Yam set to Blast sales charts
By TMX Archives on 14th Jun 07
YAMAHA launched its long-awaited Blaster replacement' to the European quad press at a reduced Great 8 course near Basingstoke last week. The new YFM250R weighs in some five-kilos less than the Blaster, despite being wider, with a longer wheelbase, longer movement suspension and an air cooled single cylinder, SOHC, two-valve, four-stroke motor.
The new 250 is squarely aimed at the entry-levelsports ATV market, with soft and forgiving power working through afive-speed manual transmission and manual clutch.
Technically, it is all pretty conventional, exceptperhaps for the tire size, with Yamaha choosing to go an inch shorterthan normal' sports spec, with 20 inch front and 19 inch rear Dunlopsthat were specially designed for the new machine.
The spec will be a bit of a let-down to anyoneexpecting a full YZ type engined racer, but clearly Yamaha isn't aimingfor the race market with the YFM250R and out on the track it isactually a lot of fun to ride and will be absolutely perfect for thoseless-experienced riders taking their first step into enduro events.
The whole package performs far better than any ofthe press testers expected and with the price expected to be somewhereclose to 3,000, Yamaha is going to struggle to keep up with the demand.
The new YFM250R comes in Blue/ White, Grey/ Red and a Special Edition Orange/ Black colourways.
YFM250R Highlights
l New entry-level R-line ATV
l Built for fast trail riding and all round fun
l High-specification chassis
l Strong power output with impressive fuel economy
l Outstanding handling performance
l Aggressively-styled YFZ450-type headlights
l Race-style R-line lightweight bodywork
l Punchy 249cc four stroke air-cooled engine
l Tuned for plenty of low to mid-range power
l High specification YFZ450-type large diameter disc brakes
l Grizzly 700-type lightweight front brake calipers
l Performance-boosting ceramic-plated cylinder
l Oil cooler and ultra-compact lightweight battery
l YFZ450-type parking brake
SPECIFICATIONS
Yamaha YFM250R (Quad)
ENGINE
Engine Type: Single cylinder, air-cooled, 4-stroke
Valve Train: SOHC
Displacement: 249 cc
Bore and Stroke: 74 x 58 mm
Compression Ratio: 9.5 : 1
Lubrication: Wet sump
Carburettor: Mikuni 29mm
Ignition: DC CDI
Starter: Electric
Petrol Tank: 9 litres
Final Transmission: Chain
Gearbox: 5 speed
CHASSIS
Overall Length: 1,625 mm
Overall Width: 1,070 mm
Overall Height: 1,040 mm
Seat Height: 730 mm
Wheelbase: 1,110 mm
Dry Weight: 142 kg
Brakes - Front: Hydraulic double disc
Brakes - Rear: Hydraulic disc
Tyres - Front: AT 20 x 7-10
Tyres - Rear: AT 19 x 10-9
Colours: Blue, Grey
Price: Around 3,000