Fifty years ago Yamaha launched its first YZ production motocross models, and in that year, the company won its first-ever Motocross World Championship with Hakan Andersson riding a factory YZM250. Over the last half-century, Yamaha has established itself as one of the most innovative and competitive brands in the four- and two-stroke classes.
To commemorate the occasion, the 2024 off-road line-up will include YZ250F, YZ450F, YZ250 and YZ125 50th Anniversary Edition models featuring racing white bodywork, purple seats, black wheels and retro-styled purple/pink graphics inspired by the bold designs used on the YZ250 and YZ125 in the mid-1990s.
Also marking the anniversary is an all-new YZ250F. It shares its aluminium frame with the latest YZ450F and is said to be lighter and to provide better agility. New plastics provide a slimmer profile and surround a new narrower and flatter seat, and ergonomics of the “rider triangle” have been revised too.
Other 2024 model changes include a line-up of new ATV and Side-by-Side models including the YFM110R. Designed for youngsters aged 10 and over, this junior ATV features a new 112cc, fuel-injected four-stroke engine with automatic transmission and electric start for an easy introduction to off-road riding.
Moving on up, there is the Wolverine RMAX 4 1000LE, a four-seat leisure Side-by-Side. It features a painted body with limited-edition graphics complemented by a painted interior and colour-matched cut-and-sew seats. The specification includes various drive modes, including Sport, Trail, and Crawl modes, 29in Carnage tyres and FOX 2.0 iQS in-cabin adjustable shocks. The Wolverine range also includes the slightly less brutal X2 850 SE and Wolverine X4 850 SE models.