Yamaha releases 2018 motorcycles
Yamaha introduced the company’s 2018 Motocross and Cross County motorcycles, XT250 and TW200 dual sport motorcycles, and the 2018 V-Star 250 cruiser. Headlining the introductions is the all-new 2018 YZ450F motocross bike, complete with the world’s first smartphone based wireless Power Tuner.
2018 Motocross models
2018 YZ450F
Highlighting Yamaha’s 2018 motocross lineup is the latest evolution of the company’s flagship YZ450F model. Redesigned from the ground up, the YZ450F is equipped with the world’s first Smartphone App Power Tuner on a production motocross bike, along with an all-new engine, new frame, new body work and more. Its all-new 449cc four-stroke engine delivers stronger and longer pulling power while enhancing controllability at low RPM’s, and the all-new bilateral beam frame provides connected and predictable traction while centralizing mass to provide lightweight and nimble handling.
The 2018 YZ450F brings the future of racing technology to the latest generation of motocross machines, enhancing convenience, customization and performance capabilities for the rider. Using a compact starter motor and ultra-lightweight lithium battery, the new push-button starting feature makes for effortless restarts under pressure. Also new is the bike’s seamless integration with Yamaha’s new Power Tuner smartphone app, putting the flexibility and precision of the proven GYTR (Genuine Yamaha Technology Racing) Power Tuner accessory into your smart phone via the onboard WiFi system for the ultimate in track-side tuning.
The 2018 YZ450F will be available in either Team Yamaha Blue or White color schemes, and will begin arriving at Yamaha dealerships in August with a Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of $9,199.
2018 YZ250F
Yamaha’s 2016 AMA West Coast Supercross and AMA Motocross Championship-winning YZ250F returns powered by its high-performance 250cc four-stroke, fuel injected engine with a forward position downdraft intake to deliver optimum engine power. The proven bilateral beam aluminum frame concentrates mass by moving key components like the fuel tank and exhaust muffler towards the center of the bike. An industry-leading, fully adjustable KYB spring-type front fork and a KYB rear shock combine to provide excellent handling characteristics.
The 2018 YZ250F will begin arriving at Yamaha dealerships in July in both Team Yamaha Blue and White color schemes with a $7,699 MSRP.
2018 YZ250, YZ125 and YZ85
The legendary YZ250 and YZ125 models return for 2018 to lead Yamaha’s line of two-stroke motocross bikes. Lightweight aluminum frames and patented YPVS-equipped (Yamaha Power Valve System), reed-valve inducted engines provide an incredible power-to-weight ratio while maintaining Yamaha’s excellent reliability and durability. Both the YZ250 and YZ125 each receive the same industry leading KYB spring- type fork and KYB rear shock for unmatched handling on the track.
The 2018 YZ250 and YZ125 will begin arriving at Yamaha dealerships in July with MSRP’s of $7,399 and $6,499 respectively.
For an introduction to the world of high-performance, two-stroke motocross riding, Yamaha’s compact YZ85 brings the aggressive styling and confidence-inspiring handling of the YZ250 and YZ125 to new riders. Its liquid-cooled, 85cc crankcase reed-valve inducted engine with a six-speed transmission is light, compact, and designed to deliver hard-hitting, moto-winning power throughout the RPM range. The suspension and clutch lever are fully adjustable to suit a range of skills and sizes from young novices to mini experts.
The 2018 YZ85 will be available at Yamaha dealerships beginning in September with a MSRP of $4,299. The YZ250, YZ125 and YZ85 motocross machines will all be available in Team Yamaha Blue.
2018 Cross Country models
2018 WR450F & WR250F
Yamaha’s 2018 WR450F is a highly-capable enduro motorcycle derived from their proven YZ450F motocross bike. WR-specific features include a wide-ratio five-speed transmission, temperature regulating radiator fan, optimized clutch, sealed O-ring chain, 18-inch rear wheel, side stand and skid plate for ultimate enduro performance. A bright headlight, LED taillight, and a complete LCD enduro race computer are also equipped for handling long race days.
The WR450F will be available in Yamaha dealerships beginning in September with a Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of $9,099.
Also returning for 2018 is Yamaha’s WR250F. Derived from the motocross and Supercross-winning design of the YZ250F, the WR250F combines enduro-specific features with its powerful 249cc four-stroke engine for full-day racing performance. Equipped with a 2-gallon fuel tank, 6-speed wide-ratio transmission, 18-inch rear wheel, O-ring chain and a skid plate, the WR250F is ready for long hours of racing competition.
The WR250F boasts a number of new features starting with its revolutionary rearward slanted, liquid-cooled, DOHC 4-stroke power plant with 4 titanium valves. A new cylinder head design with reshaped intake and exhaust ports matched to a new shorter intake funnel help to boost top end power, and new cam shafts and valve springs were developed to further increase power output.
The WR250F also receives a new lighter flat top piston design mated to a new shorter piston pin containing a DLC (diamond like carbon) coating to reduce friction and increase hardness. On the bottom end, the crank has adopted a new balance ratio and new nickel-chromoly steel connecting rod to produce broad, balanced, and predictable power while boosting reliability. These changes are regulated through a revised ECU that sends new 3-D mapping to the fuel injection system to optimize power output and increases the rev ceiling.
Not stopping there, the same bilateral beam frame that is found on the championship winning YZ250F was added to the WR to improve handling. The end result creates perfect mass centralization producing an extremely light and nimble handling character on the trail. The industry leading fully-adjustable KYB spring-type forks with speed sensitive damping and KYB rear shock return with enduro-specific settings.
An onboard Enduro computer is standard and features speedometer, odometer, average speed, clock and more. A side stand also comes standard for added rider convenience, and the WR250F is compliant for emissions in all 50 states for off-road use.
Beginning in September, the 2018 WR250F will be available at Yamaha dealerships with a MSRP of $8,099.
2018 YZ450FX, YZ250FX & YZ250X
The YZ450FX returns for 2018 with the shared revolutionary rearward-slanted-cylinder engine design of the YZ450F that allows for a straight downdraft intake with a symmetrical port layout. In the YZ450FX, this engine delivers a controllable, torquey power character with strong top-end power tuned specifically for cross country racing. A lightweight bilateral beam frame, five-speed wide-ratio transmission, and fully adjustable KYB® suspension that has been optimized for Grand National Cross Country (GNCC) and Hare Scrambles racing are also standard features.
The 2018 YZ450FX will be begin arriving at Yamaha dealerships in August with a MSRP of $8,999.
The 2018 YZ250FX is also optimized for the cross country circuit with the same bilateral beam aluminum frame of the YZ250F that provides a nimble lightweight feeling in tight technical terrain, while still providing confidence-inspiring stability in fast sections.
The 2018 YZ250FX will be available at Yamaha dealerships beginning with a $7,999 MSRP.
Yamaha’s 2018 YZ250X brings two-stroke performance to cross country racing. Its lightweight aluminum frame and proven reed-valve inducted engine is race-ready. Based on the YZ250 motocross model, the YZ250X features a revised compression ratio, revised exhaust port, revised power valve timing, and model specific CDI unit for improved trail performance. All these features are focused on creating a wide, controllable power character ideal for cross country racing.
The 2018 YZ250X will be available at Yamaha dealerships beginning in July with a $7,499 MSRP.
2018 Dual Sport models
2018 XT250
Light and nimble with a low seat height, Yamaha durability, electric start and 249cc air‑cooled engine, the XT250 is the perfect traveling companion. Equipped to handle a multitude of riding conditions that range from city streets to country roads and dirt trails, lengthy adventures await the XT250 thanks to its estimated average fuel economy of 76 mpg.
The 2018 XT250 will be available in a new Sandy Beige color scheme, and is scheduled to begin arriving at Yamaha dealerships in June with a Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of $5,199.
2018 TW200
Versatile and very user friendly, the iconic TW200 features a reliable 196cc air-cooled engine, electric start, fat tires and full street equipment for comfortable on and off‑road capability. Exploring new terrain with confidence is the TW200’s specialty, thanks to a low seat height, compact chassis and estimated fuel economy of 78 mpg.
Available in Sandy Beige with a MSRP of $4,599, the fun and friendly 2018 TW200 will begin arriving at Yamaha dealerships in August.
2018 V-Star 250 Cruiser
2018 V-Star 250
For riders who appreciate the fun that comes in small packages, the V-Star 250’s light weight and very low 27-inch seat height contribute to its range-of-rider friendliness. Featuring the only V-twin engine in its class, the torquey and smooth 249cc air-cooled motor pairs with an agile chassis for great maneuverability. Add the estimated 78 mpg fuel economy, and the fun-per-mile cost becomes hard to beat.
Yamaha dealers will begin receiving the Raven-colored 2018 V-Star 250 in September with a $4,349 MSRP.
