Golf carts aren’t precisely vehicles, however we could not resist speaking in regards to the Yamaha Drive H2. It’s an idea based mostly on the present Drive2 Concierge 4 golf cart, however with an fascinating powertrain. It’s being touted as being the world’s first golf cart to have an inside combustion engine feeding on hydrogen.
Introduced this week on the PGA Show in Orlando, Florida, the Drive H2 is supplied with a pair of high-pressure hydrogen tanks, every able to holding 25 liters of gasoline. One is situated beneath the motive force’s seat, and the opposite is mounted on the again of the rear seat. The thought behind this idea is to display {that a} typical engine can live on whilst firms push towards decarbonization.
Fast-forward to January 25, 2024, and Yamaha has now formally launched its first-ever hydrogen-powered idea automobile. At the 2024 Professional Golfers’ Association (PGA) Show in Florida, the agency confirmed off the Drive H2 idea.
3Photos
It makes use of two high-pressure hydrogen tanks to run, which maintain 25 liters of gasoline every. The most seen tank is positioned on the rear of the automobile, whereas the opposite tank sits beneath the driving force’s seat. It’s primarily based on the already-existing Drive2 Concierge 4 private golf automotive, which is bought by the Yamaha Motor Corporation subsidiary, Yamaha Golf-Car Company.
Of course, any hydrogen automobile improvement in any area will depend upon having the out there infrastructure to help it. That’s one thing that folks concerned about electrical autos of any form have additionally skilled lately.
What About Hydrogen-Powered Motorcycles?
While Yamaha has expressed curiosity in exploring the chances of hydrogen energy for extra autos than simply low-speed golf vehicles (or golf carts), to date, evidently Kawasaki and Suzuki are the one two corporations to have launched hydrogen-powered two-wheeled ideas to date.
Bear in thoughts that it is solely January, although. There are nonetheless 11 extra months left to go within the yr, and an entire lot can change in comparatively little time. As and when extra details about future automobile developments turns into clear, we’ll make sure to preserve you up to date.
Yamaha pulled out all of the stops final 12 months with the introduction of an all-new YZ450F that was lighter, quicker and technologically extra superior than its predecessors. They flew us out to Florida to provide us a tour of the wonderful Star Racing Yamaha amenities and experience at “The Goat Farm,” which is identical place the group trains right this moment and the exact same place that Ricky Carmichael did his coaching. Yamaha’s new machine acquired combined opinions from the employees. With solely minor adjustments to the 2024 mannequin, we picked up proper the place we left off testing on the 2023 mannequin.
2024 Yamaha YZ450F
First of all, the 2024 YZ450F is shockingly quick, and for the overwhelming majority of riders, it wants detuning, not hot-rodding. Interestingly sufficient, it wasn’t the general dyno champ of the 450 class final 12 months, regardless of the feeling of energy that it delivers proper off idle. But, it does have probably the most speedy energy achieve between 7,500 rpm and 10,000 rpm. That’s the meat of the powerband while you’re shifting by way of the gears on the best way to the primary flip, and that’s what provides it that yank-your-arms-out-of-its-socket-type sensation. Yamaha has finished a good job of constructing all that manageable, however having simple mapping adjustments at your fingertips with the Yamaha Power Tuner smartphone app is irresistible.
Pete Murray on the 2024 Yamaha YZ450F.
Right away, we put in our favourite maps from final 12 months. Test rider Pete Murray developed a map with Jamie Ellis from Twisted Development to make the ability supply extra manageable for the common rider. Modifying the airbox usually means drilling holes to attempt to improve the airflow, due to this fact growing efficiency. The YZ450F will not be in want of this, so we determined to go the opposite technique to really prohibit the air consumption. If you pop off the portion of the seat that covers the fuel cap, look carefully on the backside of the airbox lid; there’s a gap on the clutch facet that’s closed off on the throttle facet. We taped the open facet closed (with course from Pete once more). This additional diminished the consumption noise throughout acceleration and gave the YZ a extra manageable really feel whereas within the meat of the ability curve. All this was finished with a few strips of strategically positioned duct tape, which could be undone in seconds.
Yamaha additionally presents an entire hydraulic clutch system that replaces the cable model that comes normal. Now, now we have examined some bikes that this may be a recreation changer for, however the YZ450F will not be one among them. This is a superb choice for riders preferring the texture of a hydraulic, however most take a look at riders didn’t have a robust sufficient opinion for or towards both system. They each carried out effectively.
The actually huge adjustments final 12 months revolved across the Yamaha chassis. One factor that each one our take a look at riders liked concerning the 2024 Yamaha YZ450F was the roomy structure. The 2022 mannequin was cramped, main most of our taller riders to put in the non-obligatory tall seat and decrease aftermarket footpeg meeting. That’s not obligatory with the new-generation YZ450F chassis. Smaller riders won’t take care of the elevated seat peak, however should you’re wherever close to 6 ft tall, the brand new Yamaha is an efficient match.
Yamaha air filters tend to stay cleaner than conventionally situated filters.
There’s no debate, the brand new YZ450F has faster steering and lighter total dealing with. Some testers like this and run that race sag round 102mm, improve the rebound damping a few clicks within the rear, and run fork peak at 7mm within the entrance. Riders trying to improve stability opted to run 105–108mm race sag, gradual the rebound damping down barely and run the fork peak flush. This gained just a little stability again at greater speeds, however does additionally decelerate these quicker-cornering traits.
Just like final 12 months, there’s little question that the 2024 YZ450F is healthier than the earlier technology. It’s lighter, quicker, slimmer and extra comfy to a greater variety of riders. However, dialing in that newfound energy can require some fine-tuning, and the general dealing with steadiness may be as arduous to realize, simply in the exact opposite course.
The Yamaha MT-07 is a standout streetfighter bike identified for its value, consolation, options, and know-how within the middleweight bare bike section.
With its redesign in 2018, the MT-07 noticed enhancements in seating space, headlights, taillight, suspension, and colour schemes, making it much more interesting to city riders.
In its 2021 iteration, the MT-07 obtained updates to its design, engine, and exhaust system whereas sustaining its efficiency figures and introducing new colour choices. The suspension stays some extent of criticism.
Over everything of its existence, Yamaha has been liable for some of the best motorcycles ever created. There’s the insane V-max, the extremely succesful Super Ténéré, and the gold customary of sports activities bikes, the R1. But the bike Yamaha might find yourself being identified for probably the most, might become the bubbling, and perpetually youthful MT-07.
In a lineup that additionally features a bunch of different MTs, all good in their very own means, the MT-07 shines like a diamond within the darkest of caves. There is probably not a greater streetfighter bike, presently in manufacturing as we speak, in terms of value, consolation, options, and know-how. But it took a while to get right here, and a number of other permutations.
Flashback to 1999, if you’ll, to the Tokyo Motor Show, the place Yamaha, recent off its success with the YZF-R1, launched a brand new idea bike referred to as the MT-01. A V-twin that appeared nothing like the present MT bikes, nonetheless, had the bones of what finally would turn into a model of its personal. It wasn’t till 2005 that Yamaha was able to debut the MT-01 in earnest. And although that exact bike wasn’t tremendous fashionable, and by no means formally got here to the US, what got here after it, modified the bare bike sport ceaselessly.
In order to provide the most modern and correct data doable, the info used to compile this text was sourced from Yamaha and different authoritative sources, together with Cycle World, MotorCycle News, and Motorcyclist.
Even after being round for a decade, the Yamaha MT-07 nonetheless delivers spectacular worth.
Sports Passion Motorcycle with Smart Value
Release Year 2015
What precisely was the state of middleweight bare bikes in 2015, when Yamaha rolled out the FZ-07, because it was identified in North America? Well, Ducati had their Monster 696, earlier than they messed with its fashionable beauty. Honda had the CB 500F, a bland if serviceable bike. Royal Enfield was just starting to toy with the idea of the INT650. And Suzuki’s legendary SV650 was become the grotesque, and extremely unpopular SVF650 Gladius.
Into this market, Yamaha, after taking a quick hiatus from the canceled MT-01, unleashed a trio of latest streetfighters. The MT-09, a direct competitor to Triumph’s Triples, the MT-125, a single-cylinder child MT for sure markets, and the MT-07, a reasonably priced parallel-twin with gobs of torque and trendy beauty. Yamaha referred to as the idea “Sports Passion Motorcycle with Smart Value”, and so they could not have presumably been extra proper. It hit the right kind of tone with urban riders, on the lookout for low cost thrills, in a good-looking package deal, and it has been a bestseller ever since.
Engine Specifications
Engine Type
Liquid-cooled in-line 2-cylinder 689cc engine with 270° crankshaft developed primarily based on the Crossplane Concept
Yamaha’s star performer appears to tick all the best containers to entice consumers from throughout
Design Update
Release Year 2018
Yamaha
Four years later, with the profitable launch of the MT-07 beneath their belt, Yamaha determined to actually swing for the fences by redesigning the physique. This is the place you could possibly actually begin to see the underpinnings of the modern MT-07 take shape.
Yamaha up to date the seat with a claimed 30% extra seating space. They additionally upgraded the headlight with higher-quality elements. The taillight turned barely extra compact. The entrance suspension obtained an improve as properly, with a better spring charge and damping drive. And, extra importantly, the rear suspension received damping adjustability.
But it was with the colours that Yamaha chosen for this replace the place issues actually began to come back off the rails, so to talk. With a black physique and a jolt of neon inexperienced on the wheels, the bike simply appeared prefer it meant enterprise. There was additionally a white, black and purple model, and a blue and black model.
Engine Specifications
Engine Type
Liquid-cooled, 8v, Parallel-twin
Capacity
698cc
Max Power
74 HP
Max Torque
50.2 LB-FT
Top Speed
130 MPH
Model Highlights
New seat design
New, extra trendy colour schemes
Upgraded suspension
New Style, Engine, and Ergonomics
Release Year 2021
Yamaha
In 2021, the complete lineup of MTs was of their third technology of design. And that included the MT-07, now readying itself to tackle tougher competitors. Gone was the usual headlight, in favor of a extra menacing and robotic eyeball. The colour scheme additionally went via a change, with the MT now out there in blue, black, and the favored teal, grey mixture that featured vivid purple wheels.
The engine was changed with an EU5-compliant model, which facilitated the necessity for a redesigned, built-in 2-into-1 exhaust system. And realizing full properly simply how a lot riders love the sound of their very own bikes, Yamaha tuned that new exhaust with acoustic evaluation know-how. The weight stayed the identical, as did the efficiency figures, and the lights have been all transformed to LEDs.
Despite all of those modifications, age was beginning to creep in. Yes, the suspension was upgraded a number of years again, nevertheless it wasn’t that notably nice, and Yamaha uncared for to deal with the negative feedback they were receiving. There was additionally a slew of latest contenders, able to take MT-07 down, mainly amongst them the newly launched Triumph Trident.
Seemingly extra assured, refined, and mature, the Trident took the previous Daytona engine and re-tuned it for the fashionable age. Something that continues to pay dividends because the Triumph 660cc platform has grown to 3 fashions: the Trident, Tiger Sport 660, and, in a little bit of round information, the recently announced Daytona 660.
Engine Specifications
Engine Type
Liquid-cooled, DOHC, 4-stroke, 4-valves per cylinder
It’s one in every of Yamaha’s best-selling fashions and it’s simple to see why
An Urban Ronin
Release Year 2024
Yamaha
Much of the 2024 model of the MT-07 stays the identical. When you’ve one thing that works, it is uncommon that you just want frequent redesigns. The suspension remains a hot topic of debate, amongst press and riders of all kinds. However, Yamaha did make some minor modifications to the MT-07. The TFT show is new, with a full-color display and cellphone connectivity, and permits flipping between Street and Touring settings with ease.
After ten years of being in the marketplace, there may be now a large accent catalog out there to you, which incorporates every part from fast shifters to baggage. There was just one different replace, moreover these minor tweaks, and that was the current addition of the Cyan Storm colour, which may be seen in most of Yamaha’s advertising for this bike.
Today, the MT-07 is the most effective proof of the “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it” method to bike design. Yamaha’s engineers and designers did one thing fairly uncommon in 2015. They received one thing proper from the get-go. The MT-07 definitely has its flaws, as a result of what bike would not? But its lasting recognition, playful nature, and modern-day aesthetics all however be certain that the MT-07 may have a lasting legacy on the world of naked standard motorcycles.
Engine Specifications
Engine Type
Liquid-cooled, DOHC, 4-stroke, 4-valves per cylinder
You need to really feel slightly little bit of sympathy for Yamaha racer Alessandro Botturi. Sure, he is been using within the high three all all through the 2024 Africa Eco Race to date. He’s gained a number of levels, too. In reality, he is carried out so effectively that he was the uncommon rider who hadn’t had any time penalties assessed in opposition to him throughout this occasion; that’s, till Stage Nine.
For the stage, the 2024 Africa Eco Race subject did a loop across the metropolis of Amodjar in Mauritania. An exquisite place, but in addition a sizzling and difficult one for the riders. Technically, Botturi did end forward of his two closest rivals. However, a six-minute velocity penalty knocked his time again down, and it was Jacopo Cerutti on his Aprilia Tuareg 660 that picked up the official stage win.
Leading from the entrance of the pack is one factor, however one of the crucial enjoyable issues to observe in racing is redemption runs. When you might have a rider begin from someplace within the again, after which they’re in a position to steadily overtake till they end in a significantly better spot than they began, it is what makes racing enjoyable. No one likes a parade, proper?
Remember Joan Pedrero and his Harley-Davidson Pan America 1250? It’s a large machine in comparison with lots of his rivals, however Pedrero has been cementing each his and the Pan America’s bona fides in rally raids for the previous couple of years. At the start of Stage Nine of the 2024 AER, he began in twenty third place. Even although he briefly crashed through the stage, he someway managed to maintain his eyes on the prize and end in ninth place for the stage. That’s a 14-place bounce. Impressive, if we do say so ourselves.
Here are the highest 10 riders within the 2024 Africa Eco Race for Stage Nine.
Racer
Team
Time
Jacopo Cerutti
Aprilia Racing GCorse
04:27:14
Pol Tarrés
Yamaha Tenere World Raid Team
04:29:19
Alessandro Botturi
Yamaha Tenere World Raid Team
04:31:15
Marco Aurelio Fontana
Honda Genuine Oil
04:43:52
Marco Menichini
Solarys Racing
04:47:28
Alexandre Vaudan
Casteu Trophy
04:55:40
Attilio Fert
France Road Book
04:56:17
Giovanni Gritti
RSMoto Racing Team Honda Oil
04:58:41
Joan Pedrero Garcia
Harley-Davidson
05:20:52
Kevin Durand
RS Moto
05:25:08
2024 Africa Eco Race Overall Rider Standings After Stage Nine
The penalty assessed in opposition to Botturi for Stage Nine signifies that Cerutti and Aprilia are within the lead as soon as once more. It’s nonetheless not an enormous hole between him and Botturi, but it surely’s getting slightly bit greater at simply over seven minutes.
Here are the general rider standings after Stage Nine.
Racer
Team
Time
Jacopo Cerutti
Aprilia Racing GCorse
35:42:01
Alessandro Botturi
Yamaha Tenere World Raid Team
35:49:05
Pol Tarrés
Yamaha Tenere World Raid Team
36:06:28
Giovanni Gritti
RSMoto Racing Team Honda Oil
39:27:45
Alexandre Vaudan
Casteu Trophy
39:58:02
Marco Aurelio Fontana
Honda Genuine Oil
41:07:32
Attilio Fert
France Road Book
41:10:55
Marco Menichini
Solarys Racing
41:20:42
Francesco Montanari
Aprilia Racing GCorse
42:21:06
Nicolas Charlier
Yamaha Tenere World Raid Team
43:15:11
With solely three levels remaining within the 12-stage route that’s the 2024 Africa Eco Race, there’s nonetheless loads that may occur.
Yamaha Motor Pvt. Ltd., the Japanese producer’s arm within the Indian market, has simply introduced its refreshed lineup of premium avenue bikes consisting of the R15 V4 and FZ vary of bikes. The two collection function standard commuter and fanatic fashions within the Indian market, as they mirror the styling and heritage of their premium siblings within the international market.
The Yamaha R15 V4 bears a putting resemblance to its greater siblings within the YZF-R vary, due to its full-fairing and styling cues lifted immediately from the likes of the YZF-R7 and YZF-R1. Meanwhile, the FZ vary, consisting of the FZ, FZ-S, and FZ-X, resemble Yamaha’s standard MT lineup of bikes within the international market. While the MT-15 is certainly supplied within the Indian market, the FZ lineup serves as a extra accessible choice for commuters and fans on a price range.
With that being stated, Yamaha India has rolled out a wide array of latest colours for these two mannequin ranges. Dubbed “The Call of the Blue,” the brand new colorways are supposed to spotlight Yamaha’s youthful and sporty character, and “establish a stronger connection” with its buyer base. Indeed, colours and styling play an enormous position with regards to patrons making selections about their bikes, and Yamaha hopes that with its new colours, it’ll be capable of entice youthful riders into the fold.
In Yamaha’s official press launch, Eishin Chihana, Chairman of the Yamaha Motor India Group of Companies said, “Yamaha is excited to unveil its refreshed 2024 motorcycle lineup, in line with ‘The Call of the Blue’ brand campaign. We are elated to introduce vibrant new color options and appealing graphics that aim to captivate riders and onlookers alike. The carefully curated palette that features bold and refreshing shades, not only adds glamor to the bikes but is also expected to heighten consumer delight, promising visually stunning and gratifying experiences for Yamaha enthusiasts in India.”
Kicking issues off with the R15 V4, Yamaha has unveiled a “Vivid Magenta Metallic” colour scheme. This premium colorway shall be bought completely at Yamaha’s Blue Square retailers. Meanwhile, current colorways equivalent to Racing Blue and Metallic Red have additionally been given gentle beauty enhancements consisting of sportier graphics and refreshed tones.
Meanwhile, the expansive FZ mannequin rang has been given a collection of new motifs, too. For starters, the FZ-S FI Ver 4.0 DLX will get a racing-inspired Racing Blue colour scheme, whereas a Matte Black choice has been added for these on the lookout for a stealthier aesthetic. Majesty Red is retained for the 2024 model-year, however can be given gentle beauty enhancements for a cleaner look.
As talked about earlier, the brand new colorways are supposed to entice the youthful era of riders, and Chihana’s statements echoed this. “We have introduced these fresh color schemes after receiving a lot of feedback from our young consumers in the color related surveys that are being conducted from time to time. Through these upgrades, we are committed to offer a personalized journey to the Yamaha fans, encouraging more enthusiasts to embrace ‘The Call of the Blue’ for an enhanced biking experience.”
What do you consider Yamaha’s new colours for its lineup of small displacement bikes in India? I, for one, assume that these vibrant colour schemes would look fairly good on Team Blue’s greater bikes within the international market. The Vivid Magenta Metallic paint scheme will surely give the current-generation YZF-R1 a contact of nostalgia, and undoubtedly flip heads within the course of.
On January 1, 2024, Yamaha Motor Europe welcomed its new president and CEO, Olivier Prevost. Set to fill within the sneakers of Eric de Seynes, Prevost has his work lower out for him, as Yamaha stays a pressure to be reckoned with within the ever-changing mobility panorama. As it might end up, developments are fast beneath Prevost’s management, as Yamaha has simply renamed one among its massive manufacturing amenities in France to Yamaha Motor Manufacturing Europe (YMME).
The manufacturing facility was beforehand known as MBK Industrie S.A.S., and has been a completely owned Yamaha subsidiary all the best way again since 1986. With MBK now referred to as YMME, it successfully turned Yamaha’s European manufacturing headquarters. According to Yamaha, this was completed to indicate its dedication to growing localized European manufacturing in order to higher serve key markets within the area.
In Yamaha’s official press launch, Olivier Prevost acknowledged, “It is with a lot of emotion that I see the evolution of MBK Industrie into Yamaha Motor Manufacturing Europe. I started my career at MBK 30 years ago and all these years, I have been paying special attention to MBK. The operations and product line-up have been continuously evolving to reach today a high level of excellence allowing production of Yamaha flagship models in this factory. This has been possible with the involvement and efforts of all the employees during the last 40 years. I would like to express my appreciation and to thank all of them. Looking forward, it became clear that it is now time to change the name to Yamaha Motor Manufacturing Europe.”
He added that YMME will function a hub for innovation in relation to Yamaha’s merchandise for the European market, “More than a symbolic move, it is a clear recognition for the company within the Yamaha Motor Group and it will support to embrace a wider range of Yamaha products. Finally, as an ex-MBK employee, I am very proud to say to my YMME colleagues that we are finally all ‘Yamaha employees’ now. Let’s continue to move forward using our Yamaha local manufacturing as a competitive and sustainable advantage!”
With mobility calls for repeatedly altering attributable to a myriad of variables all throughout Europe, Yamaha is predicted to diversify its product portfolio within the close to future. More than doubtless, aside from the identify change, YMME may even be upgraded to supply fashions just like the Yamaha Tenere 700 and XMAX extra effectively, in addition to cater to the model’s rising lineup of electrical automobiles comparable to electrical scooters and electrical bicycles.
“The re-naming of MBK into Yamaha Motor Manufacturing Europe is an important recognition of the efforts made by all employees during the last years to transform the company to be able to produce Yamaha flagship models such as the Ténéré 700 family. We continuously benchmark our quality standard and method with our mother factory in Iwata, to be able to achieve similar quality levels. We believe that our facility in Europe will be a key asset for Yamaha in the eMobility to respond to the zero carbon neutrality requirement for local manufacturing,” mentioned Patrice Maciejewski, President of YMME.
Randy Hawkin’s AmPro Yamaha crew has introduced its 2024 off-road racing crew. The official press launch follows: AmPro Yamaha is worked up to announce a powerhouse lineup for the 2024 Grand National Cross Country Series (GNCC) season. Ricky Russell leads the cost within the premier class, and reigning GNCC XC2 Champion Liam Draper returns to defend his title. Joining the crew to make her GNCC WXC racing debut is motocrosser Jordan Jarvis.
Ricky Russell
Russell returns in 2024 to battle for the premier-class title aboard the all-new Yamaha YZ450FX within the GNCC Series and National Enduro Series and choose U.S. Sprint Enduro rounds. Last yr, the Washington State rider reunited with the AmPro crew and confirmed power throughout one of the crucial demanding GNCC seasons in reminiscence, with wild climate and punishing monitor situations. Russell completed the XC1 Championship within the prime 5, incomes a win on the Tiger Run GNCC and 5 journeys to the rostrum.
Liam Draper
On the heels of a stellar 2023 season, which noticed him earn championships in GNCC and the National Enduro Series, Draper returns for his second yr with the crew. The New Zealand rider loved success throughout that debut season, claiming three wins and 9 podiums within the GNCC XC2 class and 5 wins and 7 podiums within the National Enduro Series Pro 2 class en path to his titles. In addition to defending his crown within the GNCC XC2 Championship aboard the YZ250FX, Draper will race the premier class within the U.S. Sprint Enduro Series aboard the all-new YZ450FX.
Jordan Jarvis
Jarvis joins the crew in 2024 and is raring to begin her first full yr of racing off-road. The gifted rider from North Carolina has a number of National Motocross titles on her resume. She has additionally entered professional courses in Pro Motocross and at Daytona Supercross to race alongside the premier riders of the game and earned a top-five end and a pair of top-10 finishes within the Pro Motocross 125 All-Star class. Jarvis now units her sights on taking prime honors in off-road racing and can make her GNCC WXC debut and race the U.S. Sprint Enduro Pro Woman Championship.
The crew can be comfortable to announce their AmPro bLU cRU beginner help riders. Mike Delosa returns in 2024 with new addition Nathaniel “Bubz” Tasha to steer the marketing campaign within the GNCC 250 A category and the U.S. Sprint Enduro PRO 2 Championship. 2023 GNCC 85 Champion (11-15), Ryder Sigety, returns with the crew and can race for prime honors within the 150 A category aboard the Yamaha YZ125X. Colton McQuarrie joins the crew to deliver AmPro Yamaha one other GNCC 85 Big Wheel (11-15) number-one plate. He may even race the J-Day 85 courses whereas Simon Johnson leads the cost within the J-Day PRO 1 class.
In addition to campaigning for prime honors within the premier off-road racing sequence within the east, the crew can be readily available at choose bLU cRU particular occasions to help Yamaha riders honing their off-road expertise. Additionally, they are going to be helping within the improvement of our AmPro bLU cRU Amateur Team riders at GNCC, U.S. Sprint, and J-Day offroad occasions. For data on upcoming off-road bLU cRU occasions, go to yamahamotorsports.com .
The AmPro Yamaha Racing crew want to thank its companions for his or her help: Yamaha, Yamalube, GYTR, Moose Racing, FMF, Scott Goggles, Sunex Tools, Shoei Helmets, Sidi Boots, Cycra, Tramell Tire, 02 Blast, Dunlop Tire, Moose Balls, Factory Connection, Flexx Bars, ODI Grips, DP Brakes, TM Design, Fastway, ProFilter, Seat Concepts, Loud Fuels, DID Chain, Work Connection, IMS, Antigravity Batteries, Evans Coolant, X-Trig, Bullet Proof, Spec Bolts, G2, Senge Graphics, Matrix, E-Line, Motion Pro, Vortex, Pro-X, Wiseco, and MotoSport.
Donnie Luce – Amateur MX/ ATV / Off-Road Coordinator for YMUS “Building on the five class championships in GNCC, U.S. Sprint Enduro, and the National Enduro Series in 2023, Yamaha is proud to announce our continued support of the AmPro Yamaha Team led by Randy Hawkins. He has assembled another great group of championship-caliber riders and technicians to tackle all of the premier Off-Road series in the east to further demonstrate our complete line of Off-Road and Competition models, from the YZ85 LW model to the all-new YZ450FX. In addition, we have expanded our efforts with GNCC University, Raines Racing Demo, and bLU cRU Invitational events.”
Randy Hawkins – AmPro Yamaha Racing Team Owner “I’m wanting ahead to a different nice yr with the returning riders and a few new faces to this system. The new Yamaha YZ450FX can be thrilling. Yamaha is giving the crew an excellent platform with the YZ250FX and YZ450FX, and I’m anticipating to see a number of bLU cRU on the rostrum and profitable championships in 2024.
Ricky Russell – AmPro Yamaha Racing “I’m really excited for 2024 after having some moments of greatness in 2023 with my first year back with the team. We learned a lot last year with a totally new model, and I felt like we really had it dialed in towards the end of the season. This year, we have the all-new YZ450FX, and it should be great as it’s essentially the same bike that I rode this year but with an even better setup for off-road racing right out of the box. So I can’t wait to get the season started.”
Liam Draper – AmPro Yamaha Racing “I’m stoked to be back working with AmPro Yamaha for next year. It was definitely pretty cool to join the team and win two championships in our first year! After hounding Randy for this opportunity in 2022, finally getting on a factory team and then winning with them was definitely an unreal feeling. I cannot thank them enough. I’m ready to back this XC2 Championship up, and I’m looking forward to riding the 450 at the Sprint Enduros.”
Jordan Jarvis – AmPro Yamaha Racing “I’m super excited about this opportunity with AmPro. I’ve done about everything that I can do on the motocross side of things, and when this opportunity first came about, my way of looking at it is that regardless of what discipline it is, there is always something that you can learn on the bike. So I’m excited to learn something new, continue to grow as a rider, and prove to everybody that I can do more than one thing.”
About Yamaha Motor Corporation, USA Yamaha Motor Corporation, USA (YMUS), is a acknowledged chief within the out of doors recreation trade. The firm’s ever-expanding product choices embody Motorcycles and Scooters, ATV and Side-by-Side autos, Snowmobiles, WaveRunner Personal Watercraft, Boats, Outboard Motors, Outdoor Power Equipment, Power Assist Bicycles, Golf Cars, Power Assist Wheelchair Systems, Surface Mount Technology (SMT) and Robotic Machines, Unmanned Helicopters, Accessories, Apparel, Yamalube merchandise, and far more. YMUS merchandise are bought by a nationwide community of distributors and sellers within the United States.
Yamaha is among the greatest and most revered bike producers on the planet. The Japanese firm has taken a novel, streamlined method when tackling a number of markets. Yamaha understands that totally different markets have totally different wants, and so it does its finest to make sure these distinctive wants and preferences are met.
For instance, within the US, Yamaha focuses totally on its premium, performance-oriented fashions. It affords riders a variety of bikes in order that they’ll begin out on a Yamaha (maybe an R3 or MT-03) and improve progressively throughout the model till they attain the head of efficiency (say, an R1M). Meanwhile, in Asia, the model affords a wide array of each mass-market and premium fashions, catering to the wants of each commuters and fanatics within the area.
Europe takes on an identical method, with its tiered system which follows licensing within the area. Apart from that, quite a lot of the model’s improvements, notably within the field of EVs, might be present in Europe. Speaking of Europe, Yamaha Motor has introduced some fairly massive modifications in administration transferring into 2024. Since March 2020, Eric de Seynes has been serving because the President and Chief Executive Officer of Yamaha Motor Europe N.V., and has been on the helm throughout a few of Yamaha’s strongest years. Now, from January 1, 2024, he’ll be stepping down from this place to hitch YME’s Supervisory Board as Chairman.
In an article by Roadracing World, Eric de Seynes mentioned, “It has been a great honor and privilege to have led the Yamaha Motor Europe group companies since 2014 as Operational Director and C.O.O, and then as President and C.E.O since 2018. During this decade we have developed a new marketing strategy in Europe, have more than doubled our total net sales and have implemented many new customer services and digital applications.”
As Eric de Seynes strikes on to YME’s Supervisory Board, Olivier Prévost will likely be taking de Seynes’ place as President and CEO of Yamaha Motor Europe. Prévost beforehand served because the Vice-President of YME, and has been deemed to be greater than able to taking over the highest management function. Apart from overseeing Yamaha’s bike operations, Prévost will even handle all of YME’s branches and subsidiaries in Europe.
Olivier Prévost defined that he’s been working arduous to construct his understanding of the varied Yamaha Motor entities. “It is with a lot of humility and respect that I accept the challenge of being his successor as YME President. The last ten years, through my various assignments in different Yamaha Motor entities, I have been reinforcing and enlarging my understanding and experience of the Yamaha organization, operations, businesses and markets. With the support of the Yamaha family – and with family I mean the Yamaha employees, suppliers, distributors, dealers and customers, I feel reassured and confident to fulfill the position,” he mentioned.
Olivier Prévost has a storied historical past with Yamaha. He has been a part of the Yamaha household for the reason that begin of his profession again in 194 as a undertaking head at MBK Industrie. Since then, he’s moved round fairly a bit to a number of divisions and departments inside Yamaha, and even spent a while in Yamaha Motor’s headquarters in Japan. Apart from this, he held management positions in Yamaha Motor R&D Europe, and former Yamaha subsidiary Motori Minarelli. With 30 years of expertise in a number of features inside Yamaha, Prévost is greater than able to driving Yamaha Motor Europe into innovation and success within the years to come back.
It was solely a matter of time. The Yamaha YZ250F dominated either side of the motocross world for years. It was wildly profitable within the professional racing ranks and a success at native tracks. It couldn’t final, although. Other 250Fs had been sooner, others had been lighter and others had been profitable championships. When the 2023 YZ450F was redesigned, it was an unofficial announcement that Yamaha would give the 250 a remake in 2024. Now, the 2024 Yamaha YZ250F is right here. There’s little or no stunning in regards to the new bike: it’s, principally, a 250 motor within the new YZ450 body. It’s lighter, it has new ergonomics, it handles in another way and runs in another way. And, it has very large sneakers to fill.
This is among the loudest bikes within the class. Only half of the noise comes from the exhaust pipe, the remaining is in your face from the air consumption.
THE RECIPE
The bilateral-beam body appears roughly just like the outdated one, nevertheless it’s totally different in most dimensions. It’s constructed from 10 aluminum items—some cast, some extruded. The tank rails are decrease, and there’s elevated rigidity within the downtube, swingarm pivot and footpeg cross-member. The motor mounts have musical-chair modifications in rigidity, and the subframe is totally new. Along the best way, Yamaha shaved off little bits of weight right here and there; the rear axle has a bigger gap within the heart, and the footpeg brackets are aluminum. The chainguide, throttle cables and gas pump all misplaced a couple of grams apiece. With the brand new bodywork, it’s obvious how totally different the bike is. The radiator shrouds and gas tank are narrower, seat top is bigger, and there’s extra room from the seat to the pegs. Just like all the time, the air filter sits in entrance of the gasoline filler, however now the airbox compartment is bigger, and there’s extra quantity within the air boot. If there’s any shock, it’s how little the motor modified. The consumption is probably the most vital replace. The mapping is new, however the cams, piston, crank and head have all gone unchanged. Only the cam chain and tensioner have been up to date for elevated sturdiness.
In phrases of weight, the modifications to the 250 aren’t fairly as dramatic as these for the 450. The new YZ250F is 225 kilos with out gas, as weighed on our scale. That’s 2 kilos lighter than it was. In the massive image now, the lightest of the 250s is the Honda CRF250R at 219 kilos. The new-generation KTM, Husqvarna and GasGas 250s are all inside a pound of one another, round 226. The Kawasaki and Suzuki are 227.
WHERE WE WERE, WHERE WE ARE
As we mentioned, the earlier Yamaha YZ250F wasn’t the quickest or lightest, nevertheless it was nonetheless one of the best in our 2023 250 MX shootout—by the smallest margin. It gave away energy to the KTM-powered bikes and the Kawasaki, however made up floor in suspension and throttle response. It additionally provided one of the best user-based tuneability with the Yamaha Power Tuner smartphone app. On the flip aspect, the Yamaha was cramped within the rider compartment.
That final level is not legitimate. The Yamaha is now the most important, most roomy of all of the 250 motocross bikes. It’s a big bike with a tall seat top and a really relaxed rider structure. Big riders find it irresistible. For most of our check riders, that alone is the most important enchancment for 2024. For smaller riders, some adjustment is perhaps mandatory. Sean Lipanovich is 5-foot-5, so he can’t contact the bottom flat-footed on just about any full-sized motorbike. The Yamaha was a wrestle for him simply to get a leg over. He would additionally require beginning blocks for a gate launch. On the observe, although, these points had been negligible. He beloved the general match and dealing with of the YZ. Beginners may really feel in another way. Tall bikes could be intimidating, however that can change into much less of a difficulty with extra time.
Another large change is within the total dealing with character. Yamahas have lengthy been identified for “rear-wheel steering.” The time period is just a little foolish, nevertheless it’s the best way now we have come to explain a motorbike that turns greatest when the throttle is open and the rear wheel is spinning. Now, the YZ responds equally properly to steering enter. You can are available in arduous, level the entrance wheel and observe out of turns with much less throttle. The bike feels lighter and extra responsive. It additionally feels busier on the entry to the flip. If you experience a Honda or a KTM, you’ll really feel proper at residence from the beginning. If you completely beloved the character of your outdated YZ250F, you might need just a little adjustment to make.
When it involves testing Yamahas, we anticipate most of our check riders to say good issues in regards to the suspension. This time, the feedback verged on hyperbole. Everyone beloved it. That goes for pro-level guys like Carson Brown all the best way to super-duper seniors like Pete Murray. Everyone got here off the observe claiming that the suspension was glorious as soon as it was arrange with 105mm of sag. Those check riders ranged from 150 to 200 kilos, which is a tremendous unfold.
In common, the YZ suspension doesn’t actually shine on low-speed, uneven tracks. As it seems, that’s probably the most troublesome situation for suspension tuners; the one factor that basically works for that’s softer springs and valving, which is simply too limiting for some other situation. The YZ is okay in mild chop, however the place it actually shines is when the speeds are increased and the bumps are bigger. It has a capability to maintain a reasonably even keel whereas it’s absorbing the most important whoops and most horrid circumstances. That isn’t to say it’s Supercross suspension by any means. The YZ retains you snug and nonetheless will get job one completed. For a race bike, that’s going quick from the beginning of the moto to the end.
The 2024 Yamaha YZ250F obtained the identical body and bodywork that the 450 obtained final yr.
MOVING FORWARD
If there’s something that can maintain the YZ again within the coming yr, it’s the truth that the motor is kind of frozen in time. It’s nonetheless a comparatively highly effective 250 four-stroke, however the ante is all the time getting increased in that world. Already, the Kawasaki, KTM and Husqvarna have an edge in mid- and top-end energy. Where the Yamaha nonetheless holds an edge is in throttle response. It will get extra completed with quarter or half throttle than absolutely anything else. Part of that’s just because the Yamaha has a shortish throttle flip, however extra is as a result of the bike makes extra occur with much less dedication. It communicates a sure eagerness to get going that the majority 250 four-strokes lack.
You get a sure vary of motor adjustability with the Yamaha Power Tuner smartphone app. We are shocked that extra producers haven’t jumped on options like this. KTM made a weak try at its personal model two years in the past, however then roughly deserted the challenge, blaming the scarcity of semiconductors on the time. For 2024 Kawasaki has one thing related for its new 450, however for now, Yamaha nonetheless holds the technological excessive floor. The precooked maps that Yamaha gives are pretty helpful for various observe circumstances, however probably the most vital benefit is that the method teaches you all about mapping and the outcomes of modifications in gas supply and spark advance. Going ahead, that’s information that all of us have to have. In common, most riders like probably the most aggressive of the three maps which can be provided; it appeared to get into the meat of the facility sooner and rev out longer. It did pop on deceleration extra. In common, the YZ does lots of that, and also you’re extra conscious of it due to the unusually loud exhaust and upward-facing air consumption.
The 2024 Yamaha YZ250F obtained the identical body and bodywork that the 450 obtained final yr. Carson Brown on the controls.
At the tip of the day, although, you aren’t going to search out some hidden reservoir of horsepower in some nook of the Power Tuner. It’s an incredible characteristic, nevertheless it’s a instrument for fine-tuning and never main persona change. The Yamaha’s energy output is what it’s, and that’s mid-level in a really aggressive class.
UNIVERSAL APPEAL
Last yr the YZ250F gained our 250F shootout, and up to now there’s nothing in regards to the new model that makes us rethink that. The new bike clearly has totally different mannerisms and traits, and that may offend some hard-core Yamaha lovers, however they are going to recover from it. The 2024 YZ250F has the identical strengths as final yr: glorious suspension, a straightforward to-use energy supply and outrageously good reliability. It places its rider in an excellent place, even when it will get there by means of a unique route.
The Yamaha YZ250F was first proven to us on the eve of the SMX finals. This is the fiftieth Anniversary Edition, which sells for $9,099 ($200 greater than the usual version).
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