First Ride 2005 YZ250

[Satch0922]

Well today was the maiden voyage of the 05 YZ. Perfect weather in the low 60's with no wind. We went to Village Creek and spent several hours doing some break-in . The bike fired up the second kick. My goal was to spend the afternoon breaking in the engine and hopefully have time to ease it around the track at the end of the day. Well my plan worked out! I only put in 2 laps during the last organized practice then let the bike cool off. then they announced a final "all big bike" practice so I got 3 "gentle" laps in there.

I can't really give my full opinion of the bikes performance as I probably only opened it up fully a few times. Also I will need to dial in the suspension once it loosens up.

However I will tell you this.....the bike has PLENTY of power. A much wider powerband than I expected. The few times I opened it up it was a rocketship. However it still had enough low and mid power to haul me around the track while I attempted to be gentle.

The forks were stiff at first but loosened up a bit. They are sweet forks. I had ridden Macho's 05 450 and the first thing I noticed was how sweet the forks were. These new Kayabas are awesome.

Weight....this bike is light! It goes wherever your body "english" tells it to go. Much different than the thumpers. It handles very good and turns on a dime. I think the turning feels so much more effortless because it's not top heavy like the thumpers. You guys that ride with me know I am no bueno in the corners however today I was turning with little or no thought or effort. THIS BIKE TURNS LIKE NO OTHER (there did I make my point).

Anyway as I learn to ride this beast you will undoubtedly hear more about it. It was a bit awkward riding with those LOWRIDER Renthal bars.....but my ProTapers are in the mail so no worries.

Here are a few pictures taken today:

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[char393]

Sounds like a good day Satch!

Can't wait to hear more as you break it in.

[Keetoman393]

Sounds like the perfect day to break her in gently. Hope to see it in person soon!

[Dirtbikindad393]

That looks like a sweet track Satch. I am glad you are liking it so far. My question is how is the power compared to the 426? I know its hard to tell since you didn't really ride it but initially what do you think?

[Satch0922]

Originally posted by Dirtbikindad393
That looks like a sweet track Satch. I am glad you are liking it so far. My question is how is the power compared to the 426? I know its hard to tell since you didn't really ride it but initially what do you think?

The power is different but I knew it would be. The 426 is a tractor....I love it's brute force. The 250 will lug some but not like the 426. I think the 250 will be easier to ride though as it seems to do what you tell it where as the 426 you have to make sure you know where you wanna go before you get there. The 426 wants to go straight and run over everything in it's path LOL !!

Keep in mind these observations are from 5 laps on a motocross track! LOL

I will keep you guys posted as I get reaquainted to the 2-smoke world.

[Kirtwell]

Glad you like it so far Brent,


The bike looks great. It won't be long you'll be ripping it up.


VC?...did they change it up? It looks a little different from the pics.

I'm off all week....wanna do some practice Tue or Wed out there?

Let me know.

[Satch0922]

Kirtwell, I will have to see if I can swing that....

I told Aurora today "Man Kirtwell needs to practice at VC.....it will help him get ready for the ArenaCross". They have shortened the track and added some "supercross" style obstacles....most of which I don't like but maybe after I get used to the new bike they will be ok. They are all doable but you just have to be committed.

I will touch base with you tomorrow.

[pragmatic393]

Nice report! Could'nt ask for a better day to break-it in

[DCox]

Way to go Satch! I, along with everyone else, am fascinated by reports on new and different bikes like these. I can't wait to hear your full report when you are through running the engine in.

[OlSchoolFool393]

Welcome Back to the 2 strokin ,Seems weird to be able to float a bike around in the air again HUH?
Wait until you really get to ride it!!
I rode a new 05 125 and the new forks are NICE!!
Don W.

[yzernie]

I was concerned about my switch back to the 2 stroke. Even after I have had it for a year, I like it more every time I ride it. Once the suspension gets broken in and you get more time on it you will feel the same way. Plus, when all of the guys in your class that are riding 4 strokes start getting tired at the end of the moto you'll have a little something extra as you roost by them.

ping--ping

[maf1188]

Sounds like you liked it and had a good time great report.

[Supermoto]

Sounds Funn!! I wish I could ride a 250 s-stroke arond my local track just to see if I'd be any quicker on it : .you should have thrashed it for the 1st half an hour,breaking new bikes in slowly and gently is bad for todays pistons/barrels,working the bike hard from new after a good warm up seats the rings so much better,and even gives a little more performance.Ben

[m2g4b]

sounds like you had some fun satch, and the track looks like fun as well....cant wait to see it in person!!!! see ya soon

[DPW]

Originally posted by Satch0922
They have shortened the track and added some "supercross" style obstacles....most of which I don't like but maybe after I get used to the new bike they will be ok. They are all doable but you just have to be committed.

Are you talking about the section that replaced the dirty dozen(nasty nine or whatever) right before you re-enter the night track? It was a roller, double, tabletop, and than double all steep jumps with the same steep short landing....typical VC.

[Satch0922]

DPW, They added in a double after the starting line and the "Goat Mountain" with a small double after it.....and the dirty dozen or funky nine whatever they call it. Just seemed to be ALOT of steep/short doubles and triple step ups and of course the steep double before the finish line. Just alot going on!!

[DPW]

Satch0922,

Sounds like it's still the same as last Tuesday. You are right a lot going on and the jumps IMHO are not very forgiving at all...you either commit or you don't.

[gonzo]

Well Satch it sounds your probably not going to kill me for helping talk you into buying this bike. Glad to hear you like.

[Satch0922]

Originally posted by gonzo
Well Satch it sounds your probably not going to kill me for helping talk you into buying this bike. Glad to hear you like.

LOL this bike is FUN...that is the best word to describe it.

[Macho393]

well I got something to say.................SEE YA SOOON