2023 Yamaha YZ250FX First Ride at The Ridge Outdoor Resort

In this video I ride my 2023 Yamaha YZ250FX for the first time and share my thoughts on the bike and the differences from my 2021 YZ250FX.
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#YZ250FX

[@dylanmcqueen8878]

Just sold my 19 KTM 250XC and now I’ve got the itch again. This Yamaha seems to be what I want!

[@MotoMotives]

Thanks for the comparison to the 2021, first hand experience is always more helpful than just reading the stats

[@DirtBikingwithDonnie]

Thanks for watching!

[@Mayfield324]

Come on out to the Worn race next Saturday we will be at Pontotoc,MS.

[@firffighter]

Great job. These are most definitely underrated bikes. I find it far more fun to push these 250F'S vs reigning in a larger cc bike

[@DirtBikingwithDonnie]

Definitely agree. Handling is more important than power.

[@steveweilhart2359]

I have the 2021 - I like the low end hit on the 2021 they have started to shift the powerband a bit on the newer models you said smooth them out not sure I like the sound of that - there great bikes you do a great job showing your upgrades and why you do them - very enjoyable - there also very good on the moto x track - all around awesome bike

[@DirtBikingwithDonnie]

Thanks for watching!

[@SKG1941]

I love mine. That sixth gear makes all the difference in the world sometimes. Especially when you’re on a straight away and you click it up in the sixth gear and ride away from a 450. Lol

[@slayer6936]

I just ordered mine they have not yet made it to the dealership yet! I do also have the 22 yz125x that is modified bigtime!!

[@randallduke7298]

I enjoyed trying out a new 250 and 450fx on a portion of the mx track at Loretta Lynn's. The 450 was crazy powerful!

[@DirtBikingwithDonnie]

Yeah, the 450 is a handful!

[@tonyahinkle1014]

I have a 300XC and have thought about racing it….but I will just ride hard trails on the weekends. The 300 is prolly best bike for me. But it would be fun to add this bike to the stable for booze cruise rides.

[@ALDA2479]

I have a 2022 Yz250X love the bike great for what I do with it recently got the new KTM 2023 300XC I pick it Monday evening can't wait I've gotten 2 new bikes in the past 3mnth 2023 GasGas and 2023 KTM 300XC so I'm done getting new bikes for a minute

[@DirtBikingwithDonnie]

You’ve got a garage full! I’ve heard great things about the new KTM throttle body injection.

[@SketchyXC]

Great vid!

[@DirtBikingwithDonnie]

Thanks for watching!

[@frootz1013]

Ha! Nice riding. Thx for that. Phat 51yr old.. sold my ‘18 fx to buy a ‘22 yz125x. Love it but think u convinced me to go back- wish Yamaha would make the old ‘yz yellow’ scheme every few years.

[@DirtBikingwithDonnie]

Thanks. Yeah, they’re going retro with the teal version of the 250f for 2024. Maybe they’ll do the yellow and black ladder design in a future year. That would be really cool.

[@randysaxon5384]

I recently purchased a 23 KX250X at a ggreat deal but I thinking I prefer the YZ X. The KX does already have the hyd clutch but a not a 6 sp wide ratio trans. Plus looks like the YZ kickstand tucks in a lot better than KX

[@Andrew-gu1zr]

Haven’t ridden a Yamaha 250FX. My main race bike is a KTM 350XC. Probably the best woods bike I’ve ever had. I did switch the suspension to KYB forks though.

[@DirtBikingwithDonnie]

I bet the 350 with KYB forks is awesome!

[@ryanbelanger4932]

Would you pick this over a 2023 Sherco 300 sef?

[@Captain250FX]

I agree with ya about this bike being special! Everybody up here thinks a 300 is the only bike that exists.

[@firffighter]

Kool-aid drinkers 😉

[@Captain250FX]

@@firffighter 🤓

[@DirtBikingwithDonnie]

Shhh, don't tell anybody.

[@firffighter]

@@DirtBikingwithDonnie I ride with a lot of guys on 300's, they just can't wrap their heads around a 250F.

[@urbancow8348]

I’m getting a 24 250fx on Tuesday and I’m kinda nervous because I’ve heard they have problems starting and rod bearing problems have you had any problems

[@76-thriller76]

80% Ta Rider, 20% Ta Bike,, Good Vids,,, 🤙💯💪😎

[@DirtBikingwithDonnie]

100% true! Thanks for watching!

[@76-thriller76]

Where is this actually at? And Do you have to have a membership or just pay ?

[@76-thriller76]

Like you do at Westpoint,, if not a member,, it's 15$ a day

[@DirtBikingwithDonnie]

@@76-thriller76 The Ridge in Springville AL. $5 annual membership, $25 per day to ride.

[@76-thriller76]

Thank you for the Info,,,, 😎💪🤙, keep up the Vids! 🤙💯💪

[@johnnybirdman]

Dude one of these days I would love to go on a ride day with you and your crew I just live so far aways

[@DirtBikingwithDonnie]

If you ever travel to Alabama look us up!

[@johnnybirdman]

@@DirtBikingwithDonnie I will for sure one of these days

[@aliennetwork08]

How does it do climbing hills ?

[@matthewcrawford8001]

What class do you race?

[@jesseacm]

Great video! Thanks for sharing your knowledge, mods and experience with the YZ250FX bike. Can you comment on how does the bike handle in slower more technical rocky terrain? I am looking into either getting a KTM 300 xc-w or the YZ250FX. I am leaning more towards YZ thanks to your videos and thinking on quality and reliability.

[@DirtBikingwithDonnie]

I wouldn't say the yz250fx is the best bike for slow technical riding but it does fine. If you're talking 1st gear slow then you'd need to do a lot of clutch feathering and might need a fan kit. The yz250fx and the 300xcw are VERY different bikes. The yz excels in harescramble/sprint enduro situations.

[@jesseacm]

@@DirtBikingwithDonnie Thank you for your guidance, I really appreciate it! :)

[@MR.TOYBOX]

@@DirtBikingwithDonnie How do you think it would compare to the 2023 KTM XC 300 ? Is the 23 YZ250x faster for c and b type riders in secca then the new 23 ktm 300 TBI or is that bike to new to really know yet? I am coming from a yz250 and I hear the new 23 ktm 300 xc has 4t tractability and 2 stroke speed when you want it. But that 250fx was purpose built for hare scrambles so they say on there website. Thoughts?

[@DirtBikingwithDonnie]

@@MR.TOYBOX I've heard great things about the new tbi bikes. The air forks would be the main barrier for me. If I bought a new XC i would immediately do the KYB or Lucky conversion and that would be expensive on top of the cost of the new bike. But, a lot of guys race on AER forks and like them. There's no perfect bike that is best for everyone. A fast dude will still be fast on a crappy bike and a slow dude will still be slow on the best bike money can buy.

[@MR.TOYBOX]

@@DirtBikingwithDonnie Great point on fast riders vs slow riders bike does not matter as much. Except yours since you started winning more on your Secret weapon!! 🤣 I want tell nobody.

[@ClintWallace113]

I have a 2022 250fx steve at fastlap re valve the suspension… what is the best clicker setting that you have found to be beat for this set up ?

[@DirtBikingwithDonnie]

Mine is pretty close to his standard settings but I do soften the compression a bit in certain situations. When the terrain is really rough I might go as much as 20 clicks out on the fork compression, for example.

[@theinnerdreamer7043]

Home track looks fun. Did Yamaha slim up the 250fx ? I heard they did on the 250f, wondering if it transferred to the fx also.

[@DirtBikingwithDonnie]

No, it's unchanged from 2022

[@Draconian786]

Hi there. I just got myself New 250 FX and my dealer says i should do oil+oil filter every 10 hours. Do you agree with this? i only do trail riding in 2nd/3rd gear very rarely 4th but a decent amount of hill climbs included. thanks in advance and keep up the great content

[@DirtBikingwithDonnie]

Congrats on the new bike! The manual says change oil every 7.5 hrs and oil filter every 12.5 hrs. I change oil and filter every 4-5 hrs. I like to keep it clean.

[@markgunnison]

Looks fast.

[@DirtBikingwithDonnie]

Thanks for watching!

[@beaufondfrancois5612]

Could I ask please, the hill climb at 2.15m. What gear were you in? I’m just starting out on a 2015fx and find 1st is a more comfortable speed for climbs at my skill level but sometimes doesn’t create enough movement and breaks traction 🙄.

[@DirtBikingwithDonnie]

I was in 2nd gear. Momentum and clutch control are the keys to keeping traction but you can cheat a little bit with tire setup. Tubliss is not for everyone but I love the extra traction it provides. Sometimes I run 4-5 psi in low traction situations. Also using a gummy tire can be extremely helpful if your riding a rocky area.

[@oakesiii3412]

I'm in the UK very jealous of you guys riding areas hardly any over here

[@DirtBikingwithDonnie]

That's a bummer, sorry to hear that, but glad you're watching.

[@tomt3680]

Quick question. I have a 2022 pds xcw ktm with luckys and a 2020 250fx. I’m Very interested in you comparison of the ktm with the lucky shock vs the Kyb linkage unit. Would you buy the national again or sell the bike and get a linkage bike ? I’m going back and forth over and over.

[@DirtBikingwithDonnie]

I had the Lucky kit forks on my xcw but didn't have the shock. Those two bikes are completely different bikes so it's difficult to answer that question here, but generally if you're riding harescrambles or sprint enduros go with a linkage bike, if you're riding slow technical terrain keep the xcw.

[@tomt3680]

@@DirtBikingwithDonnie oh I thought you had the national as well

[@GNR325]

Does it still lug down low as well as the ‘21? Looking forward to watching you race next season.

[@DirtBikingwithDonnie]

It seems to. I can’t tell any difference in the low end power. I have two more SECCA races this year. Can’t wait to see how it does. Thanks for watching!

[@GNR325]

@@DirtBikingwithDonnie Yamaha seems to be able to pull off some magic with that engine. Sounds like it makes power everywhere. I'll be watching for your remaining races.

[@Ted17172]

Can you please share where you got those sweet plastics?

[@DirtBikingwithDonnie]

I got it from acerbis. It’s gray metallic. www.acerbisusa.com/

[@aidansrc2724]

at the drag track i saw you shifted without using the clutch, how does that work?

[@DirtBikingwithDonnie]

I do a lot of clutchless shifting, especially during harescrambles and enduros.

[@joesmith71]

Hello Donnie. I live in Rome, Ga a couple hours from the ridge. My son and I are thinking about going tomorrow. We’ve never been. Is it worth the drive? We live 30 minutes from Highland Park. Looking for new places.

[@joesmith71]

And I also ride an FX. Amazing bike.

[@DirtBikingwithDonnie]

Yeah, the ridge is awesome. Definitely worth the drive.

[@jjoztx2660]

Donnie do you change to a rekluse auto clutch or keep the stock one?

[@DirtBikingwithDonnie]

Rekluse Radius CX. Check out this video for everything I did to the bike. kzbin.info/www/bejne/o4LOomSvZtlkj6c

[@goneridingparts]

what do you think of the 2022-23 WR250F. I have the 19 & 20 Yz250fx and it's very underrated. I know the WR US Version does not come with ecu or ccu like Australian version.

[@firffighter]

The '22/ '23 WR250F has a heavier flywheel and softer tuned suspension than the YZ250FX. It comes with throttle stop, exhaust restriction and airbox restriction. All free and easy to remove. Also the WR250F does not have the programmable ecu, ccu or bar mounted map switch, but all can be added. Most just add the ECU that has a stronger stock map. Hope this helps

[@goneridingparts]

@@firffighter Yes, and I have no idea why yamaha does that to it. I think a little softer suspension would be better for the rocks and roots, Or I can just get my FX revalved, I hate spending money on top of money. The WR also seems extremely limited in supply compared with the FX, at least around Eastern Ky, Tenn, southern ohio, and which are the placed I have looked at dealers to get one.

[@firffighter]

@@goneridingparts I believe it's because they import the YZ250FX as closed course. I do like that with the WR250F you don't have to spend extra on skidplate, headlight, spark arrestor and rad fan.

[@DirtBikingwithDonnie]

I had a WR250F (US spec), spent a pile of money on it and never really got it to run like a FX. I'll always customize my suspension, so for me the FX is cheaper and runs much better.

[@firffighter]

@@DirtBikingwithDonnie What year? The newest iteration has same motor, but with the heavier flywheel.

[@wesleyhartsoe4807]

Do you run pump gas on this/ your prior 250fx?

[@DirtBikingwithDonnie]

Yes.

[@lyackanicz1436]

What bike did you race before the 21 250fx?

[@DirtBikingwithDonnie]

KTM 250 XCW

[@SkinnySkinch]

She sounds realllll fast off the start. I am surprised how quick it starts for a 4 stroke.

[@DirtBikingwithDonnie]

I have the AG-801 battery and a fair amount of experience making these things start, but there’s still an occasional hiccup. Never as consistent as a 2T. I get to try it at a Harescramble tomorrow so looking forward to that.

[@SkinnySkinch]

@@DirtBikingwithDonnie Nice! Looking forward to that video. I am not sure if I am going to stick with my 150 for next year. I have a few options. Switch back to my 2018 250XC, get a 250f of some kind, or even a Beta 200rr Race edition. I am doing a Beta demo day on December 7th going to test ride the 200. I really dont want to switch brands. I have so many sets of wheels and plastics and all kinds of parts that fit on most KTMs but I know my 150 is holding me back in certain areas specifically the hills climbs and any really loose sandy or muddy areas. I just need a tad more bottom end

[@DirtBikingwithDonnie]

@@SkinnySkinch Where is the beta demo day?

[@SkinnySkinch]

@@DirtBikingwithDonnie At my local MX track about 40 minutes from me. NCMP. North Carolina Motorsports Park. It's hosted by the dealer where I get my bikes from. Brewer Cycles in Henderson, NC.

[@DreamVicarious]

What bike is your friend on in this video?

[@DirtBikingwithDonnie]

He’s on a 2021 Husqvarna TE300i

[@Iamafortnitegod]

Do you not use the clutch to change gears?

[@DirtBikingwithDonnie]

I do clutchless shifting quite a bit, especially on race starts, like where I was practicing starts in this video.

[@Iamafortnitegod]

@@DirtBikingwithDonnie I forgot you had a rekulse

[@brennonl9687]

@@Iamafortnitegod you can do it without a recluse as well. I have 180 hours on my 21 FX and never ran into any issues doing it

[@bradykenney4976]

Finishing up my first season in the Florida season on a YZ250. Been looking at the YZ250FX, 350XCF, and the 300xc. Did you look into any of the KTM’s or just the 350 displacement?

[@DirtBikingwithDonnie]

Yeah, I’ve had a KTM, a Husky, a Honda and 4 Yamahas. What keeps me coming back to Yamaha is the handling and the suspension. I love the KTM and Husky 350 motors but I’m not a fan of the suspension (AER forks especially) and handling. Many people do like that setup so it’s different for everyone.

[@bradykenney4976]

@@DirtBikingwithDonnie that’s the only thing for me is riding a YZ250 and going down to the 250FX for power. Thanks for the reply!

[@redball4093]

Curious, what is your height and weight?

[@DirtBikingwithDonnie]

5’11” 175

[@hawktuner11]

Do you run a cooling fan?

[@DirtBikingwithDonnie]

Yes, I have the GYTR fan kit.

[@millerpb]

Nice man. I'm in CA so I have to pretty much stick with my 2021 450FX....don't ever move to CA.

[@DirtBikingwithDonnie]

Yeah, it’s sad what they’re doing to you guys out there. Thanks for watching.

[@Randy_Cox]

Ohh no you went reclus....😭 Sad day.

[@DirtBikingwithDonnie]

Never really been a fan of them but I can use it just like a manual clutch and it helps with starts on the YZ.

[@Randy_Cox]

@Dirt Biking with Donnie oh there is no doubt they make riding easier as it takes zero skill. Not a fan and sad to see so many well bodied people moving to them instead of building clutch skills.