2023 Yamaha YZ250 Two Stroke TESTED

#motocross #dirtbike #2stroke #yamaha
One of the most used and favorite bikes in the MXA barn is the Yamaha YZ250 two stroke. We are fortunate enough to have Yamaha bringing this tried and true model back for another year. If you remember, the 2022 model was updated with new body work, new seat, new air box, new suspension settings, new brakes, and more. It wasn't a complete overhaul but it modernized their already proven platform from the past. Motocross Action gives you all the details after years of testing this model. The 2023 has 0 changes to it but that isn't a bad thing. Will this be your next bike? Watch this video before you hit the dealership! We even compare this YZ to some of the other two stroke bikes in the class.
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[@pierreparadis5143]

Thank you Yamaha for keeping the 2 strokes alive!

[@RayNewton754]

a true hero of the sport

[@CityNDN]

Its gonna die soon.

[@lifebehindbarsmtb]

They were also the one to kill it when they made the 400f for supercross with Doug Henry.

[@MonkeyButtRides]

100%

[@JohnDoeEagle1]

@@CityNDN Not if everybody quits buying 4-strokes and lets them rot on dealership floors. The buyers hold the cards and have the power to control the manufacturers. I actually see the other companies making a fatal business mistake by dropping their 2-stroke lineup. Nobody wants a shitty 4-stroke dirt bike that is well informed. They are cost prohibited to do major repairs on and also overly complicated for what they are. Keep the 2-strokes on the dirt and track. Keep the 4-strokes on the road where they belong!

[@vintagetrikesandquads4012]

I ride both 2 and 4 strokes. There is something really fun about a 2 stroke on the pipe that I don't get from 4 strokes. I love the violent rush of power, the sound, the smell.

[@emmanuelurdich1242]

Spot on👍🏻

[@Shaw413]

Great timing of this video, a 2023 YZ250 just made the 450 supercross main this weekend at Atlanta

[@Jimmy_Watt]

250 main.

[@jonathantorres5384]

@@Jimmy_Watt 450 main

[@enzoandrade219]

​@@Jimmy_Watt they are not allowed to race in the 250 class

[@biggussniffus5537]

@@enzoandrade219 Yes they are.

[@biggussniffus5537]

@@jcrawdawg7470 oh what I thought they changed it.

[@pat5431]

Keep the kickstart forever please. That’s the most satisfying way to start a dirt bike.

[@Nolan320]

If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. Obviously the yz250 is still super competitive we are all proud of Jared lesher

[@scottyoz2460]

@@EarthSurferUSAif 250’s could race against 250’s you might see it. The rules are BS atm

[@BERZERKERSV4]

@@EarthSurferUSA that’s because the AMA does not want it to be competitive… if they did they would allow a cc bump to say 300… then the 450 class would become exponentially more interesting…

[@johnwilson1794]

That Keihin carb is great. I've been using them for years. No need to change something that works so well and it's cheap to produce. Keeping costs down for people is important.

[@matthewread1545]

Is that why it’s not fuel injected?

[@redline85k]

A true testament to how good this bike is, was Jared Lesher making a 450 main event on YZ250. First time in 17 years a 2 stroke was in a 450 main event.

[@MRmwr2452]

When the true pro teams were only 4 deep, that opens the door to other riders. Nothing to do with the bike. If mookey, et, coop, Anderson and barcia had been there, he wouldn’t have made it. The Yamaha yz2 stroke is obsolete. Doesn’t have to be that way but that’s the hard truth.

[@redline85k]

@@MRmwr2452 weird because the top 7 were in fact factory teams. 1.Sexton 2.Barcia 3.Roczen 4.Webb 5.Tomac 6.Plessinger 7.Cianciarulo. Anderson was there too pull he quit the main early. Lesher still finished 20th.

[@tj_altekruse317]

Thinking about ditching my Rmz 450 for one of these. Bike looks amazing.

[@kelevra558]

I just bought one yesterday. I've been running her in up and down my street. Running c12 with klotz super tech @36:1. I live in south lake Tahoe so, I'm well over 7,000 ft da. I've only hit the little road jump by my house and the berm going into it so far but I can tell you my 2022 yz450 is gonna get dusty because this is SOOOOO MUCH MORE FUN!!!!!!! Even the wife is like "it sounds so sexy honey! Why doesn't it sound like a fart like the other one?" I just tell her she's pretty and that I love her. Easier than explaining the difference between a 2 cycle and 4 cycle engine. I explained internal combustion a few months ago and she had a headache for a week.

[@moto3463]

I'll always support Yamaha and their 2 strokes are the best. Thank you blue team!

[@cirosoares2261]

I have 2001 and 2008 Yz 250. Amazing! Strong! Though and never brake down ! Great bikes! Theses are man bikes!!! 2 stroke!

[@marktavcar567]

Well done on another great review, I Love my 22 YZ250 puts a smile on my face every time I ride it

[@majorlee1]

2 strokes for life. They are just more fun to ride! Keep ‘em going Yamaha thank you 😎

[@tylerjamesgillismusic4782]

I hope that Honda Suzuki and Kawasaki decide to jump back in the market with two strokes again they would definitely sell bikes like hot cakes. The two stroke market is here and all the old bikes prices are continuing to to go up.

[@johnnycash578]

me too

[@Twrix10]

They are all required to go electric for 2025 AMA sadly.

[@johnnycash578]

@@Twrix10 not going to happen somebody's playin ya lol absurd

[@matt290v]

@@johnnycash578 +1 for Suzuki, but even more unlikely since CA is the biggest state for dirt bikes and they will have to be zero emissions by 2035 unfortunately :(

[@tylerjamesgillismusic4782]

@@Twrix10 that’s so sad

[@granttaylorvlogs]

I’ll be on one for the pro nationals! Love the bike🤘🏻🤘🏻

[@granttaylorvlogs]

@@EarthSurferUSA I think at this point we need to hang on to what ever gas powered bike we can while we can. But YES! Imagine filling the starting line at the nationals and in the stadiums with 2 smoke!🤙🏻

[@Twistsquishbang]

One of the very few reviews where the test pilot is obviously enjoying himself and popping the front end at will, and that’s the clincher not everyone is a full on racer but we all want a fun bike and reliable to boot well done Yamaha👏🏻👏🏻

[@monocogenit1]

Don't fix what ain't broke. Love my YZ250X

[@keale22]

Best bike ever created!

[@slickcraft241]

Been riding a yz250 for 23 years! Best bike ever!

[@anthonywalters7434]

KZbin recommendations really want me to get a 2 stroke…

[@royzala631]

Ikr 😂

[@biggussniffus5537]

Do it!!!!!

[@azff]

@anthony Do it. You won't regret it. I love mine.

[@royzala631]

@@azff Is it hard to get used to from a four stroke? I want one cause im done dealing with valve problems but scared it will be a whole different riding experience

[@WildStyleWorks]

youtube knows whats best for you 😜🤪🤣 no, but really, if you can try it, do it. even if you just ride one for a view days. maybe you like it. its more work, but also more fun in my eyes. 🙂

[@ob7889]

I Just swapped a new wr450 for a 23 yz250 , best decision ever I reckon . It’s sooo much more fun to ride 😊

[@HPRaceDevelopment]

brian dude shifts at right time, rides it where it should be

[@MC_795]

I hope they never change it just keep making a reliable old smoker

[@TheCoolerBrother]

The aluminum 2t frame is cool,, and I really love the black pipe!

[@shippsdip]

Beautiful bike. Cant wait to buy one this summer.

[@JB12093]

I ride a 2020 KTM 450 sx-f but still love riding my yz-250 two stroke! The power band is just so responsive and the pick up is just un-worldly fast.

[@Davido50]

Can't beat either of those bikes! -Ohio

[@MDM1992]

I actually sold my ktm 450 because my yz250 was just far better, more enjoyable etc ktms are massively over rated.

[@stu2427]

Glad to see 2 strokes creeping back in

[@MDM1992]

Creeping back in? 2 strokes never went anywhere..

[@stu2427]

@@MDM1992 for a while there 4 strokes took over

[@azff]

Been waiting for this. Bought a 2023 Yamaha YZ250.....September 2022. 🤘

[@cds1223]

Makes me proud to have always been a YZ fan. They haven’t changed much bcuz in the early 2000’s theyd reached the pinnacle of 2 stroke moto X.

[@dr00andrew]

Josh, is there a possibility we see you at a pro national on a 250 2 stroke this summer? Whether it be a YZ or austrian bike, I think with a built engine and good suspension you would definitely be able to qualify for one.

[@medjoolmaker]

Yamaha needs to make a yz500 Now to compete against 450s

[@Boosthead7]

A 250cc 2 strokes shootout would be great for 2023!

[@YZ250W1]

I love my 2007 YZ250. Don't need anything else.

[@05Rm250RideAlong]

*Looking at buying a yz250x* for the kind of riding I do… still love my 05 ram 250‼️

[@davehansen1302]

Dam I miss having a Yamaha

[@WildStyleWorks]

its just looks so nice when they pull up the hill in a wheely in a curve. this is the most fun next to jumping 🙂 just did that today a view times and its just feels gnarly every single time. i love it!!! MX till i die 🙂 and if i am ever able to safe enough money, i will get myself a almost new or even a brand new YZ125. the 250 is a bit to heavy for me with my 60kg. currently i ride a RM250 from 1997 and shes a beast. still great to ride, but very exhausting. i guess i would have more fun on a yz125, even tho i would perfer a 250 from the sound and the power. 2 STROKE 4 EVER 🥳 oh an i just remebered, when i was 16 in 2001 i had a poster in my room from the yz250 and i really wanted this bike since then.

[@skyhawk409]

The over rev sounds good in the air,shame it won't pull those revs hooked up.nice looking bike.

[@johnnycash578]

im 60 and i miss being young i miss riding so many problems

[@petejohnson8397]

I feel ya. Late 40s now and a bad crash way back in 03 on an RZ350 ended my riding days. We get old/injured and just don't bounce like we used to. I know that doesn't help, just know you aren't alone.

[@leroy_378]

I love mine. So much fun ripping around on a two smoke

[@emmanuelurdich1242]

Love the 2 stroke. Thanks Yamaha👍🏻👌🏻🙏🏻

[@jeremiahlinton9582]

Will always be my favorite!!!

[@shaecloud4403]

this is going to be my daily driver in a few years when I move to Wyoming XD

[@Over_Taxed_USA]

When will Yamaha give us the YZ300?

[@leandrolopes9843]

I LOVE THIS BIKE.❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@CraigHenry-zq8jz]

Really usable bike ❤

[@ktmjay9920]

Just bought 250x for my son. 2ckokes 4ever

[@Davido50]

New KTM 250SX or Yamaha YZ250? Which would you buy ...& why? I'm between both machines right now & looking for intelligent opinions. 💯

[@sickandtiredgenx]

I was in the same situation. Bought a22 KTM 300 XC. Didn't like the fuel injection. Sold it and bought a 24 50th anniversary Edition.

[@usmc03]

What was the jetting?

[@biggussniffus5537]

2 strokes for life. Sweet bike and looks a lot of fun! but sadly still no eft/elec start. The euros are still miles ahead.

[@eric6rock]

I had recently gotten the TC125 2023 Heritage great bike but never run green map. It fouled the plug and had to get a KTM 85 spark plug which well it worked! About 3 years ago I tried the yz125 2007 I believe I loved the cockpit it felt comfortable the Husqvarna sits lower but the shift lever and rear brake lever is way to close. A plus to for the old carbs is not worrying about the battery, but yet again the carb thing. By the way the rider on the YZ was killing it had the ET, and Jett Style!

[@patmaster220]

That’s it! I’m buying one.

[@ryanm5361]

The YZ250 is a legend. Get one while you can!

[@Ranger4444]

Anyone else notice how long the silencer is? Seems like it grows every year. I bet just switching to a shorty would change the powerband.

[@dustin9035]

A shorty would flatten out the top end and it would have less over rev

[@mxr248]

@@dustin9035 yes you are right. When I raced more stadiums I’d switch to my shorty then back to long silencer on the long fast tracks..

[@andriodman1]

Yamaha's nuts, they kill the 2 Stokes then are the only Japanese 2 Stoke still around...ironic, or smart.

[@anthonylifestyle]

I’ll have one soon

[@zackk695]

You know I was a big Honda rider back in the day but I have to give a huge shout out to Yamaha and KTM for keeping the 2 strokes alive. They are the only true racing machines. I’m gonna go a step further and say someone either needs to change the AMA rules or just say the hell with them and open up a new organization where all riders that race get points which gives them their number at the end of the year. The other thing is get every bike rider to join the organization so that they have have a pro season on 2 strokes only and get well paid and have the best riders. The sport has badly damaged due to 4 strokes and the fan base is down to nothing as well as not being able to reach the youth. It’s not the EPA that has caused this issue because the 2 strokes are still raced and sold. The problem is no one wants the 2 stroke being that they have to race a class up which is not fair. I will never understand how that rule came into affect. The 4 strokes were to slow so they made the 2 strokes race a class up. That should tell you everything right there. The 4 strokes are simply not good enough. Yes they are smoother but it takes away from the feel of racing and of course it’s smoother and it’s because it’s slower and a 4 stroke gas engine and not a racing engine

[@user-sp8eb6iz7f]

Josh was blessed with a Yamaha 250. Thank You God!!!!! Now God will you get rid of Will Christien!!

[@steelYZ65]

i just wish theyd bring back the steel frame for these bikes. the steel yz is still in my opinion the best bike ive ever ridden.

[@jonathanginofilippi]

It flexed noticably

[@nithinraj9972]

World legendary 250 yz

[@wadewilson-xi1zs]

Is there anything better than a YZ-250, nope!

[@terrydrake1524]

I rode 2 strokes a long time ago.. about the time I quit riding was the time the YZF400 was new. Now I'm looking to get back into it with my boys and it's like where did the 2 strokes go? When was the takeover and why??

[@MGCD27]

As a begginer what should I buy the 125 or 250?

[@dikalahlamaa901]

Keren banget kayak sepeda akuh suka banget nih

[@andrewmarshall360]

Sweet bike ! Those are pretty good .

[@americanwriter2533]

Yamaha IZZZ the catz meow!!!🤩🇺🇸👍

[@krispewkrem3]

Really the only thing I want Yamaha to do is offer an enduro YZ. The the YZ just a touch further and make it a badass woods bike.

[@elcincero321]

1.8 gallons now, smaller tank. Fuel economy improved?

[@socalfun64]

LOVE IT!!

[@MonkeyButtRides]

10:20, I don't think that zip tie has moved, still lots of travel left in those forks!!

[@brokewheels5]

Looks like a great bike, too bad they aren't for sale anywhere

[@frankwilliams2198]

Anyone know why Yamaha was the only one out of the 4 big Japanese companys that still makes 2 strokes.

[@marcozuffada]

real weight with lighter plastic?🤔

[@MonkeyButtRides]

Man, that zip tie on the right fork was showing lots of unused travel? Hopefully that was reset before it was ridden? Otherwise I'm now scared of the stiffer spring rates...LOL

[@nickwukmir9853]

Sweet high tec.

[@BERZERKERSV4]

The answer to the jetting “issue” ? Lectron Billetron… nuff said..

[@multitablez7825]

2 strokes need to come back again. 4 stroke has too many parts and are far too expensive.

[@joski9030]

Looks like my ‘05 with blue rims 😂

[@maddogmorgan8737]

Still prefer the bikes being white with gold rims .

[@user-zj5ml3yq7k]

yellow , but i’m 60

[@aydengonzales956]

is that a stock dent

[@nickp8373]

Thank you Yamaha

[@irvhh143]

What they must do is remove the powervalve exhaust. There must be residual oil exiting the cylinder so that it will lubricate the exhaust valve barrel. This obviously is bad for emissions.

[@motozz8258]

Fuel Inj bikes are heavy on fuel anyway so why. Yz real 2T power

[@quintinlindsey7967]

I have always been a Kawasaki guy but being out of the sport for ten years when I get another bike it will most likely be a Yamaha since they have kept the beloved two stroke in the game, shame on you Kawasaki and all other brands that do not give the choice of a fire breathing two smoke!!!

[@frankwilliams2198]

I dont think anything out there sounds as good as this bike it sounds like a swarm of killer bees that's why YAMAHA!!! RULES!!!

[@goodboyringo9716]

Honda , what happen to you and the 2 stroke ?

[@dirtysocks6391]

i have a question. Can i ride this in my neiborhood?

[@michael589m]

Another thing about the tbi 125’s.. no pistons available! What a joke. Bike is completely worthless without basic top end replacement parts. About to light mine on fire and call it a day.

[@Graplernapler]

3:03 (in regards to the ktm fuellys) the MFG’s should do the ‘figuring out’, I don’t understand this idea of beta testing a $12,000 dirt bike with your most loyal customers. Someone clue me in as to why they release a bike that doesn’t run properly?

[@gynn4622]

I know they run a bit rich and people were not warming them up properly. But after they released the new map and if you run the recommended settings I’ve heard them run very well.

[@andrewmarshall360]

38 mm ?

[@matthewread1545]

How is it not fuel injected

[@_WatsoBrii94_]

Folks need to come together as a collective and protest AMAs displacement rules that hold no weight seeing the 4 strokes are faster then the starting 2 strokes. They made the displacement difference on purpose to allow thumpers to grow and spread. Now that they have, let’s make sure they keep shit equal like they did way back when and allow 250 smokers with the 250f class and 300+ smokers with 450s. #wontchangeunlesswecometogerher

[@jpesicka999]

100%

[@AverageJosh769]

Pretty much everywhere else in the world besides pro series does it, local racing especially needs to allow it

[@townsendYXZ]

They need to allow that new 300sx in the 450 class with a legit rider and some factory backing now that would be a good race. It just might hang with em but right now the AMA want allow it

[@Biggi-i8iCaseoh]

2stroke or 4stroke

[@tomcaldwell5750]

Why isn’t there a engine brake.

[@viciouscycles88]

Don’t thank Yamaha for still making 2 strokes. Only reason they still make them is guilt bc they came out with the yz400 that killed the 2 strokes.

[@kachimali]

👍👍

[@mattscott4387]

1st. Thank you Yamaha 2nd. EFI ( Electronic Fuel injection) for 4-Strokes is fine. It makes sense. EFI has no place or business being on or designed into or built into a 2-Stroke dirtbike. Pump gas is relatively very very consistent. 2-Stroke 50:50 mix (mixed by the everyday average American Joe weekend rider) is not consistent. Too many variables and potential screw ups. And if you add EFI onto an already failed system/setup/situation/mistake by Average Joe then it creates a slew of mechanical issues and trouble shooting and a bunch of pissed off weekend riders that couldn’t fix the bike not starting situation by replacing the spark plug.

[@mattscott4387]

The company that created & started the 4-Stroke mania back in 2000-2001…….they never stopped producing their winning 2-Stoke 250 setup. Everyone else did. Maybe they’ve been hammering out some bad ass 2-Stroke Engineering Innovations for the past 20+ years without telling anyone about it??! Most likely not the case but a guy can still hope and dream. They started the 4-Stroke craze. All the other Manufacturers jumped on board and shut down their 2-Stroke production lines. Except Yamaha. The company that lit the fire that everyone else flew right into like a bunch of fucking moths to a porch light. Lol. Well eventually here soon that shit tide that lasted 20 years is going to shift back the other direction back to 2-Strokes. So hold on to your nipples and blow the dust off of your Crusty/Crusty Demons 1-30 VHS tapes. And let’s back to mixing some 50:50 in the driveway.

[@gowengetter4599]

Carb issues. In a word - Lectron

[@pain1427]

I'm going to wait when they make fuel injection

[@jpesicka999]

Ah u didn’t even watch the video did u?

[@vwgtdturbo]

best bike 2023,but propblem is its to expensive!!! i ride 2008 rm 250 same engine cost 2000

[@azff]

I paid $7,899 for mine.....MSRP. The 4 strokes are around $10,000.

[@vwgtdturbo]

@@azff ok thats very good in my country it cost9000 euro that is 9900 us dollar.