2021 Yamaha Motocross Bikes Revealed

Yamaha has released details about its 2021 motocross bike lineup, which includes an all-new YZ250F as well as a Monster Energy Yamaha Racing Edition version of it plus the Tuning Fork brand’s flagship motocrosser, the YZ450F. Aside from the YZ250F, the rest of Yamaha’s motocross lineup are unchanged mechanically for 2021; that includes the YZ450F, YZ250, YZ125, YZ85, and YZ65. With the exception of the Monster Energy Yamaha Racing Editions, which feature a factory team-inspired graphics package and black plastics, all of the standard models are outfitted with next-generation Team Yamaha Blue graphics and plastics.

The YZ250F engine features an all-new cylinder head with a different intake port shape; a new airbox and intake tract; larger-diameter throttle body joint; new exhaust camshaft profile; an updated ECU; new silencer; updated transmission and shift cam; a revised clutch design; and an improved water pump impeller. According to Yamaha, all of the revisions made to the YZ250F powerplant are to help produce stronger midrange to top-end power and increased peak power, while retaining its strong low-end torque.

Yamaha didn’t just aim to increase the power output of its 250 four-stroke motocrosser; the bLU cRU also went to work on the bike’s chassis in order to improve bump absorption, traction, and cornering performance. The most notable revisions made to the YZ250F’s chassis include an updated aluminum frame, which features changes to the lateral beams and engine cradle tube thickness to provide different flex characteristics, and new engine mounts. The top triple clamp, handlebar mounts, and front axle have also been redesigned to complement the new frame. The YZ250F’s KYB Speed Sensitive System (SSS) fork and KYB shock feature revised damping characteristics to match the updated chassis as well.

Newly engineered front and rear brake calipers that are said to be lighter weight, brake pads with a larger surface area, and redesigned front and rear discs are all designed to contribute to improved braking performance on the YZ250F. Lastly, to enhance overall durability, the crankcase, cam chain, cam-chain tensioner, water pump, clutch basket, and the third, fourth, and fifth gears in the transmission have all been refined. The 2021 Yamaha YZ250F will be available in dealers this September in Team Yamaha Blue for $8,299. The Monster Energy Yamaha Racing Edition YZ250F will be available from dealers in September as well with a retail price of $8,499.

The retail prices and availability of Yamaha’s other MY21 motocross bikes are as follows:

2021 Yamaha YZ450F

Team Yamaha Blue: $9,399 • Availability: July 2020.

Monster Energy Yamaha Racing Edition: $9,599 • Availability: August 2020

2021 Yamaha YZ250

Team Yamaha Blue: $7,499 • Availability: July 2020

2021 Yamaha YZ125

Team Yamaha Blue: $6,599 • Availability: August 2020

2021 Yamaha YZ85

Team Yamaha Blue: $4,699 • Availability: July 2020

2021 Yamaha YZ65

Team Yamaha Blue: $4,599 • Availability: July 2020

2021 Yamaha YZ250F

The YZ250F features a plethora of updates for 2021 including an all-new cylinder head, revised suspension settings, and a new frame. (Courtesy of Yamaha/)

2021 Yamaha YZ250F Monster Energy Yamaha Racing Edition

In addition to Team Yamaha Blue, the YZ250F is also available in a new Monster Energy Yamaha Racing Edition version for 2021. The only distinction between it and the standard model are the color of the plastics and different graphics. (Courtesy of Yamaha/)

2021 Yamaha YZ450F

After receiving several revisions in 2020, the YZ450F returns for 2021 with no mechanical changes. (Courtesy of Yamaha/)

2021 Yamaha YZ450F Monster Energy Yamaha Racing Edition

The YZ450F is also available in the Monster Energy Yamaha Racing Edition appearance package for 2021. (Courtesy of Yamaha/)

2021 Yamaha YZ250

Yamaha’s tried-and-true 250 two-stroke motocrosser, the YZ250 returns for 2021 outfitted in the next-generation Team Yamaha Blue graphics and plastics. (Courtesy of Yamaha/)

2021 Yamaha YZ125

The 2021 Yamaha YZ125 will begin arriving at dealerships in August for a suggested retail price of $6,599. (Courtesy of Yamaha/)

2021 Yamaha YZ85

After many years of coming with white fork guards, all of Yamaha’s motocross bikes, including the YZ85 (pictured), are outfitted with black fork guards. (Courtesy of Yamaha/)

2021 Yamaha YZ65