2025 Yamaha YZ250X Review

2025 Yamaha YZ250X
Along with the slimmer, more aggressive bodywork, a new front and rear fender design and new radiator shrouds all integrate with a bold new graphics scheme to highlight the YZ family pedigree.
ReviewKey FeaturesFeatures & BenefitsSpecifications

2025 Yamaha YZ250X

2025 Yamaha YZ250X: KING OF THE WOODS.

Introducing the new 2025 Yamaha YZ250X…

Engineered with all the reliability and durability you’ve come to expect from Yamaha, this two‑stroke was born to win Cross Country races. Featuring a robust 250cc engine, optimized rider ergonomics, and a long list of XC details that solidifies its position as the king of woods!

TWO‑STROKE HEART, ENDURO SOUL
Featuring a powerful 250cc two‑stroke engine and renowned high-performance chassis, the YZ250X was born to win Cross Country races.

 

 

2025 Yamaha YZ250X Totalmotorcycle.com Key Features

  • Optimized rider ergonomics to improve mobility in challenging cross-country conditions
  • Optimized intake design allows for a straight, more efficient draw of air into the intake tract.
  • High performance braking system features large front pistons, rigid caliper and a 270mm front rotor
  • ​”Re-tuned” engine vs YZ250 (Ignition, timing, & YPVS)
  • Wider ratio transmission gears Vs. YZ250 (3rd gear & higher)
  • Heavy duty clutch
  • Expansion chamber shape
  • Unique front & rear suspension settings
  • 18″ rear wheel

 

The YZ250X is based on the YZ250 2-stroke with the following additional features that enhance its competitiveness for cross country racing / riding.

  • “Re-tuned” engine Vs. YZ250 (head, ignition, porting & YPVS)
  • Wider ratio transmission gears Vs. YZ250 (3rd gear & higher)
  • Heavy duty clutch
  • Expansion chamber shape
  • Unique front & rear suspension settings
  • 18″ rear wheel
  • Aluminum side stand
  • On-off-reserve fuel petcock

 

 

 

2025 Yamaha YZ250X Totalmotorcycle.com Features and Benefits

ENGINE

  • Lightweight, compact, liquid-cooled, 249cc, piston-reed-valve-inducted, 2-stroke.
    • super crisp, instant “right now” engine power (when in the “power band”)
    • easy & economical to maintain, service & rebuild
  • Key engine differences Vs YZ250.
    • revised cylinder head volume Vs. YZ250 (slight increase in volume Vs. YZ250)
    • 9:1 compression ratio (slightly less than YZ250)
    • revised YPVS power valve (actuation rpm & shape)
    • revised exhaust port (main) size & timing
    • wider 3rd, 4th & 5th gears ratios
    • expansion chamber front diameter (reduced)
  • Lightweight, flat top forged aluminum piston.
    • excellent durability
    • light weight means fast engine response
  • “Liner-less”, ceramic composite cylinder bore with ceramic coating sprayed directly on the aluminum block.
    • excellent heat dissipation
    • reduced weight (no heavy iron liner)
    • reduced friction
    • extended cylinder life
  • Lightweight, ball bearing style crank.
    • lightweight design for fast throttle response
    • friction reducing crank seals
  • YPVS power valve system features a total of three slides (one main and two auxiliary slides).
    • YPVS system varies the exhaust port height & timing based on engine rpm
    • provides the benefits of both solid, low rpm power delivery & strong top-end punch
  • Keihin PWK38S carburetor with power jet & throttle position sensor (TPS).
    • precise fuel – air mixing
    • extra-crisp throttle response throughout the powerband
  • Special-design, 4-petal, carbon fiber reeds.
    • excellent throttle response & engine performance across the entire RPM range
  • Smooth-shifting, wide ratio 5-speed transmission.
    • ratios are matched to engine output for maximum performance
    • optimal hook-up for outstanding acceleration & corner-exiting power
    • transmission features “involute splines” for smooth, positive shifting even under power
    • wider 3rd, 4th & 5th gears ratios (Vs. YZ250) … see spec sheet
  • Heavy-duty, multi-plate clutch.
    • Clutch spring load is reduced for easier clutch lever pull Vs. YZ250 (less fatigue)
    • quick-access, outer clutch cover allows for fast, easy clutch maintenance
  • CD (capacitor discharge) ignition system.
    • delivers a precise spark for fast, sure starts
    • ensures optimal timing at all rpms for fast, strong response
  • High capacity, washable, dual-stage, foam air filter.
    • excellent filtering qualities
    • reduces maintenance costs … foam filter is re-useable
  • Large-capacity, dual radiators feature 10-row cores.
    • maximum cooling efficiency
  • Lightweight exhaust system.
    • computer designed expansion chamber provides maximum engine performance
    • lightweight, aluminum silencer is re-buildable for optimum performance & reduced noise levels
    • sound output is 94 dB
  • Works-style clutch lever & race-spec “barrel adjuster.”
    • light, easy lever pull
    • lever position (reach) can be set to rider’s preference
    • for on-the-fly clutch adjustments

 

 

CHASSIS/SUSPENSION

  • Lightweight, aluminum, semi-double-cradle frame.
    • combines with compact engine to provide an awesome power to weight ratio
    • obvious benefit of an aluminum frame is a significant weight reduction
    • Yamaha maintains the semi-double cradle design because it offers an excellent “rigidity balance” between lateral & torsional rigidity while offering controlled flex in the longitudinal plane
    • result is a light aluminum frame, which provides excellent handling, good ride quality, excellent stability & responsive cornering performance
  • Removable rear subframe.
    • constructed of square-section, lightweight aluminum
    • detachable design allows easy access when servicing rear suspension components
    • reduces costs in the event of a loop out
  • Lightweight, tapered design aluminum swingarm.
    • produced by “hydro forming”, a forming method that uses high pressure water to form shapes
    • excellent rear wheel traction & control
    • lightweight design
  • Cast aluminum upper and forged lower triple clamps.
    • strong yet lightweight
    • fast, agile handling
  • Adjustable handlebar mounts.
    • allow handlebar to be moved 10mm rearward if desired
  • “Speed Sensitive System” 48mm, adjustable, inverted, “twin chamber” KYB fork. Front wheel travel is 300 mm (11.8″).
    • twin chamber design means the damper unit is in a separate structure which prevents aerated fork oil from entering the inner damper assembly & degrading its damping abilities
    • the inner damper is pressurized, it also eliminates bubbles forming in the oil
    • “Speed Sensitive” design means the damping force is controlled by piston speed, not position in the fork
    • low friction fork seals provide reduced stiction for a smoother stroke
    • spring & damping settings are optimized for cross country use
    • fork adjustments include: 20-way compression damping & 20-way rebound damping
    • optional fork springs are available through Genuine Yamaha parts
  • Fork also features a Transfer Control Valve (TCV).
    • TCV enhances damping from mid to full stroke & improves bottoming characteristics
    • TCV offers more precise control throughout the full suspension stroke
    • TCV is located on the upside of the spring & its function is controlled by piston speed, not piston position, hence the term “Speed Sensitive System fork”.
  • Large “wrap-around” plastic fork protectors.
    • provide excellent protection from dirt, mud & stone chips
    • “self-supporting” design reduces friction for smoother stroke
  • Monocross link rear suspension features a fully adjustable, Kayaba, piggyback shock which provides 315 mm (12.4″) of wheel travel.
    • features separate adjusters for high- and low-speed compression damping
    • adjustments include: spring preload, 20-way rebound damping, 20-way low-speed compression damping & 2 turns of high speed compression damping
    • spring & damping settings are optimized for cross country use
    • 18 mm damper rod
    • Kashima coating (friction reducer) is used in the shock body & sub tank to reduce friction & improve suspension performance
    • piggyback shock utilizes a full rebound oil lock system for excellent suspension function & great ride quality
    • spring & damping settings are optimized for cross country use
  • 270 mm floating front “wave-style” disc brake with Nissin twin piston caliper.
    • “wave” style rotor (disc) reduces weight, improves cooling (more surface area) & improves styling
    • braking performance is excellent with great feel & control
  • “Shorty” front brake lever is adjustable for various hand sizes.
  • 245 mm rear “wave-style” disc brake with single piston caliper.
    • integrated master cylinder (fluid reservoir is integrated into the top of the master cylinder)
    • “wave” style rotor (disc) reduces weight, improves cooling (more surface area) & improves styling
    • strong stopping power with excellent feel & control
  • Rugged, plastic rear caliper & lower rear disc protectors / guards.
  • Lightweight, Sun Star rear sprocket.
    • increases the contact area between the sprocket & chain rollers
    • reduces the load on the chain & increases service life of chain & sprocket
  • Heavy duty “O”- ring chain for excellent durability.
  • Lightweight, D.I.D. 21″ front and 18″ rear rims & premium Dunlop tires.
    • provide excellent durability
    • reduces unsprung weight for optimal suspension performance & handling
  • “Flat-design” seat features multi density foam.
    • provides good initial softness / comfort and then increases the firmness as more pressure is applied
    • “pebble” finish on the top and side surfaces provides excellent rider grip & durability
  • Seat, handlebar & fuel tank ergonomics provide excellent freedom of movement for the rider.
  • Large, 8 litre plastic resin fuel tank.
    • on – off – reserve fuel petcock
    • reserve amount is approx. 2 litres
  • Lightweight aluminum side stand.

 

 

DETAILS

  • Bold New YZ Styling
    • Along with the slimmer, more aggressive bodywork, a new front and rear fender design and new radiator shrouds all integrate with a bold new graphics scheme to highlight the YZ family pedigree. Premium Yamaha graphics are now embedded to provide excellent durability and scratch resistance.
  • Slim design, aggressive bodywork allows easy rider movements
  • Lightweight YZ250F/450F based wide footpegs provide excellent grip & ground clearance
  • Rugged chain guide helps prevent the chain from de-railing and also helps to protect the rear sprocket.
  • Serrated rear brake lever and folding shift lever tip
  • Stainless steel, inner clutch cable provides excellent strength, smooth action and long life
  • Heavy-duty 520 “O” ring chain
  • E10 friendly fuel system components

 

 

 

 

 

2025 Yamaha YZ250X – Totalmotorcycle.com USA Specifications/Technical Details
US MSRP Price: $8099 USD
Canada MSRP Price: $9,499 CDN
Europe/UK MSRP Price: £ NA GBP (On The Road inc 20% Vat)

ENGINE

Engine Type 249cc liquid-cooled 2-stroke; reed-valve inducted
Bore x Stroke 66.4mm × 72.0mm
Compression Ratio 7.9~9.4:1
Fuel Delivery Hitachi Astemo® Keihin PWK38S
Transmission Constant-mesh 5-speed; multiplate wet clutch
Final Drive Chain
Fuel Capacity 1.8 gal

CHASSIS

Suspension/Front KYB® Speed-Sensitive System inverted fork; fully adjustable, 11.8-in travel
Suspension/Rear KYB® single shock; fully adjustable, 12.4-in travel
Brakes/Front Hydraulic disc, 270mm
Brakes/Rear Hydraulic disc, 240mm
Tires/Front 80/100-21 Dunlop® Geomax MX33F
Tires/Rear 110/100-18 Dunlop® Geomax MX33

DIMENSIONS

LxWxH 86.0 in x 32.5 in x 50.8 in
Seat Height 38.4 in
Wheelbase 58.5 in
Rake (Caster Angle) 27.7°
Trail 4.8 in
Max. Ground Clearance 14.2 in
Fuel Capacity 1.8 gal
Wet Weight*** 229 lbs

OTHER

Warranty 30 Day (Limited Factory Warranty)

*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 YZ250X – Totalmotorcycle.com Canada Specifications/Technical Details

ENGINE
ENGINE 2-stroke, liquid-cooled, reed-valve, single
DISPLACEMENT 249 cc
BORE AND STROKE 66.4 x 72 mm
COMPRESSION RATIO 7.9 ~ 9.4:1
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″) travel
SUSPENSION (REAR) Fully adjustable link Monocross / 315 mm (12.4″) travel
BRAKES (FRONT) 270 mm floating disc / twin piston caliper
BRAKES (REAR) 240 mm disc / single piston caliper
TIRES (FRONT) 80/100-21
TIRES (REAR) 110/100-18

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 975 mm (38.4″)
FUEL CAPACITY 8 litres (1.8 imp. gallons)
WET WEIGHT 104 kg (229 lbs)
COLOUR(S) Yamaha Racing Blue

 

 

2025 Yamaha YZ250X – Totalmotorcycle.com European Specifications/Technical Details

NA

 

 

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

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