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.
Review – Key Features – Features & Benefits – Specifications
2026 Yamaha YZ250: THRILLING.
Introducing the new 2026 Yamaha YZ250…
On the track or on the trail, the YZ250’s exhilarating 250cc liquid-cooled engine provides an instant hit of power for holeshot-winning acceleration. It’s industry-leading KYB® suspension offers outstanding handling, and the slim bodywork and flat seat ease rider movement when braking, accelerating and cornering.
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.
2026 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
NEW 2026 OFF ROAD COMPETITION RANGE
Off Road Competition is in Yamaha’s DNA – in all its forms, on all levels. The numerous achievements at the highest level of racing speak for themselves, but Yamaha’s commitment goes beyond competitive racing. It’s about sharing the same winning performance with riders on all levels of the sport.
Yamaha’s 2026 Off Road Competition range reflects this philosophy. With genuine racing DNA running through the range, Yamaha have further boosted the race-winning performance and handling of the YZ450F, redesigned the intake system and enhanced carburation of the YZ125, and made the whole range more appealing with updated colours and graphics.
Yamaha is also adding to the line-up four special 70th anniversary models. These bikes with their stunning special livery weave together the rich fabric of Yamaha’s past and present off road race success with the promise of maintaining the fighting spirit that keeps the victories coming in the future.
2026 Yamaha YZ250 Totalmotorcycle.com Features and Benefits
ENGINE
Patented Yamaha Power Valve System (YPVS) combines crisp bottom-end acceleration with strong mid-range and top-end.
Advanced 38mm Hitachi Astemo® Keihin PWK38S carburetor provides precise fuel/air mixing and crisp throttle response.
Special-design carbon fiber reed-valve petals improve the throttle response and engine performance across the entire rpm range.
Digital CDI system delivers precise spark for faster, stronger response anywhere in the rev range.
Smooth-shifting, close-ratio five-speed transmission with a heavy-duty, multiplate clutch ensures confident gear changes.
High-capacity radiator with dark louvers deliver maximum cooling efficiency and an aggressive look.
The 249cc liquid-cooled reed-valve-inducted two-stroke engine is lightweight, compact and fun with a wide, hard-hitting powerband.
CHASSIS/SUSPENSION
Removable aluminum rear subframe is constructed of square-section tubing for reduced weight.
Premium Dunlop® Geomax MX33 tires offer race-developed performance on a wide range of terrain.
Lightweight 21-inch front and 19-inch rear Excel® rims provide exceptional durability and a premium look.
High performance brakes feature a 270mm front and 240mm rear rotor for superb braking power and feel.
Fully adjustable KYB® shock offers exceptional rear wheel control and ride performance along with 12.4 inches of travel.
Fully adjustable Speed Sensitive KYB® 48mm forks offer precise handling, superb bump absorption and 11.8 inches of travel.
A carefully engineered, advanced aluminum frame and swingarm give the YZ250 the best handling in the 250cc class.
ADDITIONAL FEATURES
Iconic white and red 70th Anniversary Edition livery combines with the YZ250’s aggressive bodywork for a stunning look.
Carefully considered ergonomic design includes a flat seat and slim, integrated body panels for greater freedom of movement.
Competition-ready features include two-position adjustable handlebar, wide foot pegs, and works-style clutch cable adjuster.
*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.
2026 Yamaha YZ250 – Totalmotorcycle.com USA Specifications/Technical Details
US MSRP Price: $8,099 USD
Canada MSRP Price: $9,599 CDN
Europe/UK MSRP Price: £8600 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 | 8.9~10.6:1 |
| Fuel Delivery | Hitachi Astemo® Keihin PWK38S carburetor |
| 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 | 110/90-19 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*** | 227 lb |
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.
2026 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 70th Anniversary |
2026 Yamaha YZ250 – Totalmotorcycle.com European Specifications/Technical Details
Engine
Engine type Liquid-cooled; 2-stroke; Single cylinder
Displacement 249 cc
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, Ø 270 mm
Rear brake Hydraulic Single Disc, Ø 240 mm
Front tyre 80/100-21 51M Tube Type
Rear tyre 110/90-19 62M Tube Type
Caster angle 27°40′
Trail 122 mm
Dimensions
Overall length 2185 mm
Overall width 825 mm
Overall height 1290 mm
Seat height 975 mm
Wheel base 1485 mm
Minimum ground clearance 360 mm
Wet weight (including full oil and fuel tank) 103 kg
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).
