Yamaha sent us out to Tom White’s Early Years of Motocross museum last week for some BBQ and a couple unveilings. On the street side of things it was fairly boring, but for the off-road market, they have some good news.

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Most of the returning off-road and motocross models are getting some worthwhile upgrades. Luckily, the upgrades aren’t accompanied by price increases.

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2016 Yamaha Off-Road First Look - Introducing the YZ250X
2016 YZ450F

The best selling 450F on the market will see some improvements for its 2016 year model. The rear of the frame is beefier, including stronger engine brackets and the fork offset has been changed from 22mm to 24mm. You’ll find a new 270mm front brake rotor for decreased stopping distance. The biggest upgrade on the 2016 model is launch-control.

The YZ450F is priced at $8,590 in Team Yamaha Blue/White and $8,690 in Limited-Edition 60th Anniversary Yellow. I normally hate special edition models, but fell in love with the 60th Anniversary Yellow. The YZ450F will be available in dealerships beginning in late June, and the YZ250F will arrive at dealerships in late July.

2016 Yamaha Off-Road First Look - Introducing the YZ250X
2016 YZ250F

The 2016 YZ250F will see a lot of little improvements, like a flatter, lighter weight piston, which is said to increase top end power. A larger front brake rotor and some suspension changes for both front and rear; however, Yamaha didn’t get into the exact suspension changes.

The YZ250F will retail for $7,590 in Team Yamaha Blue/White and $7,690 in Limited-Edition 60th Anniversary Yellow.

2016 Yamaha Off-Road First Look - Introducing the YZ250X
2016 Yamaha YZ250X

The unveiling I’m the most excited about is the 2016 Yamaha YZ250X. I love 2-strokes, but also like desert rides. Think of it like the Yamaha YZ250FX, but now in a 2-stroke. Yamaha built the YZ250X specifically for Cross Country and Hare Scrambles competition. With some engine tuning changes to take away “that aggressive bit down low,” to a more gradual power curve. The power valve, exhaust pipe, Digital CDI ignition, and 38mm Keihin® PWK carburetor have all been tuned to bring a little more power into the top end. It’s projected to be a smooth and capable racer. It’ll also feature a wide-ratio, five-speed.

2016 Yamaha Off-Road First Look - Introducing the YZ250X

“The YZ250X’s aggressive bodywork is based on the YZ250 motocrosser, but features updated styling from the front fender to the rear brake protector. The bike also comes standard with an aluminum, tapered handlebar; YZ-F-style foot pegs, a gripper seat; Excel® rims with Dunlop® tires; and a whole host of GNCC-specific features, including an 18-inch rear wheel, sealed O-ring chain, narrow expansion chamber, a convenient side stand, and a fuel tank petcock with reserve position,” according to the Yamaha press release.

The bike will retail for only $100 more than the standard YZ250 at $7,390.

2016 Yamaha Off-Road First Look - Introducing the YZ250X

2016 2-strokes

For 2016, the YZ85, YZ125 and YZ250 will feature gold-colored chains and black wheels. Nothing stellar, but luckily, no price bumps either. The bikes will be available in Team Yamaha Blue/White and they’ll also remain at the same MSRP for 2016: YZ85 for $4,090, the YZ125 for $6,390, and the YZ250 for $7,290. Available in dealerships beginning in late August.

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