Model Update: 2022 Yamaha YZ Range announced, New YZ125 stroker!

By Bike Review • 3 years ago

Jul
2021

The 2022 Yamaha YZ range has been announced with a number of changes made to all of their popular models, including the long-awaited update of theYZ125 two-stroke!

Yamaha Motor Australia say they are pleased to announce the expansion of their two-stroke motocross lineup for 2022! The 2022 two-stroke YZs are highlighted by a new version of the YZ125. This is the first full update for the revered model in more than 15 years!

Features include a powerful new 125cc two-stroke engine, improved suspension, updated brakes, enhanced ergonomics, and new modern YZ styling. Yamaha’s flagship YZ250 two-stroke receives a number of enhancements and both models will also be available in Monster Energy Yamaha Racing Edition colours.

Other notable changes to Yamaha’s lineup of race-ready two strokes include an improved YZ85/LW model. Yamaha’s four-stroke MX models YZ250F and YZ450F receive lightened rear wheel and drivetrain assemblies to further improve their handling.

Yamaha have announced the long-awaited update of their YZ 125 with a host of upgrades made.

The MY22 YZ65 entry-level racer remains unchanged from MY21 except for updated Team Yamaha Blue embedded graphics with Ride Away Price of $6,699 available from July 2021.

Yamaha YZ125
The new 2022 YZ125 represents an important evolution in Yamaha’s two-stroke lineage. As the first full model change to the iconic model in more than 15 years, Yamaha say their engineers put considerable thought into developing a motorcycle that would be both dominant on the racetrack and user-friendly for developing riders looking to bridge the gap between recreation riding and competitive motocross. The result is a significantly improved YZ125.

“The new 2022 YZ125 represents an important evolution in Yamaha’s two-stroke lineage. As the first full model change to the iconic model in more than 15 years.”

The liquid-cooled 125cc two-stroke engine has been thoroughly reworked to produce more power. Every functional part of the 2022 YZ125 engine is new, including the cylinder body, cylinder head, piston, piston pin, connecting rod, crankcase and expansion chamber.

It all adds up to increased power across the mid to high-rpm range. Enhancing fuelling and power delivery, a new high-precision Hitachi Astemo Keihin PWK38S carburettor with throttle position sensor and 3D-map-controlled CDI unit claim to provide clean, crisp throttle response and superior rideability. A new intake design with VForce4 carbon reed valve leads to a more efficient draw of air into the engine for an improved feeling of power in the low rpm range.

Yamaha have reworked the engine of the YZ 125 for 2022. With power-upgrades being at the top of their list.

To match increased engine performance, an updated lightweight braking system features larger front pistons, a more rigid caliper, a redesigned 270mm front rotor with a 30 per cent increase in pad contact area and higher friction pad material.

A redesigned rear rotor maintains the same braking power while dropping outer diameter from 245mm to 240mm, reducing unsprung weight without compromising performance. Front and rear suspension damping has been revised to further improve bump absorption and cornering performance. KYB suspension includes an inverted front fork, now with new fork internals for more precise damping.

A new flatter seat and more narrow fuel tank design, along with smoothly integrated body panels and slimmer radiator shroud width all combine to enable greater freedom of movement forward and back, Yamaha say will allow the rider to easily shift body weight for increased control and confidence.

YZ125 will be available in Team Yamaha Blue or Monster Energy Yamaha Racing Edition with premium embedded graphics. Availability for both models are due in Q4 2021 with Ride Away Pricing – $10,799 for Team Yamaha Blue and $10,899 for Monster Energy Yamaha Racing Edition.

Yamaha YZ85
Along with its proven liquid-cooled YPVS-equipped 85cc powerplant, fully adjustable suspension and large brakes, the new 2022 YZ85 boasts numerous enhancements to expand its overall performance.

Yamaha have also made a number of changes to their junior range, with the YZ85 getting a major rework.

Rider ergonomics have been improved by way of a new, narrower tank design, flatter seat, new side covers and slimmer, symmetrical radiator shrouds. This enables greater freedom of movement for smooth shifting of body weight and better machine control.

Along with the new bodywork, a sharp, new premium graphics scheme inspired by its YZ125 sibling highlights its distinctive race-bred YZ DNA. The redesigned seat and rear bodywork also enable an updated rear-positioned straight-through intake for an improved feeling of power in the low rpm range.

The new YZ85 has been enhanced in several key chassis areas to optimise strength and rigidity, including revisions to the main frame, swingarm and rear wheel axle. The aluminium swingarm was redesigned to enhance balance between longitudinal and torsional rigidity for improved handling stability. A new removable rear subframe constructed from lightweight, high-strength aluminium reduces weight. The rear brake master cylinder now has a built-in sub-reservoir providing more linear brake response and increased control.

For 2022, the YZ85LW (Large Wheel) model receives a larger 19-inch front wheel and 16-inch rear wheel wrapped in high performance Dunlop MX3S tyres.

The large wheel model has received a 19-inch front wheel and 16-inch rear wheel wrapped in high performance Dunlop MX3S tyres.

A longer swingarm accommodates the larger rear wheel and increases handling stability. The YZ85LW is designed to be the ideal transition between the standard YZ85 and the full size YZ125, perfect for those advanced 85cc riders looking for a big bike feel. Availability for both models are due early 2022 with Ride Away Pricing – $7,899 for YZ85 and $8,299 for YZ85LW.

Yamaha YZ250
The 2022 YZ250 also hosts a number of changes. Beginning with improved rider ergonomics, a more narrow fuel tank, flatter seat, slimmer radiator shrouds and new side covers all contribute to greater freedom of movement front to back and easier weight transfer.

Yamaha have focused mostly on rider ergonomics for the 2022 YZ250. With a more narrow fuel tank, flatter seat, slimmer radiator shrouds and new side covers.

Changes to the seat and bodywork have also enabled a new, straighter intake design, allowing a more efficient intake path to the engine for a better feeling of power in the low rpm range. The YZ250’s suspension and handling performance takes another step forward with revised front and rear suspension damping to enhance bump absorption and cornering agility.

An updated brake setup includes a more rigid front caliper, larger front pistons, a redesigned 270mm front rotor with a 30 per cent increase in pad contact area and higher friction pad material,Yamaha say this all combines to provide exceptional braking power and feel.

A redesigned rear rotor maintains the same braking power while dropping outer diameter from 245mm to 240mm, further reducing unsprung weight. The 2022 YZ250 will also be available in Monster Energy Yamaha Racing Edition colour scheme. Availability is from September 2021 with Ride Away Pricing – $12,099 for Team Yamaha Blue and $12,199 for Monster Energy Yamaha Racing Edition.

Yamaha YZ250F
A new 2.15-inch wide rear rim pairs with a premium 110-width Dunlop Geomax MX33 tyre for a wider footprint, increased traction and better bump absorption under hard acceleration and cornering. In a first on a Yamaha off-road competition model, a new three-cross spoke pattern on the rear wheel improves impact absorption.

Moving on to Yamaha’s 4-stroke range, the YZ250F has moved to the Dunlop Geomax MX33 tyres for 2022.

The rear wheel hub has been re-engineered to be thinner and lighter while still retaining strength. Together with a new lightweight rear sprocket design and new lightweight drive chain, unsprung weight and driveline inertia is reduced for more responsive handling.

The YZ250F’s suspension takes another step forward with revised suspension settings aimed at striking the perfect balance between the wider rear tyre and lightened rear wheel assembly.

Also new for 2022, an updated premium graphics scheme feature Yamaha Blue and dark blue embedded graphics. Availability for Team Yamaha Blue is July 2021 with Ride Away Pricing of $12,449 and $12,549 for Monster Energy Yamaha Racing Edition due in Sept 2021.

Yamaha YZ450F
Updates for 2022 begin with a new, redesigned rear wheel hub. The cast aluminium hub has been engineered to be thinner and lighter while maintaining strength. It combines with a redesigned rear sprocket and new lightweight drive chain to reduce unsprung weight and driveline inertia.

Yamahas top of the range YZ450F has received a new, redesigned rear wheel hub made from cast aluminium.

The YZ450F also receives the new three-cross spoke pattern on the rear wheel for improved impact absorption and overall feel. New, revised suspension settings take full advantage of the lightened rear wheel assembly, increasing stability on corner entry/exit and improving bump reaction.

Finally, a sharp new Yamaha Blue and dark blue graphics scheme adds a modern, aggressive style and features premium embedded graphics for durability and scratch resistance.