Image: Greg Smith (iKapture).

Current Pirelli MX Nationals MX2 points leader Wilson Todd has sampled the all-new 2019 Yamaha YZ250F, confirming the overhauled model is a positive step forward over it’s highly-successful predecessor.

Todd, who currently holds a 57-point advantage in the MX2 rankings, highlighted the enhanced handling characteristics and improved engine package as the main drawcards of the new motocross bike.

“The bike is all positive from my point of view,” Todd explained to MotoOnline.com.au. “The bike was already good, but they’ve just gone forwards again [with the 2019]. I just jumped on it and felt comfortable straightaway – it felt skinnier and it was a bit different at first, but it only took a few laps before I felt at home.

“It handles real nicely and you can hold gears for longer – it has added mid to top-end power to the bottom-end it already had, so I really enjoyed it and believe it’s step forward.”

The number two will remain aboard his 2018-spec Serco Yamaha-prepared YZ250F for the remaining two rounds of the MX Nationals as he endeavours to clinch a maiden MX2 crown, with plans in place to commence developing the ’19 model for his campaign in the Australian Supercross Championship as soon as the outdoor series concludes.

“I believe we’re racing the ’19 for supercross, and I’m going to stick to the bike I’ve got now for motocross,” Todd continued. “Just because of parts and everything that we don’t have yet, so as soon as Coolum is over, we’ll swap them over and start riding the new ones.

“It’s cool to get a new bike – we’ve got electric start now and loads of other bits and pieces to get excited about. I’m really looking forward to supercross coming around and riding a new bike for the first time in many years.”

The Queenslander will be back out on track at Gladstone’s penultimate round of the MX Nationals, slated for 5 August in the Sunshine State.