YZ 2014 YAMAHA

Back in 2001, Yamaha introduced a bike that changed modern motocross racing before our eyes. The YZ250F quickly rose to the top of professional racing. Other manufacturers were forced to catch-up while Yamaha enjoyed having a superior bike. Yamaha remained the only manufacturer without a fuel injected 250. 

The term “all-new” is often times used loosely, but in Yamaha’s case, it’s easier to point out the few parts they carried over from 2013 rather than review the many changes made to the 2014 model. It’s literally an all-new bike. The chassis, cylinder, transmission, clutch, intake, exhaust, gas tank, handlebar mounts...

Many of the characteristics from the YZ450F carried over to the 250.  Their goal—and also the recent trend with other manufacturers—is to improve mass centralization, which aims to improve overall handling.

The suspension changes to the 2014 model weren’t as drastic as most of the changes to the bike, which may have led to a more familiar feeling in the way it handle. Yamaha hasn’t claimed a 250 title here in the U.S. since Jason Lawrence won the 2008 Supercross West Region. 

Motocross 2013 Update

Two champions were crowned at the motocross event in the new track in Utah. Ryan Villopoto clinched the 2013 450 AMA title at Miller Motosports Park. After winning both motos, Kawasaki rider captured his second motocross Championship. In the 250, Eli Tomac won his first motocross title in the lites class. Villopoto go the holeshot for the first Moto and quickly got away. He held a 7 second lead in the first couple of laps. Ryan Dungey who was the title defender needed to win Villopoto to keep his chances alive. Unfortunately, by the time he got passsed Justin Brayton who was second, Villopoto was too far to be seen. Villopoto and Dungey finished first and second in Moto 1, which allowed Villopoto to be closer to winning that title. Villopoto's outstanding performance at the Utah National was enough to grab the 2013 championship.

 Heading into Moto 2, the 250 Class Championship was still available for Tomac and the KTM rider Ken Rockzen. Justin Bogle (Eli Tomac's team mate) grabbed the holeshot. Roczen took over the lead in lap 7 until Tomac started to pressure Roczen. In a few laps, Tomac took over the lead and showed what he was made off. Although Tomac had the advantage on Roczen in Moto 2, the championship wasn't completely over until Baggett entered the second place battle with Roczen. Baggett's last-lap pass on Roczen was enough to give Tomac the points he needed to secure the 250 Class Championship with an overall win.

America's Racing

America's motocross racing has massively evolved ever since it came to the States around 1960's. Before it came to the US, it was an exclusively European sport, raced by riders who were mostly from Europe. Now days, motocross has become an extremely popular sport all around the world. The hardest motocross championship lies in the US and it is called Lucas Oil Motocross Championship. This championship is considered to be outrageously difficult due to the high competition level with riders all around the name. You will hear names like the 5 time champion Ryan Villopoto or Justin Barcia. Riders who are crowned champions in Europe usually come to the US to try and win a championship but few have succeeded. Hot temperatures passing 100 degrees have made the sport more physically demanding and harder to race. The motocross industry has grown tremendously throughout the decade. You will see big sponsors like Red Bull or Monster who are heavily involved in the sport. Motocross in America is getting more competitive as the years go. 

A gallery of what the sport looks like and how hard it can get.

Raining Champ Ryan Villopoto #1

Crashing is part of the sport.

Sometimes the bike doesn't cooperate.

Passing sometimes involves physicall contact.

Eli Tomac after an exhausting 35 minute moto.