Yamaha YZ250The front suspension is a Inverted Fork while the rear suspension is a Twin Sided Swing Arm. Front Hydraulic Disc brakes and rear Hydraulic Disc brakes provide for the stopping power.
We’ve already reported on the 2011 Yamaha YZ125 First Ride, but the Tuning Fork crew brought out the quarter-liter machines as well to prove their capabilities. In order to make the YZ250 meet emissions for all of Yamaha’s global markets, the silencer was increased in length by 75mm and the core diameter swelled from 27 to 30mm. Yamaha claims this helps with lower fuel qualities as well. Yamaha hasn’t done anything radical to the Yamaha YZ250, but it still has a powerful, responsive engine that works very well in the right conditions.
Fortunately for Yamaha, and all aspiring racers, the AMA now allows 250 two-strokes to race alongside 250F machines in amateur competition – making it a true 250 division. Keeping the YZ on the meat of its powerband is easy to do with a smooth, light clutch and clean jetting. Our faster riders were keen to keep the bike singing at all times and had no complaints about the Keihin carburetor.
“’Awesome’ is about the best word to explain the motor on the YZ250,” says test rider Nick Thiel. I couldn’t ride this bike enough; it was an absolute blast. It definitely doesn’t have the mindlessly smooth power curve of its four-stroke counterpart. All of our riders liked the lightweight (227 pounds claimed) feel and responsive aluminum chassis. Getting the bike to turn in rutted corners takes almost no effort and the bike glides through rough corner entries with little concern. “The suspension on the Yamaha YZ250 is great right out of the box,” argues 175-pound Thiel. “It has surprisingly good bottoming resistance with no mid-stroke harshness and great initial feel. “I softened the front compression, added more rider sag on the shock and firmed up the high-speed compression and sped up the rebound. Changing lines through rolling whoops is simple and picking lines through corners leaves riders plenty of options. Despite outdated bodywork, the midsection is easy to grip and the bike responds quickly and easily to rider input.
Amateur riders looking for a 250 to win races on can consider the YZ a viable option.
“I was able to turn underneath a lot of the four-strokes, but the bike also rails the outsides,” says Thiel about the YZ’s handling. All four of our testers enjoyed the YZ250’s potent powerplant and lightweight handling, though our two fastest riders definitely enjoyed it most. On the right track this bike could be right in there with the big bikes because of its light, agile aspect. The Yamaha YZ250 is a great machine for the weekend warrior who just wants a good time and a machine that you can just mix your gas and ride.”