Release of the new entry level ATV model YFM250R Full-fledged sports performance in a lightweight, compact body About the 2008 Yamaha ATV Sports Models

Yamaha Motor Co., Ltd. has developed a new entry level sports ATV model named the "YFM250R" that mounts a 250cc air-cooled SOHC, single-cylinder engine on a lightweight, compact body to provide truly enjoyable running performance.

For 2008, the flagship sports model YFZ450 adopts features like a new front suspension with compression-stroke and rebound-stroke damping adjustment for even greater operability. Meanwhile, the YFZ450, YFM350R, YFM80R and YFM50R models adopt new body graphics and wheel color.

The 2008 Yamaha ATV lineup now consists of five models including this new model YFM250R, which will be released on the Japanese market as a 2008 model on July 15, 2007

*ATV=All-Terrain Vehicle

July 15, 2007

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With their characteristic low-pressure balloon tires, ATVs have the performance capability to tackle all kinds of off-road terrain, whether its unpaved or hilly ground, rock beds, sand, grass lands or frozen roads. That is why they are used for a wide range of uses from outdoor leisure and sport riding to transportation, hauling loads and patrol duties. In recent years the domestic demand for these vehicles in Japan is about 500 units annually (Yamaha survey).

Presently, Yamaha offers a lineup of eight ATV models ranging in engine displacement from 50cc to 700cc in the two basic categories of utility models designed for a variety of jobs and sports models designed for leisure sport riding.

The new YFM250R mounts a 250cc 4-stroke single-cylinder engine on a lightweight, compact body. As an entry-level sport ATV, it offers easy-to-use power and easy handling and features full-fledged sport model specifications for the frame, suspensions and brakes, etc., in a package with performance that is sure to satisfy intermediate and advanced level riders as well.

An engine that boasts gutsy torque and acceleration
The newly developed 250cc air-cooled 4-stroke SOHC, single-cylinder engine provides plenty of usable torque in the low- to mid-speed range and power that develops smoothly up through the high-speed range and is characterized also by a responsive acceleration feeling. To handle the heavy engine load in sport riding, the engine is also fitted with an oil cooler.

New-design frame and other measures for a lightweight body
A more compact overall framework design has enabled a major reduction in the weight of the main body components while maintaining the necessary rigidity and strength. Furthermore, measures like the adoption of aluminum wheels and smaller diameter tires, plastic resin parts for the rear frame protector and engine protector and reducing the size of the front and rear bar carriers have helped reduce overall body weight to a light 142 kg, which is even less than the 2-stroke Blaster model at 147 kg.

Chassis balance better suited to sporty riding
By lowering the heaviest components of the machine when ridden, through a lower engine mounting position setting, the riding positioning as low as possible, and also adopting smaller diameter tires, it has been possible to achieve an optimum chassis balance for sporty riding.

Wheel and suspension specs for sporty riding
For the suspension, with its major influence on the handling and running performance of an ATV, a combination of a wishbone type suspension in the front and a Monocross suspension with pneumatic shock absorber in the rear have been chosen and a wheel travel of 190 mm in the front and 200 mm in the rear has been achieved. Also, the specs of the front wheel alignment (caster angle, camber angle) and the suspension geometry are abased on those of flagship model YFZ450, with its acclaimed sporty performance. The adoption of front and rear brake parts equivalent to those of the top sports models also helps give this model wheel and suspension assemblies that ensure a sporty riding experience for a wide range of riders.