Yamaha

Yamaha FJR1300A

$15,590 Engine type: dohc Four Displacement: 1298cc Carburation: EFI Transmission speeds: 5 Final drive: shaft Front brake: dual disc Rear brake: disc Wheelbase: 60.8 in. Seat height: 31.7/32.5 in. Fuel capacity: 6.6 gal. Claimed wet weight: 644 lb.

Sport-touring is a compromise, to be sure, but the FJR1300 leans toward the sport side of the ledger. Want proof? How about 145 claimed hp and 99 ft.-lb. of torque, all harnessed by a lightweight aluminum frame and swingarm with a single shock? Anti-lock brakes are standard equipment, as are heated grips. Touring amenities have not been ignored, either: A height-adjustable saddle, an electrically adjustable windscreen and two sizable, securely mounted—but quickly and easily detachable—hard saddlebags cover the long-hauler’s needs commendably.

Yamaha

Yamaha Super Ténéré

The much-anticipated Super Ténéré tackles the BMW R1200GS and KTM 990 Adventure head-on with an 1199cc parallel-Twin engine featuring throttle-by-wire, a two-position “D-Mode” engine-response selector and traction control. Using a dry-sump design to reduce engine height, the Twin has a 270-degree crank for improved traction and balance shafts for smooth running. Linked brakes and ABS are standard, and the street-biased tires ride on 19-inch front and 17-inch rear hoops. Fans of the tuning fork have for years been asking for a serious, big-inch adventure tourer, and Yamaha has at last responded.

$14,500 Engine type: dohc parallel-Twin Displacement: 1199cc Carburetion: EFI Transmission speeds: 6 Final drive: shaft Front brake: dual disc Rear brake: disc Wheelbase: 60.6 in. Seat height: 33.3/34.3 in. Fuel capacity: 6.0 gal. Claimed wet weight: 575 lb.

Yamaha YZF-R1/YZF-R1 World GP 50th Anniversary Edition

Thanks to its crossplane-crankshaft technology, the R1 already had one of the smoothest power deliveries of all the one-liter sportbikes. But now, the 2012 model’s traction-control system with seven levels of intervention should allow controlled acceleration anytime, anywhere. Variable-length intake funnels and a rideby-wire throttle system combine with new ECU settings for improved delivery in the lower and middle rpm ranges. The aluminum chassis uses a fully adjustable fork and shock, and an electronic steering damper. Also available: The YZF-R1 World GP 50th Anniversary Edition in Pearl White/Rapid Red.

$13,990 to $14,190/14,490 Engine type: dohc Four Displacement: 998cc Carburetion: EFI Transmission speeds: 6 Final drive: chain Front brake: dual disc Rear brake: disc Wheelbase: 55.7 in. Seat height: 32.9 in. Fuel capacity: 4.8 gal. Claimed wet weight: 454 lb.

Yamaha FZ1

When you look at this year’s new crop of street standards with sportbike roots, remember that Yamaha was already there with the FZ1. Its engine is from an older-generation YZF-R1—no slouch, in other words, with 150 claimed hp on tap, and now with updated injection mapping for improved throttle response. But FZls have always been about more than just speed. The bike has a genuine tubular handlebar that puts the grips in a rational position, and the other two parts of the ergonomic trilogy—seat and footpeg location—are situated with comfort in mind. Its half-fairing provides good wind protection and is filled with a comprehensive instrument array.

$10,590 Engine type: dohc Four Displacement: 998cc Carburetion: EFI Transmission speeds: 6 Final drive: chain Front brake: dual disc Rear brake: disc Wheelbase: 57.5 in. Seat height: 32.1 in. Fuel capacity: 4.8 gal. Claimed wet weight: 487 lb.

Yamaha FZ8

Filling the gap between middleweight and literclass naked bikes is Yamaha’s FZ8. Its engine, heavily based on the pre-crossplane YZF-R1/FZ1 motor, is essentially a sleeved-down version with a new cylinder head, forged pistons and revised electronic fuel injection. The goal? Steady, torque-biased power to reside between the high-revving push of a 600 and the often intimidating rush of a 1 OOOcc machine. Matched to this power unit is an aluminum frame, FZl-style upright ergonomics and an aggressive, decidedly naked stance.

$8690 Engine type: dohc Four Displacement: 779cc Carburetion: EFI Transmission speeds: 6 Final drive: chain Front brake: dual disc Rear brake: disc Wheelbase: 57.5 in. Seat height: 32.1 in. Fuel capacity: 4.5 gal. Claimed wet weight: 467 lb.

Yamaha FZ6R

$7590 to $7690 Engine type: dohc Four Displacement: 600cc Carburetion: EFI Transmission speeds: 6 Final drive: chain Front brake: dual disc Rear brake: disc Wheelbase: 56.7 in. Seat height: 30.9 in. Fuel capacity: 4.6 gal. Claimed wet weight: 470 lb.

Achieving sportbike spec at the budget end of the spectrum is a difficult compromise, but the FZ6R balances the books well. A 600cc inline-Four based on a previous generation of the vaunted YZF-R6’s engine resides in a steel-tube frame with near-sportbike-caliber geometry. But what’s more important in this category is value (check), utility (full fairing, other amenities; check) and performance (double check!). The FZ6R’s suspension and brakes are close enough to the latest items to delight most buyers, especially the new riders that Yamaha is clearly targeting.

Yamaha YZF-R6/YZF-R6 World GP 50th Anniversary Edition

$10,890 to $11,090/11,390 Engine type: dohc Four Displacement: 599cc Carburetion: EFI Transmission speeds: 6 Final drive: chain Front brake: dual disc Rear brake: disc Wheelbase: 54.1 in. Seat height: 33.5 in. Fuel capacity: 4.5 gal. Claimed wet weight: 417 lb.

It wasn’t long ago that middleweight sportbikes were a notch down the technology totem pole. Not today, and the YZF-R6 is proof. Its high-revving inline-Four enjoys ride-by-wire throttle, variable-length velocity stacks and engineering measures to reduce internal friction—and that’s horsepower in your back pocket. And the high-quality suspension is fully adjustable. For sure, this is a good streetbike but probably the most hard-edged 600 on the market and one of the most satisfying to ride on the racetrack. Also available: The YZF-R6 in Pearl White/Rapid Red paint with a special numbered emblem on the tank.

Yamaha WR250R

$6590 Engine type: dohc Single Displacement: 250cc Carburetion: EFI Transmission speeds: 6 Final drive: chain Front brake: disc Rear brake: disc Wheelbase: 55.9 in. Seat height: 36.6 in. Fuel capacity: 1.9 gal. Claimed wet weight: 298 lb.

Trying times welcome modest solutions. That’s why the lightweight dual-sport market is, if not exactly flourishing, at least seeing some growth. Yamaha’s WR250R is not only at home in the dirt but makes a great suburban runabout. The electric-start-only, dohc Single uses titanium intake valves and electronic fuel injection, a first on a Yamaha dual-purpose bike. Further back is an EXUP exhaust valve for a broader powerband. True to its off-road pretensions, the WR250R has a 21/18-inch front/rear wheel combination so you can spoon on your favorite pure-dirt tires.

Yamaha XT250

$5090 Engine type: sohc Single Displacement: 249cc Carburetion: 33mm Mikuni Transmission speeds: 5 Final drive: chain Front brake: disc Rear brake: disc Wheelbase: 53.5 in. Seat height: 31.9 in. Fuel capacity: 2.4 gal. Claimed wet weight: 291 lb.

Just how many of Yamaha’s ubiquitous XT250 (and its predecessor, the XT225) have been hauled to campsites over the years? Uh, only about a zillion. That’s clear evidence that this mild-spec, budget-friendly dual-purpose bike is clearly up to the task, thanks in no small part to its peppy, 249cc engine and wideratio five-speed transmission. Rims that will accept real dirt-oriented tires make the XT worthy of more than a campground buzz, too; with its reasonable suspension travel and dual disc brakes, the XT has the goods to be a fine entry-level dirt trainer as well as a useful, street-legal runabout.

Yamaha TW200

Iconoclasts are everywhere, and sooner or later, you’ll probably see one riding a TW200. This fattired wonder has been the darling of campgrounds from Bar Harbor to Pismo Beach. Few street-legal dual-purpose machines are as easy to manage in sand as the TW, yet it remains a fine, versatile streetbike as long as you don’t envision a lot of highway miles or triple-digit speeds (downhill, with a tailwind, maybe...). The built-in luggage rack is handy, the headlight shroud actually deflects some wind at speed and the TW can boast some terrific fuel mileage in everyday riding.

$4490 Engine type: sohc Single Displacement: 196cc Carburetion: 28mm Mikuni Transmission speeds: 5 Final drive: chain Front brake: disc Rear brake: drum Wheelbase: 52.2 in. Seat height: 31.1 in. Fuel capacity: 1.8 gal. Claimed wet weight: 279 lb.

Yamaha Majesty

Several years back, a 250 was as big a scooter as you could buy. But like everything else in America, we’ve super-sized the concept, leading to 400 and even 650cc models. Makes sense: the convenience of a scooter, the power of a motorcycle, able to leave city limits and even tour two-up. The Majesty is powered by a liquid-cooled, fuel-injected, four-valve Single that spins to 8000 rpm and is smooth in the process, thanks to a counterbalancer. And frat rats take note: Under Her Majesty’s flip-up seat is 16 gallons of storage space, almost exactly a keg’s worth!

$6750 Engine type: dohc Single Displacement: 395cc Carburetion: EFI Transmission: automatic Final drive: chain Front brake: disc Rear brake: disc Wheelbase: 61.6 in. Seat height: 29.9 in. Fuel capacity: 3.7 gal. Claimed wet weight: 467 lb.

Yamaha Zuma 125

Imagine a Baja Bug on two wheels, a free-spirited, small and slightly wild-looking scooter that purportedly gets 89 miles per gallon and (unlike the Baja Bug) comes fully assembled. You’ve just described the Zuma 125. Its 125cc four-stroke Single features fuel injection and electric starting, four valves per cylinder and a V-belt automatic transmission. (You were expecting a seven-speed shift-yourown?) The Zuma 125 is light enough that you might just be able to sling it over your shoulder, yet it seats two with a modicum of under-cushion storage. Shouldn’t every garage have one?

$3350 Engine type: sohc Single Displacement: 124cc Carburetion: EFI Transmission: automatic Final drive: belt Front brake: disc Rear brake: drum Wheelbase: 50.8 in. Seat height: 30.7 in. Fuel capacity: 1.6 gal. Claimed wet weight: 269 lb.

Yamaha Zuma 50F

The name is almost the same, but the former Zuma 50 two-stroke is born again as the Zuma 50F four-stroke. It’s powered by a liquid-cooled, 3-valve, fuel-injected, electric-start engine that Yamaha says is capable of achieving up to 132 mpg. If that claim is true, it means that despite its small, 1.2-gallon fuel capacity, the Zuma might be able to go almost 160 miles between fill-ups! One of the best features of most scooters is under-seat storage, and the 50F offers 23 liters of it despite the machine’s diminutive size. The fat tires are great around town, and if you take your Zuma camping, they’re good on dirt roads, too.

$2390 Engine type: four-stroke Single Displacement: 49cc Carburetion: EFI Transmission: automatic Final drive: belt Front brake: disc Rear brake: drum Wheelbase: 50.3 in. Seat height: 30.7 in. Fuel capacity: 1.2 gal. Claimed wet weight: 205 lb.

Yamaha WR450F

$8090 Engine type: dohc Single Bore x stroke: 95.0 x 63.4mm Displacement: 449cc Transmission speeds: 5 Front wheel travel: 11.8 in. Rear wheel travel: 12.0 in. Fuel capacity: 2.1 gal. Seat height: 37.8 in. Front brake: disc Rear brake: disc Claimed wet weight: 273 lb

Here’s an off-road hot-rod that’s up for almost any kind of dirt work—enduro, cross-country or just good oF fun playriding. The WR450 is now fuel-injected, which promises to deliver smooth, stumble-free throttle response at any altitude or temperature. Electric starting simplifies refiring the motor when you are literally stalled between a rock and a hard place. The chassis is now based on that of the YZ250F motocrosser, providing light, agile handling. Suspension consists of a 48mm fork and fully adjustable shock, both by KYB; tool-less airbox access, Excel rims and a ProTaper handlebar are bonuses.

Yamaha WR250F

$6890 Engine type: dohc Single Bore x stroke: 77.0 x 53.6mm Displacement: 250cc Transmission speeds: 5 Front wheel travel: 11.8 in. Rear wheel travel: 12.2 in. Fuel capacity: 2.1 gal. Seat height: 38.6 in. Front brake: disc Rear brake: disc Claimed wet weight: 256 lb.

^ Enduro riders wish for competition-grade motocross machines to use on the trail, but the reality is often a long way from the fantasy. Not so for the WR250. Heavily based on the YZ250F motocrosser, the WR has revised camshaft profiles and valve timing intended to provide strong, hard-hitting low-end and midrange power. The WR’s close-ratio transmission has small steps between third, fourth and fifth gears to keep the high-revving, twin-cam, five-valve engine on the boil. Like the 450F, the 250 has both electric and kick starters, and is green-stickerapproved in California.

Yamaha TT-R230

$3850 Engine type: dohc Single Bore x stroke: 70.0 x 58.0mm Displacement: 223cc Transmission speeds: 6 Front wheel travel: 9.5 in. Rear wheel travel: 8.7 in. Fuel capacity: 2.1 gal. Seat height: 34.2 in. Front brake: disc Rear brake: drum Claimed wet weight: 251 lb.

There’s a fine line between capability and intimidation, one that the TT-R230 straddles with confidence. It’s got an electric starter for the beginners (and the lazy experts) but also has considerable suspension travel and a foot of ground clearance (for the not-so-lazy experts). Yamaha describes the 230’s dohc, four-valve Single as “super reliable” with “widespread power,” both desirable traits for the nascent dirt donk. The generously padded seat doesn’t hurt long-range capabilities, either. Winning enduros isn’t in the TT-R’s bag of tricks, but just about everything else is.

Yamaha TT-R125LE

$3190 Engine type: dohc Single Bore x stroke: 54.0 x 54.0mm Displacement: 124cc Transmission speeds: 5 Front wheel travel: 7.1 in. Rear wheel travel: 6.6 in. Fuel capacity: 1.6 gal. Seat height: 31.7 in. Front brake: disc Rear brake: drum Claimed wet weight: 198 lb.

You never wanted to share toys with your brothers and sisters, and now here’s a bike the whole family will glom onto. Oh, great. At least that’s the mission of the TT-R125LE, a crossover trailbike. Yamaha sized the TT-R to fit in between fullmaturity enduro/trail models and small-tire minis. With a 19/16-inch wheel combination and a modest 31.7-inch seat height, the TT-R is manageable for the startup riders but won’t make dad look like he’s riding a Dartmoor Pony. A 1.6-gallon fuel tank keeps the fun going for hours on end. Our advice: Earn a buck and buy your own.

Yamaha TT-R110E

Beware the ankle biters. Yamaha’s TT-R110E is your basic tweener—a muscle mini with enough oomph never to be tail-end Charlie but small and light enough to give youthful confidence a much-needed boost. The 110 features styling inspired by the famous YZ line—right down to the Team Yamaha blue/white color scheme. It’s also easy to manage, weighing less than 160 pounds even though equipped with an electric starter and an automatic clutch between the four-speed transmission and the air-cooled Single. A low, 26.4inch seat is allied with 7.1 inches of ground clearance. Go get `em, boy!

$2190 Engine type: sohc Single Bore x stroke: 51.0 x 54.0mm Displacement: 110cc Transmission speeds: 4 Front wheel travel: 4.5 in. Rear wheel travel: 4.3 in. Fuel capacity: 1.0 gal. Seat height: 26.4 in. Front brake: drum Rear brake: drum Claimed wet weight: 158 lb.

Yamaha TT-R50E

Missing from Yamaha’s lineup since 2009, theTT-R50 returns for 2012, which should make kids everywhere jump for joy. This little fun machine is powered by a 49cc four-stroke engine with a three-speed transmission and an automatic clutch. Electric starting means your young one will be able to spend more productive time riding the bike instead of wasting time trying to kickstart it. Though the inverted fork and single shock don’t provide a huge amount of travel, they can tackle the bumps very well for a bike of this size, while drum brakes front and rear get it stopped. The low seat height invites young riders of all sizes to jump on and start having fun.

$1490 Engine type: sohc Single Bore x stroke: 36.0 x 48.6mm Displacement: 49cc Transmission speeds: 3 Front wheel travel: 3.8 in. Rear wheel travel: 2.8 in. Fuel capacity: 0.8 gal. Seat height: 21.8 in. Front brake: drum Rear brake: drum Claimed wet weight: 125 lb.

Yamaha PW50

The PW50 makes learning to ride a motorcycle about as easy as possible, which is why we’d be willing to bet that more kids got their start riding one than just about any other machine. It’s got a fully automatic transmission, no shifting required; just twist and go. Final drive is by shaft, so no chain adjustment or messy lubing is necessary. Seat height is less than 20 inches, so even if they’re short for their age, kids fit and their boots will touch the ground at stops, a great confidence-booster for first-timers. It’s even got a centerstand so that at night, your little guy or gal can sneak out into the garage and sit on the PW, feet up, and make vroom-vroom sounds.

$1390 Engine type: two-stroke Single Bore x stroke: 40.0 x 39.2mm Displacement: 49cc Transmission speeds: automatic Front wheel travel: 2.4 in. Rear wheel travel: 2.0 in. Fuel capacity: 0.5 gal. Seat height: 19.1 in. Front brake: drum Rear brake: drum Claimed wet weight: 85 lb.

Yamaha YZ450F

Yamaha turned motocross design orthodoxy around with the YZ450F, and refinements to the package continue to improve what already is an impressive machine. The YZ-F’s reversed cylinder-head layout places the intake at the front and the exhaust at the rear, with the cylinder leaning to the rear—all a bid to centralize mass for improved handling. Revised fuel-injection mapping for 2012 provides smoother low-end and midrange response, and the new exhaust silencer is longer to help the big YZ-F meet the increasingly strict sound requirements imposed by many racing organizations.

$8350 Engine type: dohc Single Bore x stroke: 97.0 x 60.8mm Displacement: 449cc Transmission speeds: 5 Front wheel travel: 12.2 in. Rear wheel travel: 12.4 in. Fuel capacity: 1.6 gal. Seat height: 39.4 in. Front brake: disc Rear brake: disc Claimed wet weight: 245 lb.

Yamaha YZ250F

$7290 Engine type: dohc Single Bore x stroke: 77.0 x 53.6mm Displacement: 250cc Transmission speeds: 5 Front wheel travel: 11.8 in. Rear wheel travel: 12.5 in. Fuel capacity: 1.6 gal. Seat height: 39.0 in. Front brake: disc Rear brake: disc Claimed wet weight: 227 lb.

Lites-class four-stroke motocrossers may be the best allaround MX machines for experts and novices alike, and the YZ250F is one of the better ones. This year, the 250F gets a larger, 39mm carburetor (yes, Yamaha is sticking with a carb for at least one more year), a revised crankshaft, a lighter piston, a new air cleaner and a longer, quieter muffler. Yamaha claims those changes improve throttle response in the midto high-rpm range. The aluminum frame has been refined for improved rigidity, and fork offset was dropped from 25 to 22mm, increasing trail for better stability. The fully adjustable KYB front and rear suspension was recalibrated, as well.

Yamaha YZ250

$7150 Engine type: two-stroke Single Bore x stroke: 66.4 x 72.0mm Displacement: 249cc Transmission speeds: 5 Front wheel travel: 11.8 in. Rear wheel travel: 12.4 in. Fuel capacity: 2.1 gal. Seat height: 39.1 in. Front brake: disc Rear brake: disc Claimed wet weight: 227 lb.

Yamaha’s winning four-stroke motocrossers might receive the company’s latest engineering, but there are still great options for two-stroke fanatics, including the YZ250. A reed-valve smoker, the YZ250 benefits from Yamaha’s YPVS exhaust power valve and carbon-fiber reed valves to produce a remarkably broad spread of power. The frame and swingarm are aluminum structures fitted with long-travel KYB suspension. A gripper seat cover and an adjustable-mount ProTaper aluminum handlebar keep the rider in control. The titanium footpegs are a nice touch, too.

Yamaha YZ125

$6290 Engine type: two-stroke Single Bore x stroke: 54.0 x 54.5mm Displacement: 124cc Transmission speeds: 6 Front wheel travel: 11.8 in. Rear wheel travel: 12.4 in. Fuel capacity: 2.1 gal. Seat height: 39.3 in. Front brake: disc Rear brake: disc Claimed wet weight: 208 lb.

Maybe you thought that 250cc four-stroke motocrossers would render the 125 two-strokes extinct? Don’t get ahead of yourself, Darwin. As a natural steppingstone from the 85cc class to the big leagues, the YZ125 is a valuable teaching tool. It combines low weight and a potent two-stroke, reed-valve Single with an aluminum frame for incredible agility and impressive acceleration—yet it’s not such a handful that moving-up riders will feel intimidated. Fully adjustable suspension (of course) is allied with YZ250F-spec brakes, all for a price tag that neatly undercuts the YZ250 and the four-strokes.

Yamaha YZ85

$3990 Engine type: two-stroke Single Bore x stroke: 47.5 x 47.8mm Displacement: 85cc Transmission speeds: 6 Front wheel travel: 10.8 in. Rear wheel travel: 11.1 in. Fuel capacity: 1.3 gal. Seat height: 34.0 in. Front brake: disc Rear brake: disc Claimed wet weight: 156 lb.

The day your offspring finishes the chores early and looks at you with that “Gee, can I have a” stare is the day you start shopping 85cc motocrossers. And here’s a good one. Yamaha’s mini-moto fits comfortably between small-wheeled minibikes (and the sort) and full-fledged, adult-sized motocrossers. Its 85cc, liquid-cooled, reed-valve two-stroke Single is tuned for “hard-hitting, moto-winning power,” yet the bike’s compact dimensions and low weight give developing riders a shot of confidence. It also features a fully adjustable, long-travel Kayaba inverted fork and a link-type shock.