Greatest Motocross Bike Winner—2023 Yamaha YZ250F


Capturing its third consecutive victory in Grime Rider’s 250 4-Stroke Motocross Shootout is the Yamaha YZ250F. No mechanical updates had been made for 2023, but it surely’s sturdy in all essential areas and seems like a racebike. This mannequin can also be nearing the tip of a manufacturing cycle, so there are recognized fixes for its minor blemishes. Blu cRU is the most suitable choice for almost all of 250F patrons from 125cc two-stroke graduates to quick 250F pilots and vet riders alike.

“The Yamaha YZ250F is just too good to overlook. It’s a great bike in stock trim and only improves with tasteful aftermarket modifications.” <i>—Casey Casper</i>

“The Yamaha YZ250F is simply too good to miss. It’s an amazing bike in inventory trim and solely improves with tasteful aftermarket modifications.” <i>—Casey Casper</i> (Jeff Allen/)

2023 Yamaha YZ250F Engine

On our dyno, the Tuning Fork model’s quarter-liter four-stroke motocrosser spins 39.5 hp and 18.0 lb.-ft. of torque, rating it fifth in peak horsepower and ties the Honda CRF250R for sixth in most torque. It additionally makes the least of each from 6,000 rpm to eight,000 rpm. Though not a prime performer on the dyno, the Yamaha engine is excellent on the monitor with a crisp EFI really feel and pulls cleanly via the rpm vary.

Associated: How To Get the Yamaha YZ250F and YZ250FX To Begin Rapidly

Blu cRU left well enough alone with its quarter-liter four-stroke motocrosser in 2023. Mechanically unchanged, it weighs the same as last year—235 pounds wet on the <i>Dirt Rider</i> scales.

Blu cRU left effectively sufficient alone with its quarter-liter four-stroke motocrosser in 2023. Mechanically unchanged, it weighs the identical as final 12 months—235 kilos moist on the <i>Grime Rider</i> scales. (Jeff Allen/)

Backside-end energy is strongest within the class, midrange is equally spectacular, and it pulls far sufficient within the rpm vary for all however probably the most aggressive riders. Gaps between gears are much less noticeable due to the superior engine energy. That is the one 250 four-stroke motocrosser that may generally carry third gear in tighter corners when all others must be ridden in second.

“I felt a substantial amount of torque from the YZ250F engine and noticed gears seem shorter with how quickly it hits the rev limiter. For racing, this is by far one of the best engine packages around and very hard to beat for the price.” <i>—Michael Wicker</i>

“I felt a considerable quantity of torque from the YZ250F engine and observed gears appear shorter with how rapidly it hits the rev limiter. For racing, that is by far top-of-the-line engine packages round and really laborious to beat for the worth.” <i>—Michael Wicker</i> (Jeff Allen/)

Engine-braking is noticeable and shifting is affordable—not notchy, however not buttery clean both. The cable clutch works effectively, however requires some adjustment from chilly to scorching. As soon as once more, the YZ250F options the perfect EFI tuning functionality because of its compatibility with Yamaha’s free Energy Tuner app. Some take a look at riders who don’t put on earplugs yearn for them whereas driving the blue bike as its consumption noise and exhaust observe are fairly loud.

Associated: Monster Power Yamaha Star Racing Facility Tour

The YZ250F excels in many areas, but the dyno is not one of them. It ranks fifth in peak horsepower and ties the Honda CRF250R for sixth in maximum torque.

The YZ250F excels in lots of areas, however the dyno is just not one in all them. It ranks fifth in peak horsepower and ties the Honda CRF250R for sixth in most torque. (Robert Martin/)

2023 Yamaha YZ250F Suspension

Geared up with a KYB Velocity Delicate System (SSS) 48mm coil-spring fork and KYB shock, Yamaha continues to have the perfect suspension within the class. Each ends have a luxurious really feel and provide loads of holdup. Motion is constant and progressive all through the stroke. These KYB elements are a lot tunable, however not many changes are required with such nice base settings.

“Even though it pitches under braking, the Yamaha’s suspension is still the best.” <i>—Allan Brown</i>

“Although it pitches below braking, the Yamaha’s suspension remains to be the perfect.” <i>—Allan Brown</i> (Jeff Allen/)

2023 Yamaha YZ250F Chassis/Dealing with

Weighing in at 235 kilos moist on the Grime Rider scales, the Yamaha falls proper within the center between the lightest and heaviest bikes on this comparability. It’s not probably the most agile and takes a bit of additional effort to maneuver, however corners effectively as soon as the flip is initiated. The YZ250F continues to be probably the most secure as effectively. Ergonomics depart one thing to be desired with a wider radiator shroud space and midsection, and a low seat that’s skinny on foam and pocketed within the center.

Associated: 2023 Grime Rider 450 Motocross Bike Comparability Check

“The YZ250F remains widest in the class and although I prefer a narrower feeling bike, I can’t argue with its superb stability and handling.” <i>—Michael Wicker</i>

“The YZ250F stays widest within the class and though I desire a narrower feeling bike, I can’t argue with its very good stability and dealing with.” <i>—Michael Wicker</i> (Jeff Allen/)

Why the 2023 Yamaha YZ250F Received

It has the perfect engine, suspension, EFI tunability, and probably the most predictable dealing with.

“In addition to being very fun to ride, the YZ250F is also a great racebike, especially in a stock class!” <i>—Tanner Basso</i>

“Along with being very enjoyable to journey, the YZ250F can also be an amazing racebike, particularly in a inventory class!” <i>—Tanner Basso</i> (Jeff Allen/)

Why the 2023 Yamaha YZ250F Shouldn’t Have Received

The YZ250F wants extra horsepower and torque above 6,000 rpm, a hydraulic clutch, and is overdue for higher ergonomics.

“The Yamaha is the easiest-to-ride 250F for those coming down from bigger-displacement machines, and also the bike a majority of vet riders would enjoy the most.” <i>—Casey Casper</i>

“The Yamaha is the easiest-to-ride 250F for these coming down from bigger-displacement machines, and in addition the bike a majority of vet riders would take pleasure in probably the most.” <i>—Casey Casper</i> (Jeff Allen/)

Gearbox

Helmet: Alpinestars Supertech M8

Goggle: Spy Basis

Jersey: Thor MX Prime

Gloves: Thor MX Agile

Pants: Thor MX Prime

Boots: Alpinestars Tech 10

Quantity Plate Backgrounds: DeCal Works preprinted

2023 Yamaha YZ250F Specs

MSRP: $8,599/$8,799 (Monster Power Yamaha Racing Version)
Engine: DOHC, liquid-cooled single-cylinder; 4 valves/cyl.
Displacement: 250cc
Bore x Stroke: 77.0 x 53.6mm
Compression Ratio: 13.8:1
Transmission/Ultimate Drive: 5-speed/chain
Grime Rider Measured Horsepower: 39.5 hp @ 12,800 rpm
Grime Rider Measured Torque: 18.0 lb.-ft. @ 8,500 rpm
Gasoline System: EFI w/ 44mm throttle physique
Clutch: Moist, multiplate; cable actuation
Body: Aluminum bilateral beam
Entrance Suspension: KYB 48mm coil-spring fork, compression damping and rebound damping adjustable; 12.2 in. journey
Rear Suspension: KYB shock, spring preload, excessive/low-speed compression damping, and rebound damping adjustable; 12.5 in. journey
Entrance Brake: Nissin 2-piston caliper, 270mm disc
Rear Brake: Nissin 1-piston caliper, 240mm disc
Tires, Entrance/Rear: Dunlop Geomax MX33; 80/100-21 / 110/90-19
Rake/Path: 26.8°/4.7 in.
Wheelbase: 58.1 in.
Floor Clearance: 13.2 in.
Grime Rider Measured Seat Peak: 37.6 in.
Gasoline Capability: 1.6 gal.
Grime Rider Measured Moist Weight: 235 lb.
Availability: Now
Contact: yamahamotorsports.com