Scoop: new 2009 Yamaha YZF250

New YZF250 ... white is the new blue for Yamaha

HERE'S the first official picture of Yamaha's 2009 YZF250 - and according to the factory, the bike does not get the widely-rumoured fuel injection.

We'll have to wait until 2010 for the injection system on the Japanese factory's dirtbikes, but there are still some interesting features being used on next year's bikes including:

* Modified ignition mapping for more grunt out of corners

* Lighter chassis

* New swingarm

* More adjustable shock and revised mounting position

* Four-way adjustable handlebar position

* New chain seat

* New clutch based on the one used in the YZF450

We like it - looks like the i-bike colour scheme that an after-market plastics company did in California a few years back for the Honda CR250. And that was the coolest off-roader of all time...