2004 YZ250F
Not so many years ago they would've locked you up for suggesting a four-stroke single could spin to 13,500 rpm and produce a broad torque band the whole way there. It would have been unthinkable to conjecture that such a machine could win back-to-back AMA 125 Supercross Championships, not to mention a slew of magazine shootouts-including top honors in Dirt Rider, Motocross Action and Cycle World last year alone.
The YZ250F did all those things right after kicking free of its crate; for 2004 it's back and badder than ever.
- A bigger, 48mm fork with revised internals for a smooth, compliant feeling throughout the stroke, while a special new coating reduces stiction.
- New anodized triple clamps accomodates the larger forks and give that factory look while carrying the handlebar aggressively low and forward.
- Brake calipers now contain light, aluminum pistons.
- New, titanium footpegs increase strength, reduce weight, and provide more grip.
- Internal engine mods reduce pumping losses for increased midrange.
- Exhaust flows through an all-new titanium header pipe for relentless power that just keeps building.
Mere details. The important thing is that even with all its high-tech trickery and sharp competitive edge, the YZ250F is a blast to ride, even when you're only racing yourself.