All-New YZ450FX Headlines 2021 Yamaha Cross Country Lineup

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by Press Release

Yamaha announced its 2021 YZ cross country models, including an updated YZ450FX model. The new 450 is joined by the YZ250FX four-stroke and the YZ125X and YZ250X two-strokes which return with a new Team Yamaha Blue color and graphics scheme.

2021 Yamaha YZ450FX

The new YZ450FX is designed for Hare Scramble and Grand National Cross Country (GNCC) racing. The 449cc liquid-cooled four-stroke engine receives a new cylinder head with steeper valve angles and a reshaped combustion chamber. The rear-slanting cylinder also receives a higher compression piston with low-friction rings and a longer connecting rod. Yamaha also further refined the wide-ratio five-speed transmission, claiming smoother shifting, and a more fficient crankcase breather system designed to reduce pumping losses. Yamaha claims the updated engine is lighter and more compact than last year’s engine, while producing more power across the rev range.

The aluminum bilateral beam frame was also redesigned, with Yamaha claiming improved cornering performance, traction and bump reaction. The engine mounts, top triple clamp and front axle were also revised to work with the new frame, and the KYB suspension was likewise retuned. The YZ450FX’s front brake caliper, brake pads and front and rear brake rotors are also new for 2021.

The 2021 Yamaha YZ450FX is available for $9,699 in Team Yamaha Blue.

Begin Press Release:

Yamaha Announces 2021 YZ Cross Country Motorcycles

Yamaha’s Redesigned YZ450FX Features Engine, Frame and Suspension Updates

MARIETTA, Ga. – July 9, 2020 – Yamaha Motor Corporation, USA, is announcing its 2021 YZ cross country models including a redesigned 2021 YZ450FX. Designed to beat the competition in Hare Scrambles and Grand National Cross Country (GNCC®) races, the newest YZ450FX features a refined, more efficient engine, a redesigned frame with all-new flex characteristics, updated suspension settings, and more.

“Yamaha’s cross country lineup builds on the unmatched success of our motocross designs, using industry-leading technology to provide uncompromised performance for cross country competition,” said Derek Brooks, Yamaha Motorsports Motorcycle Product Line Manager. “The newly redesigned YZ450FX provides a lighter, more powerful, and better handling off-road experience for both cross country racers and recreational riders alike.”

The return of the two-stroke YZ125X and YZ250X models and four-stroke YZ250FX completes the 2021 YZ cross country lineup. All models will feature a next-generation Team Yamaha Blue color and graphic scheme to further accentuate the advances of the YZ series.

Welcome to the victorYZone
Yamaha’s off-road competition bikes offer the very latest in technology with performance features designed to help racing enthusiasts reach their maximum potential, win races, and stand on top of the podium.

New 2021 YZ450FX: Cross Country Domination
The 2021 YZ450FX is designed to beat the cross country competition. The new 449cc, liquid-cooled, four-stroke, electric start engine features an all-new compact cylinder head with redesigned combustion chamber shape, and steeper valve angles. The rearward-slanted cylinder houses a higher compression piston with low friction rings attached to a longer connecting rod. The wide ratio, 5-speed transmission has been refined to provide smoother shifting, and a more efficient crankcase breather system has been adopted to decrease pumping losses. In all, the lighter, more compact engine produces increased power across the entire RPM range for stronger and more linear pulling power.

The latest evolution of Yamaha’s lightweight aluminum bilateral beam frame has been redesigned with all-new flex characteristics that provide improved cornering performance, traction and bump reaction to give the rider more confidence to push harder in any off-road condition. Other chassis components such as engine mounts, top triple clamp and front axle, as well as the class-leading KYB® suspension with enhanced compression and rebound characteristics were carefully refined to reduce weight while improving handling and performance. To bring the new package to a stop, the 2021 YZ450FX features a newly designed front brake caliper, brake pads and front and rear disc. The combined changes to the new 2021 YZ450FX deliver increased power output with more controllable, linear acceleration and lightweight handling characteristics that mimic the YZ250FX.

To further showcase the YZ450FX’s cross country edge, electric start, a lightweight lithium battery, and advanced fuel injection are all standard features. The front-positioned intake and rear-positioned exhaust layout deliver the widest spread of reliable power while balancing the weight for excellent mass centralization. This cross country machine also continues to feature Yamaha’s advanced racing technology. The dual-mode switchable engine mapping and wireless connectivity is handled through the industry’s only free-of-charge complete tuning system, highlighted by the Yamaha Power Tuner App, which allows racers to adjust their engine performance right from their phone. With new next-generation Team Yamaha Blue colors and graphics, the 2021 YZ450FX showcases Yamaha’s cross country competitive edge.

The 2021 YZ450FX will be available from Yamaha dealers in September in next-generation Team Yamaha Blue for $9,699 MSRP.

2021 YZ250FX: Your Power, Your Way
Yamaha’s winning design returns with the 2021 YZ250FX. With its revolutionary front-intake, rear-exhaust, liquid-cooled, DOHC 4-stroke power plant, added sixth gear, and wide ratio transmission, this is the weapon of choice for cross country racing. The aluminum bilateral beam frame, and industry leading KYB suspension of the 2021 YZ250FX provide the ultimate balance of race-winning performance, rideability and comfort.

With electric start, a 2.16-gallon fuel tank, rugged plastic skid plate, sealed O-ring chain and 18-inch rear wheel, the YZ250FX is ready to win right out of the box. The bike also feature’s Yamaha’s free-of-charge complete tuning system, highlighted by the Yamaha Power Tuner App. With the ability to make fueling and ignition timing changes and choose between two user-defined ECU maps through the handlebar-mounted dual-mode switch, the YZ250FX is equipped for on-track, wireless performance adjustments.

The 2021 YZ250FX will be available from dealers in October in next-generation Team Yamaha Blue for $8,499 MSRP.

2021 YZ125X and YZ250X
The two-stroke YZ125X and YZ250X are back for 2021. Optimized for the unique demands of cross country racing, the YZ125X and YZ250X feature the Yamaha Power Valve System with six-speed and wide ratio five-speed transmissions, respectively, for the ultimate cross country power plant. Their lightweight aluminum frame hosts the industry-leading fully adjustable, KYB speed sensitive spring-type suspension that is tuned specifically for cross country races. The 18-inch rear wheel, sealed O-ring chain, and off-road focused tires, coupled with the aggressive styling, ready the YZ125X and YZ250X for GNCC racing.

The 2021 YZ125X ($6,699 MSRP) and YZ250X ($7,599 MSRP) will be available from dealers this month in next-generation Team Yamaha Blue.

Yamaha bLU cRU Off-Road Racing Contingency Program
All 2021 YZ models are eligible for Yamaha’s current 2020 bLU cRU Off-Road Racing Contingency Program, which features nearly $5 million for Yamaha bLU cRU riders competing in off-road motorcycle racing. YZ riders can earn contingency payouts via a bLU cRU debit card, receive a 10 percent rebate on GYTR parts and accessory purchases of up to $1,000, and receive an instant $45 credit on http://www.bLUcRUswag.com. The 2021 bLU cRU Off-Road Racing Contingency Program details will be announced soon.

For complete details on how to register for the bLU cRU Off-Road Racing Contingency Program, along with specific information on which racing series, events, and classes are included, visit the Off-Road Racing Contingency page on the Yamaha Motor Corporation, USA, website at:
https://www.yamahamotorsports.com/motocross/pages/yamaha-off-road-contingency-program.

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