2022 YAMAHA BUYER’S GUIDE: ALL-NEW YZ125, UPDATED YZ250, REVISED YZ250F & YZ450F, PLUS TWO YZ85S

ALL-NEW 2022 YAMAHA YZ125 TWO-STROKE WITH AN IMPROVED ENGINE

The new 2022 YZ125 represents an important evolution in Yamaha’s two-stroke lineage. As the first full model change to the iconic YZ125 in more than 15 years, Yamaha designers and engineers put considerable thought into developing a motorcycle that would be both dominant on the racetrack and user-friendly for developing riders looking to bridge the gap between recreation riding and competitive motocross. The result is a significantly better YZ125.

The new 2022 YZ125 will be available from dealers this October in next-generation Team Yamaha Blue for $6899 MSRP.

It starts with a new, more powerful liquid-cooled 125cc two-stroke engine. Every functional part of the 2022 YZ125 engine is new, including the cylinder body, cylinder head, piston, piston pin, connecting rod, crankcase and expansion chamber. It all adds up to increased power across the mid- to high-rpm range. Enhancing fueling and power delivery, a new high-precision Hitachi Astemo Keihin PWK38S carburetor with a throttle position sensor and 3D-map-controlled CDI unit provide clean, crisp throttle response and superior rideability. A new intake design with VForce4 carbon reed valve leads to a more efficient draw of air into the engine for an improved feeling of power in the high rpm range.

To match increased engine performance, an updated lightweight braking system features larger front pistons, a more rigid caliper, a redesigned 270mm front rotor with a 30% increase in pad contact area and higher friction pad material, all combining to provide exceptional braking power and feel. A redesigned rear rotor maintains the same braking power while dropping outer diameter from 245mm to 240mm, reducing unsprung weight without compromising performance. Taking the YZ125’s category-defining suspension and handling characteristics to a new level, front and rear suspension damping has been revised to further improve bump absorption and cornering performance. Best-in-class Kayaba suspension includes an inverted front fork, now with new fork internals for more precise damping.

A new flatter seat and more narrow fuel tank design, along with smoothly integrated body panels and slimmer radiator shroud width all combine to enable greater freedom of movement forward and back, allowing the rider to easily shift body weight for increased control and confidence. Emphasizing the YZ125’s mission to win races, a bold, aggressive Yamaha Blue and dark blue colorway with premium embedded graphics ensure excellent durability and scratch resistance.

2022 Yamaha YZ125 Monster Energy Racing Edition retails for $7099.

2022 YZ125 TWO-STROKE FEATURES AND BENEFITS

1. Redesigned liquid-cooled Yamaha Power Valve System (YPVS)-equipped 125cc two-stroke engine boasts more power in the mid- to high-range for increased usability over the previous model
2. New high-precision Hitachi Astemo Keihin PWK38S carburetor features throttle position sensor and 3D-map-controlled CDI unit resulting in crisp throttle response and superior rideability
3. New straight intake design improves power output, letting the rider feel an excellent pull in the higher revs and a strong sense of over-rev

4. New shorter, lighter muffler
5. High performance brake setup features more rigid front caliper, larger front pistons and redesigned rotors with increased pad contact area for exceptional stopping power and feel, along with less unsprung weight
6. Improved rider ergonomics with a more narrow tank, flatter seat and slimmer radiator shrouds offering greater freedom of movement
7. Fully adjustable Kayaba inverted front fork now includes a leaf spring in the mid-speed valve for increased performance and comfort
8. Revised fully adjustable Kayaba rear shock features reduced-friction Kashima Coat internals
9. Race-proven, highly developed forged aluminum semi-double cradle frame
10. Removable aluminum rear subframe constructed of square-section tubing for reduced weight
11. Lightweight finely tuned chassis for nimble handling, more control and less rider fatigue
12. Revised six-speed, close-ratio transmission has wider transmission gear tooth width and new, optimized gear ratios for maximum performance
13. New lightweight rear sprocket design
14. New lightweight chain
15. High-capacity radiator features a 10-row core with blacked-out louvers to deliver maximum cooling and aggressive looks
16. Lightweight aluminum handlebar with two-position adjustable handlebar clamp
17. Adjustable clutch lever with works-style cable adjuster
18. New premium graphics are now embedded for improved durability and scratch resistance
19. Race-developed Bridgestone Battlecross X20 tires
20. The new 2022 YZ125 will be available from dealers this October in next-generation Team Yamaha Blue for $6899 MSRP. 

2022 YAMAHA YZ250 TWO-STROKE GETS A LONG AWAITED UPDATE

The new 2022 YZ250 will be available from dealers this July in next-generation Team Yamaha Blue for $7799 MSRP.

Yamaha’s race-tested YZ250 two-stroke is already known for its fast, powerful engine, plush suspension, class-leading handling and rider friendly character. With significant updates for 2022, it’s now even better. Beginning with improved rider ergonomics, a more narrow fuel tank, flatter seat, slimmer radiator shrouds and new side covers all contribute to greater freedom of movement front to back and easier weight transfer. Changes to the seat and bodywork have also enabled a new, straighter intake design, allowing a more efficient intake path to the engine for a better feeling of power in the high rpm range.

The YZ250’s already renowned suspension and handling performance takes another step forward with revised front and rear suspension damping to enhance bump absorption and cornering agility. An updated brake setup includes a more rigid front caliper, larger front pistons, a redesigned 270mm front rotor with a 30% increase in pad contact area and higher friction pad material, all combining to provide exceptional braking power and feel. A redesigned rear rotor maintains the same braking power while dropping outer diameter from 245mm to 240mm, further reducing unsprung weight with no compromise on performance.

Wrapping up the package, a premium new Yamaha Blue and dark blue embedded graphics scheme provides excellent durability and scratch resistance while accentuating the YZ’s racing pedigree. The 2022 YZ250 retains the fast and fun liquid-cooled , YPVS-equipped, 249cc, two-stroke powerplant, the compact chassis and meticulously developed lightweight aluminum frame, and the intuitive handling character and all-around usability that’s made it a favorite among both competitive motocross racers and recreational riders alike.

2022 YZ250 TWO-STROKE FEATURES AND BENEFITS

1. Improved rider ergonomics with a narrow tank, flatter seat and slimmer radiator shrouds offering greater freedom of movement
2. Advanced liquid-cooled YPVS-equipped 249cc two-stroke engine is lightweight, compact and fun, with a wide, hard-hitting powerband
3. New straight intake design improves power output, letting the rider feel an excellent pull in the higher revs and a strong sense of over-rev
4. Advanced Hitachi Astemo Keihin PWK38S carburetor with power jet and throttle position sensor provides extra-crisp throttle response
5. High performance brake setup features larger front pistons, more rigid caliper and redesigned rotors with increased pad contact area for exceptional stopping power and feel, along with less unsprung weight
6. Fully adjustable Kayaba fork features the Speed-Sensitive System for precise handling and superb shock absorption
7. Revised fully adjustable Kayaba rear shock features reduced-friction Kashima Coat™ internals
8. Race-proven, highly developed forged aluminum semi-double cradle frame
9. Removable aluminum rear subframe constructed of square-section tubing for reduced weight
10. Finely tuned lightweight chassis and advanced suspension endow the YZ250 with class-leading handling
11. Smooth-shifting, five-speed, close-ratio transmission ensures confident gear changes in all conditions
11. New lightweight rear sprocket design
12. New lightweight chain
13. High-capacity radiator features a 10-row core with blacked-out louvers to deliver maximum cooling and aggressive looks
14. Lightweight aluminum handlebar with two-position adjustable handlebar clamp
15. Adjustable clutch lever with works-style cable adjuster
16. Premium new graphics are now embedded for improved durability and scratch resistance
17. Race-developed Dunlop Geomax MX33 tires
18. The new 2022 YZ250 will be available from dealers this July in next-generation Team Yamaha Blue for $7799 MSRP.

2022 YZ250 TWO-STROKE MONSTER ENERGY RACING EDITION

The 2022 Yamaha YZ250 Monster Energy Racing Edition costs $200 more than the base model.

For 2022, Yamaha brings the factory ride look to the two-stroke lineup with the new Monster Energy Yamaha Racing Edition YZ250. With a sharp, race-team-inspired color and graphics package, riders can stand out from the crowd with the livery of Yamaha’s championship-winning Supercross team. The new 2022 Monster Energy Yamaha Racing Edition YZ250 will be available from dealers this July for $7999.

2022 YAMAHA YZ250F FOUR-STROKE

The new 2022 YZ250F will be available from dealers in next-generation Team Yamaha Blue for $8499.

Fresh off dominating the 2021 Supercross season, the new 2022 Yamaha YZ250F sees a handful of key updates to make the benchmark-setting motocrosser even better. Beginning with the rear wheel, a new 2.15-inch wide rear rim pairs with a premium 110-width Dunlop Geomax MX33 tire to serve up a wider footprint, increased traction and better bump absorption under hard acceleration and cornering. In a first on a Yamaha off-road competition model, a new cross-three spoke pattern on the rear wheel further improves impact absorption and overall feel. The rear wheel hub has been reengineered to be thinner and lighter while still retaining strength. Together with a new lightweight rear sprocket design and new lightweight drive chain, unsprung weight and driveline inertia is reduced for more responsive handling.

The YZ250F’s class-leading suspension takes another step forward with revised suspension settings aimed at striking the perfect balance between the wider rear tire and lightened rear wheel assembly. That means increased stability on corner entry/exit and improved bump reaction, further enhancing the game-changing performance of the YZ250F’s advanced, fully adjustable Kayaba suspension. Also new for 2022, an updated premium graphics scheme features aggressive Yamaha Blue and dark blue embedded graphics, both highlighting the YZ’s competitive intentions and providing excellent durability and scratch resistance. Blacked-out radiator louvers further add to the aggressive new look.

Updates add to the long list of race-ready features that make the YZ250F a consistent top pick in the ultra-competitive 250cc class. The advanced liquid-cooled four-stroke powerplant features a forward-positioned straight downdraft intake with symmetrical intake ports, high-spec piston, aggressive cam profiles and reversed cylinder head layout, providing broad, useable powerband and class-leading low-end and mid-range torque. Helping racers dial in the perfect power delivery for different track conditions, Yamaha’s industry-leading free-of-charge Power Tuner app puts the flexibility and precision tunability of the GYTR Power Tuner into your smartphone. Make fueling and ignition timing changes instantly and upload them to the bike for ultimate track-side tuning. A convenient handlebar-mounted map switch then allows the rider to quickly select between two uploaded maps for immediate on-the-fly adjustments.

The YZ250F’s highly refined chassis is based on a lightweight aluminum bilateral beam frame with main spars, engine mounts and mounting position designed to centralize mass and provide an ideal balance between cornering feel and straight-line rigidity. Exceptional braking power and feel is achieved through the same high performance braking components fitted to its open-class YZ450F sibling. It all adds up to an extremely capable and well-rounded package that gives racers the edge right out of the gate.

2022 YZ250F FOUR-STROKE FEATURES AND BENEFITS

1. Supercross championship winning performance is track-ready straight out of the box.
2. Advanced four-stroke engine featuring high-spec piston, aggressive cam profiles and reversed cylinder head layout is known for its broad, useable powerband and class-leading low-end and mid-range torque.
3. Industry-leading Yamaha Power Tuner app allows instant fueling and ignition timing changes on your smartphone for ultimate track-side tuning.
4. Two-mode adjustable engine mapping allows rider to select between two tuneable engine maps at the push of a button.
5. Aluminum bilateral beam frame centralizes mass and provides an ideal balance between cornering compliance and straight-line stability.
6. New lightweight rear hub, rear sprocket and drive chain reduce unsprung weight and driveline inertia, contributing to more agile handling.
7. Rigid front caliper, large-diameter pistons and large 270mm front brake rotor and 240mm rear rotor work with aggressive pad material for exceptional stopping power and braking control.
8. New 2.15-inch wide rear rim paired with a premium 110-width Dunlop Geomax MX33 tire serves up increased traction and improved bump absorption under hard acceleration and cornering.
9. Fully adjustable Kayaba coil spring-type fork with speed-sensitive damping and linkage-type Kayaba shock offer best-in-class suspension performance.
10. Revised suspension settings strike the perfect balance between the wider rear tire and lightened rear wheel assembly for increased stability on corner entry/exit and improved bump reaction.
11. New cross-three spoke pattern on the rear wheel further improves impact absorption and overall feel.
12. Convenient push-button electric start provides effortless restarts.
13. Sleek air cleaner cover provides tool-free access to the air filter.
14. Large-diameter clutch to boost reliability under high-heat conditions.
15. Lightweight aluminum tapered handlebar.
16. Four-position adjustable handlebar mounts.
17. Compact bodywork including a narrow fuel tank and comfortable knee grip for better control.
18. New premium Yamaha Blue and dark blue graphics scheme is embedded to provide excellent durability and scratch resistance.
19. The new 2022 YZ250F will be available from dealers this July in next-generation Team Yamaha Blue for $8499 MSRP.

2022 YAMAHA YZ450F FOUR-STROKE

The new 2022 YZ450F,  in next-generation Team Yamaha Blue, retails for $9,599 MSRP. 

For the new 2022 YZ450F, Yamaha builds on the already class-leading performance of its flagship motocross machine by reducing unsprung weight through the adoption of a lighter rear wheel assembly and drive train parts, contributing to more responsive handling. With the YZ450F’s traditional strong points of exceptional power delivery, class-defining suspension performance and trademark solid and precise handling character all either carried over or improved, the result is a bike now even better equipped to dominate the competition.

Updates for 2022 begin with a new, redesigned rear wheel hub. The cast aluminum hub has been engineered to be thinner and lighter while maintaining strength. It combines with a redesigned lightweight rear sprocket and new lightweight drive chain to reduce unsprung weight and driveline inertia. The YZ450F also receives the newly introduced cross-three spoke pattern on the rear wheel for improved impact absorption and overall feel.

New, revised suspension settings take full advantage of the lightened rear wheel assembly, increasing stability on corner entry/exit, improving bump reaction and further enhancing best-in-class suspension performance. The YZ450F’s advanced, fully adjustable Kayaba coil spring-type fork with speed-sensitive damping and linkage-type Kayaba shock also add to its impeccable handling character. Finally, a sharp new Yamaha Blue and dark blue graphics scheme adds a modern, aggressive style and features premium embedded graphics for excellent durability and scratch resistance.

Other features including the compact, powerful liquid-cooled 450cc four-stroke engine, finely tuned lightweight aluminum bilateral beam frame and high performance braking system all carry over from the class-leading 2021 YZ450F. Along with a host of advanced technical features including Yamaha’s revolutionary and free-of-charge Power Tuner App with convenient handlebar-mounted dual-mode engine map switch for selecting between customizable ECU maps, Yamaha’s innovative Launch Control System for flawless race starts and a convenient push-button electric starter system with high-capacity ultra-light lithium-ion battery, the new YZ450F continues as the most complete, most well-balanced, most capable bike in the 450 class.

2022 YZ450F FOUR-STROKE FEATURES AND BENEFITS

1. The ultimate open-class YZ, the 2022 YZ450F is built to win races with the best power delivery and suspension performance in the class.
2. Featuring a distinct rearward-slanted cylinder design, the compact, torquey liquid-cooled 450cc four-stroke engine provides a broad, usable powerband and exceptional controllability.
3. Industry-leading Yamaha Power Tuner app allows instant fueling and ignition timing changes on your smartphone for ultimate track-side tuning.
4. Two-mode adjustable engine mapping allows rider to select between two tuneable engine maps at the push of a button.
5. Aluminum bilateral beam frame is designed to optimize overall rigidity balance for excellent handling, especially in fast, bumpy conditions.
6. The rigid front caliper, compact rear caliper work with aggressive pad compounds and increased rotor contact area to provide exceptional brake feel and control.
7. New lightweight rear hub, rear sprocket and drive chain reduce unsprung weight, driveline inertia and contribute to more agile handling.
8. Fully adjustable Kayaba coil spring-type fork with speed-sensitive damping and linkage-type Kayaba shock offer best-in-class suspension performance.
9. Revised suspension settings take full advantage of the lightened rear wheel assembly to increase stability on corner entry/exit and improve bump reaction.
10. New cross-three spoke pattern on the rear wheel further improves impact absorption and overall feel.
11. Innovative Launch Control System optimizes engine output for quicker, smoother race starts every time.
12. Convenient push-button electric start provides effortless restarts.
13. Lightweight aluminum tapered handlebar.
14. Rubber-mounted four-position adjustable handlebar mounts reduce vibration.
15. Compact bodywork including a narrow fuel tank and flat seat for better control.
16. New premium Yamaha Blue and dark blue graphics scheme is embedded to provide excellent durability and scratch resistance.
17. Race-developed Dunlop Geomax MX33 tires.
18. The new 2022 YZ450F will be available from dealers this July in next-generation Team Yamaha Blue for $9599 MSRP.

2022 MONSTER ENERGY RACING EDITION YZ250F & YZ450F

The 2022 Yamaha YZ450F Monster Energy Racing Edition retails for $9799.

With a sharp, race-team-inspired color and graphics package, the YZ250F Monster Energy Racing Editions stand out from the crowd with the livery of Yamaha’s championship-winning Supercross and Motocross teams.

The 2022 Yamaha YZ450F/YZ2-F Monster Energy models brings the factory ride look back for 2022 with the return of the Monster Energy Yamaha Racing Edition YZ250F and Monster Energy Yamaha Racing Edition YZ450F.

2022 YAMAHA YZ85LW & YZ85 MINICYCLES

The SuperMini 2022 YZ85 Large Wheel (LW) model get larger wheels diamters and a longer swingarm.

As an important entry into the world of competitive motocross, the YZ85 has long been the mini race bike of choice for future champions. Light, nimble and fun with a high-performance two‑stroke engine and top-shelf suspension, it serves up big-bike spec in a small bike package. Along with its proven liquid-cooled YPVS-equipped 85cc powerplant, fully adjustable suspension and large-diameter brakes, the new 2022 YZ85 boasts numerous enhancements to expand its overall performance.Rider ergonomics have been improved by way of a new, more narrow tank design, flatter seat, new side covers and slimmer, symmetrically sized radiator shrouds. This enables greater freedom of movement for smooth shifting of body weight and better machine control. Along with the new bodywork, a sharp, new premium graphics scheme inspired by its YZ125 sibling highlights its distinctive race-bred YZ DNA. The redesigned seat and rear bodywork also enable an updated rear-positioned straight-through intake for an improved feeling of power in the low rpm range.

2022 Yamaha YZ85. 

For demanding junior racers, the new YZ85 has been enhanced in several key chassis areas to optimize strength and rigidity, including revisions to the mainframe, swingarm and rear wheel axle. The aluminum swingarm was redesigned to enhance the balance between longitudinal and torsional rigidity for improved handling stability. A new removable rear subframe constructed from lightweight, high-strength aluminum reduces weight. The rear brake master cylinder now has a built-in sub-reservoir providing more linear brake response and increased control.

New for 2022, the YZ85 Large Wheel (LW) model takes the race-winning YZ85 formula and enhances off-road capability even more with the addition of a larger 19-inch front wheel and 16-inch rear wheel wrapped in high performance 70/100/19 front and 90/100/16 rear Dunlop MX3S tires. A longer swingarm accommodates the larger rear wheel and increases handling stability. The YZ85LW is designed to be the ideal transition between the standard YZ85 and the full size YZ125, perfect for those advanced 85cc riders looking for a more “big-bike” feel.

2022 YZ85 & YZ85LW FEATURES AND BENEFITS

• New improved rider ergonomics with a more narrow tank, flatter seat and slimmer, symmetrical shrouds offering greater freedom of movement
• New straight intake design improves feeling of power in the low rpm range
• New removable lightweight aluminum rear subframe is 570g lighter than previous steel frame
• New Redesigned aluminum swingarm improves longitudinal and torsional rigidity
• New rear brake master cylinder design with built-in sub-reservoir provides more linear brake response

• New premium graphics are now embedded for improved durability and scratch resistance
• New lightweight handlebar is 40 gRAMS lighter than previous model
• Four-position handlebar mounts adjust to suit rider preference
• Advanced 85cc two-stroke engine features the Yamaha Power Valve System for broad power delivery
• Crankcase design features a spacer-style reed valve intake for improved air/gas flow
• Hitachi Astemo  Keihin PWK28 flat-slide carburetor offers seamless throttle response
• Race-proven KYB inverted cartridge fork and KYB rear shock are fully adjustable
• Big 220mm and 190mm wave-rotor disc brakes offer precise control and one-finger stopping power

• Transmission features oversized gears for enhanced engagement and smoother shifts
• Blue lightweight rims are stylish, durable, reduce unsprung weight and come wrapped in high performance Dunlop® MX3S tires
• High-capacity lightweight radiator has large cores for efficiency and new blacked-out louvers for a more aggressive look

The new 2022 YZ85 and YZ85LW  in next-generation Team Yamaha Blue RETAILSfor $4,799 and $4,999 MSRP, respectively.