First Impressions: Nicole MacDonald Rides the YZ250FX

Name: Nicole MacDonald

Home: Ottawa, ON

Age: 29

Height: 5’7”

Weight: 135 lb.

Off-Road Level: Beginner

MX Level: Ladies / Beginner

Bike at Home: 2013 Kawasaki 250F

For those who know me, you’ll know I’ve been a proud Kawasaki rider since I started riding motocross and am very happy with my current bike (although my speed on the track might not say as much). However, this summer I had the opportunity to try out the new 2015 YZ250FX. Honestly, I was a bit reluctant to try out a Yamaha but I figured I better give it a try to appease all the Yamaha riders around me, so I did. My worst fear came true – I loved it!

When I first sat on the bike I thought it felt a little heavy and wide (but hey, I was looking for faults); I didn’t adjust anything, just got on and rode. I noticed as soon as I pulled away from the truck that the power was very smooth and not at all jerky (forgive me if I don’t have good motocross lingo, I’m still fairly new). I took a couple easy laps to get used to the bike, but was quickly able to start riding a bit harder. There was really nothing to get used to! I couldn’t believe how light the bike felt over jumps and how easily it cornered. I barely even had to try. I even noticed my hands weren’t sore one bit when I got off the track.

Given I was trying to prove this bike wrong, of course I clipped on my transponder. Well, was I in for a shock when I saw that I was immediately 5-6 seconds a lap faster. This is a massive deal people! Perhaps my perception of how fast I was riding had changed, since the engine is much quieter and smoother than I’m used to. Perhaps it was the easier (i.e. faster) corners, lighter jumps and comfortable suspension. Whatever it was, faster is always better. Best not to ask too many questions here.

I was given the green (blue?) light to race a couple motos on the FX at the Sand del Lee MX track. With all the good things that had come so far, I really wanted to see how this would go. I felt very confident on the bike now, but we adjusted the suspension and shifter a bit to suit me and removed the kickstand. I felt really good during the motos, and that electric start that I was too proud to admit the bike had was sure darn handy when I got knocked over in the first corner; I was able to start the bike as I picked it back up! I quickly got back into the moto without too much lost time. Probably the most surprising were some of the comments I got from others. “You looked so much more comfortable on that bike,” or “that bike really suited you,” or even “you looked faster” (and I swear I didn’t pay him to say that).

Overall, my preconceived notions of riding a new bike were squashed. Clearly, the consistent power band and softer suspension helped me to ride faster, and the bike’s geometry allowed me to corner very easily. What more can you ask for as a beginner? I definitely can’t knock my Kawasaki – it’s a fast and responsive bike. But as for learning to turn that throttle, I think the FX may be a good fit for me. Since my home track is fairly sandy, I’d invest in some different tires to suit the terrain, but everything else would stay the same, and then practice, practice, practice! You just may see me convert to blue before the end of the season. Stay tuned…