Fukuda-san is responsible for the development of the entire YZ range in the factory in Japan
The new 2004 off road models have many detail improvements. Don't look at the obvious, have a glance deeper down behind their bodywork.
"When we rolled out the first YZ 400 F back in 1998, the off-road world was taken by surprise. We got lots of attention. Same happened when we launched the YZ 250 F in 2001. Since then we had tons of improvements both on our four stroke line as well as on our two stroke bikes. People often are blinded by the light of totally new machines and often overlook the real technical development, which goes into our bikes every year," says a dedicated project member.
No gimmicks
Project Leader Fukuda adds: "We have concentrated on a serious development in our off-road range and are not wasting our time in gimmicks to attract attention." The project member explains further: "Take the YZ 85 for example. I am asked quite often, why we have not introduced a Power Valve to it. The answer is simple- we have considered it, but found out that the limited space in the relatively small 85 cc cylinder would result in a drop of top end power, without significant increase in mid range. The valve in this small displacement cylinder would be more of a PR exercise than a real technical improvement. I am convinced the bike is the best in its class."
