Racer X Tested:The 2007 Yamaha YZ125 and YZ250
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In a sport where four-strokes are taking over, Yamaha is still showing commitment to their entire line of motocross bikes. The 2007 YZ125 gets a new silencer to increase performance and sound, and both bikes now sport new Pro Taper handlebars, new rear-shock parts to decrease weight, and an updated fork system that includes a reshaped outer-tube design. But the best part about the 2007 Yamahas is riding them.
I showed up at Starwest Motocross Park with Racer X test crew regular Jiri Dostal to ride both the 125 and the 250. The first thing we both noticed is how hard it is to stop for a turn when you're used to riding a four-stroke. I think we both blew through a few turns before we got that figured out. Once we got used to the lack of engine brakes, things started to get fun. Both bikes are amazingly light, and throwing them into a rut was a blast. You have to ride much more aggressively on a two-stroke, especially the 125, in order to go fast. It was a lot of fun to ride like that again. Scrubbing jumps was easier, as was changing lines and squaring off turns. I felt like I was in complete control of the bikes all the time because of how light they are. Jiri’s opinions were similar to mine.
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I don’t know how much longer two-strokes will be around. With the four-stroke craze continuing to gain momentum, mixing oil with your fuel cold become a thing of the past. It will be a shame, because they are incredible motorcycles.
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