YAMAHA YZ Models/Series Timeline, Specifications & Photos

Yamaha's mini bike game is strong, thanks to the brand's continual investment in two-strokes and a broad playbike lineup that is both beginner friendly and extremely dependable. The 2018 YZ85 is a popular Yamaha mini model, coming stock with hydraulic disc front brakes, a 33.1-inch seat height, 157 wet lb of fun, and a 85cc engine.

The 2018 YZ125 is ready to race out of the crate, complete with an aluminum handlebar, titanium foot pegs and gripper seat. The YZ125 is ready to race out of the crate, complete with an aluminum handlebar, 2-position adjustable handlebar clamp, wide foot pegs, gripper seat and adjustable clutch lever with works-style cable adjuster.

Yamaha continues to use spring-type forks with refined, speed-sensitive damping to give industry-leading suspension performance straight out of the box. 2018 brings updated settings to match the updated frame and engine layout.

Yamaha bupd the YZ250 with the same engine 250cc liquid-cooled reed-valve-inducted two-stroke engine is lightweight, compact and features an incredibly wide, hard-hitting powerband. New 270mm front disc brake (up from 250mm) also features a new brake pad material for exceptional stopping power and control for aggressive corner entries.

This Yamaha YZ250F comes for 2017 with The compact four-valve cylinder head features revised intake geometry for additional downdraft effect, matched to shorter intake funnel in the airbox, for improved top-end power. Inside the head, more aggressive camshaft profiles and valve springs boost output further, while larger valve seats ensure excellent sealing and reliability.

Legendary YZ250 249cc liquid-cooled reed-valve-inducted two-stroke engine, a new compression ratio, new exhaust port timing, updated Yamaha Power Valve System (YPVS) timing, and a new model-specific CDI unit – all focused on making a wide, controllable power character ideal for cross-country racing.

The 2016 YZ450FX shares the YZ450F’s revolutionary rearward-slanted-cylinder design, with a reversed cylinder head and forward-positioned straight intake. The YZ450FX delivers a controllable, torquey power character with strong top-end power tuned specifically for cross-country racing. The obvious changes to an off-road bike are the 18” rear wheel, a skid plate (which was oddly missing from the YZ250FX), an O‐Ring Chain, an aluminum Side stand and suspension tuned for the job. A big difference from YZ motocross bike is the return of the 22mm off-set triple clamp and the use of a slightly longer shock length to raise up the rear of the bike.

Whether riding in a competition or simply for fun, the European version of the 2013 Yamaha YZ125 is a bike which loves to be ridden hard. It's ultra-lightweight construction favors the bold riders when it comes to jumping from one side of the ditch to the other on forest trails and offers top-notch handling on narrow and difficult trails in the forest. Equipped with a no-nonsense 6-speed gearbox, the 2013 Yamaha YZ125 EU can make very good use of all the power of the brawny 2-stroke engine.

The revised exhaust brings the Yamaha Power Valve System, maxing out the mid-range torque for an even better, more confident ride when the going gets tough. Alongside the updated seat design, the new year model also brings a good-looking gold-color chain.

The 2013 Yamaha YZ250 carries on the heritage of the bike which won the first-ever World Motocross Championship back in 1973. It retains the 2-stroke principle but the rest of the bike is completely changed, now benefiting from the most advanced technology in the field of MX racing. The chassis is now made in aluminium and rolls with light, cast alloy wheels, USD forks and a Power Valve System for the modern exhaust.

The handling is simply flawless, given the revised suspension settings and chassis sturdiness, while the seat ergonomics have been also updated for good support and maximum freedom of movement.

The 2013 Yamaha YZ125 is a very good bike to make the transition from the small-displacement kids' motorcycles to the very serious quarter-liter machines. It sports the same effortless handling of the smaller bikes, but when it comes to punch, this machine has plenty to offer. The weight is kept under a strict watch with the introduction of an aluminium frame, and the revised bike architecture brings more mass to the center of the bike for a more stable feel and enhanced maneuverability.

Speed-sensitive KYB forks provide excellent ground copying, and the use of titanium elements reduce the weight even more. Suitable for track use, the 2013 Yamaha YZ125 is also a great companion for outdoor fun, and it will be a great choice as a recreational two-wheeler.

Light, powerful, fun and pro-grade, the 2013 Yamaha YZ250 is a 2-stroke MX motorcycle which can be taken to the track right from its crate. It is animated by the 2T version of the YZ250F engine, now equipped with a carbon fiber reed valve and mated to a close-ratio 5-speed gearbox for an aggressive approach to difficult terrain, on the dirt track or on the forest trails.

Equally usable as a sport machine and as an off-road recreational bike, the 2013 YZ250 is loaded with premium components and technologies to provide the ultimate performance: adjustable, speed-sensing 48mm KYB forks are matched with a fully-adjustable titanium rear shock with high- and low-speed setting options for the best control possible. And with a revised, narrowed profile, handling is now even better.

Just like its bigger brother YZ450F, the 2013 Yamaha YZ250F brings a heap of all-net things for the new year model. Starting with the new EFI engine mounted in an all-new aluminium Bilateral Beam frame with a completely new design and specs and down to the revised exhaust, tank and airbox, bodywork and all, the new YZ250F also offer top-level maneuverability for both the dirt track and wilderness trails.

The bike can also be loaded with user-customizable mappings using the accessory Power Tuner and be more compliant with the special nature of various tracks. The frame sits on new KYB air-oil suspensions and they also come with multiple setting options for the best grip and power-to-ground delivery.

The 2012 124cc engine of the Yamaha YZ125 offers a staggering 33HP of high-torque fun, and makes the bike suitable for both generic off-road use and fast-paced dirt racing. This bike is ready to race out of the crate, complete with an aluminum handlebar, titanium foot pegs, gripper seat, and Excel rims.

Its lightweight build means extremely easy handling, excellent cornering and less fatigue, granting the rider more possibilities to focus on his capabilities, instead of “fighting” the machine.

This 2-stroke bike sports an aluminium frame and a smooth close-gear 6-speed gearbox. Together with the upright, forward-slanted design, the YZ125 offers unlimited fun for off-road adventure and all the prerequisites for dirt racing at its possible max.

The 2012 Yamaha YZ250 is ready to race out of the crate, complete with an aluminum handlebar, titanium foot pegs, gripper seat, and Excel rims. Its lightweight build means extremely easy handling, excellent cornering and less fatigue, granting the rider more possibilities to focus on his capabilities, instead of “fighting” the machine.

This 2-stroke bike sports an aluminium frame and a smooth close-gear 5-speed gearbox. Together with the upright, forward-slanted design, the YZ250 offers unlimited fun for off-road adventure and all the prerequisites for dirt racing at its possible max.

The 2012 Yamaha YZ250F is the right tool for those looking for a smaller dirt bike packed with all the character and technological goodies of the big machines.

The YZ250F was the first 4-stroke 250cc bike on the market and the firs to win 1st to win an international race, the 1st to win an AMA Supercross, and the 1st to take an AMA U.S. Supercross Championship title, as well as the
rest to win an AMA National race.

It has simply been built to win, as it sports specially-tuned forks and a sturdy yet lightweight frame, created with agility in mind, offering very good fast cornering. Foot pegs and handlebars are adjustable to fit multiple riders and offer them the movement freedom and the most comfortable stance.

The 2012 MY YZ125 is a 2-stroke entry-level dirt racing machine which packs a lot of character and will help the growing riders learn more secrets to help them get the better of their competitors. A great choice for those who are too big for the YZ85 bikes, but who are not skilled enough yet to jump aboard the bigger 4-stroke machines, the YZ125 retains all the key features of a high-performance off-road machine.

A bulletproof, high-revving engine is providing the needed nerve to tackle long straights, steep hills and tight corners alike, while the gripper seat, titanium foot pegs and the Pro taper aluminium handlebar are also stock trim for a ready-to-race status straight from the crate.

This 2-stroke bike sports an aluminium frame and a smooth close-gear 5-speed gearbox. Together with the upright, forward-slanted design, the YZ250 offers unlimited fun for off-road adventure and all the prerequisites for dirt racing at its possible max.

The 2012 MY Yamaha YZ250 is ready to race out of the crate, complete with a ProTaper aluminum handlebar, titanium foot pegs, gripper seat, and Excel rims. Its lightweight build means extremely easy handling, excellent cornering and less fatigue, granting the rider more possibilities to focus on his capabilities, instead of “fighting” the machine.

The 2012 MY Yamaha YZ250F sports an outstanding throttle response, thanks to new crankshaft webs, new vibration-reducing counterbalancer, new connecting rod, and low-friction piston rings, as well as a new piston, piston pin, and clip assembly that’s over 8% lighter overall than before.

To take full advantage of these advancements, there’s also new CDI mapping and a bigger 39mm carb with freer breathing air cleaner cage. Added to the new frame and suspension refinements, this latest engine gives YZ250F amazing balance – a powerful, light-handling machine with performance that’s accessible to all levels of riders.

The YZ250F has specially-tuned forks and a sturdy yet lightweight frame, created with agility in mind, offering very good fast cornering. Foot pegs and handlebars are adjustable to fit multiple riders and offer them the movement freedom and the most comfortable stance.

The 2011 MY YZ250F introduces premium 4-stroke competition-grade machinery to the skilled rider. The engine is a strong puller, but is much smoother than its 2-stroke counterpart, and thanks to the careful weight management, it doesn't make the YZ250F a heavy load. The bike is really easy to flick without massive effort from the rider, retaining exceptional ground tracking capabilities worth of a race bike.

Adjustable suspensions, optimized mass and top-drawer titanium valves for the engine add to the overall performance specs of this race-winning quarter-liter beast.

The 2011 YZ250 is a competition quarter-liter 2-stroke bike intended for use by well-trained riders. Thos motorcycle was loaded with premium componentry derived from the factory racing programs, and is capable to deliver top performance in the hands of a skilled rider. The YZ250 arrives ready to race from the box, equipped with Excel rims, a lightweight aluminium frame, top-drawer adjustable Kayaba suspensions, a titanium rear shock spring, racing-grade sprockets, a repackable silencer and jumbo-sized folding, serrated pegs and foot controls.

The 2011 MY YZ125 is a 2-stroke competition machine designed to provide premium performance straight from the box. The bike has a lightweight aluminium frame, with adjustable suspensions, a titanium rear spring and more race-derived components aimed at offering great maneuverability and explosive dirt performance.

The exhaust is also repackable from constant engine performance, while the "gripper" seat cover enhances rider contact with the bike, even in the most demanding of situations.

The F in 2010 MY YZ250F's name indicates we're dealing with the 4-stroke version of the quarter-liter engine. Basically, the upgraded frame and suspensions of the YZ250 have been mated to a new engine. The looks of the YZ250F have been upgraded, with more aggressive graphics, while the engine also received a massive update, with many new components and revised ones, all contributing to more power at the rider's fingertips.

The 5-speed transmission was also upgraded, together with the ignition, radiators, headers, frame and all. The 2010 MY YZ250F is all-new, just like the performance is higher.

A 2-sstroke quarter-liter machine like the 2010 MY YZ250 is a true weapon in the hands of a skilled rider. The engine delivers explosive power as the throttle is twisted and the brawn of this lightweight machine can strike fear in the minds of the faint-hearted. The aluminium frame uses inverted Kayaba forks and a works-derived rear suspension, both adjustable and capable to deliver first-class performance to the discerning rider.

Little has been improved over the previous edition, as it looks like Yamaha's current recipe is a successful one.

With the 2010 MY YZ125 things begin to get serious, as this 2-stroke machine is the initial step into the world of real racers. The bike has an aluminium frame, inverted Kyb forks, wave rotors, speed sensitive, adjustable suspensions, a heavy-duty clutch and multiple other high-performance, race-grade parts which add to the overall trim.

A premium small-displacement bike to allow young riders to get their first taste of hard-earned victory, the 2010 MY YZ125 is ready to take on the competition, right form the box.

The 2009 MY YZ250F is the 4-stroke sibling of the acclaimed YZ250, and is a quarter-liter competition-grade bike which packs much more fun than meets the eye. New for this model year are the revised 13.5:1 compression and a new clutch design meant to provide lighter pulling and impeccable performance. Race-derive engine components and suspensions, premium controls and exhaust and many more similar details make the YZ250F a bike that's ready to start winning races right from the box.

Only those who have ridden a 2-stroke quarter liter off-road machine know the adrenaline rush the amazing power and torque combined with a light weight brings... the rest are about to find out. If real-life racing sensations are one of the things you're looking for, then throwing a leg over the 2009 MY YZ250 is the natural thing to do.

The bike's seat was revised for better support and freedom of movement, while other components have been updated, with lower weight and enhanced performance. The bike also got a new anodized chain for this MY, but new wave rotors in the front and rear are also on the menu, as well as a new, revalved fork.

Welcome to the real competition world, the 2009 MY YZ125 is probably the bike you've been looking for. packing plenty of nerve with its 124cc 2-stroke liquid-cooled single, the bike provides exceptional YZ-family racer DNA with its heavy-duty clutch and 6-speed manual transmission, while the competition-grade aluminium frame uses premium adjustable Kayaba suspensions loaded with plenty of works-derived features.

Add in titanium pegs, racing-grade levers, a repackable silencer, competition seat and revised ergonomics, complemented by the new wave rotors and the updated forks.

The 2008 MY YZ250F gets a lot of updates and takes performance one step ahead in the quarter-liter class. Yamaha's 4-stroke 250cc dirt racer gets multiple engine revisions for the new model year, and they include a new piston, new mapping, a lighter fork and much more.

The upgrades were focused on improved performance and lighter weight, with even the carburetor receiving some tweaks, as well. Adjustable levers, new suspension and frame elements, a redesigned brake pedal, and new, wider pegs are also part of the upgrades list.

The 2008 MY YZ250 is the perfect choice of you want to show someone how evil can a quarter-liter 2-stroke machine can be. The machine is infused with the best features of its 4-stroke siblings, and loaded with works-derived technologies, such as a titanium rear shock spring, aluminium frame, a new front rotor and twin piston caliper, Pro taper bars, an adjustable 48mm fork, quick-adjust clutch lever and a redesigned brake lever, as well.

The biggest 2-stroke off-road machine has just gotten better, and this calls for some hard riding, showing your friends who's the boss of the dirt track.

Ultra lightweight, packing more punch than meets the eye and with sharp handling, the 2008 MY YZ125 greets riders with a new aluminium frame, a very compact engine and multiple revisions in all the departments. A new intake manifold was designed for better performance, while more high-rev power is now available.

An adjustable clutch is standard, just like the aluminium cradle, triple clamps, swingarm, and the adjustable handlebar mounts. Speed-sensitive Kayaba suspensions add unprecedented precision to your riding, while the recent tweaks help for more precise cornering, too. Add in titanium pegs and a repackable exhaust for top-notch convenience.

The 2007 MY Yamaha YZ250 got a little more power from its 249cc reed-inducted single, with multiple revisions providing better performance for a lot of components, such as the cylinder, power valve system and carburetor. Quick-access clutch and washable air filter make maintenance easier, reducing the time you'll spend in the garage.

The competition-grade MX aluminium frame keeps the bike light and handling precise, while the speed-sensitive fork adds premium damping and compression characteristics to the ride. Add in Excel rims, Sun Star sprockets, Pro Taper bars and more top-drawer parts to get you past the finish line first.

The 2007 MY Yamaha YZ125 is laden with upgraded features and carries on the heritage of its family as a high-performance small-displacement, entry-point 2-stroke bike. Multiple parts have received improvements, from the fork tube coating and valving to the piggyback rear monocross damper with a titanium spring, the new swingarm, Taper Pro bars, and improved rear subframe.

One of the lightest competition 125cc 2-stroke machines on the market, the 2007 MY YZ125 is a natural stage in becoming a champion, and an exceptional intermediate bike before taking on the big-bore MX monsters.

The 2007 MY Yamaha YZ250F introduces several revisions aimed at adding even more performance to this light, nimble bike. The frame got some upgrades and tweaks to increase torsional rigidity and make handling more precise, while steering became easier thanks to the revised seat height. Intake redesign matched the engine revisions for better low and mid-range performance, and updated exhaust and ignition systems have also been devised.

The bike is delivered with pro-c;ass pro Taper handlebars, wide titanium pegs, Excel rims and multiple other features "borrowed" from or inspired by the works trim.

Having received an all-new aluminium frame one year before, the 2005 YZ250 got a little more motocross edge thanks to some more tweaking and a new, hydroformed swingarm. The 48mm fork has also been revised, while the rear suspension got a top-drawer titanium spring, too.

The trim of the 2005 YZ250 includes multiple works-style parts and technologies to allow riders to benefit from the best bang their money can buy. Save for the engine, which is a 2-stroke, the frame is almost identical to that of the 4-stroke machines.

Even though from a distance, the yellow livery of the 2005 YZ250F 50th Anniversary might trick you into believing you're seeing a Suzuki, this is only good-old, proven Yamaha technology. Like several other highly-popular Yamaha machines, the 4-stroek quarter-liter off-road beast got an anniversary edition.

It sports all the features and revisions of the base mode, but its livery will surely make a lot of eyebrows raise, as people draw nearer and observe the three tuning forks.

If it's got an F suffix, it's a 4-stroke, so we're looking at a smooth engine powering the 2005 YZ250F. However, this quarter-liter bike is nothing like a tame beast: it packs more power than meets the eye, and thanks to its 5-speed transmission, there's also torque on tap for fast starts on the dirt track and confident uphill strides on forest trails.

2005 brings a lot of engine revisions, and suspension also received massive tweaking for a more balanced performance and predictable steering. The rear caliper is new, and the bike got premium Excel rims, too, complemented by a new flat seat and repackable exhaust.

The 2005 YZ125 gets a lot of revisions and updates, including more tweaking for the 1-year-old all-new lump and a new silver paint job. Yamha came up with an all-new aluminum frame for the previous model year, and it has now received a new hydro-formed swingarm, new triple clamps and new adjustable handlebars.

The Kayaba forks are also new, while the rear suspension got a matching revision. Brakes have also been updated. and a Sun Star rear sprocket adds more contact area with the chain for increased grunt.

With around 40 years of YZ250 history, it was natural that the 2003 iteration carried on the acclaimed nerve and maneuverability, in a package with received multiple updates for even higher performance and more durability. The forks went up to 48mm and received a new coating for smoother action, and titanium pegs shaved off some more weight.

The 2003 YZ250 receives a new gripper-style seat cover, revised engine internals for a better mid-range power deployment, and an adjustable clutch lever for quick, on-the-fly fine tuning.

While the 2-stroke quarter-liter off-road Yamaha machines have set new standards back in the day, here's a new treat for those who want to take their shot at glory. The 2003 YZ250F is blast to ride given its 13,500 rpm redline and revised engine internals. Ready to win races straight from the box, the 2003 YZ250F is equipped with an all-new titanium header for better gas flow and less weight.

The new YZ250F comes with 48mm USD forks and a new triple clamp, new, lighter calipers with aluminium pistons, and titanium footpegs.

Some believe that small-displacement bikes are dull, but if they took a ride aboard the 2003 Yamaha YZ125, they'd most likely change their minds in a matter of minutes. Built around a bulletproof 124cc liquid-cooled 2-stroke lump, the 2003 YZ125 is a great step toward the high-performance machines, offering a great basis for solid training ahead of the real deal.

Kayaba suspensions, top-notch disc brakes, a high-adherence seat cover, beefy 48mm forks, titanium foot pegs and many more top-drawer features are present to create the best training conditions for the future champs.

Yamaha's mini bike game is strong, thanks to the brand's continual investment in two-strokes and a broad playbike lineup that is both beginner friendly and extremely dependable. Yamaha YZ85 was first produced in 2002 and it continued being produced without important changes. The bike changed decals and that’s pretty much all concerning its evolution

YZ 450 has finally reached maturity with the 2003 model and Yamaha has created a confidence-inspiring bike that enables the rider to reach the limits of their ability without any drama or stress.

There's no F after the 2002 YZ250 so we're dealing with 2-stroke might, this time. This model year received a lot of improvements, starting with a new, lighter and tougher swingarm and recalibrated suspensions, with more precise travel and providing even more control.

In the engine department, the 2002 Yamaha YZ250 comes with a new cylinder head and combustion chamber, a reshaped exhaust port, and a revised second gear for explosive power deployment. The factory-spec racing clutch lever is adjustable, and the rear master cylinder and discs are also revamped.

The 2002 Yamaha YZ250F is definitely not a toy. Of course it can be used for excellent off-road fun and weekend explorations, but it's on the dirt track where it will shine and offer the true measure of its brawn. With its 5-valve cylinder head engine and retooled suspension, the 2002 Yamaha YZ250F offers enhanced handling precision with even lower flex from the all-new frame this model year received.

And even the bodywork is new, adding more to the pleasure of riding this machine. The brakes are also updated, with new discs and more progressive stopping power.

Small bikes can provide big fun, and the best way to test this truth is to ride the 2002 YZ125. A brawny 124cc liquid-cooled 2-stroke engine delivers more punch than you'd expect, and manual 5-speed transmission provides excellent control across then whole rpm range.

This model year received fork and swingarm revisions, structural strengthening and engine tweak including new carburetor settings for increased responsiveness. Add in lighter brakes and high-performance Excel rims for a bike that's made for winning at the track.

In 2002 the frame changed, making it lighter, narrower, and more flick-able. However, many people didn’t approve because it switched to a 5-speed transmission. 125’s have a narrow power-band as it is, and some riders just like having that extra gear. This bike comes equipped with 124cc, two stroke, liquid-cooled engine since 1981. In 2002 the frame changed, making it lighter, narrower, and more flick-able. However, many people didn’t approve because it switched to a 5-speed transmission. 125’s have a narrow power-band as it is, and some riders just like having that extra gear.

In ’96 they made some changes that lasted until the end of 2001. These are still considered some of the best motocross bikes, especially the 1999 model. They are fast, reliable, and are just a great overall bike.