Yamaha's Motocross, Cross

Jul 21, 2023

Photo: Yamaha

Yamaha's announced several of its 2023 dirt models, and next year's crop of machine includes updates to the YZ450F, YZ125X and YZ250X, after relatively few changes to any Japanese dirt lineups for the past couple of years (once more, blame COVID).

The changes include an all-new YZ450F, which apparently actually means just that—all-new. Sometimes the marketeers get a little carried away and mis-describe their Bold New Graphics package, but in this case, with a new motor (more power, less weight, more compact) and new chassis, it's indeed a fresh new machine.

The motor's changes? As per Yamaha:

Completely redesigned for 2023, updates include new exhaust and intake port shapes, larger diameter titanium intake valves, new forged aluminum piston, new cylinder body, crankshaft and balancer assembly, and a switch from wet sump to dry sump lubrication. The combined effect of these features is more midrange and top-end power, including a 500 rpm higher rev limit for longer over-rev, and more linear output characteristics for increased rideability and control.

The big 450 also gets a new tri-shaft transmission. The Power Tuner app returns, of course (managing a new three-way traction control system), but so does a cable-actuated clutch (sigh). No hydraulic clutch for you this year, Yamaha fans!

There's a new aluminum frame, mated to a fully adjustable KYB fork (with manual damping adjustment) and shock. There's also a new front brake setup (270mm disc, Nissin caliper). The bodywork is also redesigned to be more compact and ergonomic.

Of course, there's also a Monster Energy version out there for 2023 as well, with sanctioned graphics kit.

Got a smoke(r)? Yamaha's YZ125X returns for its first-ever model update. Looks like it's staying around. Photo: Yamaha

As for the YZ125X two-smoker; Yamaha pretty much owns this category, at least as far as the Japanese OEMs go, and apparently intends to keep it that way, with an overhaul for this cross-country racer that brings it in line with the YZ125 motocross model. Yamaha says it gets these updates for 2023:

Every functional part of the engine is new, including the cylinder, cylinder head, piston, piston pin, connecting rod, crankcase and expansion chamber all adding up to increased power. To enhance the YZ125X's performance in varied terrain and over long race distances, features including Yamaha Power Valve System (YPVS) characteristics, exhaust timing and compression ratio have been optimized to improve ease-of-use in the low- to mid-rpm range. Further enhancing fueling and power delivery, a new high-precision Hitachi Astemo® Keihin PWK38S carburetor with throttle position sensor and 3D-map-controlled CDI unit provide clean, crisp throttle response. A new intake design with VForce4 carbon reed valve and a straighter intake path result in an improved feeling of power in the high rpm range.

Sounds fun. Suspension, brakes, bodywork, even the rims are also updated for 2023. This is the first-ever model update for the YZ125X, by the way, so apparently people like it enough that Yamaha is keeping it around.

The YZ250X is also overhauled for next season. Photo: Yamaha

What of the YZ250X? This two-stroke cross-country bike gets an overhaul that's slightly less radical, but still gets a good dose of new suspension, new brakes, updated seat and bodywork, and some changes to the engine that make it better-suited for woods riding, not MX:

The 2023 YZ250X uses the same fast and fun liquid-cooled YPVS-equipped 249cc two-stroke powerplant as its YZ250 brethren, but with YPVS characteristics, exhaust timing and compression ratio optimized to improve ease-of-use in the low- to mid-rpm range for improved cross country performance. Additionally, clutch durability is enhanced through a new friction material with excellent heat resistance characteristics ideal for long distance racing, without compromising on smooth operation.

All three bikes should be in dealerships soon; American buyers get the YZ125X in Stepbember, the YZ250X in August and the YZ450F in October. If you want one, best get your money down now, before someone else beats you to it, in these days of tight supply chains. More details on the bikes at Yamaha's Motocross and Cross-Country mini-sites.