2013 Yamaha YZ Review

Intro

The Yamaha YZ is one of most enduringly popular motocross bikes being ridden today. Since first being introduced, way back in the 1970s, the YZ has been a mainstay amongst professional and amateur off-road riders. With its lightweight aluminum frame and liquid-cooled two-stroke engine, the YZ remains popular with riders and has been ridden to five AMA National Motocross Titles, nine AMA National Supercross Titles.

The Yamaha Motor Corporation has now released the new lineup of 2013 Yamaha YZs. The 2013 lineup includes several variations on the YZ and YZ-F models. These include YZ250F, YZ450F, YZ125, YZ250, and mini YZ85. Both the YZ125 and the YZ250 are well established as formidable two-stroke off-road performers. Having been refined into a championship-winning piece of machinery over the years, very little changes about either the YZ125 or YZ250 from year-to-year. Both 2013 editions boast the same aluminum frame; power valved motor and Kayaba 48mm SSS forks that previous years’ models have come equipped with. However the 2013 YZ125 and YZ250 are both well equipped enough to contend with just about any other off-road bike on the market.

The Yamaha YZ250F is credited by many as the bike that began the four-stroke movement. The 2013 Yamaha YZ250F is as durable and competitive as ever. Its bilateral beam aluminum chassis and Kayaba suspension enable easy guiding of the bike across the roughest of terrain. Meanwhile the bulletproof small bore motor packs the necessary power to surmount most obstacles. The YZ450F on the other hand could prove to be more of a game-changer. Its intake and exhaust are designed to feed in the same direction and the bike’s weight is centralized. With exhaust designed to flow beneath the seat, fumes exit without interfering with the rider. A tilted rear shock helps facilitate the bike’s innovative design.

All the 2013 Yamaha YZ models are pretty serious off-road contenders in their given weight class. The YZ85 is an ideal bike for junior riders, while those who are looking for a truly powerful trail-conquering machine may want to look into the YZ450F. The fact that Yamaha has maintained and refined the quality of the YZ over the years while innovating variations on it, lends the 2013 lineup of Yamaha YZs a broad appeal for riders of all ages and levels. The 2013 Yamaha YZ lineup delivers the same speed; durability and toughness people have depended on the YZ for since the middle 1970s when the model first made its debut. With several new features added to each model for 2013, the Yamaha YZ is a classic model dirt bike that’s been given an array of nice modern features.

New For 2013

  • The YZ450F features an aluminum double S bend Bilateral Beam frame that provides for superb rigidity balance and with it's new front and rear suspension setting, achieves unmatched lightweight handling and turning.
  • The YZ450F's rearward-slanted engine enables straight intake and exhaust ports that create the most direct path for airflow.
  • The YF125F is outfitted with an amazingly compact 124cc reed-valve inducted two-stroke engine that generates an impressive power-to-weight ratio.
  • The YZ125F also boasts a six-speed, close-ratio transmission that optimizes gear ratios to further maximize performance.
  • With sharp horizontal lines and an aggressive look, the YZ250F boasts styling that emphasizes its lightweight and nimble handling.
  • The 250F also features an engine with valve spring retainers made from lightweight aluminum, as opposed to steel.
  • The YZ85 boasts a digital CDI ignition system that generates a more precise spark and monitors engine speed to help ensure timing remains optimal and response remains strong and quick, even during hard acceleration.

2013 Yamaha YZ Specs

  • Model: YZ450F, YZ250F, YZ125
  • Engine Type: 449cc liquid-cooled four-stroke, 250cc liquid-cooled four-stroke, 124cc liquid-cooled two-stroke
  • Bore and Stroke: 97.0 X 60.8mm, 77.0mm x 53.6mm, 54.0 x 54.5mm
  • Compression ratio: 12.5:1, 13.5:1, 8.6-10.7:1
  • Valve Train: DOHC, reed-valve inducted
  • Induction: Yamaha Fuel Injection (YFI), Keihin® FCR MX39, Mikuni® TMX38
  • Ignition: TCI, CDI
  • Transmission: Constant-mesh five-speed; multiplate wet clutch, Constant-mesh 6-speed; multiplate wet clutch
  • Final Drive: Chain Drive
  • Fuel Capacity: 1.6 gallons, 2.1 gallons
  • Estimated Fuel Economy: NA
  • Brakes (Front): Hydraulic single disc brake, 250mm
  • Brakes (Rear): Hydraulic single disc brake, 245mm
  • Suspension (Front): KYB® Speed-Sensitive System, inverted fork: fully adjustable
  • Suspension (Rear): KYB® Fully adjustable single shock; 12.4-in travel
  • Wheelbase: 58.7 in
  • Rake: NA
  • Trail: NA
  • Seat Height: 39.4 in, 39.3
  • Curb Weight: 245 lb., 227 lbs., 207 lbs.
  • Tires (Front): 80/100-21 Dunlop® Geomax® MX51
  • Tires (Rear): 120/80-19 Dunlop® Geomax ® MX51

Accessories

  • Oversized Fuel Tanks by IMS
  • Shock Bearing Kits
  • Yamaha Genuine YZ/WR Off-Road Wheel Kits
  • ONE Industries ®/GYTR Flux Graphic Kit
  • Race Strobe Graphic Kit
  • Garmin® zumo® 665 Navigation Module
  • Water-Resistant Smartphone Case by Techmount®
  • Universal Control Mount by Techmount®

Key Competitors For The 2013 Yamaha YZ

  • Kawasaki KX250AF
  • Kawasaki KX450F
  • Suzuki RM125
  • Suzuki RMZ250
  • Honda CRF250R