Long live the Japanese two-strokes I say. Sure, Yamaha may be the only non-European brand left making two-strokes but that hasn’t stopped them from giving the ever-popular YZ250 and YZ250X a host of updates for 2023.
They still have the same trusty powerplant beneath them because let’s face it, it’s awesome. However, they were needing a fresh new look and Yamaha have finally showed them some love.
So, what is the main difference between the YZ250 motocross bike and the YZ250X cross-country bike? Yamaha have honed in on their off-road competition needs and adjusted the motor to suit the off-road world. They share the same motor but the YZ250X receives a revised compression ratio, exhaust port timing, Yamaha Power Valve System timing and a model specific CDI unit.
They have also beefed up the clutch to improve reliability during longer off-road events. All of that gives the YZ250X a smoother, more rideable feel out in the bush. Yamaha have also added an 18-inch rear wheel, a wider ratio five-speed
