2011 Yamaha motocross bikes

Yamaha's in a holding pattern, and who can blame the Japanese giant. After a massive 2010 model year for its YZ450F and YZ250F motocross bikes -- clean sheet designs on both fronts -- Yamaha has announced its 2011 model range to much less fanfare -- because there isn't a lot to talk about.

Probably the biggest news is that the YZ250F will stick with a carburetor for at least another year, with Yamaha resisting the temptation to join its Japanese counterparts and KTM down the fuel injected route.

The 2010 YZ250F not only featured an all-new bilateral beam aluminium frame as its showpiece, but also a redesigned five-valve engine, new airbox, revised gear ratios, revalved front suspension, a flatter seat, a change to the fuel tank position, thicker radiator, a shorter wheelbase, higher ground clearance, less aggressive steering geometry, and a multitude of lighter parts.

While the YZ250F has been basically left alone, the 2011 YZ450F has received some limited attention, more in the name of aesthetics and 'comfort' rather than obliterating existing lap times.

The changes include a revised clutch for better feel, a new seat bottom, a new fuel tank, and a revised silencer. There are also two sets of liveries: red/white and blue/white.

The 2010 YZ450F, which features a rearward slanting engine with a straight intake tract mounted in a lightweight bilateral beam frame, has crushed its motocross opposition in the retail stakes so far this year, and is also the third biggest selling motorcycle across the board behind the Honda CT110 and Kawasaki Ninja 250R.

Yamaha has also released details of its 2011 two-stoke motocross range, which is unchanged apart from graphics.

Yamaha Motor Australia is yet to announce pricing and availability for the 2011 motocross hardware.