2022 YZ125

If you fancy a new motocross bike, you could do what everyone else does and buy a four-stroke. Or you could keep it old school and buy yourself a shiny new two-stroke model instead. Because the notion that manufacturers aren?t developing their two-stroke models any more is a myth. Some of them are; and Yamaha certainly is. The all-new YZ125 is exactly that; ?all-new?. For 2022, it gets a completely redesigned, higher performance engine, an upgraded chassis and slimmer, more aggressive bodywork.

The engine is the most powerful motocross engine ever to be slotted into a YZ125. It makes significantly more power from the mid-range and up, thanks to a new piston, cylinder and cylinder head. You?ve got a longer conrod and a heavier crank, a new carb? with a V-Force reed block, a new intake system and exhaust. Oh, and there?s a new clutch and gearbox too. So when someone tells you two-strokes are old-hat, and that there is no thought or development gone into their production? they?re talking out of their derriere.
2022 YZ1252022 YZ125

And of course that?s not all. You get better brakes, new suspension settings, a new frame and sportier ergonomics. Yamaha seem to think it would be the perfect bike to go motocross racing on if you?re a teenager, but I think it?d be pretty good whatever age you are.

Because let?s be fair, unless you?ve got very generous parents, the £6,749 price tag (or £6,949 if you want the Monster Energy Yamaha Racing Edition ? same spe...