Sometimes, you can never have enough of a good thing, and in Yamaha's->ke301 case, that good thing comes in the form of the YZ motocross bike. The model range has produced some quality pieces over the years, but none more so than the much-lauded YZ250F.

Among the many endearing traits of the YZ250F->ke2652, the bike is also significant for being the 1st four-stroke 250 motocross bike on the market, the 1st to win an international race, the 1st to win an AMA Supercross, and the 1st to take an AMA U.S. Supercross Championship® title, as well as the first to win an AMA National race.

That's a lot of firsts.

The 2011 Yamaha YZ250F builds on all of its past accomplishments and takes every nook and cranny to a whole new level, ensuring that it remains a favorite among motocross riders the world over.

Find out more about the Yamaha YZ250F after the jump

2011 Yamaha YZ250F

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 2011 Yamaha YZ250F
  • Engine/Motor: rearward-slanted, fuel-injected engine
  • [do not use] Vehicle Model: Array

Design

The Yamaha YZ250F offers similar styling to its YZ brethren,

emphasizing the model's lightweight and nimble handling character. The sharp, horizontal lines set the bike apart with a clean, aggressive look. The tank, seat, and rear fender are flat and the relationship between handlebars, pegs, and seat comes in a natural, more forward riding position that facilitates rider movement. Meanwhile, the fuel tank has been moved toward the center of the bike for mass centralization while ProTaper bars are four-way adjustable, and handlebar mounts and footpegs are 5mm higher to optimize rider position on the chassis.

Performance

The Yamaha YZ250F carries an optimized engine that delivers a high level of power in the low-to-midrange, with a great torquey feel, exactly where riders want it. A straight intake boot is responsible for that, further enhancing the bike's breathing while a carburetor provides excellent throttle response and fuel atomization. Valve train components have also been put in to reduce inertial mass and boost low end torque. The valve spring retainers are lightweight aluminum instead of steel, and valve spring pressure is lighter for reduced valve-opening force. The bike's exhaust has also been enhanced, thanks to a D-shaped exhaust port. The radiator is lower and further back and the oil tank is compact and repositioned to achieve greater mass centralization. The exhaust pipe has been carefully tuned to optimize engine power, with a muffler that’s 50mm longer with a narrower core – a design that has let the YZ250F comfortably meet the latest noise standards without sacrificing power. Ongoing refinement to the suspension and engine produces an amazingly balanced, light-handling machine with performance that’s accessible to all levels of riders.

Chassis and Suspension

The Yamaha YZ250F features a bilateral beam frame that has been crafted from a carefully chosen combination of forged and extruded aluminum pieces all welded together to provide unmatched rigidity balance. In addition to that, a KYB speed-sensitive front fork delivers exceptional damping feel, responsiveness, and bump absorption characteristics while a 4-way-adjustable KYB rear shock has been designed to make the most of the Bilateral Beam frame design. It’s lower in the frame for excellent mass centralization.

Specifications

Model

YZ250FAL; YZ250FAB

Engine Type

250cc liquid-cooled DOHC 4-stroke;

5 titanium valves

Bore x Stroke

77.0 x 53.6mm

Compression Ratio

13.5:1

Fuel Delivery

Keihin FCR MX37

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;

12.0-in travel

Brake/Front

Hydraulic single disc brake, 250mm

Brake/Rear

Hydraulic single disc brake, 245mm

Tire/Front

80/100-21

Tire/Rear

100/90-19

L x W x H

85 x 32.5 x 51.3 in

Seat Height

38.9 in

Wheelbase

57.7 in

Ground Clearance

14.8 in

Fuel Capacity

1.7 gal

Wet Weight

224.8 lb

Color

Team Yamaha Blue/White;

White/Red


Quote

Motorcycle.com says " This Good Motorcross" Can new graphics and white side shrouds that make the wheels go round, competitively, for another year? Since Yamaha didn’t make any significant changes to the YZ250F, it tells us they have complete confidence in their machine going up against all the other competitors that have made some revisions on their 250Fs to stay at the top of the food chain. The fact that there weren’t any changes from 2010 to 2011 didn’t stop us from putting riding it all day to see what the new model was all about.

2011 YZ250 is a purpose-built 250, not a resized 450. The Bilateral Beam frame provides added cornering speed and stability, while the fuel tank is positioned closer to the center of gravity for light handling. The optimized engine delivers power in the low-to-midrange with a great torques and power for blasting out of the corners.