Gate Drops On 1996 Motocrossers

GATE DROPS ON 1996 MOTOCROSSERS

ROUNDUP

IF YOU WERE LOOKING FOR big changes in 1996 motocross bikes, curse the yen. The dollar-yen situation has forced a wave of conservatism among the Big Four, prompting refinement over revolution.

In the Honda camp, the CR125's biggest change is the addition of a digital ignition, the first production Honda dirtbike to utilize the technology that has been gracing works racers for some time. The bike's 43mm KYB fork gets larger internal cartridges and you'll find both low and high-speed valving adjustment on the KYB rear shock. The CR250 and CR500 each get larg er-diameter 46mm KY B forks with the new internals. The shocks on both larger CRs are now similar to the 125's, with highand low-speed conipres sion adjustment. Visually, the red and black colors of the factory racers has made its way to production.

Bigger changes are apparent farther down the line, in the CR80 and CR8OR Fxpert, a bigwheel version sim ilar to Kawasaki's KX100. Built around the previ ous CR80 motor with minor revi Sions, the new 80 and 80R sport an all-new chassis with fully ad justable Showa in verted fork and larger Showa pig gyback shock. Kawasaki's ap proach to 1996 was to build on the strengths of `95. The KXI25, 250 and 500 now share a new KYB 46mm fork. Engine refine ments to the 125 aim for a stronger power punch, and the KX250 gets similar refine ments in the porting, timing, and carburetion. No changes for the smaller KXs. the 60, 80 and 100, except for the new purple and green graphics they share with the rest of the line.

A switch in graphics is the most apparent change over at Yamaha, the Y/s sporting the new blue and white corporate colors. The YZ125 and YZ250 both get an all-new tank/seat/sidepanel style that mates to a more compact frame. The main backbone of the frame has been lowered while ground clearance has been increased a bit. This, ac cording to Yamaha, gives both bikes a lighter feeling. Minor engine refinements to keep both 125 and 250 in the hunt were also made. The YZ8O (and the WR250 enduro/cross country bike) gets the new color treatment but little else.

Rumors and speculation are all that is available with refer ence to Suzuki, though some SOUR~CCS say to expect the RM125 and RM250 to be fit ted with conventional, `right side-up" Showa forks.

The new Hondas, Kawasakis and Yamahas should be in showrooms by the time you read this. As of presstime, none of the companies had fi nalized prices.

Jimmy Lewis