Yamaha dirt bikes have long been synonymous with performance, durability, and innovation in the off-road motorcycle world.Yamaha is one of the earliest innovators in dirt bike technology, pushing the boundaries of extreme sports and racking up 60-plus years of experience.
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When it comes to quality and performance, the first name that comes to mind is Yamaha. Yamaha is another top Japanese brand that has been making dirt bikes for more than 60 years. While they’re famous for being one of the top motorcycle manufacturers in the world, they’re also extremely popular in the dirt biking realm.
Is Yamaha the best dirt bike brand?
Yamaha dirt bikes remain a top contender with its YZ and WR series after KTM, offering excellent performance, durability, and innovative features. Their bikes are well-regarded in various off-road disciplines, including motocross and trail riding. For those passionate about off-road adventures, Yamaha dirt bikes provide unmatched performance and reliability, making them a favorite among motocross enthusiasts and trail riders alike. These bikes are designed to handle the toughest terrains and deliver an exhilarating riding experience.
Here are the top 5 dirt bike brands based on their performance in 2024:
- KTM
- Yamaha
- Honda
- Husqvarna
- Suzuki
What’s a good beginner dirt bike
Yamaha provide some of the best Gas Dirt Bikes for Every Age Group.These bikes are equipped with safety-focused features, such as adjustable throttle controls to limit speed, ensuring young riders can learn at a comfortable pace.
Yamaha is renowned for its high-quality dirt bikes, offering models that cater to riders of all ages and skill levels.
Yamaha’s lineup is more than just miniaturized versions of adult bikes; they’re thoughtfully engineered with young riders in mind, offering a balance of fun and safety that’s hard to beat in the world of kid-friendly dirt bikes.Here are some of Yamaha’s best dirt bikes for every age group.
For Kids ( 5-10yrs )
1.Yamaha PW50 (BASE MSRP : $1,849)
FUEL CAPACITY | WEIGHT | SEAT HEIGHT | WHEEL BASE | GROUND CLEARANCE |
0.5 gallons | 90 pounds | 18.7 inches | 33.7 inches | 3.7 inches |
- Fully Automatic Transmission
- Entry-Level Two-Stroke Engine
- Ultra-Low Seat Height
Full specifications
Engine Type | 110cc air-cooled SOHC 4-stroke; 2 valves |
Bore x Stroke | 51.0mm x 54.0mm |
Compression Ratio | 9.3:1 |
Fuel Delivery | Mikuni® VM16 carburetor |
Ignition | CDI |
Transmission | Constant-mesh 4-speed; multiple wet clutch |
Final Drive | Chain |
Fuel Capacity | 1.0 gal |
CHASSIS | |
Suspension/Front | 31mm telescopic fork; 4.5-in travel |
Suspension/Rear | Monocross® shock; 4.3-in travel |
Brakes/Front | Drum, 95mm |
Brakes/Rear | Drum, 110mm |
Tires/Front | 2.50-14-4PR |
Tires/Rear | 3.00-12-4PR |
DIMENSIONS | |
LxWxH | 61.6 in x 26.8 in x 36.2 in |
Seat Height | 26.4 in |
Wheelbase | 42.5 in |
Rake (Caster Angle) | 26.0° |
Trail | 2.4 in |
Max. Ground Clearance | 7.1 in |
Fuel Capacity | 1.0 gal |
Wet Weight*** | 159 lb |
OTHER | |
Warranty | 90 Day (Limited Factory Warranty) |
Pre-teens ( Ages 10-13yrs )
1.Yamaha TT-R110E ( BASE MSRP : $2,449 )
FUEL CAPACITY | WEIGHT | SEAT HEIGHT | WHEEL BASE | GROUND CLEARANCE |
1.0 gallons | 159 pounds | 26.4 inches | 42.5 inches | 7.1 inches |
- Electric Starter
- Auto-Clutch Convenience
- Low Seat Height
Full specifications
ENGINE | |
---|---|
Engine Type | 110cc air-cooled SOHC 4-stroke; 2 valves |
Bore x Stroke | 51.0mm x 54.0mm |
Compression Ratio | 9.3:1 |
Fuel Delivery | Mikuni® VM16 carburetor |
Ignition | CDI |
Transmission | Constant-mesh 4-speed; multiple wet clutch |
Final Drive | Chain |
Fuel Capacity | 1.0 gal |
CHASSIS | |
Suspension/Front | 31mm telescopic fork; 4.5-in travel |
Suspension/Rear | Monocross® shock; 4.3-in travel |
Brakes/Front | Drum, 95mm |
Brakes/Rear | Drum, 110mm |
Tires/Front | 2.50-14-4PR |
Tires/Rear | 3.00-12-4PR |
DIMENSIONS | |
LxWxH | 61.6 in x 26.8 in x 36.2 in |
Seat Height | 26.4 in |
Wheelbase | 42.5 in |
Rake (Caster Angle) | 26.0° |
Trail | 2.4 in |
Max. Ground Clearance | 7.1 in |
Fuel Capacity | 1.0 gal |
Wet Weight*** | 159 lb |
OTHER | |
Warranty | 90 Day (Limited Factory Warranty) |
Teenagers (Ages 14-18)
Yamaha YZ85 ( BASE MSRP : $4,999 )
FUEL CAPACITY | WEIGHT | SEAT HEIGHT | WHEEL BASE | GROUND CLEARANCE |
1.3 gallons | 161 pounds | 33.1 inches | 49.4 inches | 12.6 inches |
- YPVS™ Two-Stroke Power
- Fully-Adjustable Suspension
- Large-Diameter Brakes
- High Capacity Radiator
Full specifications
ENGINE | |
---|---|
Engine Type | 85cc liquid-cooled 2-stroke; reed-valve inducted |
Bore x Stroke | 47.5mm x 47.8mm |
Compression Ratio | 8.2~9.6:1 |
Fuel Delivery | Hitachi Astemo® Keihin PWK28 carburetor |
Transmission | 6-speed; multiplate wet clutch |
Final Drive | Chain |
Fuel Capacity | 1.3 gal |
CHASSIS | |
Suspension/Front | KYB® inverted fork; fully adjustable, 10.8-in travel |
Suspension/Rear | KYB® single shock; fully adjustable, 11.1-in travel |
Brakes/Front | Hydraulic disc, 220mm |
Brakes/Rear | Hydraulic disc, 190mm |
Tires/Front | 70/100-17 Dunlop® Geomax MX3SF |
Tires/Rear | 90/100-14 Dunlop® Geomax MX3S |
DIMENSIONS | |
LxWxH | 71.7 in x 29.9 in x 44.7 in |
Seat Height | 33.1 in |
Wheelbase | 49.4 in |
Rake (Caster Angle) | 26.3° |
Trail | 3.5 in |
Max. Ground Clearance | 12.6 in |
Fuel Capacity | 1.3 gal |
Wet Weight*** | 161 lbs |
OTHER | |
Warranty | 30 Day (Limited Factory Warranty) |
Young Adults (Ages 18-25)
Yamaha YZ250F ( BASE MSRP : $8,899 )
FUEL CAPACITY | WEIGHT | SEAT HEIGHT | WHEEL BASE | GROUND CLEARANCE |
1.6 gallons | 231 pounds | 38.2 inches | 58.1 inches | 13.8 inches |
- New Handlebar Switchbox Design
- Advanced Aluminum Bilateral Beam Frame
- Class-Leading KYB® Suspension
Full specifications
ENGINE | |
---|---|
Engine Type | 250cc liquid-cooled DOHC 4-stroke; 4 valves |
Bore x Stroke | 77.0mm × 53.6mm |
Compression Ratio | 13.8:1 |
Fuel Delivery | Mikuni® fuel injection, 44mm |
Transmission | Constant-mesh 5-speed; multiplate wet clutch |
Final Drive | Chain |
Fuel Capacity | 1.6 gal |
CHASSIS | |
Suspension/Front | KYB® Speed-Sensitive System inverted fork; fully adjustable, 12.2-in travel |
Suspension/Rear | KYB® single shock; fully adjustable, 12.3-in travel |
Brakes/Front | Hydraulic disc, 270mm |
Brakes/Rear | Hydraulic disc, 240mm |
Tires/Front | 80/100-21 Dunlop® Geomax MX33F |
Tires/Rear | 110/90-19 Dunlop® Geomax MX33 |
DIMENSIONS | |
LxWxH | 85.8 in x 32.5 in x 50.2 in |
Seat Height | 38.2 in |
Wheelbase | 58.1 in |
Rake (Caster Angle) | 26.9° |
Trail | 4.7 in |
Max. Ground Clearance | 13.8 in |
Fuel Capacity | 1.6 gal |
Wet Weight*** | 231 lbs |
OTHER | |
Warranty | 30 Day (Limited Factory Warranty) |
Adults (Ages 25yrs+)
Yamaha WR450F ( BASE MSRP : $10,199 )
FUEL CAPACITY | WEIGHT | SEAT HEIGHT | WHEEL BASE | GROUND CLEARANCE |
2.0 gallons | 258 pounds | 37.6 inches | 57.9 inches | 13.0 inches |
- Three-Level Traction Control
- Aluminum Bilateral Beam Frame
- Electric Starter System
- Wide-Ratio Five-Speed Transmission
Full specifications
ENGINE | |
---|---|
Engine Type | 450cc liquid-cooled DOHC 4-stroke; 4 titanium valves |
Bore x Stroke | 97.0mm × 60.8mm |
Compression Ratio | 13.0:1 |
Fuel Delivery | Mikuni® fuel injection, 44mm |
Transmission | 5-speed; multiplate wet clutch |
Final Drive | Chain |
Fuel Capacity | 2.0 gal |
CHASSIS | |
Suspension/Front | KYB® spring-type fork with speed sensitive damping; fully adjustable, 11.8 in travel |
Suspension/Rear | KYB® single shock; fully adjustable, 12.0 in travel |
Brakes/Front | Hydraulic disc, 270mm |
Brakes/Rear | Hydraulic disc, 240mm |
Tires/Front | 80/100-21 Dunlop® Geomax MX33F |
Tires/Rear | 120/90-18 Dunlop® Geomax MX33 |
DIMENSIONS | |
LxWxH | 85.4 in x 32.5 in x 49.8 in |
Seat Height | 37.6 in |
Wheelbase | 57.9 in |
Rake (Caster Angle) | 26° |
Trail | 4.3 in |
Max. Ground Clearance | 13.0 in |
Fuel Capacity | 2.0 gal |
Wet Weight*** | 258 lb |
OTHER | |
Warranty | 30 Day (Limited Factory Warranty) |
How long do Yamaha dirt bikes last?
Yamaha dirt bikes are known for their durability and reliability, making them a popular choice among riders. The lifespan of a Yamaha dirt bike can vary widely depending on several factors, including maintenance, usage, and riding conditions.
Factors Influencing the Lifespan of Yamaha Dirt Bikes
1. Maintenance
Regular maintenance is crucial for extending the lifespan of a dirt bike. This includes:
- Oil Changes: Regular oil changes keep the engine running smoothly and prevent wear.
- Air Filter Maintenance: Cleaning and replacing the air filter ensures proper engine performance.
- Chain and Sprocket Care: Keeping the chain clean, lubricated, and properly tensioned reduces wear.
- Brake and Tire Maintenance: Regular checks and replacements are necessary for safety and performance.
- Valve Adjustments: Ensuring the valves are properly adjusted can prevent engine damage.
2. Usage
- Riding Conditions: Bikes ridden in harsh, muddy, or sandy conditions may experience more wear and tear.
- Frequency of Use: A bike used frequently and aggressively will wear out faster than one used occasionally and gently.
- Type of Riding: Competitive racing puts more stress on a bike compared to casual trail riding.
3. Quality of Components
Yamaha dirt bikes are built with high-quality components, contributing to their durability. However, aftermarket parts and modifications can either enhance or reduce the lifespan, depending on their quality.
4. Storage
Proper storage, such as keeping the bike in a dry, covered area, can prevent rust and other environmental damage
Typical Lifespan of Yamaha bikes
Entry-Level Bikes (e.g., Yamaha PW50, TT-R110E)
- Lifespan: Approximately 5-10 years with regular maintenance.
- Usage: Designed for young or beginner riders, these bikes may not see as aggressive use, potentially extending their lifespan.
Mid-Range Bikes (e.g., Yamaha YZ85, YZ125)
- Lifespan: Approximately 5-8 years with regular maintenance.
- Usage: Often used by teenagers or amateur racers, these bikes may experience more aggressive riding conditions, affecting longevity.
High-Performance Bikes (e.g., Yamaha YZ250F, YZ450F)
- Lifespan: Approximately 3-5 years with regular maintenance.
- Usage: These bikes are often used for competitive racing and high-performance activities, which can significantly impact their lifespan due to the stress and wear from intense use.
Enduro and Trail Bikes (e.g., Yamaha WR250F, WR450F)
- Lifespan: Approximately 5-10 years with regular maintenance.
- Usage: These bikes are designed for durability and versatility, often lasting longer with proper care, especially when used for recreational trail riding.
Conclusion
With proper care and maintenance, Yamaha dirt bikes can offer many years of reliable performance. While the typical lifespan varies based on usage and care, adhering to best practices can significantly extend the life of your dirt bike, ensuring you get the most out of your investment.