The big news from Yamaha for 2021 is the revamped YZ250F which gets the changes the 450 had for 2020. There are big changes to the engine, frame, brakes and suspension. No UK prices have been announced yet.
The official info says: Equipped with a completely refined engine, revised frame, new suspension settings, new brakes and designed in new Icon Blue bodywork – making the 2021 YZ250F more powerful, agile and sharper than ever.
But if that’s not enough there’s also an exclusive new special edition. Featuring factory team-inspired graphics combined with the legendary YZ performance, the YZ250F and YZ450F Monster Energy Yamaha Racing Edition are the ultimate production Yamaha.
The new 2021 Yamaha YZ250F has been redesigned for a more competitive, greater performing motocross experience. The new 250cc, liquid-cooled, four-stroke, electric start engine features an all-new cylinder head with an improved intake port shape and new camshaft profile, as well a new airbox and intake track, a new silencer, and an updated ECU. These modifications, along with other refinements like an updated transmission and shift cam, a revised clutch design and improved water pump impeller, all help to produce stronger mid- to top-end power and increased peak power, while retaining its class-leading low-end torque.
Tuned specifically for the 2021 YZ250F, the updated lightweight aluminum, bilateral beam frame, and new engine mounts have been redesigned with all-new flex characteristics to improve bump absorption, traction, and cornering performance. The industry-leading, fully adjustable KYB® coil spring-type fork, with enhanced speed-sensitive damping, provides an exceptional balance between comfort and bottoming resistance while the link-type rear suspension features a KYB shock with revised damping characteristics to match the updated chassis. Other chassis components such as the top triple clamp, handlebar mounts, and front axle were also redesigned to complement the new frame. Improved braking performance is achieved with newly engineered lighter weight front and rear brake calipers, larger surface area brake pads, and redesigned front (270mm) and rear (240mm) discs.
The 2021 YZ250F gives racers the edge right out of the gate. Standard equipment includes electric start, a lightweight lithium battery, advanced fuel injection, a front-positioned intake, and rear-positioned exhaust layout to deliver the widest spread of power with reliable performance while balancing the weight for excellent mass-centralization. Racers can adjust their engine performance straight from their phone using the onboard wireless connectivity through the industry’s only free-of-charge complete tuning system, which is highlighted by the Yamaha Power Tuner App. Once settings are dialed in, racers can then choose between two user-defined ECU maps on the fly via the handlebar mounted dual-mode engine map switch. Complemented by new next-generation Team Yamaha Blue color and graphics, the 2021 YZ250F showcases Yamaha’s race-winning pedigree.
New features of the YZ250F for 2021
Redesigned powerful motor with stronger power at high speeds
Smoother throttle response with a longer runaway feel
Optimized exhaust camshaft design with new profile and less overlap
Ideal fuel injection settings provide improved power character
Completely redesigned intake system increases performance at high revs
Larger capacity exhaust silencer for seamless acceleration at high revs
Stronger clutch housing for better engine performance
Redesigned gears with optimized performance and power
Double cradle frame with new specifications and an ideal balance between strength and stiffness
Revised front and rear suspension settings offer improved steerability
Lighter and more powerful front (Ø 270 mm) and rear brakes (Ø 240 mm)
Lighter triple clamp and revised handlebar position
Lighter footrests made of chrome molybdenum steel
Lighter front axle
Icon Blue bodywork and matching blue front and side plates
New Monster Energy Editions for the YZ250F and YZ450F
For 2020, the strong relationship between Yamaha and Monster Energy will be further strengthened by the new Monster Energy Yamaha Factory MX2 Team with the drivers Jago Geerts and Ben Watson. Alongside the Monster Energy Yamaha Factory MXGP Team from Gautier Paulin, Jeremy Seewer and Arnaud Tonus, this talented line-up is ready to battle hard for podium finishes during the 2020 racing season.
To celebrate this full factory attack by the teams on both the MXGP and MX2 titles, Yamaha has announced the launch of the YZ250F Monster Energy Edition and the YZ450F Monster Energy Edition models. The YZ250F and YZ450F Monster Energy Edition models feature black and blue bodywork with exclusive Monster Energy graphics and offer motocross riders the opportunity to own a boldly crafted 2021 production bike * with the genuine factory styling of Yamaha’s Grand Prix team bikes.
* Both Monster Energy Edition models have the same technical specifications as the standard models.
2021 YZ450F: Tune into Victory
The 2021 YZ450F returns with all of the class-leading features first introduced on the 2020 YZ450F, including an updated engine, cylinder head, frame and technology features for a more powerful and better handling motocross experience. Racers can achieve quicker, smoother race starts through Yamaha’s Launch Control System, adjust their on-track performance using the onboard wireless connectivity through the free-of-charge Yamaha Power Tuner App right from their phone, and choose between two user-defined ECU maps on the fly through the handlebar-mounted dual-mode engine map switch.
2021 YZ125 and YZ250
Yamaha’s YZ125 and YZ250 models return for 2021 to complete Yamaha’s full-size lineup of motocross bikes. With their modern styling, lightweight aluminum frame and industry-leading KYB Speed Sensitive System front forks and KYB fully-adjustable rear shock, the 2021 YZ125 and YZ250 continue their outstanding performance and durability with a rider-friendly chassis and race-ready features.
The 2021 YZ125 will begin arriving at Yamaha dealerships in August, while the YZ250 will be available from dealers this month. Both models will be available in next-generation Team Yamaha Blue for $6,599 and $7,499 MSRP, respectively.
2021 YZ65 and YZ85
The 2021 youth models are once again ready to tackle the track. The YZ65 and YZ85 are powered by confidence-inspiring 65cc and 85cc two-stroke engines. Featuring the Yamaha Power Valve System, these engines deliver a broad spread of power and torque across the entire rev range, without losing any power at high RPM. Fully adjustable, industry-leading 36mm KYB spring type forks and KYB rear shock contribute to class-leading handling and performance in a wide range of conditions.
Four-way, adjustable handlebar positioning, as well as lever-reach adjustability are designed for ultimate rider comfort, regardless of size. Finally, with two-stroke ease of maintenance and Yamaha’s proven durability, the 2021 YZ65 and YZ85 are built to keep kids on the track.
The 2021 YZ65 and YZ85 will both be available from dealers this month in next-generation Team Yamaha Blue.
Availability of models for 2021
YZ250F from October 2020
YZ250F Monster Energy Edition from October 2020
YZ450F from June 2020
YZ450F Monster Energy Edition from September 2020