New for '05!
By TMX Archives on 12th Jul 04
WHAT'S BLUE and gives Sutty the horn? Nope, not what you're thinking. WHAT'S BLUE and gives Sutty the horn? Nope, not what you're thinking. It's the '05 Yamaha line-up that's been floating Sutty's boat ever since the new model information pack popped through the dbr letterbox.Yamaha may have started the four-stroke MX revolution with their dominant YZF range but it now looks as though they'll be leading a two-pronged (just like a tuning fork) attack. Not only are their four-bangers refined and refreshed, the real big news comes in the shape of their aluminum-framed lightweight two-strokes.The YZ125 is claimed to be 4kg lighter than last year's model thanks to its new aluminum frame and cunning weight-saving design. The all-new engine block and six-speed close-ratio gearbox is rumoured to be much more powerful than last year's model and also weighs in on the lighter side of its predecessor.The 250 two-stroke gets an all-new aluminum frame as well that sees Yamaha's tried and tested long-stroke engine slotted into the bike that offers a considerable weight saving over last year's model.Don't be fooled into thinking that the four-strokes have been ignored. They may look the same but internal engine and chassis changes to both the 450 and 250F Yamahaulers should help keep them at the front of their respective classes.Other good news for fans of the blue brand is that all the full-size '05 Yamahas will come with Renthal bars, re-routed front brake hoses and bold new graphics - yay! We can't wait to test these puppies out, that's for sure.