Ups
- The 250cc four-stroke engine excels at midrange torque and even nips at the heels of 350cc engines
- Free Power Tuner app expands the engine’s versatility
- Well-balanced handling
- Confidence-inspiring suspension
Downs
- Slightly wide compared to competition
- Pocketed seat limits rider maneuverability when sitting
- Has difficulty starting in gear
Verdict
Although it may feel wider and also place the rider further back in its seat, the Yamaha YZ250FX provides a confidence-inspiring suspension package and manageable power for a ride that has the capability to conquer the off-road terrain and its competition.
Overview
The Yamaha YZ250FX is the cross-country version of the YZ250F. It is designed with Grand National Cross Country (GNCC) and Hare Scramble races in mind with its six-speed transmission, 2.2-gallon fuel tank, 18-inch rear wheel, and skid plate. The front-intake, rear-exhaust engine design is what Dirt Rider’s Allan Brown says helps make the bike so powerful by 250F standards and contributes to it being a very versatile bike in stock trim.
Updates for 2021
For 2021, the YZ250FX sees no mechanical changes after being heavily updated the year prior. However, it does have an aesthetic change with different number plate and fork guard colors.
Pricing and Variants
The YZ250FX is available in Team Yamaha Blue for an MSRP of $8,499.
Powertrain: Engine, Transmission, and Performance
The FX powers across GNCC-style terrain via its 250cc liquid-cooled four-stroke single-cylinder engine. Test rider Brown said that this engine, which is based on the YZ250F motocross model, has “amazingly broad power and strong durability,” and is even considered to be just about flawless, and it could compete with larger-displacement models such as the Husqvarna FX 350.
When put on our in-house dyno, this single sent 37.8 hp at 12,200 rpm and 18.3 pound-feet of torque at 8,400 rpm to the rear wheel.
One complaint Brown had was that the 250 has difficulty starting, especially in gear, but an upgrade to the battery and keeping the clutch cable snug are two solutions he recommends.
Handling
Like the carryover of the engine, the FX plucks the chassis from the F model as well. Brown reports, “The bike’s broad, easy-to-use engine power, good stock suspension settings, and equal balance of stability and cornering make it very easy to get comfortable on.”
Suspension components include a fully adjustable 48mm KYB Speed Sensitive System (SSS) coil-spring-type fork and fully adjustable KYB shock. Suspension is confidence-inspiring with its proficiency at tackling a variety of technical trails and higher-speed terrain, and offers adjustability useful to riders of varying weights and skill levels.
Brakes
Front brake feel from the Nissin two-piston caliper/270mm disc combo is reported to be the most progressive in the market, Brown stated. Some might love that and others might not—that choice comes down to personal preference. A Nissin one-piston caliper and 245mm disc serves as stopping power out back.
Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG
Fuel economy numbers are not listed by the manufacturer. Fuel capacity is listed at 2.2 gallons.
Ergonomics: Comfort and Utility
Ergonomics are easily identifiable as Yamaha with a “distinguishable handlebar bend and noticeable pocketed seating position.”
This pocketed seating position is a small complaint Brown has, as it makes the rider slide back easily.
Electronics
One of the more notable tech features is the bike’s compatibility with the Yamaha Power Tuner app, which allows the rider to make fueling and ignition timing changes via the smartphone app. Additionally, a handlebar-mounted switch makes preselected engine map swaps a cinch. Powering on the bike is simple with the electric start button.
Warranty and Maintenance Coverage
The FX comes with a 30-day limited factory warranty.
Quality
Some gripes about starting in gear and seating position when riding, but overall our test riders place this bike among the top 250F off-road competition models due to its quality suspension and powerful engine.
2021 Yamaha YZ250FX Claimed Specifications
| MSRP: | $8,499 |
|---|---|
| Engine: | 250cc, DOHC, liquid-cooled, single-cylinder four-stroke |
| Bore x Stroke: | 77.0 x 53.6mm |
| Transmission/Final Drive: | 6-speed/chain |
| Fuel Delivery: | Mikuni fuel injection w/ 43mm throttle body |
| Clutch: | Wet, multiplate |
| Engine Management/Ignition: | N/A |
| Frame: | Aluminum bilateral beam |
| Front Suspension: | KYB Speed Sensitive System (SSS) coil-spring fork, compression and rebound damping adjustable; 12.2 in. travel |
| Rear Suspension: | KYB shock, spring preload, high-/low-speed compression damping, and rebound damping adjustable; 12.5 in. travel |
| Front Brake: | Nissin 2-piston caliper, 270mm disc |
| Rear Brake: | Nissin 1-piston caliper, 245mm disc |
| Wheels, Front/Rear: | 21 in. / 18 in. |
| Tires, Front/Rear: | Dunlop MX3S; 80/100-21 / 110/100-18 |
| Rake/Trail: | 27.2°/4.6 in. |
| Wheelbase: | 58.3 in. |
| Ground Clearance: | 12.6 in. |
| Seat Height: | 37.6 in. |
| Fuel Capacity: | 2.2 gal. |
| Wet Weight: | 245 lb. |
| Contact: | yamaha-motor.com |
Cycle World Tested Specifications
| Seat Height: | 37.7 in. |
|---|---|
| Wet Weight: | 246 lb. |
| Rear-Wheel Horsepower: | 37.8 hp @ 12,200 rpm |
| Rear-Wheel Torque: | 18.3 lb.-ft. @ 8,400 rpm |
Source: MotorCyclistOnline.com