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Read More Yamaha Announces New YZ250FX & WR250F
By Wayfarer |
Yamaha Announces New YZ250FX & WR250F
Along with Additional Updates to Off-Road Lineup
MARIETTA, Ga. – July 10, 2024 – Yamaha Motor Corporation, USA is introducing its new lineup of 2025 off-road motorcycles with thrilling options for enthusiasts ranging from young beginning riders to seasoned professionals. The spotlight for 2025 falls on the exciting and ultra-capable new YZ250FX and WR250F. Based closely on Yamaha’s class-dominating YZ250F motocrosser, the new YZ250FX and WR250F are both designed to be slim, light and agile off-road weapons, ready for competition straight out of the box. The YZ250FX includes specific suspension and engine tuning suited to the extreme conditions of cross country racing, while the WR250F is prepped for enduro with unique engine and suspension tuning, an H4 headlight, LED taillight, shortened muffler with spark arrestor and other specific enduro features.
New 2025 Yamaha YZ250FX
Fresh off claiming last year’s XC2 GNCC title, the new 2025 YZ250FX features an extensive list of enhancements designed to further boost its class-leading performance and capability. With a revamped chassis, updated suspension tune, and reconsidered ergonomics, the new FX is lighter, sharper and more agile, with a better handling feel. Perfect for carving up tight cross country courses.
Updates to the 2025 model begin with a completely redesigned aluminum bilateral beam frame. Based on the competition-proven YZ250F, the new frame provides just the right amount of strength and flex for the perfect balance of stability and cornering performance. The redesign also includes model-specific engine mounts and lightweight subframe. The result is a better handling machine with lightweight feel and increased front wheel traction, allowing the rider to enter corners with greater confidence and more line choices.
Complementing the revised frame, the YZ250FX’s class-leading, fully adjustable KYB® suspension is 10mm shorter and includes updated settings to deliver exceptional balance between handling and bump absorption, along with less pitch on corner entry/exit. The revised frame and suspension settings also result in a lower center of gravity for improved maneuverability in tight, technical terrain and an easier reach to the ground. Additionally, the front fork now includes a new hand-adjustable knob for easy, toolless compression adjustments.
Ergonomics are also enhanced, with a slimmer, flatter, more compact body lending a razor-thin feel and effortless body movement when shifting weight forward and back. The rider triangle is more generous as well with more space between the seat and foot pegs.
Other notable changes for 2025 include a completely redesigned intake system along with optimized ECU settings for better control on the low-end and even more mid- to high-end power. The new FX also receives the next generation of Yamaha’s industry leading Power Tuner App, now even simpler to use with a quick-adjust slide bar for easy engine tuning, and more functionality including new four-level Traction Control. Best of all, it’s still free-of-charge.
2025 YZ250FX Features & Benefits
- The new YZ250FX is lighter, sharper and more agile than ever, the perfect weapon for dominating cross country competition
- Completely redesigned aluminum bilateral beam frame based on the renowned YZ250F motocrosser provides the perfect balance of straight-line stability and agile cornering performance
- Revised, fully adjustable KYB® coil spring-type fork with speed-sensitive damping now includes hand-adjustable knob for toolless compression adjustment
- Linkage-type rear suspension features a fully adjustable KYB® shock with revised settings for enhanced performance
- Lower center of gravity for enhanced maneuverability and easier reach to the ground in tight, tricky conditions
- A flatter, more narrow body design eases rider movement and updated ergonomics offer increased legroom and more comfort
- Advanced 250cc four-stroke engine features a high-spec piston, aggressive cam profiles and forward positioned intake cylinder head layout for a broad, useable powerband
- More efficient down-draft intake path further boosts mid- to high-rpm engine performance
- Innovative wrap-around exhaust design improves mass centralization and power characteristics
- Ultra-compact 44mm Mikuni® throttle body ensures optimum fuel atomization while saving weight and improving mass-centralization
- Revised Yamaha Power Tuner App is even more user-friendly with intuitive new “Simple Tuning” slide bar, helpful new engine and suspension tuning guides, and additional new features
- New four-level selectable Traction Control System controlled through the Power Tuner App maintains ideal rear wheel traction
- Two-mode adjustable engine mapping allows on-the-fly selection between two maps via new handlebar-mounted push-button switchgear
- Wide-ratio six-speed transmission
- Large 270mm front brake disc and 240mm rear disc are coupled with a Nissin caliper to provide exceptional stopping power and control
- Durable, large-diameter 15-plate cable actuated clutch withstands the high demands of cross country racing
- Lightweight, tapered 1-1/8-inch aluminum handlebars secure to four-position adjustable handlebar mounts Wide 55mm foot pegs
- Compact, lightweight push-button electric start provides quick and effortless restarts
- Larger 2.1-gallon fuel capacity (compared to YZ250F) with low-fuel indicator
- Advanced computer-aided wheel design shaves weight without sacrificing durability
- Three-cross-spoke pattern 18-inch rear wheel for improved impact absorption and rider feel
- Race-developed Dunlop® Geomax MX33 tires
- Wired for accessory radiator fan
- Sealed O-ring chain
- Aluminum side stand
- Composite engine guard
- Premium embedded graphics provide excellent durability and scratch resistance
- Lighter, slimmer and sharper with a lower center of gravity, the new 2025 WR250F is built for attacking tight enduro courses
- Completely redesigned aluminum bilateral beam frame based on the YZ250F motocrosser provides the perfect balance of straight-line stability and agile cornering performance
- Revised, fully adjustable KYB® coil spring-type fork with speed-sensitive damping now includes hand-adjustable knob for toolless compression adjustment
- Linkage-type rear suspension features a fully adjustable KYB® shock with revised settings for enhanced performance
- Lower center of gravity for enhanced maneuverability and easier reach to the ground in tight, tricky conditions
- A flatter, more narrow body design eases rider movement and updated ergonomics offer increased legroom and more comfort
- Advanced 250cc four-stroke engine features a high-spec piston, aggressive cam profiles and forward positioned intake cylinder head layout for a broad, useable powerband
- More efficient intake path further boosts mid- to high-rpm engine performance
- Innovative wrap-around exhaust design improves mass centralization and power characteristics
- Ultra-compact 44mm Mikuni® throttle body ensures optimum fuel atomization while saving weight and improving mass-centralization
- Revised Yamaha Power Tuner App is even more user-friendly with helpful new tuning guides, and additional new features
- New four-level selectable Traction Control System controlled through the Power Tuner App maintains ideal rear wheel traction
- Wide-ratio six-speed transmission
- Large 270mm front brake disc and 240mm rear disc are coupled with a Nissin caliper to provide exceptional stopping power and control
- Durable, large-diameter 15-plate cable actuated clutch withstands the high demands of enduro racing
- Lightweight, tapered 1-1/8-inch aluminum handlebars secure to four-position adjustable handlebar mounts
- Wide 55mm foot pegs
- Compact, lightweight push-button electric start provides quick and effortless restarts
- Larger 2.0-gallon fuel capacity (compared to YZ250F) with low-fuel indicator
- Advanced computer-aided wheel design shaves weight without sacrificing durability
- Rear wheel comes laced in a three-cross-spoke pattern for improved impact absorption and rider feel
- Race-developed Dunlop® Geomax MX33 tires
- Radiator fan
- Sealed O-ring chain
- Aluminum side stand
- Composite engine guard
- Premium embedded graphics provide excellent durability and scratch resistance
- Enduro-specific features including unique engine and suspension tuning, an H4 headlight, LED taillight, shortened, quieter muffler with spark arrestor
- Revised suspension includes updated rear linkage, new settings front and rear, along with a lighter spring rate on rear shock and new delta-shaped piston shims in the fork for enhanced stability, traction and a more planted front-end feel
- New handlebar switchbox incorporates an updated ribbed design for more practicality and a better look
- New throttle tube increases the spacing between the throttle grip and throttle housing assembly
- New foot peg bracket design is lighter with a revised shape to enhance rider ergonomics
- The new 2025 YZ250F is offered in Team Yamaha Blue and will be available from dealers this August for $8,899 MSRP.
- Revised suspension includes updated rear linkage, new settings front and rear, along with a lighter spring rate on rear shock and new delta-shaped piston shims in the fork for enhanced stability, traction and a more planted front-end feel
- Revised engine mounts complement suspension updates, improving chassis compliance and enhancing stability
- New clutch design increases lubrication and enhances cooling efficiency
- New handlebar switchbox incorporates an updated ribbed design for easier operation and a better look
- New throttle tube increases the spacing between the throttle grip and throttle housing assembly
- New foot peg bracket design is lighter with a revised shape to enhance rider ergonomics
- The new 2025 YZ450F is offered in Team Yamaha Blue and will be available from dealers this August for $9,999 MSRP.
Frankie 1964: Life and Times of Bandit
By Wayfarer |
An Outlaw Rider’s Story by Keith “Bandit” Ball
illustrated by Wayfarer
Whether he knew it or not he reveled in three aims, creativity through motorcycles, freedom through riding and the touch of a woman. He quickly discovered insincerity, power, control and evil in the service, but Frankie held true to his belief in fairness and freedom.
He fought to save his fellow sailors from confinement by the hands of power hungry Shore Patrol Officers. He stepped in when a gang attempted to fuck-up a fellow shipmate in the Philippines. He sought a sense of violent understanding and when to step into the fight and when to step away.
After his third tour in ‘Nam, he married his second love and during the confined periods on ship he wrote her adoring letters and studied motorcycle magazines. He dodged military treachery and ended up close to home, where he could ride, build a shop and start to customize motorcycles.
Soon, he had run-ins with clubs in San Pedro with Outlaws and Hangmen and then the Hells Angels and Hessians at the Chino run in Riverside.
Click here to read this hard fisted, fast paced, road ripping fiction only on Bikernet.com
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Get your fix of Two-Wheeled Adventures, real and unreal–in our Two-wheeled Tales department for free.
Get Your Kicks on Route 666
By Wayfarer |
Story and photos Koz Mraz www.kozmoto.com
Arizona has incredible geological diversity that lie between Flagstaff’s Humphries Peak, at 12,637 feet to the Grand Canyon, the Red Rocks of Sedona to lush Verde Valley.
Arizona also has the longest continuous stretch of uninterrupted Route 66 two-lane asphalt and is home to Route 666. Renamed SR 191 in 2003 because the Department of Transportation was constantly replacing stolen highway signs.
Click here to read this ride report only on Bikernet.com
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Indian Motorcycle and King of the Baggers in UK
By Wayfarer |
Indian Motorcycle brings the thunder to Goodwood Festival of Speed with the Challenger RR and FTR750
Indian Motorcycle, America’s first motorcycle company, will bring the thundering sound of King Of The Baggers and American Flat Track racing to the UK with the appearance of the Indian Challenger RR and FTR750 at the prestigious Goodwood Festival of Speed from July 11-14.
Renowned for its celebration of motorsport culture, the Goodwood Festival of Speed attracts enthusiasts from around the globe for a one-of-a-kind event, where the past, present, and future of automotive innovation converge while honouring the rich heritage of iconic brands such as Indian Motorcycle.
Sharing the famous hill with some of motorsports biggest and best icons, the Indian Challenger RR makes its Goodwood debut offering a rare opportunity for fans outside of America to witness a full-factory race Bagger in action and hear the outstanding PowerPlus V-Twin engine in the hands of racing legend, Jeremy McWilliams.
Created to celebrate the 2022 King of the Baggers championship crown, Indian Motorcycle and S&S Cycle built just 29 Challenger RR customer bikes, each hand-crafted and race-tuned with the same spec and setup as Tyler O’Hara’s #29 championship-winning bike. The Challenge RR offers collectors the unique opportunity to own a piece of history.
Returning to Goodwood after first appearing in 2018, the Indian FTR750 is the dominant force in American Flat Track racing. A clean-sheet design, the FTR750 was developed in-house by the Indian Motorcycle Racing engineering and design teams with a high-performance 750cc V-Twin engine and unique, ultra-light steel frame, large centrally located airbox and sleek lightweight carbon fibre body.
From its racing debut in 2017, marking Indian Motorcycle Racing’s official return to professional flat track racing, the FTR750 has cemented its legacy with seven consecutive American Flat Track SuperTwins Championship titles and carrying Wrecking Crew rider, Jared Mees, to a record-equalling ninth championship.
Racing, and winning, have long been a core element within the Indian Motorcycle brand DNA. Founded by racers, driven to innovate by a desire to go faster and win races, Indian Motorcycle has been racing, and winning, for 123 years. From Oscar Hedstrom’s endurance racing at the turn of the century to O.C. Godfrey winning at the famed Isle of Man in 1911, from Burt Munro’s land-speed records to the original Wrecking Crew’s dominance in the 50s and the present Wrecking Crew’s American Flat Track dominance, from SuperHooligan Championships on the FTR in 2022 and 2023 to the Challenger taking the King of the Baggers Championships in 2020 and 2022 – the list of history-making racing milestones for Indian Motorcycle is unparalleled.
The Mike Parti Story
By Wayfarer |
A portrait of an avid motorcyclist by Michael Fitzsimons
Parti was born in Fort Wayne, Indiana, on June 23, a long time ago.
At 15, Parti bought an old Ford jalopy. When his mother saw the car, she threatened to chain the tires together until Parti turned 16 and got his driver’s license. Early on, he bought an old Indian Scout for $15, which Parti pointed out was the going rate for a bike that didn’t run in those days.
NOTE FROM Bandit: Mike Parti sadly passed a few years back, but his bikes and his legacy live on. Recently his daughter Clarice “Tish” kindly donated this historic sidecar rig to the Sturgis Motorcycle Museum. We are exceedingly proud to add this unique Bonneville Vincent powered sidecar rig to the race inspired exhibits.
Click here to read this photo feature article only on Bikernet.com
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An Unintentional Pilgrimage
By Wayfarer |
This was the second year for this event, and you may be interested in seeing the article on the first event to help you get a better idea of what this is all about.
AN UNINTENTIONAL PILGRIMAGE (bikernet.com) A group of us going on a ride to deliver a Time Capsule in Clarksdale With a couple of stops on the way to meet up with others and then having a wedding cause it was time to do it.
The story is that Berry Wardlaw and Robby Defazio were having a late-night phone conversation and part of it was about the movie Rough Boys and getting people that were in it and or involved with it to get together and have a party.
Check out this report by Rogue along with photos only on Bikernet.com….click here.
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Visit last year’s Unintentional Pilgrimage at Bikernet by clicking
https://blog.bikernet.com/an-unintentional-pilgrimage/
Wheels Through Time presents perfect gift for Father’s Day
By Wayfarer |
Last Call for Father’s Day
The perfect gift for Father’s Day and the motorcycle lover in your life.
Looking for the perfect gift for Father’s Day? What better gift than the chance to win this RARE piece of history and WTT Swag!
THE 1936 KNUCKLEHEAD CAN BE YOURS!
By entering in at the “Greater Deal” package you will get the brand new Gold Standard tee along with your ’36 Tee, and DVD. At the “Better Deal” package or higher, you will get the “Gold Standard” Tee and a chance to win the Ultimate WTT Swag Bag, along with your ’36 Tee, and DVD.
AND YOU DON’T WANT TO MISS OUR 22nd ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION!
Dale’s Wheels Through Time will celebrate its 22nd-Anniversary Celebration from July 4th to July 8th with a week full of history, horsepower, and thrills, and we want you to be a part of it! All week long, museum staff will be firing up rare motorcycles for your eyes and ears to enjoy. Many of these machines have not been run in years! The museum will also host the American Motordrome Company’s “Wall of Death,” which will put on FREE thrill shows for visitors all week!
U.S. 131 Next Stop for Spectacular AMRA Nitro Harleys
By Wayfarer |
PennGrade1 AMRA All-American motorcycle drag racing series pre-race advance
event: PennGrade1 AMRA Ohio Nitro Nationals
when: June 14-16, 2024
where: U.S. 131 Motorsports Park in Martin, Michigan, USA
Event Details
$20 per day
Friday: Test & Tune – 3pm to 8pm
Saturday: Qualifying begins at Noon
Sunday: Opening Ceremonies at Noon; Eliminations immediately following.
Michigan get ready! The ground-pounding, flame-throwing Nitro Harley-Davidson motorcycles of the PennGrade1 American Motorcycle Racing Association (AMRA) are coming to beautiful U.S. 131 Motorsports Park on June 14-16. Centrally located between Kalamazoo and Grand Rapids, this jewel of a race track is set to host the quickest and fastest Harley-Davidson drag racers from all parts of the globe.
But Cecil County runner-up and 2023 Rockingham Finals winner Jordan Peterson is riding for the home team—Sturgis, Michigan legends Mike and Jack Romine. The Romines will have the big Iowa rider tuned up to defend their home state from nitro invaders in the marquee Circle M Ranch/Dove Fuels Top Fuel class.
They’ll have to fend off AMRA champ and recent Norwalk winner Ryan Peery, North Carolina Drag Racing Hall of Famer Jay “Bulldog” Turner, AMRA’s own John “JT” Toth, two-time NHRA champ Tii Tharpe on his Spevco mount, Ohio hero Jason Pridemore and his beautiful blown bike, and more.
Nitro Funnybikes make all the noise of Top Fuel with fewer cubes and no transmission. Champion Jim Doyle, Bad Apple Racing’s Cameron Gunter, 2X-for-2024 runner-up Jason Leeper, and more will fling their Nitro Funnybikes down the Martin 1320 for your thrills and grins.
Hawaya Racing Pro Fuel are smaller still and carbureted, but fill the air with nitro power, smell and noise. Champion Sam White started his title defense with a win in Louisiana but has stumbled the last two races. He’ll face Cecil County winner “Bad Apple Mary” Dangrow, Norwalk winner Curt Sexton, Funnybike racer Leeper, Jim “Bad Influence” Martin, Hot Rod Carlisle and more.
For most of us, nitro is for watching but gasoline is something we can all relate to. Well, maybe not at the level of AMRA’s pro bikes and riders.
Outlaw Street bikes take gas to its most extreme limits, mixing it with nitrous or compressing it with massive turbos. Charley Douglass, Tim Grindle, Ken Miller and more are expected to launch their no-bar bikes to mind-blowing performances.
Add saddlebags and you’ve got Zipper’s Performance Pro Bagger—turbo and nitrous behemoths throwing everything available in the mechanical and technological world to make all-out quarter mile assaults. Jeremy Williamson, Rick Hunnicutt, Jeremy Justice, Matt Hillen and more are all expected to put Martin to the test of adhesion and nerve.
The slightly milder Thundermax Street Baggers will see riders Jimmy Maikranz, Keith Evans, Jason Crisp, Dave “Paco” Cartwright, Jeff Boudreaux and more are all expected to fight wheelies the whole 1320.
Outlaw racer Douglass also fields an Axtell Cylinders Hot Street bike, along with Joe Petersen and more.
Ditch the stock frame and strap on wheelie bars and you’ve got Pro Modified and Zippers Performance Modified. Kimberly “K-Charm” Deshields, Gary Douglass, Billy Doherty, Dave Doremus, Keith Carper, John Price, and more favor this type of racing.
Index classes are where the finishline games begin, and AMRA has them. Top Eliminator 9.30 index, Super Gas 9.90, Thundermax Street Eliminator 11.50, BK Electric Super Pro 10.30, and Pro Eliminator 10.90 feature studs like Donnie Huffman, Cody Hayworth, Chris Hoppe, Crank Lanktree, Monty Garrelts, John Shotts, Robert Alther, Josh Maikranz, Kenny Satterlee, Rick Miller, Heather Jendruch, Chris Phipps, Crosby Blair, Bill Grove, Charlie Ange, Bob Willis, William Quinn and more.
Many of these same riders will also enter Eliminator Dial-in bracket racing, and so can you. Want to try your own American-made V-Twin out on the quarter mile? Bring it along with your safety gear and send it!
PennGrade1 AMRA’s Greg and Baugh, and John “JT” Toth and Marianne Miller look forward to welcoming the whole Harley-Davidson drag racing family to beautiful U.S. 131 Motorsports Park.
AMRA thanks PennGrade1 oil, Zipper’s Performance, Hawaya Racing, Axtell Cylinders, BK Electric, Johnny Mancuso’s Circle M Ranch, Dove Fuels and Thunder Max
The track website is https://www.us131msp.com/
The track Facebook page is https://www.facebook.com/us131motorsportspark
This report was prepared by Tim Hailey. Enjoy everything there is to read, see and watch about motorcycle drag racing and more at https://www.eatmyink.com
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Book Review: City Blocks by J.D. Fratto
By Wayfarer |
Hey,
You can download this ebook for Free on Amazon, Monday to Friday, starting June 10.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0D5C2YBZW
I believe the narrative is truly honest and introspective even though the language may seem complicated to some readers. I thoroughly enjoyed the exploration of people and places in the life of the protagonist. The changing scenario with unchanging circumstance of the narrator, the rich beauty evident in prose and perspective, the message of growth, love and being in the moment—it all shines through.
This is a short, crisp novella, told in a very unique style–maybe as endearing as the protagonist it depicts. I would recommend it, especially to those with Kindle Unlimited. Its a good day’s read on a park bench in the thick of the city.
Click here to read the full review on Bikernet.com
Praise for City Blocks, a novella by J.D. Fratto.
“Wandering ways in a staggering prose displaying steady beauty”
~ FreedomFiction.com
“Life being what it is, you have to take a walk”
~ K. Randall Ball
“A city as perceived through the amusement of a rambling man”
~ Ujjwal Dey
“The joy of everyday things through someday moments”
~ CatOnBall.com
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“That” Build: VLXAFL-5 Build Series Part 8
By Wayfarer |
Almost ready to Wire and Fire
A labor of love report from Bandit with photos by the Redhead and Weed
“Hang on! My alignment issues through the driveline weren’t over. I even had an issue with the front wheel alignment. This tech may jump around some, but you’ll get it.
At least the transmission was in place securely and I could Flex seal the oil tank mount and install the oil tank, run the oil lines, attach the oil filter mount, make a front chain guard, make a kickstand stop, find the pieces for a clutch throw-out bearing, make the proper length pushrod, order a clutch cable from Barnett and almost forget the code for clutch adjustment.”
~~~Bandit
Click here to read this custom build update with photos and more only at Bikernet.com
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