For years we have been waiting for the day that the Yamaha YZ250F would
be fuel injected. As the first company to produce a 250cc four-stroke,
it was a little puzzling to us that Yamaha took until 2014 to release an
EFI-equipped machine, but as the saying goes, good things come to those
who wait. For this initial test, Yamaha invited the media out to Glen
Helen and allowed us three hours of riding aboard a pre-production model
of the new bike. Later this year, we will have the full intro and bike
test for you. For now, though, here is our initial impression.
For 2014, Yamaha has unveiled an all-new YZ250F complete with the same
technology as its bigger brother the YZ450F, featuring an all-new
chassis, a reversed motor, and new suspension components. Much like the
YZ450F, Yamaha’s main focus with the YZ250F was mass centralization and
improved handling. The motor on the YZ250F is reversed and more compact
than ever before. It also comes complete with EFI and can be tuned by
using the aftermarket GYTR Power Tuner. Complimenting the new motor is a
new exhaust system that wraps around the cylinder and is tucked in
further behind the side panel thereby moving the exhaust closer to the
center of gravity. The new chassis is the same design as the YZ450F and
is completely new when compared to the 2013 model. Due to the new
chassis, the suspension components are new with the forks receiving new
inner and outer tubes along with new settings. The rear shock has a new
reservoir location to allow for clearance for the exhaust system. The
shock also received new settings to work harmoniously with the forks.
Carrying over from last year, the bike comes standard with over-sized
bars, adjustable bar clamps, and high-quality brakes and wheels.
When compared to the 2013 model, the new YZ250F is vastly different and
much improved. The bike feels comfortable when you first sit on it, and
the flat seat and rider compartment make it very easy to move around on.
On the track, the new chassis and suspension give the bike a
lightweight feel that is more connected to the track than the ’13
machine. In the air, the bike is very light and easy to throw around,
yet it stays planted down rough straights or when entering corners. We
did have to slow the rebound down and stiffen the shock to get the bike
to remain planted in the corners, but after that it turned much better.
Unlike the YZ450F, the YZ250F doesn’t feel as light on the front
end—perhaps due to the lighter weight and smaller power plant.
