2016 YAMAHA YZ250X MXA RACE TEST: EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW

Yamaha YZ250 motocross model

begins its history in 1974 and, unlike cross-country 2-stroke models from other Japanese manufacturers, is still sold in the markets of North America and Europe.

Considering the Yamaha YZ 250 model, it should be noted that the models starting from 2005 are of greatest interest - it was at this time that the motorcycle began to be equipped with an aluminum frame.

The model was based on a single-cylinder 2-stroke liquid-cooled engine with a volume of 249 cm³ and producing 53 hp. power and 49 Nm of torque (data refer to the 2005 model).

In 2006, the Yamaha YZ250 received a new KYB SSS (Speed-Sensitive System) front fork, and in 2008, petal brake discs.

In 2022, the diameter of the front brake disc increases from 250 to 270 mm.

At the end of 2022, Yamaha introduced the new generation YZ250. The updated version received a new design, improvements to the brake system (lighter, use of stiffer pads, the diameter of the rear brake disc decreased from 245 → 240 mm), intake system and suspension settings.

Other features of the model include an aluminum frame, the presence of a YPVS power valve system (optimize engine performance depending on speed), a carburetor power system (with a throttle position sensor), fully adjustable sports suspension, an 8-liter fuel tank, a 5-speed gearbox and 103 kg curb weight.

At the same time, a version of the Yamaha YZ125 was also produced, which in general had much in common with the YZ250, but was equipped with a smaller engine and a 6-speed gearbox.

In 2016, a hard enduro modification, the Yamaha YZ250X, was built on the basis of the Yamaha YZ250.

The Yamaha YZ 250 model took part in many international motocross competitions, where it invariably took high places:

• 5 AMA National Motocross
• 9 AMA National Supercross
• AMA National Supercross (2004)
• 6-time AMA National Offroad Championships
• EMX300 Championship (2014)

Also in the line of Yamaha motocross motorcycles there is a 4-stroke version - the Yamaha YZ250F.

The main competitors of the Yamaha YZ 250 in the class:

• Honda CR250R (aluminum frame)
• Kawasaki KX 250 (steel frame)
• Suzuki RM 250 (steel frame)

Bike features

Here are the main features of the model:

• rarity while maintaining relevance;
• exclusivity in its niche;
• convenience and balance.

The Yamaha UZ 250 can be called a legend, because such motorcycles are rare. Probably, the model is primarily suitable for those people who prefer to purchase equipment that has been proven over the years. After all, this model will soon be tested by half a century.

Qualitative indicators of technology

When considering the Yamaha YZ 250, it is worth paying great attention to its technical characteristics:

Fans of powerful two-stroke 250 cc engines will definitely appreciate this model. Light weight, relatively compact dimensions and comfortable fit made moving on a motorcycle comfortable. The only negative is the small volume of the fuel tank (early models have 6.4 liters, and last year’s - 7.5) with significant gasoline consumption. Disc brakes and a reliable suspension provide adequate comfort even during extreme driving.

Dimensions and weight

The weight of the model is only 103 kg, including fuel. However, there is nothing special in this indicator, because low weight is generally typical for cross-country motorcycles. The tank volume here is 8 liters, which is partly responsible for the low weight of such equipment. The seat height is 976 mm and the wheelbase is 1446 mm.

Reviews

Reviews about Yamaha YZ 250:

How does it compare to TTR? Since, before buying the YZ, I rode a Yamaha TTR for 3 seasons, using it very hard, and also tried similar 250s of friends and acquaintances, I can answer as if I had “eaten oysters”: you simply cannot compare! A cross-country motorcycle is the highest level of evolution compared to any soft enduro developed in the 80s and 90s. In any aspect, the cross-country bike is head and shoulders above the Yamaha TTR, Honda XR, Suzuki DR, Honda CRM, Kawasaki KDX and KLX, etc. The suspension is much better. The motor is much better. Brakes, handling, ergonomics and everything else are an order of magnitude better. The only thing where the cross loses is in resources. And, again, the resource includes everything - the engine, suspension, brakes, etc.

Are there enough “lower classes” after the 4-stroke? After a year of hard use in various conditions, I only experienced a lack of smooth power build-up in particularly difficult conditions. For example, at the enduro stage of the CR there was a section with a slight uphill climb, after a short ford through a mud ditch, with protruding tree roots, stones and liquid mixed soil. It was hard there, yes.

All other moments when you need to move slowly “at idle” are solved very organically and without problems by priming the clutch. In general, the acceleration speed of a two-stroke engine turns the clutch into a powerful weapon that you need to know how to use. On 4T it’s the same, but the effect is less noticeable.

And one more thing - you need to learn how to use the clutch! Without this skill there will be no progress in riding either 4T or 2T!

How does an aluminum frame feel? After an aluminum frame, all motorcycles with an iron frame seem soft and “wobbly”. There is no feeling of monolithicity of the motorcycle, clarity of following a given trajectory. But on the other hand, it’s really easier to ride on a shaking surface - it doesn’t tear your hands off and doesn’t hit your butt.

Chassis and brakes

Initially, the frame of the YZ 250 was made of steel, but since 2005 the model finally received an aluminum frame, which had a positive effect on its driving performance. The exterior looks great, and if you look at this beautiful motorcycle without knowing its history, you might think that it is some kind of new product.

A progressive monoshock serves as the YZ 250's rear suspension, while an inverted fork is used here as the front suspension. The rear brake is a 245 mm disc with a single-piston caliper, and the front brake is a 250 mm disc supported by a two-piston caliper.

Brief history of the model

• 1974 - Model
  : Yamaha YZ250 (USA).
  Factory designation
  : YZ250A.

• 1975 - Model
  : Yamaha YZ250 (USA).
  Factory designation
  : YZ250B.

• 1979 - Model
  : Yamaha YZ250 (USA).
  Factory designation
  : YZ250F.

• 1980 - Model
  : Yamaha YZ250 (USA).
  Factory designation
  : YZ250G.

• 1981 - Model
  : Yamaha YZ250 (USA).
  Factory designation
  : YZ250H.

• 1982 - Model
  : Yamaha YZ250 (USA).
  Factory designation
  : YZ250J.

• 1983 - Model
  : Yamaha YZ250 (USA).
  Factory designation
  : YZ250K.

• 1984 - Model
  : Yamaha YZ250 (USA).
  Factory designation
  : YZ250L.

• 1985 - Model
  : Yamaha YZ250 (USA).
  Factory designation
  : YZ250N.

• 1986 - Model
  : Yamaha YZ250 (USA, Europe).
  Factory designation
  : YZ250S, 1LU.

• 1987 - Model
  : Yamaha YZ250 (USA, Europe).
  Factory designation
  : YZ250T, 2HH.

• 1988 - Model
  : Yamaha YZ250 (USA, Europe).
  Factory designation
  : YZ250U, 2VM.

• 1989 - Model
  : Yamaha YZ250 (North America, Europe).
  Factory designation
  : YZ250W, 3JE1, 3RB1.

• 1990 - Model
  : Yamaha YZ250 (All markets).
  Factory designation
  : YZ250A, 3SP1, 3SP2, 3SP3, 3SP4.

• 1991 - Model
  : Yamaha YZ250 (All markets).
  Factory designation
  : YZ250B1, 3XK1, 3XK2, 3XK3, 3XK4.

• 1992 - Model
  : Yamaha YZ250 (All markets).
  Factory designation
  : YZ250D1, 4DA1, 4DA2, 4DA3, 4DA4.

• 1993 - Model
  : Yamaha YZ250 (All markets).
  Factory designation
  : YZ250E, 4EW1, 4EW2, 4EW3, 4EW4.

• 1994 - Model
  : Yamaha YZ250 (All markets).
  Factory designation
  : YZ250F1, 4JX1, 4JX2, 4JX3, 4JX4.

• 1995 - Model
  : Yamaha YZ250 (All markets).
  Factory designation
  : YZ250G1, 4MX1, 4MX2, 4MX3, 4MX4.

• 1996 - Model
  : Yamaha YZ250 (All markets).
  Factory designation
  : YZ250H1, 4SR1, 4SR2, 4SR3, 4SR4.

• 1997 - Model
  : Yamaha YZ250 (All markets).
  Factory designation
  : YZ250J1, 4XL1, 4XL2, 4XL3, 4XL4.

• 1998 - Model
  : Yamaha YZ250 (All markets).
  Factory designation
  : YZ250K1, 5DJ1, 5DJ2, 5DJ3, 5DJ4.

• 1999 - Model
  : Yamaha YZ250 (All markets).
  Factory designation
  : YZ250L1, 5CU1, 5CU2, 5CU3, 5CU4.

• 2000 - Model
  : Yamaha YZ250 (All markets).
  Factory designation
  : YZ250M1, 5HC1, 5HC2, 5HC3, 5HC4.

• 2001 - Model
  : Yamaha YZ250 (All markets).
  Factory designation
  : YZ250N1, 5MW1, 5MW2, 5MW3, 5MW4.

• 2002 - Model
  : Yamaha YZ250 (All markets).
  Factory designation
  : YZ250P, 5NX1, 5NX2, 5NX3, 5NX4.

• 2003 - Model
  : Yamaha YZ250 (All markets).
  Factory designation
  : YZ250R, 5UP1, 5UP2, 5UP3, 5UP4.

• 2004 - Model
  : Yamaha YZ250 (All markets).
  Factory designation
  : YZ250S1, 5XF1, 5XF2, 5XF3, 5XF4.

• 2005 - Model
  : Yamaha YZ250 (All markets).
  Factory designation
  : YZ250T1, 1P81, 1P82, 1P83.

• 2006 - Model
  : Yamaha YZ250 (All markets).
  Factory designation
  : YZ250V, 1P85, 1P86, 1P87, 1P88.

• 2007 - Model
  : Yamaha YZ250 (All markets).
  Factory designation
  : YZ250W1, 1P89, 1P8A, 1P8B, 1P8C.

• 2008 - Model
  : Yamaha YZ250 (All markets).
  Factory designation
  : YZ250X1, 1P8D, 1P8E, 1P8F, 1P8G.

• 2009 - Model
  : Yamaha YZ250 (All markets).
  Factory designation
  : YZ250Y, 1P8H, 1P8J, 1P8K, 1P8L.

• 2010 - Model
  : Yamaha YZ250 (North America, Europe, Japan).
  Factory designation
  : YZ250Z, 1P8N, 1P8M, 1P8P.

• 2011 - Model
  : Yamaha YZ250 (North America, Europe, Japan).
  Factory designation
  : YZ250A1, 1P8S, 1P8T, 1P8U.

• 2012 - Model
  : Yamaha YZ250 (North America, Europe, Japan).
  Factory designation
  : YZ250B2, 1SS1, 1SS2, 1SS3.

• 2013 - Model
  : Yamaha YZ250 (North America, Europe).
  Factory designation
  : YZ250D2, 1SS5, 1SS6.

• 2014 - Model
  : Yamaha YZ250 (North America, Europe, Japan).
  Factory designation
  : YZ250E2, 1SS9, 1SSA, 1SSB.

• 2015 - Model
  : Yamaha YZ250 (North America, Europe, Japan).
  Factory designation
  : YZ250F2, 1SSD, 1SSE, 1SSF.

• 2016 - Model
  : Yamaha YZ250 (North America, Europe, Japan).
  Factory designation
  : YZ250G2, 1SSH, 1SSJ, 1SSK.

• 2017 - Model
  : Yamaha YZ250 (North America, Europe, Japan).
  Factory designation
  : YZ250H2, 1SSN, 1SSM, 1SSP.

• 2018 - Model
  : Yamaha YZ250 (North America, Europe, Japan).
  Factory designation
  : YZ250J2, 1SSS, 1SST, 1SSU.

• 2019 - Model
  : Yamaha YZ250 (North America, Europe, Japan).
  Factory designation
  : YZ250K2.

• 2020 - Model
  : Yamaha YZ250 (North America, Europe, Japan).

• 2021 - Model
  : Yamaha YZ250 (North America, Europe, Japan).

• 2022 - Model
  : Yamaha YZ250 (All Markets).

Yamaha YZ250X Suspension

The Yamaha YZ250X enduro motorcycle comes equipped with Kayaba SSS spring forks and Kayaba shock absorbers. The suspension is good, but requires a little tuning to achieve the desired level of comfort. The initial part of the suspension travel is a little harsh and this is very noticeable at low speeds. Softening the settings a little allows the bike to feel more confident in closed sections with roots and rocks. The middle part of the suspension travel, as well as the final part, have excellent operating ranges.

Enduro motorcycle Yamaha yz250x