Rocketman Kevin Foley samples...
Rocketman Kevin Foley samples some air on the Am-Pro YZ250. Despite the fact that it actually is a motocrosser, our guys found it stiff for the track.
About the Bike:
The Am-Pro, FMF, Yamaha, GYT-R, YZ250 is a bike built for the masses. The Yamaha YZ250 is capable of winning Grand National Cross Country Championships as it did under Barry Hawk in '03 and Supercross Championships with Chad Reed winning one in '04, but it is also capable of delivering plenty of fun for the average weekend warrior.
The Am-Pro boys started with a stock YZ250 and decided to only add the absolute essentials, creating a race bike that was not only very capable but also very easy on the wallet. With the help of Yamaha, GYT-R, FMF, Kenda, Cycra, Johnny Signs, TM Designworks and Yamalube this YZ's focus was broadened to not only handle Motocross/Supercross but also the toughest trails you can throw at it.
Parts and Modifications:
GYT-R: www.yamaha-motor.com- 800-962-9726
9oz Flywheel weight: Check you local Yamaha Dealer
Blue Rear Sprocket (49 tooth): $59.95
Enduro Skid Plate: $115.95
Yamalube www.yamaha-motor.com 800-962-9726
Yamalube 2R: Price Not Available
Yamalube 10W-40: Price Not Available
Kenda Tires www.kendausa.com 614-866-9803
Washougal Sticky Front: Price Not Available
Washougal Sticky Rear: Price Not Available
Why are these men smiling?...
Why are these men smiling? They have a full day of YZ250 riding ahead. You'd smile, too.
FMF Racing www.fmfracing.com 310-631-4363
FMF Gnarly Pipe: $229.99
FMF Shorty Silencers: $119.99
Cycra www.cycra.com 800-770-2259
Pro Bend Racer Pack: $109.95
Disc Cover: $25.95
Johnny Signs www.johnnysigns.com 812-275-7535
Team Graphic Kit (Front/rear fender, fork guards, swingarm, airbox, handguards, number plates): $N/A
TM Designworks www.tmdesignworks.com 541-535-1612
Chain Guide: $69.95
Disc Guard: $79.95
Editor's Note
This year's Dirt Rider Torture Test was set up like a screening for a reality TV show: Bring what you have and prepare for whatever happens. The idea was to show up at the Torture Test with the best all-around, one-bike-does-it-all off-road dirt bike, with no guidelines or requirements from our side. It was wide open, but everyone knew going in that it would be tough to make the cut to get into the final group of bikes you see in the magazine. Of course, they didn't all make it to the pages of Dirt Rider. Some missed out ever so slightly, some by a longer ways. This is a full test of one of the bikes that missed the final cut. The competition was tough but lurking in this field of bikes you can likely find an example of the perfect bike that fits your needs, or learn what other riders or people in the industry think is the best bike in the whole world. For the people and companies that built each of these bikes, it was the best bike they could deliver. -Jimmy Lewis, Editor Dirt Rider Magazine
This little kicker on a downhill...
This little kicker on a downhill was an eye-opener, but the YZ and Barry Hawk took it in stride.
Dirt Rider Post Torture Evaluation:
The best all-around bike because: This was basically a stock Yamaha YZ250 and anyone could have this bike and this performance without even blinking an eye. The motor's power is incredible, crisp and barky and the bike gets it done on the motocross track. Then, on the trail, it isn't too bad either.
Not the best all-around bike because: Just taking a motocross bike and throwing it to the KTM wolves shows its weaknesses. For instance: non-electric-starting, the close ratio gear box with a tall first and short fifth gear, a smaller gas tank, no kickstand and a 19-inch rear wheel. Plus the setup is totally moto focused and even the flywheel couldn't mask that.