For 2005, chassis and engine refinement continue to leave the competition farther behind.

The all-new 48mm fork finds its way onto the front of YZ250F's sharp-handling frame, and the trick new shock out back controls a more rigidly mounted, lighter swingarm. The result is better feel and feedback, consistent damping, and more comfort, all of which makes those long motos feel shorter.

More power unravels laps quicker too, especially since the redesigned engine delivers it super smooth from the instant you open the throttle.

• New intake ports
• New combustion chamber
• New piston
• Revised ignition mapping

  ... have all been engineered to produce smoother power and more of it, followed by a linear transition into the YZ250F's 13,500-rpm top end.

Add YZ handling and you've got the winner of the 2004 model, 250 four-stroke shootouts in Dirt Bike, Motocross Action and Cycle News. This year, the horses are even more ready, willing and able.