New In the Dirt From Yamaha And Honda
NEW IN THE DIRT FROM YAMAHA AND HONDA
ROUNDUP
HONDA AND YAMAHA ARE making just enough changes to their 1995 off-road lines to make the '94s seem outdated. Though neither company took radical steps, both claim significant improvements through small updates.
Except for the graphics, Honda’s XR line is unchanged, dispelling rumors of an all-new mid-sized XR. Of changes to the CRs, most noticable are purple seats and shrouds on the 80, 125, 250 and 500.
The surprise is that the CR500, a bike left without a place in AMA national motocross racing, gets more than graphic changes, with KYB suspension components replacing former Showa parts.
Also getting KYB suspension is the CR250, another change from Showa, a company partly owned by Honda. Engineers were able to work with whatever suspension performed best, according to Honda, and KYB was chosen. Engine changes for the CR250 revolve around smoothing out the already-smooth power through altered port timing, a shorter expansion chamber and a lighter piston. A 19-inch rear wheel replaces the 18inch rim, plus there are lighter spokes, wider stainless-steel footpegs and a redesigned swingarm.
The CR125 shares many of the CR250’s updates including the fork, 19-inch rear wheel, updated swingarm and footpegs. A new frame with altered steering geometry gives the 125 more trail and improved stability, claims Honda.
At $4299, the 125 is $200 more than last year’s model, as is the CR250, at $5099. The 500 and 80 are $4999 and $2499, respectively, both prices up $100.
Yamaha has also changed its motocrossers and the WR250 enduro mount, as well. The smallest YZ becomes the first 80 to have a fully adjustable fork. Minor motor changes and new graphics are included.
The YZ125 takes to the track sporting a host of motor updates, including a straighter intake tract and a revised powervalve shape. The suspension is similar to last year’s, with valving updates. The biggest change involves the addition of a mid-valve to the fork, which gives a firmer action to the compression stroke and keeps the fork from riding down in its travel.
The YZ250 shares all the changes and gets a redesigned exhaust valve that increases the volume of the exhaust tract in the lower-rpm ranges. Also, the valve-activation system on both bikes now opens and closes over a wider rpm range, making power delivery more linear. The 250 switches to a 38mm Keihin carb.
The WR250’s biggest change is suspension valving revised to favor the woods rider. The motor gets a small change to the crankcase volume to smooth out the power, along with a richer jetting setup.
With all these improvements comes higher prices. The WR250 tops the list at $5249; the YZ250 is $5149; and the YZ125 is $4249, a price increase of $250 for each bike. The YZ80 costs $2799, a $100 increase. —Jimmy Lewis
