2025 Yamaha YZ250 Review

With pure race DNA owing through it, the YZ250 is like nothing else. At some time in your race career you really need to see what this bike can do for you. You’ll never forget the rst time you ride a YZ250 2-stroke.

Review – Key Features – Features & Benefits – Specifications

2025 Yamaha YZ250: 2‑STROKES. 1ST PLACE..

Introducing the new 2025 Yamaha YZ250…

The YZ250 offers pure performance and full‑throttle adrenaline in a lightweight and reliable two‑stroke machine.

The YZ250 offers pure performance and full‑throttle adrenaline in a lightweight and reliable two‑stroke machine. Nothing beats the bark and instantaneous throttle response of the lightweight YZ250, which is an entertaining yet affordable ride made for all.

Exhilarating Two-Stroke Power with lightweight agility.

You’ll never forget the first time you ride a YZ250 2-stroke. With its stunning acceleration, outstanding agility and adrenaline-inducing performance, this dirt bike likes to play hard! On the motocross track this bike fears nothing and noone. And when you’re fun riding or practicing with your buddies, the YZ250 can do just about whatever you ask of it!

This bike has earned a worldwide reputation as one of the most competitive motocross bikes out there thanks to its lightweight handling, easy agility and explosive engine performance. The industry-leading KYB suspension features idealized low speed damping settings for a high level of traction and accurate feedback – and the 270mm front disc and high-specification front caliper give you outstanding control.

With its high efficiency air intake system and torque-boosting YPVS, the compact 250cc 2-stroke engine provides instantaneous throttle response and awesome acceleration, making this one of the most exciting dirt bikes you’ll ever ride. And with its duo-tone colours and new graphics the YZ250 looks as good as it goes.

This legendary 2-stroke is the kind of motocross bike that makes you want to just keep on riding. Whether you’re racing, freeriding or just playing in the dirt, the YZ250’s thrilling acceleration and super-agile handling make this one of the most exciting and enjoyable bikes you’ll ever experience.

With pure race DNA owing through it, the YZ250 is like nothing else. At some time in your race career you really need to see what this bike can do for you. You’ll never forget the rst time you ride a YZ250 2-stroke.

Whether it’s the stunning acceleration, outstanding agility or its adrenaline-inducing performance you’ll understand why it’s built up such a massive following all over the world.

The exhilarating 250cc liquid-cooled engine gives you an instant hit of power for holeshot-winning acceleration – and the YPVS (Yamaha Power Valve System) gives you plenty of torque at low to mid rpm. It’s industry-leading KYB front forks and rear shock give outstanding traction with plenty of surface feedback – and the slimline bodywork and at seat enable rapid weight shifting when braking, accelerating and cornering. Featuring a racing inspired Icon Blue colour and new graphics, the YZ250 is ready to win.

2025 Yamaha YZ250 Totalmotorcycle.com Key Features

• Optimized rider ergonomics with a narrow tank, flatter seat and slimmer radiator shrouds offering greater freedom of movement
• Advanced liquid-cooled YPVS-equipped 249cc two-stroke engine is lightweight, compact and fun, with a wide, hard-hitting powerband
• Straight intake design improves feeling of power in the low rpm range
• Advanced Hitachi Astemo® Keihin PWK38S carburetor with power jet and throttle position sensor provides extra-crisp throttle response
• High performance brake setup features large front pistons, rigid caliper and rotors with maximized pad contact area for exceptional stopping power and feel.
• Fully adjustable KYB® fork features the Speed-Sensitive System for precise handling and superb shock absorption
• Fully adjustable KYB® rear shock features reduced-friction Kashima Coat™ internals
• Race-proven, highly developed forged aluminum semi-double cradle frame
• Removable aluminum rear subframe constructed of square-section tubing for reduced weight
• Finely tuned lightweight chassis and advanced suspension endow the YZ250 with class-leading handling

Slimline bodywork

The YZ250 comes with slimline bodywork that gives this legendary 2-stroke a sharp and athletic look. The narrow fuel tank and radiator shrouds give a compact riding position that enables you to shift body weight rapidly for the highest levels of cornering agility.

Powerful braking system

The high specification front brake set up features a 270mm diameter disc and a rigid twin-pot caliper with large diameter 25,4mm pistons that ensure optimum braking performance. A lightweight 240mm rear disc minimizes unsprung weight reduces weight while delivering instant stopping power with plenty of feel.

Industry-leading KYB suspension

Yamaha’s SSS (Speed Sensitive System) front forks are second to none. The YZ250’s industry leading KYB suspension delivers plush low speed damping for more effective cornering performance, giving you a real advantage. Whatever the type of track, the YZ250’s sophisticated front and rear suspension makes a real difference and gives you the ability to outhandle the opposition.

High-efficiency air intake

The YZ250’s side panels, rear fender, seat base and rear frame have all been specially developed to enhance the flow of fresh air entering the airbox to ensure optimum intake efficiency. Together with a high efficiency exhaust system this system gives you holeshot-winning acceleration and explosive power right through the rev range.

Race-bred ergonomics

With its slim tank, narrow radiator shrouds and flat seat the YZ250 is one of the most agile handling dirt bikes. As soon as you get moving on this legendary 2-stroke you’ll find it easy to shift your bodyweight when braking, cornering or accelerating – giving you a high degree of chassis control.

In-mould graphics and factory style rims

Sporting the eye-catching ‘Icon Blue’ Yamaha Racing colours and graphics, the YZ125 looks the part with its dynamic look completed with in-mould graphics and slimeline bodywork, with factory-style rims completing the race-bike look.

250cc YPVS 2-stroke engine

The YZ250’s outstanding 250cc 2-stroke engine delivers instant power on demand. Equipped with a torque-boosting YPVS (Yamaha Power Valve System) and driving through a 5-speed transmission, this compact and lightweight powerplant loves to race hard.

Lightweight chassis

The lightweight aluminium chassis is manufactured with a finely-tuned rigidity balance that is designed to allow a certain amount of flex that gives valuable feedback – enabling you to feel and react quickly to different surface conditions.

2025 Yamaha YZ250 Totalmotorcycle.com Features and Benefits

TOP FEATURES

Exhilarating Two-Stroke Power

The 249cc liquid-cooled YPVS™-equipped reed-valve-inducted two-stroke engine is lightweight, compact and fun, with an incredibly wide, hard-hitting powerband.

Class-Leading KYB® Suspension

The YZ250’s renowned suspension performance offers unmatched levels of control, capability and comfort by way of the fully adjustable 48mm inverted KYB® front fork, including a leaf spring in the mid-speed valve for more precise damping, and the fully adjustable KYB® rear shock featuring reduced-friction Kashima Coat™ internals. It all adds up to class-defining suspension and handling characteristics.

Lightweight Frame

A carefully engineered, advanced aluminum frame and swingarm give the YZ250 class-leading track performance.

Rider-Friendly Chassis

Well-tuned chassis and ultra-light weight means intuitive handling, less rider fatigue and a confidence-boosting sense of control.

High Performance Braking System

High performance front and rear brake setup offers exceptional braking power and feel.

Confidence-Inspiring Ergonomics

A carefully considered ergonomic design includes a flatter seat, narrow fuel tank, smoothly integrated body panels and slim shroud width to enable greater freedom of movement forward and back, allowing the rider to easily shift body weight for increased control and confidence.

Aggressive YZ Styling

Race-inspired styling “from the sharp embedded graphics, to the aggressive bodywork including front and rear fenders, blacked-out radiator shrouds and number plates, to the smaller details like fork guards, rear brake disc and caliper protectors, and wide foot pegs” spotlights the YZ250’s extensive two-stroke racing pedigree from every angle.

ENGINE

Exhilarating Two-Stroke Power

The 249cc liquid-cooled reed-valve-inducted two-stroke engine is lightweight, compact and fun, with an incredibly wide, hard-hitting powerband.

Yamaha Power Valve System

Patented Yamaha Power Valve System (YPVS™) combines crisp, hard-hitting bottom-end acceleration with strong mid-range and top-end.

Advanced Carburetor

Advanced 38mm Hitachi Astemo® Keihin PWK38S carburetor with power jet and throttle position sensor provides precise fuel/air mixing and extra-crisp throttle response.

Race-Developed Intake

Special-design carbon fiber reed-valve petals improve the throttle response and engine performance across the entire rpm range.

Close-Ratio Transmission

Smooth-shifting, close-ratio five-speed transmission with a heavy-duty, multiplate clutch ensure confident gear changes in all conditions.

High-Capacity Radiator

High-capacity radiator with dark louvers deliver maximum cooling efficiency and an aggressive look.

Digital Ignition

Digital CDI system delivers precise spark for faster, stronger response anywhere in the rev range.

CHASSIS/SUSPENSION

High Performance Braking System

The high performance braking system features a 270mm front rotor, 240mm rear rotor, large front pistons and rigid calipers, all combining to provide exceptional braking power and feel.

Industry-Leading KYB® Fork

The fully adjustable KYB® 48mm forks feature the Speed Sensitive System which uses piston speed to control the damping force for super-precise handling, superb bump absorption and 11.8 inches of suspension travel.

Advanced KYB® Shock

Fully adjustable KYB® shock features reduced-friction Kashima Coat™ internals, 12.4 inches of travel, separate adjusters for high- and low-speed compression damping, and a full lock oil rebound system for increased comfort. It all adds up to fantastic rear wheel control and a sweet ride.

Aluminum Frame

A carefully engineered, advanced aluminum frame and swingarm give the YZ250 the best handling in the 250cc class.

Lightweight Subframe

Removable aluminum rear subframe is constructed of square-section tubing for reduced weight.

Excel® Rims

Lightweight 21-inch front and 19-inch rear Excel® rims provide exceptional durability and a premium look.

Race-Ready Tires

Premium Dunlop® Geomax MX33 tires offer race-developed performance on a wide range of terrain.

ADDITIONAL FEATURES

Race-Ready Features

Complete with an aluminum handlebar, two-position adjustable handlebar clamp, wide foot pegs, gripper seat and adjustable clutch lever with works-style cable adjuster, the YZ250 is competition-ready straight out of the crate.e crate.

*Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) shown. Does not include tax, title, prep or destination charges. Actual prices set by dealer.
**Fuel Economy is estimated.
***Wet weight includes the vehicle with all standard equipment and all fluids, including oil, coolant (as applicable) and a full tank of fuel. It does not include the weight of options or accessories. Wet weight is useful in making real-world comparisons with other models.

2025 Yamaha YZ250 – Totalmotorcycle.com USA Specifications/Technical Details
US MSRP Price: $7,999 USD
Canada MSRP Price: $9,399 CDN
Europe/UK MSRP Price: £ See Dealer for Pricing in GBP (On The Road inc 20% Vat)

ENGINE

CHASSIS

DIMENSIONS

OTHER

*Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) shown. Does not include tax, title, prep or destination charges. Actual prices set by dealer.
**Fuel Economy is estimated.
***Wet weight includes the vehicle with all standard equipment and all fluids, including oil, coolant (as applicable) and a full tank of fuel. It does not include the weight of options or accessories. Wet weight is useful in making real-world comparisons with other models.

2025 Yamaha YZ250 – Totalmotorcycle.com Canada Specifications/Technical Details

ENGINE
ENGINE 2-stroke, liquid-cooled, crankcase reed-valve, single
DISPLACEMENT 249 cc
BORE AND STROKE 66.4 x 72 mm
COMPRESSION RATIO 8.9~10.6:1
FUEL DELIVERY Keihin PWK38S
IGNITION / STARTING CDI / Kick
TRANSMISSION Constant mesh, 5-speed
FINAL DRIVE Chain

CHASSIS
SUSPENSION (FRONT) Fully adjustable 48 mm inverted fork / 300 mm (11.8″) wheel travel
SUSPENSION (REAR) Fully adjustable link Monocross / 315 mm (12.4″) wheel travel
BRAKES (FRONT) 270 mm floating disc / twin piston caliper
BRAKES (REAR) 240 mm disc / single piston caliper
TIRES (FRONT) 80/100-21 Geomax MX33F
TIRES (REAR) 110/90-19 Geomax MX33

CRITICAL DATA
LENGTH 2,185 mm (86″)
WIDTH 825 mm (32.5″)
HEIGHT 1,290 mm (50.8″)
WHEELBASE 1,485 mm (58.5″)
GROUND CLEARANCE 360 mm (14.2″)
SEAT HEIGHT 970 mm (38.2″)
FUEL CAPACITY 8 litres (1.8 imp. gallons)
WET WEIGHT 103 kg (227 lbs)
COLOUR(S) Yamaha Racing Blue

2025 Yamaha YZ250 – Totalmotorcycle.com European Specifications/Technical Details

Engine
Engine type Liquid-cooled;2-stroke;Single cylinder
Displacement 249cc
Bore x stroke 66,4 x 72,0 mm
Compression ratio 8,9 – 10,6 : 1
Lubrication system Premix
Clutch type Wet;Multiple Disc
Ignition system CDI
Starter system Kick
Transmission system Constant Mesh;5-speed
Final transmission Chain
Fuel system Fuel system
Chassis
Frame Semi double cradle
Front suspension system Telescopic fork
Front travel 300 mm
Rear suspension system link suspension;Swingarm
Rear travel 315 mm
Front brake Hydraulic Single Disc, Ø270 mm
Rear brake Hydraulic Single Disc, Ø240 mm
Front tyre 80/100-21 51M Tube type
Rear tyre 110/90-19 62M Tube type
Caster angle 27°40′
Trail 122mm
Dimensions
Overall length 2185mm
Overall width 825mm
Overall height 1290mm
Seat height 975mm
Wheel base 1485mm
Minimum ground clearance 360mm
Wet weight (including full oil and fuel tank) 103kg
Fuel tank capacity 7 L
Oil tank capacity n/a

Manufacturer Specifications and appearance are subject to change without prior notice on Total Motorcycle (TMW).