2014 Yamaha YZ250F Motorcycle PreviewFor 2014, Yamaha has completely revamped its YZ250F, taking cues directly from the successful YZ450F motocross machine.
Yamaha began with an entirely new engine. Gone is the 2013’s design, which was replaced by a liquid-cooled, DOHC 4-valve, fuel-injected engine with the same forward-positioned, straight intake, rear-inclined cylinder, and rear-positioned exhaust layout of its older sibling, the YZ450F.Yamaha says the 2014 YZ250F’s engine produces more power than the 2013 YZ250F, especially in the mid- to high-rpm range.And also like its older sibling, the 2014 YZ250F receives the new aluminum Bilateral Beam frame, which offers additional rigidity and balance, and, along with the new KYB suspension components, lightweight handling.Yamaha says “even fans of the previous YZ25F will be sure to notice the solid handling characteristics, including the light feel in tight corners and during direction changes.”Also optimizing the handling is the mass centralization through the new layout of the air box, fuel tank, seat and wrap-around exhaust. And this exhaust features an innovative design for higher performance.Speaking of the exhaust, Yamaha says “the exhaust pipe has an innovative layout, circling the cylinder, giving the exhaust pipe proper length for an excellent exhaust pulse effect. At the same time, the exhaust pipe has three different diameters throughout the exhaust tract, bringing out excellent power characteristics. This new layout allows the silencer to be positioned 190mm further forward, behind the side panel, making it closer to the middle of the bike for centralized mass for superior handling.”Yamaha has yet to release an MSRP or release date, but expect to pay around $7,300.Following are the highlights, specs and color options for the 2014 Yamaha YZ250F.2014 Yamaha YZ250F Highlights:Engine:
A new liquid-cooled, DOHC 4-valve, fuel-injected engine with the same forward-positioned straight intake, rear-inclined cylinder and rear-positioned exhaust layout as the YZ450F. The new engine, with its straight and symmetrical intake and exhaust ports and compact, high-compression combustion chamber, delivers outstanding engine character with more power output and deeper power in the high-speed range.
The new adjustable fuel-injection system uses a 44mm throttle body fed by a high-pressure battery-less electric pump to ensure optimal fuel atomization and air/fuel calibration for excellent readability in a wide range of riding conditions. The system provides 3-dimensionally mapped control of the volume of fuel injected and the ignition timing based on engine rpm and throttle opening. This ensures hesitation-free response and controllability and contributes to the high level of high-rpm power.
Various detailed design measures are adopted to reduce horsepower loss. The forged 2-ring piston is light weight and is cooled by an oil spray jet. In addition, the compression ring is a single-ring design instead of the conventional two ring. This new piston and rings, along with the offset cylinder configuration reduce friction loss and contribute to quicker response. What’s more, the new specs for the intake/exhaust parts, new cam profiles, new ECU, new carbruized crank, transmission, strengthened clutch design, and other features, all work together to create the YZ250F’s outstanding engine character with more power output and deeper power in the high-rpm range.
As with the YZ450F, an innovative exhaust pipe design is adopted to increase mass centralization and improve power development characteristics. This layout moves the rear end of the exhaust pipe farther forward and enables a muffler position that is closer to the machine’s center of gravity. Adjustments are made in the pipe diameter in its various sections resulting in excellent exhaust pulse effect that contributes to stronger high rpm power output.
The compact wet sump lubrication system with piston cooler spray jet maintains excellent engine durability and eliminates the need for an oil tank, which lowers engine weight. This creates a more compact engine that contributes to mass centralization and unmatched handling.
Newly designed transmission and shift mechanisms reduce drive-force loss during gear changes and produce smoother shift operations and surer shift action.
Chassis/Suspension:
A newly designed aluminum Bilateral Beam frame is adopted. The overall dimensions are roughly the same as the frame of the 2013 model YZ250F. This gives the new YZ250F a compact chassis that provides a lightweight feeling while leaned over and in the air while also providing solid handling and bump stability.
The aluminum muffler is positioned closer to the machine’s center of gravity as it is almost completely hidden by the side number plate. The layout allows a shorter, lighter rear sub frame and also contribute to centralized mass for a lightweight handling feeling.
The front suspension has proven KYB air-oil separated forks. It adopts new spec inner and outer tubes coupled with optimized suspension settings. The new rear suspension also features a new reservoir location and spring spec with settings optimized for ideal damping characteristics to match the new chassis dimensions.
The new larger diameter 22mm front axle and new top triple clamp increases rigidity for improved handling and front end feel. The handlebar mounts are now rubber mounted to improve comfort and reduce handlebar vibration.
The air filter is now positioned away from the rear wheel, which means less maintenance for the rider.
Additional Features:
“In-mold graphics” technology is a method in which the graphics are molded into the radiator shrouds for improved decal durability and reduced scratches.
Accessory GYTR Power Tuner lets owners adjust air/fuel mixture and ignition timing maps to match engine performance characteristics to the rider and track conditions in a matter of seconds with the push of a few buttons.
Our first segment introduces you to the new Arch 1s. This latest, slightly more sporting American V-twin, adds to the original KRGT1 coming from the boutique manufacturer based in Hawthorne, Southern California. Senior Editor Nic de Sena rode through Malibu with Gard Hollinger, who co-founded Arch Motorcycle with his friend, Keanu Reeves. The 1s is a unique ride for sure, and Nic explains what makes the bike really stand out.
For the entertaining story behind Arch Motorcycle from Gard Hollinger himself, you must listen to his podcast episode on Motos & Friends HERE
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The guest segment of Motos and Friends is brought to you by the faster and most technologically advanced, 2023 Suzuki Hayabusa—visit your local dealer or suzukicycles.com to learn more.
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In our second segment, Associate Editor Teejay Adams chats with multiple Emmy award-winning writer, Producer, Director, and actor, Thom Beers. the former Chairman & CEO of Fremantle Media North America, responsible for American Idol and America’s Got Talent.
Thom’s fertile imagination led to most of the really big reality TV shows such as ‘Deadliest Catch’ (now in its 17th season!), and many others. Of course for us in the motorcycle world, you’ll be interested to hear the genesis and story of how he started the first real fabrication reality show ‘Monster Garage’, that showcased Jesse James, and then how that led to ‘Biker Build Off’ and the ‘Zombie Choppers’ movie.
You’d imagine that most of Thom’s time is spent sitting behind a desk and on his phone. Not so. His intense stories of capturing much of the content for these shows make for some hair-raising listening.
