Yamaha YZ250F 2022 — Specifications

How do you build a machine that weighs only 106 kg and produces nearly 42 horsepower, while still being capable of winning MX2 Grand Prix or Supercross events? Yamaha has its answer, and it lies in a name: the YZ250F. This isn't a radical new model, but the 2022 version represents the culmination of constant evolution, a meticulous refinement where every gram and every setting are scrutinized to extract an advantage. The price, around €8700, places this Japanese bike in the sights of other 250 four-strokes, such as the Honda CRF250R or the KTM 250 SX-F.

The heart of the matter remains its single-cylinder four-stroke engine. With a compression ratio of 13.8:1 and a reverse cylinder head, it draws in air with remarkable voracity. Engineers have reworked the exhaust camshaft, reducing valve overlap to improve response in the mid-range. The forward-facing intake and a 70 mm longer silencer are designed for high-rpm fluidity. It's an engine that doesn't seek brutality, but usable and progressive power, a real asset for riders seeking consistency rather than aggressive peaks. Its power, around 75 mph in maximum speed, could be compared to that of its rival, Honda, but its livery is often judged more linear and less nervous.

The chassis is the other pillar of this YZ250F. The bilateral beam aluminum frame has been reworked for a different balance between rigidity and flexibility. Coupled with KYB suspension, tuned to be more progressive, it offers a sense of contact with the terrain that is almost telepathic. The SSS fork and rear shock absorb impacts without sacrificing feedback, allowing the rider to confidently load the front end. It's not the most radical bike in corners, but it is probably one of the most docile and reassuring, a strong point for serious enthusiasts or young riders progressing.

The brakes, with a 270 mm front disc, have gained power without adding weight to the machine. The repositioned handlebar and chromoly footrests contribute to this obsession with weight, resulting in a total of 106 kg fully fueled. It’s light, almost as light as some two-strokes, and that is immediately noticeable in agility. For those who want to personalize their machine, Yamaha YZ250F 2024 accessories, such as graphics kits or specific exhausts, are numerous, allowing for further refinement of the character.

The target audience for this YZ250F? It's the motocross rider who wants a reliable, evolving, and competitive base without being eccentric. It doesn't have the rage of a two-stroke like the KTM 250 SX, capable of reaching 85 mph, but it offers versatility and ease of use that are appealing. With its Power Tuner app for adjusting injection via smartphone, it is also modernizing, becoming a configurable tool. Its track record, regularly fueled by victories in MXGP and SX, proves that this philosophy of fine detail bears fruit. It's a machine that doesn't revolutionize the category, but masters it with remarkable technical elegance.