With a majority of the motorcycle manufacturers putting an end to their two-stroke production in the late 2000s, Yamaha was one of the few brands to continue to produce its range and allow the hardcore pre-mix fans to enjoy the unique experience a two-stroke offers for years to come.

Yamaha’s YZ250 and YZ125 have seen plenty of success over the years during the two-stroke era, notably with our own Chad Reed behind the bars of his factory YZ250 on the AMA circuit. Since then both models had seen almost no changes up until 2015 when a completely new body style and slight suspension upgrades were introduced.

For 2016 the flagship two-stroke motocross model, the YZ250, once again features the carefully engineered aluminum frame and swingarm combination with a lightweight rear sub-frame constructed of square-section tubing for reduced weight.

The KYB 48mm SSS (Speed Sensitive System) fork introduced to the YZ250 last year remains for 2016. The proven traditional spring fork design uses piston speed to control damping force for super-precise handling and rider feedback.

Image: Jeff Crow.

A fully adjustable KYB shock controls the rear of the YZ250. Featuring Kashima coated internals, 12.4 inches of travel, separate adjusters for high and low speed compression damping and a full lock oil rebound system for increased comfort, this shock is designed to provide maximum traction and rear wheel control.

The YZ250 chassis as an overall package was always a strong point on this model. Yamaha engineers have created a chassis with the correct amount of rigidity and ideal geometry to provide a precise turning bike that remains stable at speed. The YZ250 chassis and suspension combination provides a tonne of confidence on the track.

Housed within this impressive chassis is the 249cc liquid-cooled reed-valve inducted two-stroke engine – a lightweight, compact and very powerful piece of gear. Yamaha’s patented power valve system (YPVS) provides crisp, hard-hitting bottom-end power with a very strong mid to top-end pull.

The YZ250 engine can either be your best friend or your worst enemy; it all depends on the way you choose to apply its power to the ground. If you’re jumping from a 125 two-stroke or even a 250 four-stroke to a one of these, be prepared for a learning experience.

Source: Supplied.

If you’re able to remain smooth and ride the YZ250 a gear high, utilising the large amount of torque this engine provides, you will really enjoy riding the bike. On the other hand, swinging off the clutch and revving the bike to the moon will most likely end badly unless you’re a highly skilled rider.

Featuring a 38mm Keihin PWK carburetor, close-ratio five-speed transmission, digital CDI system and a race-inspired carbon fiber reed-valve system, it’s quite hard to fault the YZ250 engine as an overall package. You can roll this bike right off the showroom floor and be assured you have all of the power and reliability you need.

Obviously for 2016 the completely updated body shape remains, bringing it in line with Yamaha’s formidable four-stroke range. For 2016 the updated look has been finished off with the addition of black Excel rims, giving you that factory look right off the showroom floor.

Not only do you receive black Excel rims for the new year, Yamaha are also offering an oversized front disc, GYTR expansion chamber, gold chain and rear sprocket at no extra charge. Heading into 2016, the Yamaha YZ250 has never looked better.

As a stepping stone to the YZ250, Yamaha continues to offer the YZ125 which has also received not only the updated look from 2015, but the black Excel rims, oversized disc, gold chain, sprocket, and a GYTR muffler.

Image: Jeff Crow.

The 2016 Yamaha YZ125 can be easily be described in one word – fun. It’s just one of those bikes that puts a smile on your face every time you swing a leg over it and fire it up. But in saying that, be prepared to work hard every second you’re on the track, as no point-and-shooting will occur on this bike.

Just like the YZ250, the YZ125 also features a lightweight aluminum frame design carefully designed to ensure optimum handling in a range of track conditions. The KYB 48mm SSS fork is also featured, offering 11.8 inches of smooth and precise travel.

Controlling the rear of the bike is the fully adjustable KYB rear shock with all of the same features as the 250. Once again, this suspension package is very hard to fault, it’s super predictable and easy to adapt to right away. Maintaining the traditional spring fork and proven overall chassis design is the winning combination for Yamaha.

The real key to the YZ125 is its engine package, because that’s where the true fun-factor comes from. The 124cc reed-valve-inducted two-stroke engine uses Yamaha’s patented YPVS power valve system to ensure crisp and strong power delivery throughout the rev range.

Source: Supplied.

Instead of the five-speed gearbox seen on the YZ250, the YZ125 features a six-speed close-ratio gearbox to deliver its power to the rear wheel. The option to use a six-speed gearbox allows for closer ratio gears, which comes in very handy for ensuring the engine stays in the correct rev range at all times.

It’s no secret that a 125cc two-stroke engine lacks the torque and bottom-end pull of a modern four-stroke engine, but the Yamaha YZ125 does deliver quite impressive power for such a small and lightweight package. As with the YZ250, it’s all about the way you ride the YZ125 to ensure you get the most out of it.

Momentum is the name of the game on this bike, it’s critical to carry corner speed, flow around the track and ensure you’re in the correct gear at all times. Once you work this out, the 2016 YZ125 is by far one of the most enjoyable bikes you will ever ride.

Thanks to the proven chassis and suspension combination, you can ride to your limits on the YZ125 with loads of confidence in your machine, the lightweight, sharp turning and super stable feel combined with the screaming 125cc engine is truly something you have to experience.

Overall for 2016 Yamaha have once again delivered an impressive two-stroke motocross range. Not only do they perform very well, as they have for quite some time, but they now look super-modern and feature impressive accessories at no extra charge. Visit www.yamaha-motor.com.au for details on the entire range.