Dovizioso tests the new Yamaha YZ450SM and YZ250F

The last three spectacular rounds embellished with as many podiums and the consolidated 4th place in the general classification testify to the positive outcome thus far MotoGP season of Andrea Dovizioso, top rider of the Monster Yamaha Tech 3 team.

The constant excellent performances between the curbs of the most important international circuits are the result of the hard work carried out on his team's Yamaha YZR-M1, but also of intense off-road training, a discipline he has loved since he was a child. And it is precisely the strong passion for all-terrain motorbikes that recently led the 26-year-old from Romagna to test during a tight training session the latest innovation from Yamaha, the Supermotard competition Yamaha YZ450SM my 2012, the extreme race-ready two-wheeler dedicated to lovers of drifting on mixed terrain which from this year completes the three-tuning off-road racing offer.

On the Pomposa circuit in Ferrara “Dovi” was able to test the great qualities of new Japanese jewel, protagonist this year of a dedicated Trophy, the Yamaha SM Cup 2012.

The new two-wheeler strictly derived from the revolutionary Yamaha YZ450F cross with upside-down cylinder, the Motard version is characterized by top-of-the-line components. In fact, the transformation took place through the use of various top-level special parts such as the STM slipper clutch to better manage corner entry, the suspensions by Andreani Group, the rear monoshock shortened by 10mm and revised in the hydraulics, the Brembo front braking system, Braking Wave front brake disc, Acerbis front mudguard and Tubeless wheels with Alpina nipples set up with look for Excel 16.5” at the front and 17” at the rear with CHT Chiaravalli hubs in light alloy.

“It's been a few years since I trained on a Motard because my main passion is cross-country. I thought I wasn't so capable anymore (laughs ed.), but instead I immediately found myself at ease with the new Yamaha YZ450SM. I find it very balanced and it impressed me greatly: excellent at drifting and changing direction, it really has a great engine and the brakes are very gentle, just how I like it. To turn I didn't have to change anything, neither the position of the handlebars, nor the brakes, nor the gearbox; only the fork was a little hard at the beginning, but by softening it slightly I found the right setting – commented Dovizioso at the end of the session -. My experience with Motards began in 2003 and continued for about five years. I had chosen this discipline because it was the only one that allowed me to continue training on asphalt. The problem is that when racing on this type of terrain you always need the right materials such as tires and brakes which make a big difference on the lap and we know that we drivers cannot lap without looking at the times. For this reason I then chose to dedicate myself exclusively to cross, which requires a less demanding and more immediate setting. I felt very comfortable on the YZ450SM, noting many positive aspects compared to the cross version, to which I actually prefer the 250cc, which is more suited to my riding style."

In fact, since the beginning of the year, “Dovi” trains constantly riding a special version of the brand new Yamaha YZ250F. The bike is similar to those involved in the world cross championship as it is equipped with the Yamaha Rinaldi Research and Development kit, the official supplier of the Iwata company for several seasons and specialized in the development of high-performance "racing" components for cross bikes. The suspensions (with settings close to standard) they were made by Manucci, While special anodized alloy materials (hubs, plates, steering, footpegs etc.) are of Kite production. The graphics are inspired by those of the official 2011 Rinaldi team with the inevitable number 4 of the rider from Romagna.

“My passion has always been cross-country and its environment. I like preparing the motorbike, loading the van and racing with friends. Motocross training riding my Yamaha YZ250F by Rinaldi is a day that no one can remove from my calendar. It is very heavy and requires longer recovery times than other disciplines. To go fast you have to spend a lot of time on the bike and unfortunately I can't afford it, so I only do it when I'm free from commitments, about twice a month. However, if I could I would ride every day, the track changes continuously, as does the terrain and there is always a new jump to make", he concluded.