KIWI RIDER 01 2019 VOL.2 | Page 43

CHASSIS The chassis has also received a few updates for 2019. This includes a new bilateral frame which helps to increase stability and traction. It’s straighter and more rigid, wider and stronger in the swingarm mounting area, and there are new engine brackets. The new frame is very similar to what you would find on the YZ range. The seat is nearly 20mm lower at the back compared to the 2018 model, and almost 8mm lower in the middle which helps lower the seat height to 955mm. It’s also 18mm narrower, which ties in nicely with the new slimmer ergonomics. This makes it easier to grip the bike and move around. Another change the chassis has received is the footpegs have been lowered by 5mm. The ground clearance has been reduced 320mm, and I found that, combined with the lower pegs, I was catching my feet quite a bit. This was most noticeable when going through a rutted corner while standing where you couldn’t tip the bike over too far before catching. New this year is a re- designed speedo sensor and enduro computer with the ability to display average speed, distance and time, highlighting Yamaha’s focus on making this a race bike