DirtRider . Net MX, SX, Arena Cross, Off-Road Community

This is the text version of DirtRider.Net
Click Here for the Full Version

Pages: 1

yzf aluminum frame
(Click here to view the original thread with full colors/images)

Posted by: bedell99---------------------

Put it to rest. the o6's are coming out with an aluminum frame.

http://www.transworldmotocross.com/...1045246,00.html

Erik

Posted by: Sayntmatt---------------------

Looks pretty sweet!

Wish there was a better side on shot so we can see the new plastics as well

Posted by: Rich Rohrich---------------------

From Motorcycle Daily - April 2000

Aluminum-Framed Yamaha YZ426 Being Raced in Europe
by Dirck Edge

Italian Andrea Bartolini is riding an aluminum-framed Yamaha YZ426 in the 500 class in Europe. We have not seen a picture of the bike yet, but there are several reports of the bike throughout both internet and print press publications.

Is this the direction Yamaha is headed in with its replacement for the current YZ426? Aluminum frames make a lot of sense for four-strokes. The key to four-stroke development is light weight, and an aluminum frame can play a large role in achieving that goal. The current YZ426 is now heavy when compared with the latest designs from KTM and Husaberg. It is also expected that Honda's 2001 model four-stroke motocrosser will be substantially lighter than the current YZ426. The Honda will feature an aluminum frame (not surprisingly), and Yamaha is at least experimenting with an aluminum frame (on Bartolini's bike).

We hope to have more information on Honda's prototype, and perhaps a picture of the aluminum YZ, as well, in the next few days. Stay tuned.

I'll believe it when I see it at the local Yamaha dealer.

Posted by: bedell99---------------------

Rich,

I just can't see yamaha keep losing market share to Honda and not release that frame next year. What will be odd, is that Yamaha was the first to produce a 4-stroke(MX competitive) and last to produce an aluminum frame. Not implying that an aluminum frame is better than steel but it is the future and to me Yamaha is the just as cutting edge as honda when it comes to technological advances.

Erik

Posted by: Rich Rohrich---------------------

Aluminum isn't the future of technology, it's the future of MARKETING.

Posted by: bclapham---------------------

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rich Rohrich

Aluminum isn't the future of technology, it's the future of MARKETING.

Of course, so they need to make aluminum framed bikes so they sell more. There are tons of guys that want them already! And the YZFs are looking really dated.

will the 06 YZF be Al framed?????....Definately, maybe!!!

Posted by: nikki---------------------

How about that Answer gear (and the AF YZ 250F as well)

http://www.transworldmotocross.com/...1045246,00.html

Looks all around different - shrouds going all the way to the seat/covering the tank - similar to the other brands where you don't need tank/shroud graphics any more - just shroud, new airbox and sidepanel design, possibly a new rear fender as well. The radiators look extra long on this bike for some reason too. No frame lightening holes like the 05 YZ125/250 either. Hmmm....

Posted by: biglou---------------------

Notice the extensions riveted onto the top of the shrouds?

Posted by: nikki---------------------

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rich Rohrich

Aluminum isn't the future of technology, it's the future of MARKETING.

Good point - Bubba and RC seem to be getting along just fine on their old-school steel framed 250's.

Posted by: bedell99---------------------

Good point Rich, remember how many people went out and bought the 97 cr250 and cried because there hands went numb in 2 laps. The current yamaha 4 strokes bike do look a bit outdated compared to the new offerings from Honda and Suzuki. This is not a knock on yamaha but when you get a Ryan Clark switching mid season to a stock Honda 4-stroke, you know Honda has a good bike which has set the bar high. Yamaha has to answer the call or they are going to pay for it in sales for the 06 season and I think with the new style YZf they are on the right paths. Just think how many people go into dealerships and buy a bike on looks. I personally did when I bought my yamaha R6. To some people having the newest and latest bike is sometimes more important than have the best performing bike. (Sad but true) I mean how many people here bought something for there bike that did absolutley nothing for performance but made there bike look trick. (Count me in)

Erik

Posted by: holeshot---------------------

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rich Rohrich

Aluminum isn't the future of technology, it's the future of MARKETING.

Just like titanium is.

Posted by: BEEF706---------------------

I didn't have one of the first generation Honda aluminum. I did have a 98 yzf, and when I went from that to the 02 aluminum frame CR I had a lot easier time in the whoops and cornering. Is this just a matter of frame material I don't think so, but I did like the feel better, still do.

Posted by: Casper250---------------------

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rich Rohrich

Aluminum isn't the future of technology, it's the future of MARKETING.

I don't know, Honda thought aluminum was the future way back in 1991 when they made the Acura NSX frame out of all aluminum.

Audi has been a pioneer in aluminum body cars and it seems they have been putting alot of time and money into developing aluminum frames. "The Audi A2 with the second-generation ASF was launched in mid-2000. This, the first volume-built aluminum car, required techniques, processes, tools and production methods to be developed from scratch or modified."

I believe most sport bikes are now all aluminum frames. Wouldn't this hold true for dirtbikes also? What am I missing? It seems like alot of effort to go through to make the switch from steel to aluminum.

Posted by: bedell99---------------------

Ducati is still a steel trellis frame, but all the other bikes are aluminum perimeter type frames.

Erik

Posted by: mrannoy---------------------

that yzf is probably the best looking bike ive ever seen!! wow with that new stuff they really look better than any other bike made.

Posted by: dante---------------------

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rich Rohrich

Aluminum isn't the future of technology, it's the future of MARKETING.

I totally agree, allot of people buy honda's cause they like that big twin spar aluminum look to the frame and big welds...

Posted by: steve125---------------------

I'm very impressed with the alloy frames of the 05 YZ 125/250. The bikes are easy to work on (thin frame design), the frames clean up nice with some scotchbrite. The bikes feel noticeably lighter, like the center of gravity has been lowered. The ride is firm without being harsh. I can think of no disadvantages at all over a steel design. No doubt progress has been made.

Posted by: Revlimiter Racing---------------------

Quote:

Originally Posted by bedell99

Good point Rich, remember how many people went out and bought the 97 cr250 and cried because there hands went numb in 2 laps. The current yamaha 4 strokes bike do look a bit outdated compared to the new offerings from Honda and Suzuki. This is not a knock on yamaha but when you get a Ryan Clark switching mid season to a stock Honda 4-stroke, you know Honda has a good bike which has set the bar high. Yamaha has to answer the call or they are going to pay for it in sales for the 06 season and I think with the new style YZf they are on the right paths. Just think how many people go into dealerships and buy a bike on looks. I personally did when I bought my yamaha R6. To some people having the newest and latest bike is sometimes more important than have the best performing bike. (Sad but true) I mean how many people here bought something for there bike that did absolutley nothing for performance but made there bike look trick. (Count me in)

Erik

uummmm.....guilty on that one!

You mean my red anodized works connection mastercylinder cap wont make my bike faster? DAMNIT!!!

-Shane

Posted by: rick#3---------------------

The frame looks quite different then the current Aluminum frame available in the two strokes.

Posted by: cr250can---------------------

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rich Rohrich

Aluminum isn't the future of technology, it's the future of MARKETING.

I agree with this to some degree. But I also disagree. let's do a mental exercise in the properties of steel, aluminum, and titanuim.

Steel = advantages: strong, easy to get, easy to weld, will bend before breaking. Disadvantages: heavy, rusts, it's price is sky rocketing right now.

Aluminum = Advantages: light, does not rust, fairly easy to weld (with mig) fairly abundant metal. Disadvantges: harder than steel to repair, will not bend (much) before breaking, and is fairly expensive.

Titanuim = Advantages: super light, strong, will not rust, will flex alot before breaking. Disavantages: very hard to repair and weld (has to be welded in absence of air), very expensive, and a much more rare material.

I think in many ways aluminuim is a better material for dirtbikes. (no rust, lighter, and at the rate steel is going not that much more expensive than steel. plus aluminum looks cool

) However I do think that aluminum is used as a marketing gimmick.

Posted by: Okiewan---------------------

Quote:

Originally Posted by dante

I totally agree, allot of people buy honda's cause they like that big twin spar aluminum look to the frame and big welds...

How many do you suppose "allot" is and how wrong can they be? After all, Suzuki copied them to make the RMZ look good too

Posted by: nikki---------------------

I'm guessing Yamaha still has the oil going through the frame - and that's why this frame looks different than the '05 YZ125/250 with the thin frame and cutout holes. Just a guess.

Posted by: bedell99---------------------

If you real close underneath the skidplate looks like a tank of some sort. It might be the case, but there is something under there.

Erik

Posted by: rick#3---------------------

The frame looks more like it was done by a aftermarket company then a factory Yamaha unit.

Posted by: holeshot---------------------

More pics and info....

http://www.cyclenews.com/ShowStory.asp?HeadlineID=7371

Posted by: bedell99---------------------

Is it me or does the radiator shrouds looh huge??

Erik

Posted by: Kyleb15---------------------

Hey guys the second pic of the 450 looks to be a wide angle lens photo. That would explain the big shrouds. And the tank in the front is definately for the oil. Is it just me or do the front forks look to be black?

Posted by: bedell99---------------------

I'm really curious to know what they plan to do to the engine on the 450. It might be the lens but look at the header.

Erik

Posted by: crfisnotgood---------------------

Quote:

Originally Posted by bedell99

Is it me or does the radiator shrouds looh huge??

what do you mean by that, they look awesome!!! nothing looks better than that

Posted by: xsnrg---------------------

Maybe its the graphics, but I think they look huge and ugly as well. But, to each their own.

Posted by: crfisnotgood---------------------

If you find any more information on the new yz's post more

thanks

Posted by: bedell99---------------------

www.dirtrider.com

Posted by: zcookie49---------------------

Here's an early prediction, if the yz450f is indeed AF and improved, it will win MXA's 450 shootout...MUHAHAHAHA.... that should be a no brainer.

Posted by: crfisnotgood---------------------

Quote:

Originally Posted by zcookie49

Here's an early prediction, if the yz450f is indeed AF and improved, it will win MXA's 450 shootout...MUHAHAHAHA.... that should be a no brainer.

Definently! It will win shootouts and look awesome while doing it.

Posted by: bedell99---------------------

Actually did you see the review of Voss Yz450 in MXA this month. They did a lot of things to get CG down. This is definetly a forecast for things to come. If they get the bike down to the mid 220's and the bike handles as well as the 05 CRF they will sell every one on the floor.

Erik

Posted by: adrenaline420---------------------

i agree it will be the top 450 in 06,and if it is, ill consider buying one myself.

Text Version Home

This is the text version of DirtRider.Net Click Here for the Full Version

yzf aluminum frame

This is the text version of DirtRider.Net
Click Here for the Full Version