Yamaha Motos Big!

YAMAHA MOTOS BIG!

-AMP;LT;PRISM_INDUSTRY-AMP;GT;YAMAHA-AMP;LT;/PRISM_INDUSTRY-AMP;GT;’S DIRT SIDE was plenty busy over the winter making major revisions to the four-stroke YZ motocross line. Starting with the familiar YZ450F...well, as of’06 it’s not so familiar anymore, because almost every part is new. Most notably, an extra gear has been added to the transmission. Yes, it was a shocker for us, too, but the aluminum-framed 450F is now fitted with a five-speed gearbox. Along with the new tranny comes a redesigned engine that is said to be even more tractable than last year’s powerplant.

Complementing the new engine and frame is a complete suspension upgrade. The redesigned 48mm Kayaba inverted fork has all-new internal components utilizing speed-sensitive damping. Dubbed S3, it is said to be more plush and to resist bottoming better. Out back, the shock features revised damping and a trick titanium

spring (a first from the Big Four), not to mention a gold anodized body, giving

it the look of a factory racing piece. Could this be a Honda CRF450R-beater?

The YZ250F underwent many of the same changes bestowed upon its big brother. Of course, an aluminum frame is used, as well as the new suspension. The 250F’s already excellent powerplant had its midrange power bumped with tuning tweaks. As on the 450, aluminum Pro Taper handlebars are standard and feature .4inch of fore/aft adjustment.

Now that the big kids are taken care of, parents beware: Don’t

let your little ones see the new TT-R50E mini! The little fourstroke features a threespeed transmission with automatic clutch and, get this: It’s electric start with an optional kick-starter! Plenty of upgrades will be available from Yamaha’s own GYT-R accessory department, including spring kits, big-bore kits, pipes and more. By the looks of it, Jr. might have trouble pulling Dad off this one! -Ryan Dudek