Just how quick this Yamaha
is for a 250 four-stroke
this is not the case when riding it. While I still
think it does suit taller riders, because of its
height and roomy ergonomics, the Yamaha
feels quite light, nimble and certainly not
bulky once under way.
The engine is GRUNTY! Frankly, I was
surprised by just how quick this Yamaha is
for a 250 four-stroke. Don’t make the mistake
of thinking this 250 is ‘just’ for teenagers or
women – this motor has got some real go to
it. The power delivery is excellent, making
it easy to take on a wide variety of terrain.
It’s torquey and easy to use down low, with
a strong, punchy and wide midrange that
builds into an excellent top end rush. It’s
a great motor. This is a loud bike to ride
though. The airbox induction noise, coupled
with an aggressive exhaust note make it
really quite noisy when you’re perched on
top.
I like the steering for its easy, planted and
accurate nature – not something I would have
said about many Yamaha dirt bikes in the
past. Previous models have often exhibited
a vagueness on turn-in, but not with this
Yamaha - it’s a welcome change.
The FX is also very stable, so the handling
combination is great. Perfect for fast, open
cross-country races. The suspension action
impresses greatly too, particularly the Kayaba
forks which are very plush and bottom
resistant. The shock is similar in its action to
that of the forks, but perhaps a little more
inclined to bottom with my 100kg mass on
top of it. Lighter riders in the 80-90kg range
will find it great I’m sure.
Overall the Yamaha YZ250FX is an excellent
all-round package and I enjoyed getting to
know it again after a couple of years away.
After riding quite a few bigger capacity bikes
recently, the motor performed well above the
level I was expecting, and is grunty and really
rideable. Add in top brakes, great handling
and suspension, plus Yamaha’s great build
quality and you have one hell of a cross-
country bike, which you can pick up for a
decent discount now.
KIWI RIDER 53