2012 NEW MOTOCROSS BIKE BUYERS GUIDE: THE 2012 YAMAHA TWO-STROKES: YZ125 & YZ250

Yamaha won its first World Motocross Championship back in 1973?with the original YZ250 two-stroke. Today, featuring a lightweight, long-stroke engine that delivers an instant hit of free-revving power, the YZ250 is still the ultimate two-stroke race bike.

(MXA note: Yamaha will not be releasing the 2012 bikes until September. The two-strokes will be included in the American lineup and, while these are official Yamaha photos of the 2012 YZ250 and YZ125, the American branch of Yamaha will not be releasing its official two-stroke photos until September. MXA just thought you’d like to see the bikes before then so you could make plans).

Its high-tech aluminum chassis has new lightweight wheel rims, reducing unsprung weight for enhanced handling and suspension performance. New speedblock graphics give a factory look, while a special new seat design has just the right balance of grip and rider mobility.

2012 YZ250 SPECS
Engine type: Forward-inclined single cylinder, reed valve with YPVS
Displacement: 249cc
Bore x stroke: 66.4 mm x 72.0 mm
Compression ratio: 8.9 ~ 10.6 : 1
Lubrication system: Premix
Carburetor: Keihin PWK38S/1
Frame: Aluminum semi-double cradle
Front suspension : Kayaba SSS
Front travel: 300 mm
Head angle: 27§
Trail: 118mm

2012 YAMAHA YZ125

The YZ125 loves to be ridden hard and its ultra-low weight allows you to take the tightest of lines and flick it around corners. Once you learn how to get the most from the 6-speed gearbox, you’ll be amazed how quickly this 125 will go.

This legendary lightweight comes with a new seat for better rider agility, and a gold-colored chain. And like all of Yamaha’s latest dirt bikes, the YZ125 features our bold new speedblock graphics.

2012 YZ125 SPECS     
Engine type: Forward-inclined single cylinder, reed valve with YPVS
Displacement: 124cc
Bore x stroke: 54.0 mm x 54.5 mm
Compression ratio: 8.6 ~ 10.7 : 1
Lubrication system: Premix
Carburetor: Mikuni TMX38
Frame: Aluminum semi-double cradle
Front suspension : Kayaba SSS
Front travel: 300 mm
Head angle: 25§
Trail: 107mm