A new, lightweight, forged, two-ring piston headlines the improvements to the 2016 YZ250F. The piston features a flat crown surface with additional strengthening ribs and a shorter, more durable piston pin with diamond-like carbon (DLC) coating. Revised piston oil jets direct oil underneath the new piston, which helps promote cooling and contributes to more stable engine performance. Optimized crankshaft and counter balancer designs provide a revised balance ratio, predictive power delivery, and reduced vibration.
In addition, revisions to the YZ250F clutch boss and shift-stopper arm provide smoother clutch engagement feel and more precise shifting action. New ECU settings result in a smoother transition as the rider reaches the rev limiter, while new brake pad material and a larger 270mm front brake rotor deliver improved stopping power and control for aggressive corner entries. Finally, new front and rear suspension settings help smooth sudden jolts and reduce front-end dive for a smoother, more balanced damping feel when cornering.
The 2016 YZ250F will be available in two color options: Team Yamaha Blue/White and Limited-Edition 60th Anniversary Yellow. The YZ250F will retail for $7,590 in Team Yamaha Blue/White and $7,690 in Limited-Edition 60th Anniversary Yellow and will arrive at dealerships in late July.
For more information on all Yamaha models--including features, specifications, photos, and videos--please visit www.yamahamotorsports.com. Also, check out “YamahaMotorUSA” on your favorite social media sites.
New for 2016:
Updated Shifter
Revisions to the clutch boss and shift stopper arm provide smooth clutch engagement feel and more precise shifting action when the gate drops.
Revised engine mounts and a reshaped swingarm pivot section of the aluminum frame improve lateral rigidity, while 5mm lower footpegs help lower the rider’s center of gravity for improved machine balance and control.
—New triple clamps reduce trail with a 25mm (formerly 23mm) fork offset, improving front-end feel, while the new shock spring provides an ideal balance between bump absorption and handling performance.
—New 270mm front disc brake (up from 250mm) also features a new brake pad material for exceptional stopping power and control for aggressive corner entries.
Engine:
An innovative exhaust pipe design is adopted to increase mass centralization and improve power development characteristics. This layout moves the rear end of the exhaust pipe farther forward and enables a muffler position close to the center of the mass. Adjustments are made in the pipe diameter in its various sections resulting in excellent exhaust pulse effect that contributes to high rpm power output, while a new muffler bracket reduces weight.
—The compact wet sump lubrication system with piston cooler spray jet eliminates the need for an oil tank, reducing engine weight. The water pump employs a new six-hole impeller with increased seal durability for long-term reliability. The reduced size of the crankcase enabled by this lubrication system design is a major factor in making it possible to mount the 450cc engine on the compact frame to deliver precise and instinctive handling.
—Accessory GYTR® Power Tuner lets owners adjust air/fuel mixture and ignition timing maps to match engine performance characteristics to the rider and track conditions in a matter of seconds with the push of a few buttons, as well as monitor engine diagnostic codes.
Chassis/Suspension
A reshaped swing arm pivot area and updated engine mountshighlight updates to the Bilateral Beam frame that features overall dimensions that are roughly the same as the frame of the YZ250F. This gives the YZ450F a compact chassis that provides the most instinctive handling in the 450 motocross class.
—The aluminum muffler is positioned closer to the machine’s center of gravity as it is almost completely hidden by the side number plate. The layout allows a shorter, lighter subframe and also contributes to mass centralization for lightweight handling feel.
—Industry-leading, fully adjustable KYB® spring-type fork with speed sensitive damping features new settings and a new fork off-set, which works with the revisions to provide exceptional balance between handling and bump absorption. The rear KYB® suspension also features settings optimized for ideal damping characteristics to match the new chassis rigidity.
—The large diameter 22mm front axle and beefy top triple clamp provide rigidity for unmatched handling and front-end feel. The handlebar mounts are rubber mounted to improve comfort and reduce handlebar vibration.
—New 270mm front brake system is a huge 20mm larger than the disc fitted to the 2015 YZ450F and uses an all-new pad material for exceptional stopping power and braking control.
—The Yamaha-exclusive fuel tank and air cleaner box layout positions the fuel tank mass closer to the center of the bike which improves handling feel. Furthermore, the air box is positioned in front, away from the dirt kicked up from the rear wheel, and can be accessed without tools for easy serviceability of the air cleaner
