2004 YZ250F
Okay, I just got back from Las Vegas, and I’m pretty wiped out. The biggest news at the Yamaha dealers’ show this year was the 2004 Road Star (now a 1700). I rode the Road Star several weeks ago at a secret press introduction, and I already have a longer-term test unit in the garage. You will see a brief report on my first ride shortly.
In the meantime, let’s tell you about the changes to Yamaha’s motocross machines for 2004.
All of the big bikes (125 and 250 two-strokes and 250 and 450 four strokes) get new, 48mm forks this year, with revised damping and a stiction-reducing coating, titanium footpegs (that’s right, Ti footpegs, stock), lighter brake calipers with aluminum pistons, new top triple clamp, and a new “gripper” seat cover.
In anticipation of the onslaught of competion in the 250 four-stroke category, Yamaha made other, significant changes to the YZ250F it completely redesigned last year. The bike is two pounds lighter (a claimed 206 pounds dry, and 216 pounds wet, with an empty fuel tank). In addition to the changes received by all the YZs, the 250F has a redesigned cylinder and crank case to reduce pumping losses and increase mid-range performance. It also has new frame gusseting (primarily, to save weight). Yamaha hopes that a 250F that is a bit faster and a bit lighter will keep it ahead of the competition that is coming this Fall from Honda, Kawasaki and Suzuki.
The YZ450F gets the common changes described above, as well as a redesigned clutch for smoother engagement.
Although the YZ250 has some detail refinements, the YZ125 received most of the attention from Yamaha in the two-stroke category. New cylinder port timing, revised spring settings on the power-valve system, a redesigned carburetor and exhaust pipe, as well as a new ignition coil, are designed to improve power from bottom to top, and give the YZ125 greater bark out of corners (to run with its four-stroke sibling in the 125 class).
Each of the YZs arrives in the 2004 model year without a price increase.
Motard Concept
Yamaha also displayed a YZ450F converted to a super motard machine with Yamaha GYT-R prototype accessories to gauge dealer interest.
We hope to test the most newsworthy of Yamaha’s 2004 motocross machines in the next few months.
