I grew up riding most of those 80s/90s race bike's so your video's really bring me back to those days. I love your channel and can't believe it isn't bigger.
Oh wow I remember racing again them back in the day. That was my 6th year in MX racing. Miss them days. Where did time go????? Thanks for sharing your videos they bring back so many good members of my youth.
Haha! I loved your description of the "Yama-hop" and nearly going over the bars.....anyone who didn't experience it has never lived(and nearly died).LOL!
Back in 1985 I owned a 1985 YZ 250 and you're right about the power band nothing out at the time could touch it, as for the yama hop that got me good time when it pitched me over the bars braking my collarbone also bending the rear portion of the frame both causing me to stop riding for two months !
I had that bike. Rode a lot and raced it for 2 years. I broke a Eric Gore ported cylinder on it and went to a 97 cylinder. My modern 2019 YZ250, (lowered a bit), has similar power characteristics, soft to the mid range then goes pretty good, (the 1986 was faster actually IMO). The Yamaha suspension today is so much better than the mid-late 80's. Leaps and bounds.
I'm restoring an 83 yz 250k and when I first got it I didn't really know why anyone would want it but I have really grown to like it and every time I look at it I like it more and I know I am gonna have a hard time letting it go and seeing it in brand new condition it makes me remember when I was a little kid and I wanted one my size and how enamored I was at first sight with yzs somewhere in my late teens 20s and 30s I forgot how cool the older bikes were and got distracted by the new bikes until the 4 strokes overran the field I got a 94 wr several years ago and got back into the older bikes and mostly yamahas I just wish they would have kept the yellow and black schemes
Great Vid....I am on a 1989Yz250wr. Again Yamaha updated YZ250 . Flat slide carb, first yr inverted forks. My bike has ext 4th an 5th. The wr has a heavier fly whl but I use a standard. I like the faster rpm curve. The inverted forks are stable but still bit harsh. Procircuit pipe I have is great, no longer made. The longer wheelbase is stable. It's longer than the CR by 2 inches. Weight transfer is natural. You shift weight without thinking. I ride with 20 other guys. Everybody loves my bike. It as fast as new bikes. 2022 te300 I can beat. A review of my bike would be awesome 🥰🥰🥰
Another great vidd Tony...as always..I have a 1985 YZ 80 that's getting a full resto.. I had a 86 yz 80 and sold it.i wish I'd kept it for my yammie collection..I'm not selling this 85 yz80. That's 4 sure..lol... there getting to hard to find... Keep the viddz coming Tony
Another great episode ......these were the years I was to small for the big bikes loved watching the big kids on these 86 models And yes the stinger rear fender on the kx was wild
My first bike was/still is 1987 yz250 th my birth yet also which I still have but own a 18 yz too but I would love to hear your break down of the first bike I owned after watching this one. I love watching your vids when I can’t ride 🫡
The Marlboro-Shell-Yamaha team in Brazil used these bikes and man did they rev and were beautiful! Kenny Keylon rode for them along with a bunch of other brazilian riders while Rodney Smith rode Cagivas in the 125 championship and KTMs in the 250. By the middle of the season Rodney's mechanic adapted the rear disc brake from one of the practice bikes to the Cagiva and even the factory team was amazed! 1986 was a great year down here Smith was as famous as Pele (the king of soccer here in Brazil) and Ayrton Senna.
1:31 Set you handle bars up like that. Everybody is using the freestyle set up of high bars, (for trick clearance), for racing/riding for no rational reasons. Hey, I tried it for 2 summers, the ape hangers. I brought them back down to more like 1:31, and instantly gained more control of the front end for any corner sans a berm. Easier to keep the elbows up too,---which would be a huge problem for the pros today, if the tracks were bumpy. In the 80's and 90's we knew how to get on the gas and not let our elbow drop to our side. Proper handlebars and lever set up is key. We have entered an age of irrationality,---and quite frankly, it scares me that we can't figure stuff out.
And the 2005-present YZ250 frame is the YZM aluminum frames child. It was a lie, wasn't, that Yamaha stopped making works bikes, (they helped push the 1986 production rule on the USA only. They also helped push the 4-stroke engine,--and is the only Jap manufacture with a full sized 2-stroke today. Results from history).
Hey man, I love watching your videos. I'm really wanting to see a video on the evolution of the RM125. I'm a big fan of my 2002, and I'm curious to see how it progressed to get there.
So I’ve got a couple questions about an 86 I picked up. Some things seem odd to me and it has me wondering if it was a factory works bike. - Ohlins rear shock - Braided stainless front brake hose - An 80’s Mikuni TM 38mm flat side carburetor - cylinder has some really nice port work done. What’s your thoughts?
I remember my friends and I laughing about the plastic on the "Hurricane bike". Today, we think that trash looks good. Did the ugly abstract art plastic come from KTM or Hurricane? :)
@@EarthSurferUSA I specifically remember the sideways universal front number plates used as side panels and how they shook around every time someone touched the bikes.😂
Yes. I had a couple of them starting in 78, bought new as a kid making $1.00/hr part time. It was actually developed by a individual who offered it to Suzuki first, and Suzuki turned it down. Today, the EPA tells them what to make, no matter what the cost is,---and there is no turning them down is not allowed. That is a loss of freedom.
I did not have a problem with the FIM back then dictating the number plates in 79 because the function was for the people scoring the race to be able to see the number better. But after the production rule of 86 and the 4-stroke forced on the industry,---maybe we should have rejected that power to dictate production in 79, when the bike was affordable with a market share never seen again..
Hey Tony. Do you know the 1988 yz 250 used same as frame of a 1987 1986 model. The swing arm looks same too, just rear disc brake.. Looks like they just change all plastic , mounts even look the same. Looks like 88 tank and seat would fit on a 87 86 older model.. ???
The 1988 YZ250 is actually extensively changed with an all-new frame used larger tubing and a repositioned motor to reduce the effect of chain torque on the chassis. Both the shock and forks are all new with the cartridge forks making their debut on the the YZ250. The chassis looks similar in design but it is not the same as 1987.
@@TheMotocrossVault I restore these old bikes. I found a nice 1982 yz250 to restore. But has a bad wrap..I road 125 82. Was a fun woods play bike..250 has way more power.. magazines called it top heavy trash. I think 82 took a giant leap. If they would of mounted radiator on bottum like 83 would of been a contender. I watch your show all the time. Toney. Any news on it 250 it490 video. Shows how old I am. Lol. I'm retired ama racer. Ama169 retired in 1998 races for fs Frank and Sam suzuki daton oh. Says as guy cooper and Robby rainerad. In ok.😁
@@TheMotocrossVault I used to race with Jeff emic brother alot in KC Brian emic..used that race way to practice then hit ama city when could back in those good old days. My last race bike was 1997 rm250. I'm currently retired and build motorcross bikes into dual sport and sell them once restored.. guys love then can go ride to trail. My xr350 is on ebay under honda parts..street legal. It's like new. Great work a Tony 😁
@@radiocontrolegliders782 I started racing in 84 on a used 82 YZ250 that I bought for $850.00. Today, I port small 2-stroke engines for a living, and can hook you up with one for your radio controlled glider. :)
i remember this bike as well as all the 86's and it definitely wasn't faster or quicker than the cr, the cr beat the others as if it had an extra 50cc's.
I grew up riding most of those 80s/90s race bike's so your video's really bring me back to those days. I love your channel and can't believe it isn't bigger.
Thanks
I love his channel
Oh wow I remember racing again them back in the day. That was my 6th year in MX racing. Miss them days. Where did time go?????
Thanks for sharing your videos they bring back so many good members of my youth.
A 85 Yamaha YZ 250 motor in an 85 Suzuki RM frame with Floater suspension would has been something to behold
Haha! I loved your description of the "Yama-hop" and nearly going over the bars.....anyone who didn't experience it has never lived(and nearly died).LOL!
Back in 1985 I owned a 1985 YZ 250 and you're right about the power band nothing out at the time could touch it, as for the yama hop that got me good time when it pitched me over the bars braking my collarbone also bending the rear portion of the frame both causing me to stop riding for two months !
I have never rode an 86 but I loved my 88.
I have two. A 1987 and a 1989 both are awesome bikes.
I had that bike. Rode a lot and raced it for 2 years. I broke a Eric Gore ported cylinder on it and went to a 97 cylinder. My modern 2019 YZ250, (lowered a bit), has similar power characteristics, soft to the mid range then goes pretty good, (the 1986 was faster actually IMO).
The Yamaha suspension today is so much better than the mid-late 80's. Leaps and bounds.
Excellent work. Loves the mid 80s, my favorite era.
I'm restoring an 83 yz 250k and when I first got it I didn't really know why anyone would want it but I have really grown to like it and every time I look at it I like it more and I know I am gonna have a hard time letting it go and seeing it in brand new condition it makes me remember when I was a little kid and I wanted one my size and how enamored I was at first sight with yzs somewhere in my late teens 20s and 30s I forgot how cool the older bikes were and got distracted by the new bikes until the 4 strokes overran the field I got a 94 wr several years ago and got back into the older bikes and mostly yamahas I just wish they would have kept the yellow and black schemes
Great Vid....I am on a 1989Yz250wr. Again Yamaha updated YZ250 . Flat slide carb, first yr inverted forks. My bike has ext 4th an 5th. The wr has a heavier fly whl but I use a standard. I like the faster rpm curve. The inverted forks are stable but still bit harsh. Procircuit pipe I have is great, no longer made. The longer wheelbase is stable. It's longer than the CR by 2 inches. Weight transfer is natural. You shift weight without thinking. I ride with 20 other guys. Everybody loves my bike. It as fast as new bikes. 2022 te300 I can beat. A review of my bike would be awesome 🥰🥰🥰
Another great vidd Tony...as always..I have a 1985 YZ 80 that's getting a full resto.. I had a 86 yz 80 and sold it.i wish I'd kept it for my yammie collection..I'm not selling this 85 yz80. That's 4 sure..lol... there getting to hard to find... Keep the viddz coming Tony
How about a retrospective on the Honda FourTrax 250r? Im going to keep asking.🙂
Another great episode ......these were the years I was to small for the big bikes loved watching the big kids on these 86 models
And yes the stinger rear fender on the kx was wild
I think it was a great looking bike. The motor was the strongest in its class. Thanks Tony!
Totally agree
My first bike was/still is 1987 yz250 th my birth yet also which I still have but own a 18 yz too but I would love to hear your break down of the first bike I owned after watching this one. I love watching your vids when I can’t ride 🫡
Tony great content again brings back good memories would love to see the yz125n 1985 was my first proper motocross bike.
Another masterpiece Tony Thanks again. I'm glad you're feeling better!
Thank you!
What hurt Yamaha was the change of color from blue they should’ve kept it yellow yellow, looked good on it
The Marlboro-Shell-Yamaha team in Brazil used these bikes and man did they rev and were beautiful! Kenny Keylon rode for them along with a bunch of other brazilian riders while Rodney Smith rode Cagivas in the 125 championship and KTMs in the 250. By the middle of the season Rodney's mechanic adapted the rear disc brake from one of the practice bikes to the Cagiva and even the factory team was amazed! 1986 was a great year down here Smith was as famous as Pele (the king of soccer here in Brazil) and Ayrton Senna.
Smith was as famous as who? :)
@@EarthSurferUSA Pele was called the king of soccer here in Brazil.
Wish you would do a YZ history review.
1:31 Set you handle bars up like that. Everybody is using the freestyle set up of high bars, (for trick clearance), for racing/riding for no rational reasons. Hey, I tried it for 2 summers, the ape hangers. I brought them back down to more like 1:31, and instantly gained more control of the front end for any corner sans a berm. Easier to keep the elbows up too,---which would be a huge problem for the pros today, if the tracks were bumpy. In the 80's and 90's we knew how to get on the gas and not let our elbow drop to our side. Proper handlebars and lever set up is key. We have entered an age of irrationality,---and quite frankly, it scares me that we can't figure stuff out.
The 88 was yzm look. Just wander if it's basically same bike as 86 87 frame chasie with new plastic seat tank junction.. yz250.. great videos.
And the 2005-present YZ250 frame is the YZM aluminum frames child. It was a lie, wasn't, that Yamaha stopped making works bikes, (they helped push the 1986 production rule on the USA only. They also helped push the 4-stroke engine,--and is the only Jap manufacture with a full sized 2-stroke today. Results from history).
Hey man, I love watching your videos. I'm really wanting to see a video on the evolution of the RM125. I'm a big fan of my 2002, and I'm curious to see how it progressed to get there.
So I’ve got a couple questions about an 86 I picked up. Some things seem odd to me and it has me wondering if it was a factory works bike.
- Ohlins rear shock
- Braided stainless front brake hose
- An 80’s Mikuni TM 38mm flat side carburetor
- cylinder has some really nice port work done.
What’s your thoughts?
Those were common upgrades at the time so I doubt it is a works bike. It might have been a pro's bike , however if he sunk all of that money into it.
Correct me if I’m wrong, but wasn’t that Rick Melon’s bike of choice?🤔
Why yes it was!
@@TheMotocrossVault THE BEAR IS OUT OF HIBERNATION!
Ha Ha!! Great movie!!
I remember my friends and I laughing about the plastic on the "Hurricane bike".
Today, we think that trash looks good. Did the ugly abstract art plastic come from KTM or Hurricane? :)
@@EarthSurferUSA I specifically remember the sideways universal front number plates used as side panels and how they shook around every time someone touched the bikes.😂
I remember Yamaha was the first to come out with a single back shock it was called the monoshock does anybody remember that??
Yes. I had a couple of them starting in 78, bought new as a kid making $1.00/hr part time. It was actually developed by a individual who offered it to Suzuki first, and Suzuki turned it down. Today, the EPA tells them what to make, no matter what the cost is,---and there is no turning them down is not allowed.
That is a loss of freedom.
Yz had modern looks for that year, but need Honda gizmos to back it up...
love your channel but you gotta stop saying the rear fender number plates are evil. they are not, you are wrong, they are beautiful !
I did not have a problem with the FIM back then dictating the number plates in 79 because the function was for the people scoring the race to be able to see the number better. But after the production rule of 86 and the 4-stroke forced on the industry,---maybe we should have rejected that power to dictate production in 79, when the bike was affordable with a market share never seen again..
bass-o-matic
What I learned to let the blue grow on me
Awesome
They never been yellow since 1884 now it is 2024 soon to be 25 and I have not seen a yellow one since 84
Hey Tony. Do you know the 1988 yz 250 used same as frame of a 1987 1986 model. The swing arm looks same too, just rear disc brake.. Looks like they just change all plastic , mounts even look the same. Looks like 88 tank and seat would fit on a 87 86 older model.. ???
The 1988 YZ250 is actually extensively changed with an all-new frame used larger tubing and a repositioned motor to reduce the effect of chain torque on the chassis. Both the shock and forks are all new with the cartridge forks making their debut on the the YZ250. The chassis looks similar in design but it is not the same as 1987.
@@TheMotocrossVault I restore these old bikes. I found a nice 1982 yz250 to restore. But has a bad wrap..I road 125 82. Was a fun woods play bike..250 has way more power.. magazines called it top heavy trash. I think 82 took a giant leap. If they would of mounted radiator on bottum like 83 would of been a contender. I watch your show all the time. Toney. Any news on it 250 it490 video. Shows how old I am. Lol. I'm retired ama racer. Ama169 retired in 1998 races for fs Frank and Sam suzuki daton oh. Says as guy cooper and Robby rainerad. In ok.😁
@@TheMotocrossVault I used to race with Jeff emic brother alot in KC Brian emic..used that race way to practice then hit ama city when could back in those good old days. My last race bike was 1997 rm250. I'm currently retired and build motorcross bikes into dual sport and sell them once restored.. guys love then can go ride to trail. My xr350 is on ebay under honda parts..street legal. It's like new. Great work a Tony 😁
@@radiocontrolegliders782 I started racing in 84 on a used 82 YZ250 that I bought for $850.00. Today, I port small 2-stroke engines for a living, and can hook you up with one for your radio controlled glider. :)
...just saw this on FB...
i remember this bike as well as all the 86's and it definitely wasn't faster or quicker than the cr, the cr beat the others as if it had an extra 50cc's.
What if Yamaha went pink?
like