The Yamaha YZ250->ke2652 is a legend in the world of two-stroke bikes and for all of its years in the sun, the model still doesn't fail to impress.

In a nutshell, it's still considered as one of the best bikes in its class and for good reason. It comes as a more palatable 2-stroke with plenty of features derived from its more powerful 4-stroke counterparts. It's got one of the best power-to-weight ratios of any bike in its class, thanks in large part to a light aluminum frame housing a patented YPVS Power valve-equipped engine. Plus, its a lot cheaper to maintain than most bikes in Yamaha's fold.

On top of that end, it features the same Yamaha->ke301-inspired design that has long been a trademark of the YZ family. Carrying a distinct style to go with top-of-the-heap performance isn't an easy thing to do in the motorcycle industry.

Very few models have achieved such acclaim and to Yamaha's credit, one of those models regarded as such is the YZ250, one of the truest two-stroke bike the market has to offer.

Find out more about the Yamaha YZ250 after the jump.

2011 Yamaha YZ250

Specifications
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  • Model: 2011 Yamaha YZ250
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Design

In terms of design, there's not a whole lot that differentiates the Yamaha two-stroke YZ family from one another. Apart from a few tweaks here and there, you won't find a cadre of differences between the bikes in the family.

Having said that, the YZ250 still comes with an aesthetically-pleasing design that can only have Yamaha's design imprints all over it. for starters, the wide, cleated, folding titanium footpegs are lightweight and provide excellent comfort, grip, and ground clearance. Then there's the specially designed “gripper” type seat and fuel tank, forward-canted steering crown, and low handlebar, all of which provide excellent movement and comfortable ergonomics for riders of all shapes, sizes, and skill levels. Even the fuel tank has been designed for a purpose, with the wide-diameter fuel tank cap ensuring easier usage, while the larger tank opening means faster, hassle-free refueling. A light and strong ProTaper aluminum handlebar in adjustable mounts means comfort and control while a premium drive chain features gold-colored plates to give the bike a snazzy look. Yamaha also used light box-head bolts throughout the chassis, allowing for easier maintenance while also reducing weight and increasing performance. Finally, the YZ250 sports a lightweight 21" front and 19" rear Excel rims, providing exceptional durability and help reduce unsprung weight for optimal suspension, performance and handling.

Performance

The Yamaha YZ250 comes fully equipped with a 249cc liquid-cooled reed-valve-inducted two-stroke engine that's lightweight, compact and features an incredibly wide, hard-hitting powerband. If that's not enough for your liking, the bike also carries a patented YPVS power-valve system that combines crisp, hard-hitting, bottom-end acceleration with strong midrange and an eye-opening top-end, as well a specially-designed carbon fiber reed-valve petals that not only improves throttle response, but also improves engine performance across an entire rpm range. A smooth-shifting, five-speed, close-ratio transmission with a heavy-duty, multiplate clutch is also part of the package, as is a large-capacity radiator that features a ten-row core with four louvers for maximum cooling efficiency. Other pertinent elements of the bike's overall powertrain set-up include a 38-mm Keihin PWK carburetor with power jet and throttle position sensor that ensures precise fuel/air mixing and extra-crisp throttle response throughout the powerband and a digital CDI ignition system that delivers precise spark for a faster and stronger response anywhere in the powerband.

Brakes and Suspension

To build the YZ250 with a strong and firm body, Yamaha gave the bike a carefully engineered, advanced aluminum frame and swingarm that boasts of best handling in the 250 class. There are also KYB 48mm forks that feature the Speed-Sensitive System, which uses piston speed to control damping force for super-precise handling and a smooth ride and a removable aluminum rear subframe that's been constructed of square-section tubing to shed off precious pounds off of the bike. Adding to the suspension and brakes set-up is a fully-adjustable rear KYB shock that features a super-light titanium shock spring and reduced-friction Kashima coating of internals and YZ250F-style front-brake caliper and wave-style front and rear discs that minimize unsprung weight and provide excellent stopping power, even for the most enthusiastic of riders.

Specifications

Model

YZ250A1

Engine Type

249cc liquid-cooled 2-stroke;

reed-valve inducted

Bore x Stroke

66.4 x 72.0mm

Compression Ratio

8.9~10.6:1

Fuel Delivery

Keihin® PWK38S

Ignition

CDI

Transmission

Constant-mesh 5-speed;

multiplate wet clutch

Suspension/Front

Speed-Sensitive System inverted fork;

fully adjustable, 11.8-in travel

Suspension/Rear

Fully adjustable single shock,

12.4-in travel

Brake/Front

Hydraulic single disc brake, 250mm

Brake/Rear

Hydraulic single disc brake, 245mm

Tire/Front

80/100-21-51M

Tire/Rear

110/90-19-62M

L x W x H

85.7 x 32.6 x 51.4 in

Seat Height

39.1 in

Wheelbase

58.3 in

Ground Clearance

15.0 in

Fuel Capacity

2.1 gal

Wet Weight

227 lb

Color

Team Yamaha Blue/White


Quote

Motorcycle.com Says "This good Motorcross" When fellow pro tester Chris Barrett and I received the email to come out to Milestone MX park to go burn some laps on the new Yamaha two-strokes, it was safe to say we were both equally stoked. If showing up at a groomed track with a bunch of brand new, ready-to-go YZ's doesn't make you excited, then you probably should stop reading this article. Barrett chose the YZ125 as his bike of choice for the day, and I was more than pumped to be riding the new YZ250.