New Yamaha Dirt Bikes For 2002! - Improved Four-Strokes/Proven Two-Strokes

New Stuff/Old Stuff/Good Stuff

Nov. 01, 2002 By ORC STAFF

YZ 250F
 

The first YZ 250F shocked a whole lot of people by dominating the 125cc West Regional Supercross series, with wins in five of eight rounds. For the new year, some changes were in line for the high-revving 250 four-stroke For the new year, some changes were in line for the high-revving 250 four-stroke racer.
The titanium-valved, liquid-cooled, quarter-liter rocket received some fine-tuning in the carburetor for crisper throttle response, and got some remapped ignition work for greater firing precision. More: reworking the suspension settings and adding an all-new, lighter-weight swingarm for smoother, more responsive handling performance. Beefing up the brakes with an all-new 245mm rear disc. And moving the handlebar mounts ever so slightly forward to improve ergonomic comfort and create a more aggressive riding position.

NEW FOR 2002:
  • Revamped carburetor settings deliver crisper, more linear throttle response for optimal engine output.
  • Remapped digital CD ignition system delivers more precise spark and optimal timing for faster, stronger response during hard acceleration, and less kickback during starting.
  • All-new hydroformed swingarm is lighter and stronger for reduced weight, greater rigidity and more compliant rear suspension action, while an anodized finish gives it a trick, factory team-style look.
  • Rear shock refinements include improved actuation, a new linking ratio and enhanced damping force.
  • Revamped front fork settings deliver improved damping force with less bottoming for a smoother, more compliant overall stroke.
  • Lightweight front wheel hub reduces unsprung weight and increases durability.
  • Larger rear brake disc means greater stopping power.
  • Reworked handlebar mounts are increased in size to help accommodate a wider range of riders.
Engine:
  • Liquid-cooled, 249cc, 5-valve, DOHC, 4-stroke is the world's most powerful, quarter-liter 4-stroke motocrosser with a stratospherically high, 13,500-rpm redline.
  • Titanium valves and load-reduced springs decrease weight by more than 40% and reduce reciprocating mass for faster-revving, harder-hitting power delivery across the rev range.
  • Trick, works-style clutch lever features race-spec barrel adjuster for on-the-fly adjustability.
  • Slick-shifting, 5-speed transmission with heavy-duty, multi-plate clutch features an involute spline setup, ensuring smoother shifting and instant hookup under power, as well as reduced horsepower loss.
  • 37mm Keihin FCR flat-slide carburetor with throttle position sensor (TPS) ensures ultra-precise fuel/air mixing and lightning-quick throttle response.
  • Digital CD ignition system delivers more precise spark and monitors engine speed to ensure optimal timing for faster, stronger response during hard acceleration.
  • Large-capacity radiator provides outstanding cooling efficiency.
  • Lightweight exhaust system with specially shaped header angle maximizes engine power and allows hassle-free replacement of oil filter.
  • Aluminum exhaust silencer looks trick and reduces weight.
  • Primary kickstarting with integrated hot-start button ensures easy restarts in any gear.
  • Dry sump lubrication system uses frame as oil tank, helping to create a more compact engine and chassis for superb handling performance.
  • Magnesium cylinder head cover helps shave weight.
Chassis/Suspension:
  • Ultra-rigid, high-tension steel, YZ 125-style twin-spar frame is super-lightweight and strong for minimal flex.
  • Lightweight 46mm inverted Kayaba cartridge fork features 11.8" of travel with compression and rebound adjustability.
  • Low-friction outer tubes and aluminum piston rods ensure smoother, more compliant fork stroke for superior handling and lighter steering.
  • Removable aluminum rear subframe reduces weight and allows easy maintenance.
  • Rear suspension system features fully adjustable Kayaba shock with 12.4" of travel and separate adjusters for high- and bow-speed compression damping.
  • YZ-426F-spec brake system features all-new 250mm fully floating front disc and 245mm rear disc brakes.
  • Lightweight 21" front and 19" rear rims provide exceptional durability and help reduce unsprung weight for optimal suspension performance.
  • Premium Dunlop 739 knobbies offer competition-spec traction and excellent wear.
  • Specially designed steering crown, seat, fuel tank, handlebar, footpegs and radiator shrouds create ergonomically balanced riding position that permits easy rider movement and greater weight transfer flexibility during aggressive riding.
  • Team Yamaha-inspired two-tone (black/blue) seat.
  • Wide, cleated, folding cast alloy footpegs provide excellent comfort, grip and ground clearance.
  • Cleated rear brake lever and folding shift lever tip offer superb grip and excellent durability.
  • Repackable exhaust silencer.
  • Durable, comfortable handlebar grips.
  • Stainless steel clutch cable for longer life.

Specifications:

MSRP $5,499* Available from October 2001
Engine
Type 249cc, liquid-cooled, 5-valve, DOHC, 4-stroke w/titanium valves
Bore x stroke / mm 77 x 53.6mm
Final Drive #520 chain
Compression Ratio 12.5:1
Carburetion 37mm Keihin FCR flat-slide w/throttle position sensor
Ignition Digital CDI
Transmission 5-speed w/multi-plate wet clutch
Suspension
Front 46mm Kayaba inverted telescopic fork w/adjustable compression and rebound damping;
Travel 11.8
Rear Kayaba single shock w/adjustable preload, compression and
rebound damping & separate hi/b-speed compression adjuster;
Travel 12.4
Dimensions/Other
Tire - Front 80/100-21
Tire - Rear 110/90-19
Length 84.9"
Width 32.6"
Dry Weight n/a
Height 51.3"
Fuel Capacity 2.1 gallons
Wheelbase 58.1"
Seat Height 39.3"
Ground Clearance 15.0"
Color Team Yamaha Blue/White


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