Tag Archives: YZ250

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JEREMY MCGRATH’S 2000 CHAPARRAL YAMAHA YZ250: TWO-STROKE TUESDAY

It’s surprising that Jeremy McGrath didn’t already own a Yamaha YZ250 championship bike from his time on the Mazda/Chaparral Yamaha team. This week’s Two-Stroke Tuesday takes a close look at a 2000 Yamaha YZ250 built by Jeremy McGrath and Tim Sharp to honor McGrath’s early 2000s AMA championship-winning machine. While it’s not the actual race bike, it captures the nostalgic feel. We continue the Yamaha YZ250 theme in our Behind The Build feature with an exclusive link you won’t want to miss.

Although not the actual 2000 race machine, the machine built by Jeremy McGrath and Tim Sharp brings back memories of a simpler time in MX/SX history.

This swingarm may not be new, but it looks like it! The Class Acts Autobody team did a fantastic job bringing it back to better-than-showroom condition. Dubya USA restored the wheels and Editor Mark Tilley used his Vapor Honing Technologies VH800 blast cabinet to transform the rear caliper and master cylinder.

This bike is so clean that you could almost eat off the cases. Plus, it features some carbon fiber bling and a part number on the pipe. These details are courtesy of Pro Circuit’s Mitch Payton.

Dubya USA restored the OEM wheel set, giving the hubs a titanium color tint to resemble McGrath’s setup in 2000. Dubya offers similar services to the public upon request.

Mitch Payton of Pro Circuit handled the engine work, and while the specifics are confidential, the result looks factory quality.

Our Managing Editor, Mark Tilley, also contributed to the build, using his Vapor Honing Technologies VH800 vapor blasting machine to clean up parts like the brake master cylinder.

Tim Sharp did an amazing job bringing this 2000 Yamaha YZ250 back to life from a heap of parts in Jeremy’s garage. You can look forward to more on this bike in an upcoming issue of Dirt Bike Magazine.

2-STROKE BEHIND THE BUILD

Mike Brown, a 47-year-old racer with a career spanning over three decades, has competed at a high level in motocross, Supercross and off-road for factory-level teams. While he no longer races for a living, he continues to participate in selected events for Yamaha, FXR and Rockstar Energy for enjoyment. Brown joined the last Wiseco Two-Stroke World Championship at Glen Helen Raceway, lured by the promise of a fun bike and good times.

CLICK THE IMAGE BELOW FOR THE FULL STORY

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DEALING WITH ROCKS AND ROOTS: MR. KNOW-IT-ALL

Dear Mr. Know-It-All,
I purchased a used YZ250 after riding an ’04 XR250, and I primarily ride off-road. The area where I ride has lots of rocks and roots, and while my old XR was slow, it was extremely smooth on the trail. However, the YZ has a strong engine but the suspension feels off, as it doesn’t seem to handle the rocks well. I would appreciate any advice you can offer. I understand that the YZ is a motocross bike, but it’s really rough on me!
– Todd
via [email protected]

Todd, I want to inform you, without any harsh criticism, that the most important aspect to consider when riding in rocky terrain is the suspension. Serious riders in Colorado typically have their bikes set up with lighter springs and valve adjustments. If you’re using stock motocross suspension, riding on rocks, stones, roots, and harsh terrain will result in a rough ride. You can try adjusting the compression settings in the fork and shock to make them softer. Additionally, using softer springs would likely be beneficial. However, my wise suggestion is to consult with a professional suspension tuner who is knowledgeable about your riding area and the varying terrain conditions. They will take into account your height, weight, and riding ability to customize the suspension settings for optimal performance on the specific landscape.
One more thing to consider is the impact of tires and air pressure on the feel and traction of your bike. In Colorado, riders commonly use rear tires with a sticky compound and a foam insert for extra cushioning. They also either use a Tubliss front system, which allows for lower air pressure without the risk of pinch-flats, or a plush front bib mousse for added comfort and traction.

If you don’t mind showcasing your lack of knowledge to the world, we won’t deny you the opportunity. Send evidence of your failures to [email protected] or Mr. Know-It-All
Dirt Bike P.O. Box 957
Valencia, CA 91380-9057

Click Here for more Mr. Know-It-All.