Yamaha Yz250f Review

Item: Yamaha Yz250f
Rating: 8.5
Author: Motoryk

"The used YZ250F is a brilliant buy with documented service history."

Intermediate to advanced riders wanting proven motocross performance $3,500-$6,500 used 2019-2023

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Key Specs

speed

Top Speed

~145 km/h (estimated; not designed for top speed — purpose-built motocross racer)

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Power

~40 hp

@ 12,500 rpm (estimated for modern 2019+ models; earlier models slightly less)

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Torque

~26 Nm

@ 10,000 rpm (estimated)

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Fuel Economy

18.2 km/L

43 mpg · ~5.5 L/100km / ~18 km/L (estimated; varies significantly with riding intensity — note: off-road/motocross use makes precise figures difficult to pin down)

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Service Every

10 hours / as needed

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Weight

~105 kg

(wet/curb weight — 2020+ models; earlier models slightly heavier)

settings

Engine

249cc liquid-cooled DOHC 4-stroke single-cylinder

height

Seat Height

955 mm

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Transmission

5-speed

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Engine Lifespan

Top-end rebuild ~100 hours, bottom-end rebuild ~200 hours (competition use)

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Used Buyer Review

The YZ250F is genuinely one of the best motocross bikes ever built, and buying one used makes a lot of sense if you know what to look for. Yamaha's reliability reputation is well-earned here — these engines are tough, and a well-maintained example will reward you handsomely. The KYB suspension is class-leading, the power delivery is smooth yet sharp, and it handles like it's on rails. Honestly, it's the benchmark other manufacturers chase. That said, buying used means doing your homework. Check the hours on the engine religiously — valves need checking every 15-20 hours and a top-end rebuild around 80-100 hours. Ask for maintenance records. A neglected YZ250F can get expensive fast. Look for scored forks, worn linkage bearings, and listen for any rattling at idle. Cosmetics don't matter much — mechanicals do. A clean 2019 or newer with documented service history is absolutely worth the premium over a cheaper, mystery-mileage bike.