Issue link: http://trailridermagazine.uberflip.com/i/531879
26 Trail Rider www.TrailRider.com I t would appear that Yamaha is becoming more serious about grabbing a larger share of the U.S. off road mar- ket. Last year the Japanese manufacturer released their new off road specific YZF250X, which was based largely off their YZ250F motocross model - and hugely successful. This year they are back at again with a two stroke off road variant of the YZ250; the new YZ250X two stroke. A quick review of Yamaha's markeng material reveals "GNCC specific features" that suggest the new two stoke is aimed at GNCC-like closed course compeon rather than the more technical enduros. The new YZ250X boasts praccal changes to the motocross model that include an 18-inch rear wheel, Kayaba suspension with off road spe- cific sengs, a five speed, wide rao transmission, a nar- rower expansion chamber, an O-ring chain, a kickstand, a fuel tank petcock with a reserve opon (the tank is the same size as the YZ's), and Dunlop AT81 res. Yamaha has altered the engine by dropping the compres- sion rao and altered the CDI unit (ignion curve) and power valve for a smoother delivery of power. In the transmission, first through third gear are close rao while fourth and fih are taller, allowing for a longer legs up top. What's missing? If well received, and there's no reason to believe it won't be, Yamaha leaves the door open for addional off-road modificaons like a larger fuel tank, six speed transmis- sion and a heavier flywheel. We are curious to see how the 5 speed transmission works and what the spacing is like between 3rd and 4th gear. It would also be nice to see a lighng kit made available at some point. The YZ250X will retail for $7,390 and be available in August. We'll have one. 2016 Yamaha YZ 250X