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So to move it would mean building another off-road assembly line just for the 2 strokes. That would probably only run part time
I'm not asking for EFI, I'm not asking for a composite frame, I'm asking for a fricken little electric motor, minor geometry change, and an off the shelf swing arm update. Do you really think that after 10+ years that's too much to ask for? The bike is awesome as it is, no doubt about it as I'm more than happy with mine, but these small changes would put it on much more even ground with the ktm, and keep the same tried and true platform we've come to know from the YZ.
The Shop
I just gave them to some hillbilly.
I may be an older dude, but I have raced for many years and I'm convinced that electric start is an advantage in the heat of battle or stalling on steep hills. People that say they would never want one makes me wonder if they ever had a bike with one on it.
There come problems with the E-Start and just trying to get too tech on the 2T’s.
KTM has one thought in mind and that’s dollar signs. I’ll pass on that TPI as long as I can. I think the YZ125/250 is about as perfect mx 2T bikes you can get.
Off-road guys have different demands.
I wish the tech would slow down personally but I’m 43 and that’s what happens in life.
Ghost
As far as all models go, a few geometry changes wouldn't hurt, as mentioned already. The motor doesn't need much other than a better designed cylinder head. The YZ isn't really THAT down on power.
Add a better coil and stator on the 250X to actually run lights, and improve the existing 250 head. The 125 is pretty close to being perfect for what it is.
I would honestly just like to see an expanded Yamaha powerparts for the bikes. The current GYTR kit for the 125 costs an arm and a leg; Yamaha should release a 150 kit, as well as sell YZ150s in stock form that can be converted back to 125s. Add an OEM support 285 or 300 kit for the 250 and bam, offroad guys are pleased
I don’t care much for newly designed bikes, but the OEM support doesn’t compare in any way to KTM and their powerparts.
The bikes don't need a lot of changes. When you look at tests and comparisons the main advantage all the test riders give the KTM is the engine and that it's more nimble in the handling department. I don't think it would take a whole lot for Yamaha to address these two things, especially the engines I feel can be easily improved to be more competitive without doing a whole redesign. Plus the addition of reasonably priced bigger displacement kits and I'd probably be selling my TC125 knocking down my dealers door to buy a blue 2 stroke.
But, more importantly, the young people we need to attract to this sport will feel it hit their wallet. This sport needs simple, cheap bikes. You know, like the ones we grew up on in the 80's and 90's? More technology and more features just puts MX closer to the grave.
Pit Row
As for the hassle of electric start, just kick the bike first thing in the morning and you're good to go. Keeping it on a battery tender in your garage would be a good idea, but if that's too much hassle or if you're camping overnight one kick should be fine to get things going for the day. As for the cost, I have a hard time believing they can't justify it. These bikes have done nothing but go up in price with no changes, I think they can afford to add a little benefit at this point without a price increase. Those new plastic molds a few years ago definitely weren't cheap, so there is invioualy some interest in keeping the line alive. We'll agree to disagree on the weight, but I have a hard time believing a couple lbs near the centroid of the bike is going to be a deal breaker handling wise.
A GYTR 300 kit would be amazing, and I would likely do it the first time I need to refurbish a head/cylinder.
Things I would like to see on the 250x: Larger tank and e-start, and a lighting coil, they would sell even more of these bikes as I'm sure they do lose some Yamaha guys to the likes of KTM and Husky.
I'm pretty sure in Australia you can get a YZ250X with a headlight running off a proper coil... So why not in North America?
I was contacted by a dealer out here with a low hour, beta 300rr, $2000 in aftermarket stuff for a good price, but I'm sure I would feel let down by the suspension the first time I try and take it the the mx track for fun.
According the Yamaha guys under the tent at Loretta's you will see a YZ65 and a redesigned 85 in 2019 or 2020. As far as the big bikes they are selling every 125 and 250 they make. So you probably will not see anything new on the big bike side.
At some point they will need to redesign the big bikes or when sales drop they will discontinue them.
On another I had a 16 KTM 125 and my son never really liked. We bought a 17 YZ 125 and he loves it!
1 - Counterbalanced engine
My main race bike is a 2017 KTM 450XC-F and it's amazing. I also have a 2007 YZ250 project bike that is a woods
racer. I can't believe how much the YZ vibrates. I've ridden a few KTM's with the counterbalanced engine and it's a
huge difference.
2 - Six-speed transmission
My KTM is a 5 speed, but it's also a 450. I really used my Husaberg's 6th gear when going across a field between
sections. The wide-ratio has a few that are just too big of gaps.
3 - Steel braided brake lines
This is an easy one and a rather modest change.
4 - Oversized translucent gas tank (2.7+ capacity)
I have the acerbis oversized tank on my YZ and it looks funky. The KTM wraps theirs much better and doesn't look
like an eyesore.
5 - E-start
A must for hard enduro type terrain. Not needed for MX.
I haven't had mine long enough to feel that gap yet.
I used to ride a 06 YZ125, don't get me wrong it was a great bike but after 10 years of riding the same bike I got tired of it and sold it. Ended up buying a 2007 CR just to try something different. Had Yamaha made any significant updates to the YZ I would have plunked down the cash for a new one. I am a die hard Japanese bike rider but KTM may convert me soon if Yamaha doesn't step up.
Seems like people who buy 2 strokes all go for Husq or KTM. Better bike and you have the 150 option too.
There starting lines at amateur nationals are still filled with YZ's that are still winning. They were winning at the Mini O's last month.
The current KTM's are better than previous years but they haven't leap frogged past the YZ. Surratt raced a 10 year old CR 250 (found on Craigslist) built by Terry Varner and won the 2-stroke Championship.
Post a reply to: New Yamaha 2 strokes coming when?