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FIRST LOOK: 2021 Yamaha Motocross and Cross-Country Models | News

Yamaha's biggest reveal for 2021 is a new YZ250F which has received all the changes the YZ450F got last year including engine changes, new frame, new intake, new exhaust, and more.

2021 Yamaha two-stroke models appeared unchanged with the exception of new blue plastics. The same goes for the YZ450F, which was fully overhauled last year. Also announced are the Monster Energy Factory Edition YZ250F and YZ450F.

2021 Yamaha YZ250F


The new 250cc, liquid-cooled, four-stroke, electric start engine features an all-new cylinder head with an improved intake port shape and new camshaft profiles, as well a new airbox and intake track, a new silencer, and an updated ECU. These modifications, along with other refinements like an updated transmission and shift cam, a revised clutch design and improved water pump impeller, are designed to help produce stronger mid to top-end power and increased peak power.

The updated aluminium, bilateral beam frame, and new engine mounts have been redesigned with new flex characteristics with the aim of improving bump absorption, traction, and cornering performance. The new frame matches the fully adjustable KYB coil spring-type fork and link-type rear suspension features a KYB shock with revised damping characteristics to match the updated chassis.

Other chassis components such as the top triple clamp, handlebar mounts, and front axle were also redesigned to complement the new frame. Improved braking performance is achieved with newly engineered lighter weight front and rear brake callipers, larger surface area brake pads, and redesigned front (270mm) and rear (240mm) discs.

Standard equipment includes electric start, lithium battery, fuel injection, a front-positioned intake, and rear-positioned exhaust layout. Riders can adjust their engine settings straight from their phone using the included onboard wireless connectivity and free Yamaha Power Tuner App.

Once settings are dialed-in, racers can then choose between two user-defined ECU maps on the fly via the handlebar mounted dual-mode engine map switch.

The 2021 YZ250F will be available in Australia from October, priced at $12,099 ride away.

2021 Yamaha Monster Energy Yamaha Racing Editions


The 2021 YZ250F and 2021 YZ450F now come in a new Monster Energy Yamaha Racing Editions featuring factory team-inspired colour and graphics package.

The Yamaha YZ250F Monster Edition will be in Australia from October, priced at $12,199. The YZ450F Monster Edition will be available in Australia from September for $13,199 ride away.

2021 YZ450F

The 2021 YZ450F returns with all of the features first introduced on the 2020 YZ450F, including an updated engine, cylinder head, frame and technology. Racers can achieve quicker, smoother race starts through Yamaha’s Launch Control System, adjust their on-track performance using the onboard wireless connectivity through the free of charge Yamaha Power Tuner App right from their phone, and choose between two user-defined ECU maps on the fly through the handlebar-mounted dual-mode engine map switch.

The 2021 Yamaha YZ450F will be available this month, priced at $13,199 ride away.

2021 YZ450FX

The 2021 Yamaha YZ450FX is treated to all the changes made last year to the YZ450F motocrosser. The new 449cc, liquid-cooled, four-stroke, electric start engine features an all-new compact cylinder head with redesigned combustion chamber shape, and steeper valve angles. The rearward-slanted cylinder houses a higher compression piston with low friction rings attached to a longer connecting rod. The transmission has been refined to provide smoother shifting, and a more efficient crank breather system has been adopted to decrease pumping losses. The lighter, more compact engine is claimed to produce increased power across the entire RPM range for stronger and more linear pulling power.

The latest evolution of Yamaha’s aluminium bilateral beam frame has been redesigned with all-new flex characteristics that are designed to provide improved cornering performance, traction and bump reaction. Other chassis components such as engine mounts, top triple clamp and front axle, as well as the KYB suspension, were refined.

The 2021 YZ450FX features a newly designed front brake caliper, brake pads and front and rear disc.

The dual-mode switchable engine mapping and wireless connectivity is handled through the free Yamaha Power Tuner App. This system allow racers to adjust their engine performance using their smartphone, while the Yamaha Launch Control System helps to achieve quicker, smoother race starts.

In Australia, both YZ250FX and 450FX come with a rec rego kit – that includes a headlight – to enable these models to be registered in applicable states such as VIC.

The otherwise unchanged YZ125X, YZ250X and YZ250FX are also available in the new trick blue/black plastics combo and all come with the rec rego kits in Australia.

Full 2021 Ride Away Price List

YZ65 $6499 – Jul

YZ85 $7299 – Jul

YZ85LW $7949 – Jul

YZ125 $10,349 – Sep

YZ125X $11,099 – Jul

YZ250 $11,699 – Sep

YZ250F $12,099 – Oct

YZ250F Monster $12,199 – Oct

YZ250FX $13,099 – Dec

YZ250X $12,399 – Jul

YZ450F $13,099 – Jul

YZ450F Monster $13,199 – Sep

YZ450FX $14,349 – Nov

Note availability date may change. Ride away pricing is a true nationally advertised price that includes all statutory charges, freight and pre-delivery. There is no more to pay.