The Yamaha YZ250X relies on the YZ250, however how a lot completely different is that this enduro bike from its motocross sibling? Whether or not you’re on the lookout for your first enduro bike or simply wish to improve, you’ve discovered the best article!
On this assessment, you’ll study what precisely makes the 250X distinctive, why it could or might not be best for you, and what to anticipate when shopping for and using one so that you simply save money and time by selecting the best dust bike!
What’s the Yamaha YZ250X?
It’s a 250cc liquid-cooled two-stroke enduro bike that’s primarily based on the YZ250 motocross bike – however what does that imply? The engine is high-performance, so it has quite a lot of energy, however Yamaha tuned the ability and suspension to be smoother and barely softer for off-road using so that you’ve higher traction and management on slippery terrain.
Who’s it for?
The YZ 250X is a superb selection in case you’re on the lookout for a easy however good-performing 2-stroke enduro bike.
It doesn’t have the entire fashionable updates that the KTM 2-stroke enduro dust bikes have, similar to gasoline injection or electrical begin, but it surely’s a stable platform as a result of it makes good usable energy, has nice suspension, handles properly, and is extra reasonably priced – as a way to use the additional cash to change it the best way YOU need or simply reserve it for gasoline and tires to construct your using abilities.
Is it an excellent newbie dust bike?
I strongly advocate not getting a YZ250X in case you’re on the lookout for your first dust bike or simply getting again into dust biking after 20+ years of not using for one main motive. If you need a mud bike that’s straightforward to manage so that you simply don’t have to fret about letting the clutch out and doing a shock wheelie, then you must take a look at these beginner-friendly dust bikes.
The YZ 250 X has quite a lot of energy, and whereas it’s easy in comparison with the MX model, it’s far more than you want for studying to journey on, and the stiff suspension will make it harsh and exhausting to journey in case you’re an informal rider at low speeds.
Seat top – what measurement rider is the YZ250X for?
With a 38.4” tall seat top, it’s one of many tallest dust bikes you should buy. With that mentioned, it’s a comfy measurement bike in case you’re within the 5’10”-6’2” top vary, however that doesn’t imply it received’t work in case you’re taller or shorter.
For instance, in case you’re beneath 5’10”, you possibly can completely match on the YZ 250X in case you simply change your using model when beginning and stopping – when you get transferring, it doesn’t matter as a result of your ft might be on the foot pegs – except you don’t have good stability but.
There are some easy mods you are able to do in case you really feel cramped since you’re over 6’2” tall, however altering your using approach will usually take advantage of distinction if the YZ250X feels too small – particularly when standing on the pegs.
Engine – what to anticipate
Whereas the YZ250X engine relies on the YZ250 motocross bike engine, there are undoubtedly some variations that make it higher for cross-country enduro and path using. The most important change is that the ability valve, cylinder, cylinder head, and pipe are tuned for extra bottom-end and midrange torque.
This provides you a smoother transition, making it simpler to manage and fewer fatiguing as a way to journey longer as a result of it’s getting traction as an alternative of attempting to tear your arms off when it hits the powerband.
Horsepower
The YZ250X doesn’t have as a lot energy within the higher RPM vary because the YZ250 till it reaches 8500-9000 RPM. At that time, they each have about 45 horsepower on the rear wheel.
You’ll truly really feel a bit of bit extra over-rev on the 250X because of the decrease compression. The 250 MX engine falls off a bit of faster compared, making it really feel extra “peaky” and snappy.
Much less compression however extra torque?
The YZ250X has a couple of 9.4:1 compression ratio whereas the YZ250 MX engine has a ten.6:1 compression ratio, however rising compression is among the best methods to get extra low-end torque – how does the YZ250X have higher low-end energy for path using then?
Effectively, it truly doesn’t have extra energy – it’s simply that the smoother energy curve and transition to excessive RPM make it simpler to journey as a result of it’s much less prone to spin the rear wheel – you retain transferring with extra traction and management.
Does it have a spark arrestor
You want a USFS-approved spark arrestor to legally journey on state trails right here in America, however sadly, the YZ250X doesn’t include a spark arrestor display or system as a result of it’s a contest race bike. You’ll have to buy an aftermarket spark arrestor silencer (Amazon) for path using, however thankfully, you’ve $3k left to spend in your YZ in comparison with the KTM 250!
Gearing – is it completely different than the YZ250 transmission?
One of many a number of complaints that house owners or “would-be” house owners of a YZ250X is that it solely has 5-gears, which is similar because the MX-bike engine. Why is {that a} criticism? As a result of the comparable KTM 250 XC has a 6-speed transmission.
The YZ250X, nevertheless, doesn’t have the very same transmission because the MX engine – the 250X 5-speed is a large ratio, so the gears are a bit of extra unfold out.
That is very nice if you need a decrease 1st and 2nd gear for technical using whereas nonetheless having a tall sufficient fifth gear to “stretch the engine’s legs” on a high-speed part. Not having sixth gear received’t make a distinction to most riders, however if you need a bit of extra unfold for a super-low 1st and tall sixth gear for cruising/excessive velocity, you then’ll must compromise your gearing with the Yamaha.
High velocity
With inventory gearing, the max velocity of a YZ250X is about 80 mph, however does that actually matter? Effectively, in case you’re doing high-speed racing or wish to cruise at a decrease RPM, in any other case the highest velocity doesn’t make as a lot distinction as acceleration or 1st gear RPM – which is well adjustable.
If you need a excessive prime velocity or a decrease RPM cruising velocity in fifth gear you then want a smaller rear sprocket (Amazon).
Suspension
Many individuals have used a YZ250 as an off-road path bike as a result of it’s so versatile, however one of the important drawbacks is the stiff suspension. Because it’s a motocross bike, the agency valving for absorbing large jumps makes it really feel harsh whereas using on tight trails with small bumps – inflicting you to get fatigued faster, which makes it extra prone to lose management as a result of you possibly can’t dangle onto the bars.
That’s the place the YZ 250X is completely different. The spring charges are the identical because the MX suspension, however the inner damping is tuned to be softer for a extra compliant and cozy journey on the paths or in an enduro race.
Entrance forks
The YZ250 has had class-leading suspension because it got here out with the Kayaba SSS forks in 2006 – even at the moment they’re nonetheless aggressive for 99% of riders.
You get full adjustability with damping clickers that management how briskly the forks compress and rebound, however first, it’s essential to ensure that the springs are correctly sprung on your weight. The inventory fork springs are greatest in case you’re within the 160-180 lb vary, however can work in case you’re a bit of heavier or lighter primarily based in your using model and velocity.
Rear shock
The inventory shock is absolutely adjustable as properly, with spring charge and journey top being crucial issues to get proper. In case your journey top (AKA “rider sag”) is off, then your YZ250X received’t deal with in addition to it might.
For instance, in case your shock preload is about too low within the rear, then your entrance finish may have much less traction and be extra prone to wash out. That’s why it’s so essential to regulate your suspension primarily based in your particular weight and using model.
Are you able to do motocross on a YZ250X?
The quick reply is “Sure”, however suspension is all the time a compromise in case you’re doing all kinds of using. For instance, one of many the explanation why the YZ 250X is healthier for off-road and path using is as a result of the suspension is softer, supplying you with extra consolation and traction for higher management.
While you take this off-road enduro bike onto the observe, that softer suspension will begin to really feel harsh as a result of it’s compressing an excessive amount of and extra prone to “backside out” or absolutely compress the forks and shock.
With that mentioned, the YZ250X continues to be probably the greatest observe and path bikes you should buy as a result of it’s an excellent compromise between stiff and delicate suspension – it’s not as agency as a motocross bike, but it surely’s not tremendous plush like a newbie path bike.
Dealing with
Yamaha has had the dealing with of the YZ250 discovered for some time. That doesn’t imply it might’t get higher, however the YZ250X works properly proper out of the field in case you have the suspension correctly tuned on your weight.
Being a 2-stroke, it feels lighter and turns extra simply within the tight woods in comparison with a 4 stroke enduro bike – particularly a 450F, or perhaps a 300cc two-stroke as a result of there’s much less engine mass. The rotating engine mass makes the bike really feel heavier, which makes it extra exhausting to journey as a result of it’s important to use extra power to maintain the bike beneath management.
Weight
At 229 lbs moist weight, which is able to go along with fluids and gasoline, the YZ250X nearly 20 lbs lighter than the YZ250FX four-stroke enduro mannequin. Not solely that, but it surely’s lighter than the “high-tech” KTM 250 XC!
That is almost definitely because of the KTM having a battery, electrical begin motor, and additional weight from the gasoline injection system. The YZ 250X is among the lightest enduro or cross-country bikes you should buy. The one fashions which are a lot lighter are the 125 and 150cc bikes, such because the YZ125X and 150 XCW.
Mannequin yr historical past & modifications
Because the Yamaha YZ250X first got here out in 2016, there haven’t been any important modifications as a result of Yamaha doesn’t make large modifications shortly to their off-road motorbike lineup – particularly in the case of new fashions.
With that mentioned, listed here are the mannequin yr updates to the YZ 250 X:
- 2016: First yr for the YZ250X
- 2017: Bigger entrance brake rotor for higher stopping efficiency, black rims (up to date from silver)
- 2018: Rims are actually blue
- 2021: white quantity plates/facet panels are actually blue (up to date from white)
- 2023: Up to date ergonomics with narrower plastics and flatter seat, new consumption for extra torque, up to date brakes, up to date clutch stress plates, rear shock up to date with new inner coating for smoother motion, lighter rear sprocket,
Reliability – how lengthy will it final?
Do it’s important to rebuild the highest finish each 15 hours? No, a minimum of most of us received’t must in case you truly deal with your dust bike.
For instance, in case you’re doing common air filter modifications and oil modifications, you could possibly get 200+ hours on a piston and rings in case you’re an informal path rider. The YZ250X is simply as dependable as some other enduro bike in the marketplace – it’s as much as YOU to stop most catastrophic failures on the path.
With that mentioned, in case you’re an expert-level racer that holds the throttle vast open more often than not, you would possibly have to rebuild the highest finish each 20-50 hours. Among the best methods to know is that if the compression is decrease now than when it was new.
Any widespread points?
There aren’t any main widespread issues with the YZ250X, and if there are, it’s often because of proprietor or rider error. That doesn’t imply nobody ever has a random drawback, however breaking down is usually attributable to an absence of upkeep or abusing the engine by continuously over-revving it.
Specs & dimensions
These are crucial specs and dimensions of the YZ250X from Yamaha’s web site:
| YZ250X | |
| Producer | Yamaha |
| Years Made | 2016-current |
| Engine | 249cc liquid-cooled 2 stroke |
| Transmission | 5-speed close-ratio handbook clutch |
| Seat Peak | 38.4” (97.5cm) |
| Suspension Journey (Entrance/Rear) | 11.8/12.4” |
| Moist Weight (Curb) | 229 lbs |
| Horsepower | 51 HP (45 RWHP) |
| High Velocity | 80 MPH |
| Value (New MSRP) | $7,999 |
Is the YZ250X the best dust bike for you?
Nonetheless can’t determine if the Yamaha YZ 250 X is the best dust bike for you?
Listed below are some sensible advantages and downsides to purchasing and proudly owning this 250cc 2-stroke enduro bike:
Professionals:
- Inexpensive for a 250cc enduro bike
- Significantly better for off-road using than the YZ250 MX-bike
- It’s easy with no electrical begin, battery, or gasoline injection to fret about
- Nice suspension proper out of the field
- Easy energy, however loads of it
- Light-weight in comparison with the competitors
- Straightforward to keep up and rebuild in comparison with a 4-stroke enduro dust bike
- Large-ratio transmission offers you low 1-2 gears with a comparatively tall fifth gear
Cons:
- 1.8-gallon gasoline tank – quick gasoline vary for an enduro bike
- No electrical begin – may be onerous to start out on a steep hill
- Nonetheless has a carb – requires jetting with mods or completely different elevation using
- No sixth gear – one other gear would possibly assist in case you’re cruising or racing at excessive speeds & nonetheless need a low 1st gear
- Large-ratio transmission – you might not just like the bigger hole between gears in case you’re a racer
How a lot does the Yamaha YZ250X value?
The MSRP has slowly gone up, but it surely’s nonetheless solely $7,999 plus charges. That will sound like rather a lot, but it surely’s a discount in comparison with the $10,999 and $11,099 KTM 250 XC/XCW fashions in case you don’t want the high-tech options.
The YZ 250X is considerably troublesome to seek out within the used market as a result of it’s comparatively new and most of the people don’t wish to eliminate them. With that mentioned, you possibly can typically discover a used one within the $5500-7500 worth vary. The precise worth relies on the place you reside and the situation it’s in.
YZ250X vs YZ250
Whereas these Yamaha 250 cc two-strokes are very related, there are fairly a number of minor variations that make them roughly fascinating, relying in your particular wants.
These are the most important distinction that the YZ250X has vs the YZ250:
- 18” rear wheel
- Kickstand
- Large-ratio transmission
- Smoother energy curve – New cylinder/energy valve, head, CDI, and pipe
- Softer suspension
- Seat top – 250X is 1-inch decrease
- O-ring chain
- “Reserve” gasoline petcock
- Newly adopted scraper between the fork’s mud and oil seal
- Simpler clutch pull – 10% softer springs
YZ250X vs YZ250FX
The primary distinction is that the 250X is a two-stroke and the 250FX is a four-stroke 250 enduro from Yamaha. They’re each cross-country dust bikes which are made for racing and path using if you need a high-performance dust bike.
The 2-stroke will really feel lighter and have barely extra horsepower, however the YZ250FX is barely simpler to journey as a result of it has a broader energy curve with much less “snap” which makes it extra exhausting to journey.
They’re each very dependable – you would possibly have the ability to get extra engine hours on the 250FX earlier than needing a rebuild, however the 250X is less complicated and simpler to rebuild.
YZ250X vs KTM 250XC
They’re each 250 2-stroke enduro bikes, however the KTM is the winner if you need probably the most fashionable updates and options. That additionally means if you need a cheaper and easier dust bike, the Yamaha is the higher choose.
These are the primary variations between the YZ250X and 250XC:
- EFI vs carb – Gasoline injection for the KTM 250 and a carb for the Yamaha 250
- Electrical begin – KTM has the E-start button and the Yamaha is kick-start solely
- Gears/trans – YZ solely has 5-gears and is a wide-ratio, whereas the KTM has a close-ratio 6-speed
- Value – the YZ250X is about $3000 cheaper MSRP (Sure, that’s appropriate – $3k!)
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