For those riders that favour a non European option in the enduro marketplace the options are few and far between. Yamaha are giving Aussies riders a Japanese alternative for the bush with the 2020 iteration of their YZ250X arriving into the Australian market at $12,299 including GST.
Offering Yamaha’s trademark reliability and durability, the 2020 YZ250X delivers classic two-stroke performance for the enduro racer, alongside a lightweight aluminium double-cradle frame and swingarm, fully-adjustable KYB closed chamber USD forks and a fully-adjustable high-performance KYB rear shock absorber.
The 2020 YZ2250X has been specifically tuned for cross-country racing to deliver performance, alongside light, nimble and precise handling.
The two-stroke enduro racer is powered by the same 249cc, reed-valve inducted engine as Yamaha’s legendary YZ250X motocross machine, with a compact exhaust system for clearance on tight technical trails, and a wide-ratio five-speed transmission.
Compression ratio, exhaust port, power valve timing, and model-specific CDI unit are all designed for improved trail performance, with a focus on delivering a wider and more controllable power delivery in comparison to its more highly strung motocross cousin.
Australian-delivered YZ250X models are fitted with an off-road kit that makes the bike eligible for the recreational registration scheme that is available in some states. The kit includes front and rear lights, handguards, horn, mirror, braided steel front brake line and number plate hanger.
Braking duties are handled by a 270mm/245mm hydraulic disc braking package in combination with high-performance pad material for exceptional stopping power and controllability in tight wooded trails.
Enduro-specific Dunlop Geomax AT81 tyres are fitted, offering an 18-inch rear with a taller sidewall for improved comfort and helping reduce pinch flats. The 2020 YZ250X is available now at Yamaha dealers for $12,299 incl GST.
An all-new model for 2020, the Yamaha YZ125X is optimised for racing in the bush. It sports Yamaha’s Power Valve System-equipped (YPVS) 125cc, liquid-cooled, two-stroke, reed-valve-inducted engine, combined with a six-speed transmission tuned for smooth, wide, and controllable power character across the rev range.
Enduro race performance is optimised with model specific Digital CDI ignition settings, new power valve shape and a new cylinder head combustion chamber shape. All these engine changes are focused on creating broad power delivery that suits off-road terrain and a wide range of rider skill levels.
The YZ125X has an ultra-lightweight aluminium frame carefully engineered for balance of rigidity and flex. To tackle punishing terrain with durability and comfort, YZ125 also features a sealed O-ring chain, a standard sidestand and fuel tank petcock with reserve position. Australian models will all come fitted with an off-road kit – including lights – designed to enable recreational registration in relevant states.
Fully adjustable, industry-leading KYB speed-sensitive spring-type suspension has been tested and tuned specifically for the needs of cross-country racers. Enduro-specific Dunlop Geomax AT81 tires with an 18-inch rear are ready to head straight to the races thanks to taller sidewalls for improved comfort and reduced pinch flats.
A large 270mm front disc brake coupled with high-performance pad material offers outstanding machine control and performance, with exceptional stopping power and controllability for tight wooded trails.
The all-new 2020 YZ125X is designed to appeal to junior and entry level enduro racers and other riders who appreciate the benefits of a lightweight two-stroke on full noise. YZ125X will come in Team Yamaha Blue – pricing and availability are to be announced.
This enduro has various new feature including the smartphone power tuner app that adjusts power settings to your riding style and track conditions.
The 2020 YZ250FX is an out-of-the-box competition machine. Based on the championship-winning 2019 YZ250F, it features Yamaha’s revolutionary front-intake, rear-exhaust, liquid-cooled, DOHC four-stroke power plant with an added sixth gear, wide ratio transmission, and a range of off-road upgrades.
Yamaha’s latest generation, aluminium bilateral beam frame delivers strength, lightness and durability for the tight, technical terrain of cross-country racing while still providing optimum stability in fast sections. The bike also features improved electronics including a compact, electric start system powered by an ultra-lightweight, four-cell, lithium-ion battery to get you up and running at the press of a button.
All-new bodywork on the YZ250FX is slimmer than ever, giving the bike a compact, nimble feel and easing rider movement across the machine in tough terrain. Fully adjustable, industry-leading KYB suspension is specifically tuned for off-road racing and combined with Dunlop MX3S tyres with 18-inch rear to deliver excellent comfort and durability in harsh conditions.
Additionally, the YZ250FX is equipped with four-position rubber-mounted handlebar clamps, a side-stand, smartphone tuning capability and – new for 2020 – a handlebar-mounted map switch to adjust preselected engine maps on the fly.
For Australia – and as per all other models in the enduro range – YZ250FX is available with an off-road kit that makes it eligible for recreational registration in applicable states (this model is called YZ250FXR). The 2020 YZ250FX/R will come in Team Yamaha Blue – pricing and availability are to be announced.
The 2020 YZ450FX is built for enduro racing, with electric start and smartphone power tuning that adjusts the bike’s settings to your style and track conditions.
The 2020 YZ450FX uses Yamaha’s distinct reward-slanted cylinder, 449cc, liquid-cooled, four-stroke engine design, complete with rear exhaust and forward-mounted intake system all working together to deliver class leading power and controllability for enduro racing.
Its bilateral beam frame and engine mounting position optimises the machine’s rigidity balance, resulting in improved cornering ability and traction, while industry-leading KYB suspension is specifically tuned to provide comfort and performance in the toughest off-road conditions.
Rider convenience is also a priority in the YZ450FX with enhancements including Yamaha’s ultra-lightweight electric start system for effortless restarts under pressure, smartphone tuning capability and a handlebar-mounted map switch to choose between user defined engine maps on the fly.
The 2020 YZ450FX will come in Team Yamaha Blue -pricing and availability are to be announced.
Engineered with all the reliability and durability you’ve come to expect from Yamaha, this two-stroke was born to win.
Yamaha’s 2020 YZ250X delivers classic two-stroke performance for the enduro racer. Its lightweight aluminium frame together with specifically tuned KYB spring type forks and rear shock provide unmatched handling performance and comfort in bush race conditions.
The 249cc, reed-valve inducted engine, mated with a wide-ratio 5-speed transmission is race-ready. Based on the YZ250 motocross model, the YZ250X features compression ratio, exhaust port, power valve timing, and model specific CDI unit for improved trail performance. All these features are focused on creating a wide, controllable power character along with light, nimble, and precise handling ideal for cross-country racing.
The 2020 YZ250X will come in Team Yamaha Blue – pricing and availability are yet to be announced.