Yamaha YZ250FX Review Long Term

Yamaha YZ250FX Review Long Term
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A review based on about 1 year of riding a Yamaha YZ250FX. This bike is amazing for trail riding, cruising, and much more. Watch the video for our opinion on the pros and cons of this bike and the upgrades Dale chose to do. Overall it is a great bike and worth checking out or at least comparing to Honda CRF250R models. It could easily be one our favorites to recommend as a somewhat beginner bike.
This channel is dedicated to a father-son duo that restores old bikes to like-new. Looking forward to growing with you guys and seeing where we can take our projects.
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Leave comments for any questions, bolt sizes, or critiques you have. It is greatly appreciated!
Stay tuned for more bike restorations, starting with this one ;)

[@gloriajames6027]

Wow....these videos are GREAT! You guys do a Super job! Thanks! Keep the videos coming and Blue is my favorite color 😊

[@GenerationAerni]

Thank you, the support is amazing!

[@ohboy1351]

I’m 14 and very skinny no muscle at all and I have a 2022 yz250fx and I have laid it down twice and didn’t have much trouble picking it up.

[@GenerationAerni]

Good! Being nimble is nice on the trail

[@SMAVDOGG]

I'm twelve and in need of a new bike and this bike seemed fit for me but I was worried about the weight and size, this comment made me feel better.

[@Cicadawee]

Good sense of advice. Keep up I was to buy a Honda Crf Rally now if not for this advice, my friend was right afterall.

[@GenerationAerni]

Thanks! We’ll do our best ;)

[@1micYT]

I have the 2020 450FX and it's amazing!

[@GenerationAerni]

Can’t go wrong! That’s a little too much bike for what I do haha, but such great bikes.

[@PBmxer]

so much for the pros of the stock bike

[@colegilje5253]

I also have an fx and I love it.

[@GenerationAerni]

They are great bikes for sure

[@noidea1962]

I bought a brand new 2019 CRF250F when they first came out. I really like the way the Honda will chug up some very steep hills...I have more than once got to the top of a long steep hill, thinking I was in 1st, but was in 2nd the whole time. This bike is a tractor! How does the YZFX do? I've watched a couple other vids from others, and it seems some clutch work is necessary at times. The CRF250F is already even heavier than the YZFX, and has a lot less power, and, my old, fat rear end needs the power at times it seems. Thanks for the vid, it's very informative.

[@GenerationAerni]

Both are great bikes. The YZFX has phenomenal power and has no problem taking hills in higher gears, the clutch work is only necessary depending on who’s riding. If the rider is experienced and has good throttle control, no clutch is necessary but it can give some comfort to those who may slow on obstacles and bog the bike down. Glad you liked the video, it means a lot!

[@pablocastro8026]

Great review!

[@GenerationAerni]

Thanks Man! Also if you want good odds of winning $200, check out our recent video ;) we’re doing a giveaway

[@jetdr]

The wrap around handguards are a must, I have heard people complain, never had a problem and they have saved my hands from many trees!!

[@bikes4life54]

I love that the fx's have 6 gears thats what i love about mine

[@GenerationAerni]

Haha me too! Aden and I always argue (friendly). He likes the 5 speed and I do like my 6!

[@hayfevereveryday]

In the end, it's Yamaha that wins in the end. yz250 is really cool. Thank you for the Japanese subtitles. Please forgive my poor translation.

[@matiasmaldonado510]

I bought a brand new 2021 250fx and for me the weight is not a problem at all, idk why people complain so much about weight and height of the bike, I'm 5'4" and weight 135 pounds, I'm a little guy, the first time I rode it I went to a very difficult trail called Malcom Smith trail, near big bear, I dropped the bike a ton of times and I picked up every time without any help, now that I have 60 hours riding it, I rarely drop it , it's an amazing bike I'm in love with it, my only complain is, that is hard to start sometimes when is hot, but is not all the time and is not a big deal for me, since I don't race.

[@GenerationAerni]

You must have some good riding experience. That’s great to hear a review from the opposing side. How long have you been riding?

[@matiasmaldonado510]

@@GenerationAerni I don't have much experience, I started riding 3 years ago, but at first I was a casual rider, I used to ride for 2 hours every 2 or 3 months because I work a lot, I've been riding a ttr230 which is a heavy bike maybe that's the reason why I don't feel that this bike is heavy, that I bought the fx in March of 2021 and since I bought I've been riding more often, almost every weekend and sometimes I go to the track at night, but I don't think I have much experience, I also hear that your bike fuel plugs, I don't have that problem at all, I have 60 hours on my bike and the only things I do is oil changes and air filter changes, that's it.

[@GenerationAerni]

@@matiasmaldonado510 very cool! Nice you found time to ride more. Can’t complain about that 😂 it no longer fouls plugs, it took mainly just some mapping adjustments, now it runs perfect hot or cold.

[@matiasmaldonado510]

@@GenerationAerni that's awesome that you fixed that isuue and now you can enjoy the bike better

[@skylarsadventures]

The 2020 had a recall that contributed to the bike fowling plugs, the bike is very rich off the bottom and it can’t be tuned out with the tuner, it requires the recall be done.

[@GenerationAerni]

Thank you!

[@prestonthomas9406]

My grandson has that exact same bike and the fork seals are already leaking after only 18hrs. He and I have both in the past owned Yamaha’s and the fork seals have always left us wanting. Change them as soon as you can and go with after market. Other than that the bike is an excellent ride and dependable. My 2 cents

[@GenerationAerni]

Great advice!! Definitely a very important component

[@jetdr]

I have found dirt getting into the seals will cause them to leak, I cut a milk jug and made a fork seal cleaner. never had a problem after that.

[@jdthirteen]

i know this is an old post, and i'm not saying this is the reason...but it's common to blow out your seals by strapping down the suspension too much during transport. Happens when you go over bumps in the truck

[@thetrainmaster.100]

Don’t forget that the FX has the 6 speed transmission over the 5 speed transmission that the motocross F has

[@terrywilson1362]

I don't thi k you mentioned the 6 speed tranny, that helps it be a good technical bike I have a 19 model I put a 400 cam on the throttle to calm it down some and put a 53t sprocket on rear and had the suspension done for my weight and a steering stabilizer on it and that made the bike perfect for me I have never messed with the mapping on it, I decided to learn to ride it the way it is and I have done great on rocky technical hill climbs and rough terrain I wish it would start easier in gear and it is a little tall But I wouldn't trade it for ANY OTHER bike out out there, I love my 19 yz250fx

[@GenerationAerni]

They are a great bike. You are right about the tranny! We did another video where we mentioned Yamahas 6 speed vs Hondas 5. Can’t go wrong with these bikes, so much capability

[@TopshelfJunior]

Interesting ! I have a 2020 KLX 300R, and I gotta say...I'm just about ready to upgrade. Don't get me wrong, it's been great...taught me how to ride but, I want something a little more powerful, quicker, and ultimately something LIGHTER. Good lord the KLX300R is like 280 pounds.. I'm over it. Been looking at this 250FX and the KTM 350 XCF.

[@GenerationAerni]

Heavy bikes are definitely a learning curve! We would highly recommend the FX but you can’t go wrong with a KTM either. The FX has enough power for us though!

[@carmelwhite2871]

I’m thinking of getting a 300r I’m 14 ona farm and it would be my first bike. Do you recommend?

[@TopshelfJunior]

@@carmelwhite2871 How tall are you ?! It’s a big bike… GREAT first bike, I still ride it every other day, but it is a full size bike..

[@prestonthomas9406]

If you ride technical trails then I’d recommend the KTM 300XCW (which I own) or the KTM 300XC for fast cross country race/riding. They are lightweight (around 220 lbs dry) and will chug with the best of them easily. My 2 cents.

[@Captain250FX]

Best bike ever in my opinion!

[@GenerationAerni]

Dale really likes it too! It’s a great bike, phenomenal power.

[@MrKen800]

Great review but other than KTM, what other options are there that are lighter? This is about as good as it gets unless you go another 2K for the KTM and that's just the buy price. Shorter maintenance intervals on the KTM/Husky/GasGas add up as well. I researched and looked and looked and this was as light as it gets under $10K (4 stroke) unless I missed something... I will add I'm 6' 185 so it's spot on for me.

[@russelljohnson6829]

How did you smooth out the low end ?

[@tianor1805]

hi ! can you share your map settings? my bike keeps stalling on low rpms! thanks! more power guys!

[@nickolaskomsic6729]

The bike dosent weight much at all, it has a very light dry weight, the only reason it is heavy when wet is beacuse of its massive gas tank which is great for long day

[@GenerationAerni]

The large tank is a great benefit!

[@jackieonassis7438]

It does weigh almost 20 pounds more than the ktm and ktm holds more gas. I prefer the yz250fx, but it is a little pig. The seat is too high and ground clearance is too low. Ktm has almost an inch and a half more ground clearance while having a seat height that is about 1/2" lower.

[@joe0813]

I have the same bike... The dealer came out with a bulletin for it running so rich at idle causing a hard start and fouling plugs. I had the job performed and it didn't fix shit. The battery is also trash like you said. I just knocked my bike over on the right side and bent my radiator so I had to also replace that. I also get the tusk hoses like you but mine are a little shorter than stock so Im hoping they dont pop off. They also didn't come with any type of rub or heat protection. I do slower riding since im a beginner and sometimes I feel like the suspension is WAY to stiff for slower riding and I just deflect off a lot of the rocks. Overall I do like the bike, wish they would fix the idle issue though.

[@GenerationAerni]

All issues we’ve seen for sure! Definitely still great bikes with some hiccups. Make sure you adjust the rear shock and front for rebound/compression! Should help a lot.

[@joe0813]

@@GenerationAerni I have the front clickers almost all the way out... Im going to mess with it a bit more in the spring. Cant wait to go rip again

[@GenerationAerni]

@@joe0813 oh good! Absolutely, such a blast. You’ll speed up really fast 😏

[@harrymakkar3696]

Just a quick question what lowering link did you use ?

[@tonytransit13]

Heavy I’m 50 years of age . Yes not as light as a 2 t .. common young men really..

[@johnnyjohnson2942]

The Yamaha YZ250FX is a Closed course competition (Race) model not a trail bike. To B Trail compatible it will need a Forest approved muffler/spark arrester, I recommend a FMF Q S/A this bike stock is NOISY AF so the muffler to me is mandatory.

[@GenerationAerni]

We installed an fmf with a spark arrester. This bike has electric start, a kickstand, and a stock 18” rear wheel. It’s meant to be a hybrid track/trail bike. The only thing that doesn’t come stock ready for trails is the muffler, correct!

[@johnnyjohnson2942]

@@GenerationAerni The model your talking about was designed By Yamaha for the GNCC series almost enterally, Just trying to give you a little insight. When doing these video's I know there's no regulation on YT but at least Know what the bikes designation is. Not ranting was just trying trying help y'all with your Vids, the one here is misleading and vague and wrong on some major points.

[@GenerationAerni]

@@johnnyjohnson2942 good to know, we’ll keep that in mind for the future :)

[@PennsylvaniaEnduroRiding]

I just got a 2021 yz250fx, I am coming from a 1995 WR250f. I am used to the heavy weight, as a matter of fact, my new FX is easier to pickup. Agree the FX is a little to tall for me, so I ordered a lower seat for it. I am not sure if I want to get the suspension tuned or not, I am about 220 geared up and softened suspension by 6 clicks, but it needs more. However...this this is a dream to ride in fast double/single track and it not to bad in the rock. I need to tune more. The throttle response is awesome and I love the map selector. I do have the hard start problem. Does your FX start hard after warmed up?

[@GenerationAerni]

Beautiful bike! Interesting to hear someone say they don’t notice the weight.. I guess I just might not be as strong as I think lol. They are definitely taller, if you haven’t tried a lowering link I’d recommend that. As far as suspension, I don’t ride tracks all that often so I don’t know how much of a difference having it tuned would do for you. From what I’ve noticed my bike actually starts pretty easy after it’s warm.. it’s possible it’s because of the battery replacement I did? I keep a trickle charger on my new battery because my bike would fail completely to start when I first got it. The stock battery wasn’t holding up.

[@PennsylvaniaEnduroRiding]

@@GenerationAerni I have heard guys resolve hard start issue with a new battery. I thought I saw a lowering linkage on your bike??? Anyway.. I’m coming off a 245lb 2003 wr250f so the 10lbs make a difference. Enjoy the ride!!

[@GenerationAerni]

@@PennsylvaniaEnduroRiding Yep the new battery solved my issue! Yeah I do have a lowering link. Nice bike, hope you get to break it in often. Have some good riding!!

[@shanesmith8088]

@@GenerationAerni WHICH BRAND AND MODEL BATTERY DID YOU PURCHASE?

[@GenerationAerni]

@@shanesmith8088 I’m able to check tonight, so I’ll let you know :)

[@tbgtbg6311]

Is the turning radius any different from the 2020 model?

[@GenerationAerni]

The model we review in the video is the 2020, so I couldn’t tell you! Sorry if we didn’t make that super clear :)

[@dustin9035]

It's fuel injected and fowels plugs? My 2006 crf450r has the original spark plug from when it was assembled.

[@GenerationAerni]

Haha yeah XD, one of us likes Honda and the other the yammy! It’s mainly due to the mapping of the fuel injection

[@toml7113]

Beg to differ about air filter I ride in a lot of mud and grass fields mud flys off front tire and clogs intake in weeds sucks all kinds of junk into filter also water runs right in when washing

[@GenerationAerni]

Interesting, that’s a fair point. We haven’t experienced that yet but I can see where you’re coming from

[@swilliams9919]

You can’t compare this bike to a 06 crf250r. This bike has a bigger tank, it has a battery....This is an xc bread bike. It’s going to be heavier. It’s FI where the 06 Honda is not. And imagine being stuck on a hill where you can’t lean the bike over to kick start. This is where I would say the electric start shines. Yes, you can moto this bike. ( Watch Mike Witkowski) I would research the lowering link more. Your changing the geometry of the bike. Also, why use short levers? Are you afraid to break the longer ones? Isn’t that why you chose the closed end hand guards?I guarantee you would like the work’s connection pro perch more than them short levers. Just my opinions. Sorry not trying to call you out.

[@GenerationAerni]

Everyone has their own liking! You’ll never hurt our feelings. I definitely agree that a starter is way nicer than a kick in tight areas. My dad and I always go back and forth on whether we like it. It makes for a heavier bike, but can save in a pinch. It can also cause starting problems if not maintained and you have no manual option to rely on. Totally depends on how much you trust/take care of your electrical components. He also uses shorter levers so it’s easier to brake/clutch with two fingers so his forearms don’t have to work as much. Being that we ride very rough trails, we always cover the clutch so it’s nice to only use two fingers and not feel crowded :)

[@didickcheeseburger]

i was considering a yz250fx but when i read up on the plug fouling problem i moved on. im not dealing with fuel injection with poor mapping from the factory.

[@antoniodaehler4673]

FWIW, that issue has been addressed and fixed by Yamaha via service bulletin

[@joe0813]

@@antoniodaehler4673 their fix didn't fix my bike... I still foul plugs and have a hot rough start

[@igotpump5394]

@@antoniodaehler4673 I’m considering getting a YZ250FX or a CRF250RX. I’m leaning forwards the yamaha. Did the Fix this issue completely for the 2021??

[@antoniodaehler4673]

@@igotpump5394 yes, mine and everyone else on ThumperTalk had the issue resolved via service bulletin. joe0813 must have a different issue going on

[@dirtydave2691]

Mine had the same issue, but with the factory service bulletin fix it really changed it. They came from the factory mapped really rich. Yes I went through the same issues and killed my battery after only two weeks. The weight didn't bother me as much after having ridden 450s since 2007. It is not really a "trail" bike so much as it is an off road GNCC/Hare scramble race bike. It likes to be ridden fast to get the most out of the motor.

[@ironthumb3048]

Have you weighed the 2006 cr250f wet ? 209 pounds sounds more like the wet weight I'm considered a 250fx but the weight concerns me. I have read that it doesn't feel heavy when riding it.

[@GenerationAerni]

209lb is the wet weight, sorry if we said that wrong! It doesn’t feel heavy when you’re riding it, but when you get on terrain that forces you to slow down and maneuver the bike more, it definitely causes fatigue quicker than a lighter bike.

[@mikemitchell9877]

Wet weight of 2006 crf250f is 222lbs

[@mikemitchell9877]

Wet eight 2020 yz250fx 244lbs

[@GenerationAerni]

@@mikemitchell9877 might be! Our weight might be off

[@imagegraphics16]

232 lbs with out fuel (this bike carry more fuel than crf) feel very light riding, i have kx450f 2020 too. both weight the same the yamaha feel lighter

[@JoeWilson4]

For real reference. The crf 250rx weighs the same. All trail bikes are heavier. And its not a trail bike it is an xc bike. Q trail bike would be like an air cooled crf250f or a ttr230 . This bike and the crf250rx are not meant to be putted around.

[@DdDten]

I’m no pro and only had 06 yz250 06 07 yz250f 07 08 yz450. I’ve yet to have a fuel injection yet but eyeing this yzfx. But never fouled a plug on 4 stroke. Is it A fuel injection thing?

[@GenerationAerni]

It’s possible it could be due to the fuel injection. I’ve heard a lot of good feedback that remapping the bike solves the issue for most people, then there’s no problem. I changed the spark plug and changed my routine for running the bike and I haven’t run into it anymore. I wouldn’t let the fear of fouling stop you from getting this bike.

[@DdDten]

@@GenerationAerni no way a fouling plug going to stop me just money haha. Soon. Good vid!

[@GenerationAerni]

Haha, isn’t it money for us all... thanks!

[@bentbarzracing8205]

We have two of them with about 65 hrs and stock plugs. Keep in mind they are cross country race bikes, if you you like to tractor along at low rpm all the time, look at the WR. They create huge smiles on the pipe!

[@GenerationAerni]

@@bentbarzracing8205 it’s very true, these bikes can’t idle for long or they get hot and feed more fuel than necessary. They want to be throttled.

[@oroboys1560]

I have a 2020 yz250fx as well I love but I have the hot starting problem on it as well I got the CO adjusted on it and it still starts bad when hot but I was reading online and apparently there is a ECU reprogram that fix’s it completely and what battery did you get to replace the stock battery

[@GenerationAerni]

“The hard starting when hot is definitely a frustration. I actually haven’t seen the ECU reprogram, I will look into it. If you have more info about it please let me know! I did do a little remapping but it didn’t help. I’ll get back to you on the battery!

[@oroboys1560]

@@GenerationAerniThe form I was reading about the ecu reprogram information is on thumpertalk and the form name is a called 2020 Yamaha yz250fx tech bulletin rich condition, it talks more in-depth about this ecu reprogram and what it does and it seems like the people who have had it done are happy with this fix, hopefully this information helps you.

[@GenerationAerni]

@@oroboys1560 that’s really interesting, I’m going to have to check that out. Also sorry I haven’t gotten you the battery name yet, I’m still out of town so I can’t check yet.

[@oroboys1560]

@@GenerationAerni whenever you can get me the name for the battery is fine I’m in no hurry I got 2 feet of snow where I’m at right now and how do you like those rad guards I’m am on the fence about getting them and was wondering if you think they are worth it. I also got those same rad hoses for my bike to were they easy to install?

[@GenerationAerni]

@@oroboys1560 I won’t forget about the battery! I didn’t think the guards were important until I wrecked my bike and bent up the radiators and had to buy new ones. Since then... they’ve saved me from multiple radiator replacements. As far as the hoses, they’re very simple to install. Same with the guards. Just make sure the guards match your bike model.

[@benhanson4949]

I have the 2018 yz250fx and it’s the best bike Yoh can get for the trails

[@GenerationAerni]

It is a phenomenal bike!

[@jaretaustin14]

Weight really isnt heavy. Wet weight is 245lbs. Compare that to say a 250 2 stroke ktm xcw tpi that everyone says is super light but it weighs 240lbs. The new bikes have efi, e-start, and a battery so they will be heavier than carb bikes no matter which you get but it is not much more esp if you put a lighter muffler and battery on them

[@850romper5]

Why would the spark plugs fal

[@GenerationAerni]

In our case, the bike has an electronic mapping device. It likely wasn’t mapped correctly and was causing too much fuel in the mixture. It just constantly drowned the plug

[@pablocastro8026]

Do you have problems with stalling while on the slow stuff?

[@GenerationAerni]

I did have problems, I had to learn good clutch control so I can keep the RPM’s up.

[@Pint76]

@@GenerationAerni Smooth Linear Map helps tremendously

[@GenerationAerni]

@@Pint76 Ah yes! Good idea, we haven’t messed too much with the mapping. Besides some basic changes

[@jorgesoto8680]

There is a computer reflash to fix the stalling on slow stuff

[@LukeLeeBurton]

Yes u need to get a bulletin done at your dealer for it and that will fix the starting issue and the fouling plug issue

[@mxoldtimer4braaappp858]

Ready to buy.. but do I want a yz250fx or yz250x..any input

[@GenerationAerni]

What do you mainly ride? Or at least what’s your style?

[@mxoldtimer4braaappp858]

@@GenerationAerni I'm 61..novice/intermediate. Coming off a 1999 honda cr250..want to ride desert hare and hound. Grand prix and some novice trails..thank you for responding

[@GenerationAerni]

So the X is built for motocross, but we would recommend the FX because it’s versatile in both, specifically trail riding. The X is pretty strict a track bike.

[@GenerationAerni]

Sorry the F* is the motocross. The X is the cross country two stroke line, so it totally depends. We actually purchased a two stroke to test out what we like better

[@mxoldtimer4braaappp858]

@@GenerationAerni I put a deposit on an FX today !!!

[@localenterprisebroadcastin5971]

I have an 02 YZ426...I almost shit myself when you said that bike weighs 250 lbs wet 😳 my ancient machine has almost twice the displacement and weighs 14lbs less 😂...I’ve been outta the market for some time but wasn’t making the bikes lighter a thing ...isn’t that why we have aluminum frames ?

[@mikeraskin7319]

It has a larger tank as well compared to the yz250f

[@GenerationAerni]

Good to know! I never would have known

[@chnl2commentisdumb]

250lbs. wet is heavy? Do you even lift bro? ;) It's a "little" heavy competitively, but in reality? That's not heavy.

[@jimmygritz9714]

Different gears too right?? That’s the biggest difference

[@GenerationAerni]

From our understanding the bike we have, YZ250FX, should be geared the same as the F. Though the YZ250FXW has the wide gear ratio.

[@jimmygritz9714]

@@GenerationAerni 250fx has 6 gears.. Moto version has 5.

[@kubasaki1978]

@@GenerationAerni the fx has a wide ratio 6speed....not a close ratio.

[@KingFriday274]

Wrong. Its 10lbs, not 40, get your facts straight. Maybe a cr250 weighed 210 once, but not a crf150r. Has a kick stand and holds more fuel. The biggest difference is the transmission, not the kickstand. Duh.

[@GenerationAerni]

Crf250r was the Honda we talked about. Is that what you are referring to?

[@KingFriday274]

@@GenerationAerni how much does a crf250r weigh? 237 lbs. Yz250fx is 244.

[@KingFriday274]

@@GenerationAerni my phone auto corrects crf250r to crf150r. Sorry. But you said the bikes are 40 lbs apart.

[@scottgaskill4896]

You'd have to show me on a scale that the Honda is only 210lbs. Wet.

[@GenerationAerni]

Maybe we’ll show it! The weight differs mainly because the Honda is a 2006. Meaning it has no batteries for starting, none of the excess wiring or programming components as the Yamaha. It’s pretty light considerably. :)

[@scottgaskill4896]

@@GenerationAerni that still seems awfully light. You can't believe what the Honda spec says either. Even the cr 250 smoker was 219 that year and that was a dry weight.

[@GenerationAerni]

@@scottgaskill4896 sounds like a good video idea. We’ll test it! I’ll write it on the schedule 👍🏼

[@matiasmaldonado510]

I agree with you as well I don't believe that a Honda weight 210 pounds, not even a 2 stroke, I think he is exaggerating, unless he took away a lot of parts off the bike and he's riding with just the frame, motor and trannie

[@scottgaskill4896]

@@GenerationAerniI wasn't being a wise guy. That's just awfully light. I don't think that would qualify for AMA rules?

[@jaewookevin9816]

FUNNY GUYS

[@GenerationAerni]

Ha! Thanks