250 SML Shootout In-Depth | 2021 Yamaha YZ250F

 
 

SECOND PLACE
YAMAHA YZ250F
RIDER SCORES: 2-3-2-1-3-1

Most test riders were caught off guard when they spun their first laps on the all-new Yamaha YZ250F, as the blue machine has a distinctively different powerband than we’ve come to expect through the years. Instead of a big, torquey punch of power down low that pulls hard into a massive mid-range before tapering off up top, the new machine has a powerband that is more in line with its competitors; focused in the middle and top-end portions of the rpm range. When we first took delivery of the new YZ250F and rode it back-to-back with the machine it replaces, we wondered if Yamaha had taken a step backward with the new powerband, but after riding the machine with all of its competition the Yamaha still reigns supreme in the power department. So, what is the new machine’s powerband like? Power down low is average, but the throttle response is crisp and instant as it builds into a very strong mid-range hit that transitions into a top-end pull that seems to go forever in each gear. Of course, changing where the YZ’s power is located is as easy as connecting the motorcycle to your smartphone and using the Yamaha Power Tuner app. (And no, it is not possible – in case you’re wondering – to simply program the bike to hit down low like the 2020 and earlier bike…) 

For 2021, the YZ250F also received a chassis update, as the YZ450F frame has been adapted to accept the smaller powerplant. Admittedly, upon first hearing of the update, we wondered if this would affect the 250’s cornering abilities, but the results are excellent. The YZ250F has exceptional balance with the best suspension package in the class and a front-to-rear weight bias that makes the bike predictable, confidence-inspiring, and nimble. Simply put, this is the best-handling YZ250F ever, and every test rider had a smile on his face when he got off the blue machine. The Yamaha’s KYB fork and shock leave little more to be desired, as they are plush and compliant initially before growing firmer and controlled deeper in their stroke. 

We must admit that a few of us were concerned about the bike’s new cornering abilities with the implementation of the YZ450F chassis, but the smaller YZF continues to corner nicely. A few testers commented that the front end had a tendency to fade on exits, while others didn’t notice at all. The Yamaha is the widest between your knees of all the bikes, but the sensation isn’t nearly as bad on the YZ250F as it is on the YZ450F, likely due to the bike’s lighter weight and engine character.

Test rider Mike Sleeter.

RIDER COMMENTS

“The Yamaha engine has a freer-revving feel than last year’s. It doesn’t have as much down low, but it makes up for it with quick response. The power hits quickly, still offering more low-end than the rest of the field, but it now pulls longer and is much more competitive up top.” – Pat Foster 

“The most stable bike in the division has some new excitement in 2021! The frame/chassis changes offer a much lighter feel and a new level of agility. Cornering is night and day better with effortless turn in, consistent mid-corner traction, and a much more consistent front end that holds traction without pushing or wallowing.” – Pat Foster

“The Yamaha suspension package has led the class for several years and it just keeps getting better. It is the gold standard of offers comfort and control that the others should aspire to achieve.” – Pat Foster

“The Yamaha is the powerhouse of the class. The power comes on hard and pulls very far. The powerband has no weaknesses!” – Rene Garcia

“The YZ250F handles great as it is very well balanced and very trustworthy. It is just not the best cornering bike.” – Rene Garcia

“The bike’s strong point is its stability in rough corner entries and under high-speed acceleration.” – Rene Garcia

“It is still the most powerful bike in the class, even though Yamaha moved the powerband around a bit. For me, being honest, it was a bit too powerful for my riding level. I felt like I was leaving a lot of power on the table when I rode the Yamaha.” – Cole King

“I feel like the stability has taken one step backwards for me with the new chassis. At high speeds, I felt that I would get out of shape coming into rough corners.” – Cole King

“Yamaha has great suspension and it seems to be set up on the firm side which is great for faster riders.” – Cole King

“Initially I was bummed that he massive low-end hit of the previous YZ250F was gone, but I soon figured out that the Yamaha is still the pst powerful in class.” – Donn Maeda

“The ability to map the bike any way you’d like with your phone still blows me away, even after the Yamaha Power Tuner has been out for several years. Why don’t all the manufacturers do this?” – Donn Maeda

“I could race the bike all year with bone-stock suspension. The fork is hands down the best in class and the level of comfort and control the blue bike has is untouchable.” – Donn Maeda

“The Yamaha motor has no weakness, it is strong everywhere! I love the ability to fine-tune the powerband with the phone app.” – Austin Schott

“I love how well-balanced the Yamaha is. The cornering abilities are epic whether the turn is flat, rutted or rough.” – Austin Schott

“My only complaint about the bike is how wide it is when you sit down for a corner. The bike is wide while you are standing but it gets thick when you sit.” – Austin Schott

“This bike has the best powerband in the class. It hits really hard in the mid-range and pulls forever on top. The overall amount of power that the Yamaha produces makes the other bikes seem slow in comparison.” – Mike Sleeter

“The suspension is balanced and has very good comfort. Stability is not a problem, but I would like it to lean over in corners a little better.” – Mike Sleeter 

“The throttle response is amazing, and when you hit the mid-range the bike really comes to life. Combined with the chassis, which I can push as hard as I want, this bike is a winner.” – Mike Sleeter