2019 Yamaha Off-Road YZ Motocross and Cross-Country Model Line First Look

The 2019 off-road new model bike season is in full swing, and Yamaha is the latest manufacturer to announce its full lineup of motocross and cross-country motorcycles. Over the past couple of seasons, Yamaha has made big steps in expanding its model range with the introduction of the FX models in both 250 and 450cc configurations. Additionally, it’s the only Japanese manufacturer to continue producing full-size two-strokes, including the YZ125 and YZ250 motocrossers, as well as the recently introduced cross-country oriented YZ250X.

The bLUcRU hasn’t forgotten about the little guys either. The all-new YZ65 was announced just a couple months ago, and the YZ85 has received extensive upgrades for 2019, too. But this season, it’s the YZ250F that’s received the most love. Last year, the 2018 YZ450F got a major overhaul, and it was only a matter of time before those upgrades trickled down to its 250cc little brother.

For 2019, the YZ250F gets an all-new engine, with updated cam profiles, piston, cylinder geometry, throttle body, a larger diameter clutch and electric start. The chassis is redesigned too, with modifications to the frame and bodywork to improve handling and make the overall feel of the bike slimmer and more nimble to move around on. Additionally, the entire model range received upgrades and updates to its KYB suspension components, with larger fork cartridges and damping rods. And possibly 2019’s crowning jewel, most four-stroke models now feature a wireless smartphone based engine tuner – scroll down to find out more.

What’s missing, unfortunately, is a street-legal YZ450F-inspired dual-sport. After Honda’s recent announcement of its CRF450L, we’re hoping a blue version comes along soon..

Yamaha Motor Co.:

Smartphone Power Tuner App Technology Highlights Model Features

Cypress, CA – June 6, 2018 – Yamaha Motor Corporation, USA, today introduced the entirely redesigned 2019 YZ250F, complete with electric start and the world’s first smartphone engine tuning app featured for a production 250cc motocross bike. An all-new engine, new frame, new bodywork and more are also major focal points of the extensive model redesign.

The 2019 YZ450F returns to the lineup with several updates, including updated suspension settings, changes to the electric start system and more.

The 2019 YZ250F utilizes an all-new engine design that features electric starting, a new cylinder head, piston, cam shaft profile, cylinder geometry, larger diameter clutch and more. Working together, these changes produce more mid-range and top-end power and deliver class-leading engine performance.

The bilateral beam frame is all-new with an optimized engine mounting position to improve the machine’s rigidity balance, resulting in improved cornering ability and traction. Redesigned bodywork and ergonomics provide a lighter and more compact feel with easier rider movement, while the class leading KYB suspension with updated internal components provides the optimal balance between comfort and race-winning performance.

World’s First Production Power Tuner App

Yamaha is breaking new ground in the industry again, with the 2019 YZ250F becoming the world’s first production 250cc motocross bike with a wireless smartphone based engine tuner. Yamaha introduced the Power Tuner app, which brings the power of the GYTR Power Tuner to your iOS® or Android® device. Using Wi-Fi to connect to the bike’s onboard CAN-bus network via a Communication Control Unit (CCU), the app allows owners to adjust air/fuel mixture and ignition timing maps to tune engine performance for track conditions, record race log information, and monitor a range of data such as maintenance and system diagnosis, engine run time, and more.

The Yamaha Power Tuner App, first released with the 2018 YZ450F, makes it possible to modify engine mapping in greater detail than previously possible. It also allows users to share settings among their team or with friends (along with other information), thus evolving the system into a tool that facilitates group communication.

Dual-Mode Switchable Engine Mapping

Two-mode adjustable engine mapping allows the rider to adjust engine character with the push of a button, making it easy to tune the YZ250F for changing track or weather conditions.

All-New Electric Start

Utilizing a compact starter motor and ultra-lightweight lithium-ion battery, the 2019 YZ250F brings the convenience of push-button starting to the racetrack for quick and effortless restarts under pressure, and relaxed riding when the clock isn’t ticking. Powered by a high-capacity and ultra-lightweight lithium-ion battery, the system adds minimal weight.

New Engine

For 2019, Yamaha has refined its distinct rearward-slanted cylinder design for the YZ250F engine. The liquid-cooled, DOHC 4-valve, fuel-injected engine features a forward-positioned straight downdraft intake with symmetrical intake and exhaust ports. Fuel is delivered by a lighter 44mm throttle body, through a new 12-hole Denso® injector. A new, higher-compression flat-top forged piston features a bridge-box design for additional strength with minimal weight. The piston, rings and DLC-coated piston pin, along with the offset cylinder configuration, all reduce friction loss and contribute to quick response.

The engine’s intake ports, cam profiles, high-strength connecting rod and optimized crank and counterbalancer all work together to produce more potent mid-to-high-rpm power with user-friendly delivery and exceptional reliability. The new cylinder is also lighter and angled more upright to improve mass-centralization.

The 2019 YZ250F’s transmission and clutch were also overhauled for a more direct connection as well as enhanced durability. The gears and shift drum have been revised for lighter weight, and the dogs and shift mechanisms are designed to smooth gear changes and improve durability under the heavy demands of motocross racing. A larger-diameter clutch is also a new feature, designed to improve feel and boost reliability even further under high-heat conditions.

The radiators and exhaust system have also been modified for improved performance and weight distribution. The updated radiators are larger and angled more directly into the incoming air stream for improved cooling under the most demanding race conditions. The innovative wraparound exhaust pipe design improves mass concentration and improves power development, with revised geometry for 2019. The new layout moves the rear end of the exhaust pipe farther forward and enables a muffler position closer to the bike’s center of mass.

New Frame and Optimized Ergonomics

The compact bilateral beam frame is completely new for 2019, and it further refines the instinctive feel that makes this Yamaha the best handling machine in the class. Designed to improve contact to the ground and provide the best possible balance of stiffness for bump absorption and effortless cornering, the all-new frame features a redesigned swingarm pivot area along with redesigned upper frame bracing and rear frame spars. All-new engine mounts that centralize mass and increase rigidity on lateral, horizontal and vertical axis help to provide an ideal balance between cornering feel and straight-line rigidity.

New Compact Body and Seat Design

Surrounding the fully-redesigned chassis, the 2019 YZ250F features a new lighter, compact body from tip to tail. The radiator shrouds incorporate a new air duct with a concave shape that not only improves styling, but is also narrower for better knee grip and overall rider movement. The seat height has been reduced by 8mm towards the front and almost 20mm lower at the tail end, giving the rider better maneuverability on the bike.

Easily Tuned KYB® Coil Spring Suspension

The industry-leading, fully adjustable KYB® coil spring-type forks with speed sensitive damping receive updated settings, larger pistons and newly designed fork lugs/axle brackets to provide exceptional balance between handling and bump absorption for race-winning performance. The KYB® shock boasts new damping characteristics to match the new chassis as well as a new, lighter-weight spring. The reservoir has been increased 30cc to increase damping control during long motos.

Lighter Wheels

Careful computer-aided refinement of the EXCEL rim’s cross-sectional profile shaves valuable un-sprung weight without sacrificing durability, while wheel collars with increased rigidity provide an improved feeling of contact to the ground when braking and a clear feeling of traction.

Price, Color and Availability

The potent YZ450F went through a complete redesign in 2018 and enjoyed immediate success on-and-off the race track. It returns for 2019 with its powerful yet easy to use engine, simple electric starting, rearward-slanted cylinder design with rear exhaust and forward mounted downdraft intake system as well as Yamaha’s exclusive Power Tuner iOS® and Android® App and communication control unit.

Other returning features of the 2019 YZ450F include the compact bilateral beam frame, compact body, adjustable ergonomics and industry leading KYB® Coil Spring Suspension.

For 2019, a new, stiffer front brake line with new routing improves braking feel, while wave-style brake discs offer improved self-cleaning and cooler-running performance. The 220mm front disc and 190mm rear disc deliver strong, precise stopping power.

Easily Tuned KYB® Coil Spring Suspension

The new YZ85 features KYB®’s race-proven, fully adjustable 36mm coil spring fork with one-piece outer tubes and tapered shape to provide optimal rigidity balance. This provides exceptional handling, bump absorption and ease of set-up for race-winning performance. The KYB® fully adjustable link-type shock utilizes specially designed damping characteristics to match the new chassis.

Price, Color and Availability

The legendary YZ125 and YZ250 models return for 2019 to complete Yamaha’s lineup of 2-stroke motocross bikes. Lightweight aluminum frames and patented YPVS™-equipped (Yamaha Power Valve System), reed-valve inducted engines provide an incredible power-to-weight ratio while maintaining Yamaha’s excellent reliability and durability. Both the YZ125 and YZ250 each receive the same industry leading KYB spring-type fork and KYB rear shock for unmatched handling on the track.

The 2019 YZ125 and YZ250 will be available in Team Yamaha Blue and begin arriving at Yamaha dealerships in June with MSRP’s of $6,499 and $7,399 respectively.

The 2019 YZ450FX utilizes an all-new engine design that features a new cylinder head, piston, cam shaft profiles, cylinder geometry and more – all working together to deliver class leading power and even more controllability for Cross Country racing. Its bilateral beam frame is all-new with an optimized engine mounting position to improve the machine’s rigidity balance, resulting in improved cornering ability and traction.

World’s First Production Power Tuner App

The 2019 YZ450FX is the world’s first production Cross Country bike with a wireless smartphone based engine tuner. The new Yamaha Power Tuner iOS® and Android® App and communication control unit connects the rider with the bike like never before. The Yamaha Power Tuner App can make fuel and ignition mapping changes – uploaded wirelessly to the bike via the onboard Wi-Fi system – for the ultimate in track-side tuning. A “Log” function allows you to make notes about your riding location, conditions, bike settings and more, giving you a baseline for future rides. The app can also monitor a range of information such as RPM, throttle position, engine coolant temperature and more. There is also a maintenance function with customizable trip meters to monitor run times for a selection of components.

The Yamaha Power Tuner App, which was first released with the 2018 YZ450F, makes it possible to modify engine mapping in greater detail than previously possible. It also allows users to share settings among their team or with friends (along with other information) thus evolving the system into a tool that facilitates group communication.

Updated Electric Start

Utilizing a more compact starter motor with revised positioning and an ultra-lightweight lithium-ion battery, the 2019 YZ450FX brings the weight of the electric start system closer to the bike’s center of mass for a lighter feel and quicker handling. Powered by a high-capacity and ultra-lightweight lithium-ion battery, the system is lighter than ever.

Dual-Mode Switchable Engine Mapping

Two-mode adjustable engine mapping allows the rider to adjust engine character with the push of a button, making it easy to tune the YZ450FX for changing terrain or weather conditions.

New Engine

For 2019, Yamaha has refined its distinct rearward-slanted cylinder design for the YZ450FX engine – complete with a rear exhaust and forward-mounted downdraft intake system. The all-new cylinder head features a more upright slant to work with the bike’s updated frame for optimized front weight distribution. Inside, the engine features new cam shaft profiles, a new crankshaft, a high-compression “box bridge” piston design with a DLC-coated (Diamond-like Carbon) piston pin, and breathes through a 44mm Mikuni® throttle body. Together, these updates give the rider an ideal balance of 450cc class power with exceptional control and response.

The wide-ratio transmission and clutch have been overhauled for a more direct connection as well as enhanced durability with a lighter clutch pull. Revised gears, along with an optimized clutch that features a redesigned outer pressure plate, combine to boost controllability and durability.

The YZ450FX radiators and exhaust have also been modified for improved performance and weight distribution. The updated radiators feature a larger core size and are angled more directly into the incoming air stream for improved cooling under the most demanding cross-country race conditions. The innovative wraparound exhaust pipe design improves mass concentration and power development, with revised geometry for 2019. The new layout moves the rear end of the exhaust pipe farther forward and enables a muffler position closer to the bike’s center of mass.

New Frame and Optimized Ergonomics

The all-new compact bilateral beam frame of the YZ450FX further refines its instinctive handling.

Redesigned upper frame bracing, rear frame spars and all new engine mounts centralize mass and increase rigidity on lateral, horizontal and vertical axis to provide an ideal balance between cornering feel and straight-line rigidity. Simply said, the new frame was designed to improve contact to the ground and provide the best possible balance of stiffness for bump, rock and root absorption, as well as effortless cornering.

Surrounding this fully redesigned chassis, the 2019 YZ450FX features a new lighter, compact body from tip to tail including a larger, mass-centralized fuel tank. The radiator shrouds incorporate a new air duct with a concave shape that not only improves styling, but is also narrower for better knee grip and overall rider movement. To further aid rider movement and comfort, the seat height has been reduced and the aluminum tapered handlebars are four-way adjustable.

Industry Leading KYB® Coil Spring Suspension with new Settings

The industry-leading, fully adjustable KYB®, SSS coil spring-type forks with speed sensitive damping receive updated valving, larger pistons and newly designed fork lugs/axle brackets to provide an improved feeling of traction and an exceptional balance between handling and bump absorption for race-winning performance. The KYB® shock also features reworked valving specs and damping characteristics to improve traction feel in and out of corners. Both ends are optimized for Grand National Cross Country (GNCC) and Hare Scrambles racing.

Cross Country Specific Features

The YZ250FX returns for 2019 with its powerful yet easy-to-use engine, simple electric starting, rearward-slanted cylinder design with rear exhaust and forward mounted downdraft intake system for strong, easy to access power that is optimized for cross-country racing. Its bilateral beam aluminum frame provides a nimble lightweight feeling in tight technical terrain, while still providing confidence-inspiring stability in fast sections and Yamaha’s industry leading KYB® coil spring suspension provides comfort and performance in any off-road condition.