2009 Yamaha YZ Review

Although two-stroke dirt bikes are slowly being erased from the market due to increasing pressure from the EPA, Japanese manufacturer Yamaha is still holding fast to the design that helped form its company. The 2009 Yamaha YZ lineup, which includes the 85, 125, 250F, 250, and 450F models, delivers all of the high-pitched, smoky fun one expects from these kinds of machines, and then some.

The 2009 Yamaha YZ lineup looks almost identical to previous models, with just a few alterations to help make the bike lighter. The bike's trademark super-slim dirt bike styling, so often mimicked by other manufacturers, is standard form, and thanks to five different models with seat heights ranging from 34 to 39 inches, there's one sized to fit any type and experience of rider.

Yamaha's YZ lineup exhibits some of the best bikes in their respective classes. Renowned for their compact and lightweight chassis and seamless throttle response across the powerband the YZs are equally revered for their low maintenance needs. The bike's clutch cover features an easily removable sub-cover for fast and convenient access when working on the bike.

The 2009 Yamaha YZ's engine has a lightweight forged piston, which reduces reciprocal mass and friction for faster engine revving and improved durability. The six-speed transmission is smooth shifting and capable of delivering maximum hook-up for excellent power and corner-exiting acceleration, regardless of the submodel.

Featuring a gripper-style flat seat, the Yamaha YZ gives the driver plenty of freedom for finding his sweet spot, and the cleated rear brake pedal offers no-slip confidence when riding the most rugged terrain. Meanwhile, the wide, alloy-cast foot pegs are serrated for optimum grip and ideally positioned for outstanding ground clearance.