2026 Yamaha YZ250 70th Anniversary Edition Review

2026 Yamaha YZ250 70th Anniversary Edition
The YZ250 70th Anniversary Edition’s renowned suspension performance offers unmatched levels of control, capability and comfort. The class-leading Speed Sensitive System 48mm inverted KYB® fork includes a leaf spring in the mid-speed valve for more precise damping and increased performance.
ReviewKey FeaturesFeatures & BenefitsSpecifications

2026 Yamaha YZ250 70th Anniversary Edition 2026 Yamaha YZ250 70th Anniversary Edition 2026 Yamaha YZ250 70th Anniversary Edition

2026 Yamaha YZ250 70th Anniversary Edition: TWO-STROKE ICON.

Introducing the new 2026 Yamaha YZ250 70th Anniversary Edition…

An advanced two-stroke with iconic style, the YZ250 70th Anniversary Edition brings thrilling power, a featherweight chassis and standout looks to dominate the competition.

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.

As soon as you see the YZ250 70th Anniversary Edition you’ll know that this is what you need to take your racing to the next level. Because as well as the winning DNA that comes with the legendary YZ250 2-stroke, you’re also getting exclusive graphics and special colours, giving you the performance and style that you need to succeed.

 

 

2026 Yamaha YZ250 70th Anniversary Edition Totalmotorcycle.com Key Features

Iconic 70th Anniversary Edition Styling

Celebrate seven decades of motorsports excellence with the 2026 YZ250 70th Anniversary Edition. Iconic white and red speed block livery combines with the YZ250’s sleek, aggressive bodywork to commemorate the 1955 birth of Yamaha Motor Company in standout style.

Exhilarating Two-Stroke Power

The 249cc liquid-cooled reed-valve-inducted two-stroke engine is lightweight, compact and fun featuring the patented Yamaha Power Valve System (YPVS) for crisp response and an incredibly wide, hard-hitting powerband.

Class-Leading KYB® Suspension

The YZ250 70th Anniversary Edition’s renowned suspension performance offers unmatched levels of control, capability and comfort. The class-leading Speed Sensitive System 48mm inverted KYB® fork includes a leaf spring in the mid-speed valve for more precise damping and increased performance. The fully adjustable KYB® rear shock features reduced-friction Kashima Coat internals, separate adjusters for high- and low-speed compression damping, and a full lock oil rebound system for enhanced comfort. It all adds up to class-defining suspension and handling characteristics.

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.

Premium Wheels & Tires

Lightweight 21-inch front and 19-inch rear Excel® rims provide exceptional durability and a premium look. They come paired with Dunlop® Geomax MX33 tires offering race-developed performance for a wide range of terrain.

 

  • 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 70th Anniversary Edition 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 70th Anniversary Edition – Totalmotorcycle.com USA Specifications/Technical Details
US MSRP Price: $8,299 USD
Canada MSRP Price: $9,799 CDN
Europe/UK MSRP Price: £8700 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 70th Anniversary Edition – 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 70th Anniversary Edition – 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).

2026 Newest Bike Reviews

TMW 2026 Motorcycle Model Review Guides
About Michael Le Pard 11948 Articles
"Mr. Totalmotorcycle". Owner and Founder of Total Motorcycle, the World’s Largest Motorcycle Site with over 425 million readers since 1999. Total Motorcycle is my pride and joy and being able to reach 425 million people has been incredible and I could not have done it without the support of my visitors, readers and members...thank you so much! We are all making a difference to millions of riders worldwide.