Motorcyclist

2010 Yamaha YZ Review

March 19, 2013

Intro

The 2010 Yamaha YZ series is a five-bike line of racing motorcycles with a lineage that dates back 36 years. The five-bike lineup includes the 2010 YZ450F, YZ250F, YZ250, YZ125, and YZ 85. Three two-strokes make a comeback in 2010 including YZ 85 for young riders, YZ125, and YZ250 along with the other two four-stroke bikes.

The YZ450F motocross model has an all-new avatar and breaks new grounds with technical innovations that could influence street bikes in the coming years. Even the YZ250F is a different and an improved version of the 2009 model. However, the 2010 Yamaha YZ two-stroke lineup returns unchanged. Overall, the Japanese-made off-road Yamaha YZ series continues to make pulses race while promising a comfortable, albeit exciting, ride. The four-strokes are available in Team Yamaha Blue/White as standard with an option of White/Red while the two-strokes are available only in Team Yamaha Blue/White.

New For 2010

Yamaha has made some radical changes and redesigns to the two four-stroke bikes. Some of the new changes include:

A newly designed fuel injected engine
Rearward slanting cylinder unit with innovative displacements of the traditional intake and exhaust positions
Aluminum bilateral beam chassis frame that improves centralization of machine mass for better handling performance
Cross-section swing arm chassis design made of aluminum parts
New dimensions adopted: handlebar mounts and foot pegs are higher to optimize rider position on the new chassis, and the wheelbase, caster, and trail dimensions have been optimized
Spring of the suspension unit has been lowered for straight intake passage
All new styling, emphasizing the bike's light weight and agility
Flat seat, fender, tank design
Plastic resin fuel tank under the seat
Exterior parts adopted include: front fender, rear fender, front number plate, front fork protector, side covers, air scoop, etc.
Digital power tuner

2010 Yamaha YZ Specs

Model: YZ450F, YZ250F, YZ250, YZ125, YZ 85
Engine Type: Liquid-cooled, four-stroke; liquid-cooled, four-stroke; liquid-cooled, two-stroke
Bore and Stroke: 97.0mm x 60.8mm; 77.0mm x 53.6 mm; 66.4mm x 72.0mm; 54.0mm x 54.5mm, 47.5mm x 47.8mm
Compression ratio: 12.5:1; 13.5:1; 8.6-10.7:1; 8.2:1
Valve Train: DOHC five-valve; DOHC four-valve; reed-valve inducted
Induction: Fuel injected
Ignition: Transistor Controlled Ignition (TCI); Capacitor Discharge Ignition (CDI)
Transmission: Return type five-speed forward; constant-mesh six-speed; multi-plate wet clutch
Final Drive: Chain
Fuel Capacity: 1.6 gallons; 2.1 gallons; 1.3 gallons
Estimated Fuel Economy: N/A
Brakes (Front): Hydraulic, single disc 250mm; 250mm petal disc, dual-piston caliper
Brakes (Rear): Hydraulic single disc brake, 245mm; 245mm petal disc, single-piston caliper
Suspension (Front): Kayaba Speed Sensitive System 47mm fork, 20-position compression and 20-position rebound damping adjustment; 12.2 inches travel; telescopic
Suspension (Rear): Kayaba gas charged shock, 20-position low-speed and step-less high-speed compression damping, 20-position rebound damping and adjustable spring preload; 12.4 inches travel; swing arm
Wheelbase: 58.7 inches; 57.7 inches
Rake: Caster Angle 27.20°; 27°
Trail: 119.9 mm; 118.7 mm
Seat Height: 39.3 inches; 38.9 inches
Curb Weight: 245 pounds
Tires (Front): 80/100-21 51M
Tires (Rear): 110/90-19 62M; 100/90-19 57M

Accessories

GYTR by FMF® QuietCore™ spark arrestor insert
GYTR® ported cylinder head assembly (YZ450F)
Swing arm pivot bearing kits
Yamaha genuine OE gasket kits
Replacement VPS hand guards

Key Competitors For The 2010 Yamaha YZ

Honda CRF450R
Kawasaki KX450F
KTM 450 SX-F