeable though. If I get a 2027 I'll just build a contraption to park it a certain way so when I walk into my garage it's looking at me from good angles.
Weve got a 2024 yzf250. Its a great bike but I dont like working on jt. Stupid airport is a dirt scoop. 750mL is way too little oil.
And what is with the single hex bolt on one side panel??
I get it, it’s different for sure. It’s grown on me quickly though, I think I love riding the bike so much she’s more attractive to me.
The black can make it look thinner (better). Also, better graphics.
Like this
For me its the front fender, it reminds me of a TTR50.
Sitting next to my 19, my 24 front fender looks better. Enough that I'll probably retrofit the 19 with the newer style, old one looks stupid long now. I like the simplified airbox cover on the new bikes vs the 14-17 version. Personally I like the newer bikes, they look better especially in person.
It's totally point of view. I would think an older school rider/someone who's been around the block a time or 2 would perhaps yearn for some old skool flava, something that tickles the memory ivories so to speak. For me the 26 yz's look better and sleeker than the old stuff. The nice smooth line from the seat up to the front. And the lack of the silly cable hoop on the left side of the number plate. However I am biased, as a 26 yx250fx is my first bike, so grain of salt n all
I loved the 06-09 and 14-17 look. 14-17 being my favorite since I had a 14. With that said, they just look heavier to me, I know it’s weird but they just do. The 23-25 and now 26 model, they’ve really grown on me and they might be my new favorite. Front number plate may be different but they definitely have grown on me big time and look lighter to me
Its just you.
That number looks good
Pit Row
One fugly bike.
The new Monster Energy YZ’s are damn tight. Last year about this time I went to a big dealership up in Longview Texas to pick up a new green bike and the Monster Energy YZ’s and YZF’s they had on the show room floor were bad ass looking bikes.
They look worse in photos but somehow better in person. My 23 looks absolutely antiquated sitting next to my 25💁🏻
Of those two particular models, I prefer the newer one. BUT…, I prefer the looks of the CRF, RMZ, KXF, SXF, FC before the YZF.
Which is a shame, because I like Yamaha.
Kyle, you’ve said the same about other things in your life, am I right ? LOL !
I said the same thing about that one bolt on the side. I did change mine to an 8mm so they would all be the same, but the reason for it is because the 8mm bolt head sticks out too much and could potentially rip your pants (I’ve never done that), while the hex bolt has a smooth head so it won’t catch any clothing. They could have changed the design a little bit for that though.
Everything can’t look as good as a Suzuki.
I’ve pretty much had everything Yamaha in my life since my first pdub back in ‘96. Bikes & quads all Yamaha with the exception of a kx65 and rm125. I just can’t get over the new front fender & number plate. Still going to keep my YZ250 since it’s my baby but my next bike is going to be green
Well, the engine and intake are backwards.
“I loved the 06-09”
Me too 👍🏼
It’s all individual perspective. My first reaction to most bike updates is usually that I don’t like how they look. But almost every time, I end up realizing the new design is actually fine, or even better than the previous one.
I’ve noticed it’s not really the design I dislike at first, it’s just my reaction to change.
I thought the updated 2006 yzf looked like trash compared to the 2005. The 2006 design grew on me, and when I look back, the 2006 looks way better than the 2005.
That bike looks SO GOOD. I’ve wanted a ‘09 ever since JS7 dominated on one that SX season. For being so old it still looks modern. Nice job!
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