Yamaha YZ250X Two Stroke! What's It Good For? - Motocross Action Magazine

#motocross #offroad #racing
Motocross Action Magazine tests the 2020 Yamaha YZ250X 2 Stroke at Glen Helen Raceway and really breaks down what this bike is good for. Is it just an offroad bike or can you take it on the track every now and then? Find out in this video if the YZ250X is for you.
The like list:
(1) Seat height. The YZ250X has a 1-inch-lower seat height when compared to the YZ250 (38.2 inches versus 39.1 inches). Given that the YZ250X uses the same frame, wheels, suspension components, shock linkage and plastic, we don’t know where the inch came from.
(2) Maintenance. Anybody with a modicum of mechanical skill can keep a YZ250 two-stroke running.
(3) Parts. Even if the YZ250 parts were to cost the same as their four-stroke nephews (which they don’t), there are a lot fewer of them to buy. The MXA wrecking crew doesn’t believe that two-strokes are more reliable than four-strokes. It is just that when unreliability rears its ugly head, a two-stroke owner spends less dough on pistons, rings and gaskets-and can do the work himself.
(4) Tires. The YZ250X comes with Dunlop AT-81 offroad tires front and rear. These are workable off-road tires and can cover a wide range of terrain.
(5) Third gear. Bringing third gear closer to second has been on our wish list on the YZ for many years now. Now that our prayers have been answered on the X, we hope to see the change on the YZ sometime in the near future.
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[@Jimmy_Watt]

Leave it to MXA to do a review of a woods bike... at Glen Helen.

[@mathews0618]

Exactly

[@Meekerextreme]

Am I missing something, it's not a motocross bike, you should be testing it on a trail.

[@sekacity3425]

They test everything and since Yamaha states it can do motocross they held them to it. Lots of tests from people in the woods.

[@mountainslapstick6170]

yes you are def missing something

[@easternyellowjacket276]

They should. But they are lazy. Maybe they should be criticizing themselves instead of Yamaha.

[@jpesicka999]

It's a motocross test because it's Motocross Action Magazine. I'm sure Dirtbike Magazine tested it on the trails.

[@jamessnook602]

There are a thousand+ videos of them on trails.. I ride trails and track, this is the exact video I was looking for... Stop shitting on everything

[@spacejaime]

Imagine if Yamaha's two stroke R&D team came back from lunch and did some updating here....regardless, it's still a great machine. Thanks for the video!

[@letsride614]

I bought a new KTM 250XC based on these magazine reviews. After riding my sons new YZ250X I sold that orange TURD !!!! Now I'm no pro, only a lowly Vet 50+ A rider but my opinion is the YZ250X is superior in every way. Just imagine buying a new holly Grail of a bike and then having to sink $1500 or more because the suspension is absolutely horrible then take off the terrible Mikuni Carb and replace with a Keihin carb that it should have come with. Now you've got enough tied up in a bike that you could buy 2 slightly used Yamaha's and the KTM is still not as good. Point is the Magazine guys just dont add up. If you can grab a ride on a YZ250X give it a shot you'll be surprised just how good it is for a OUTDATED Bike. If only the KTM was as good as they build it up to be. Ready to race, it is not.

[@paulygood6665]

I hear you man. I was going to buy a brand new orange 🍊 300 for the 2022 San Felipe 250 race. I think I’m going to get one of these and finish it my way🏁.

[@patw9175]

I cannot get a bead on KTMs suspension at all. Some people love it, some people hate it. Can't make heads or tails of it at all

[@zacharydevan4107]

Hats off to Yamaha for keeping this old horse around.

[@jackhall2644]

I’ve personally had a 250x since they came out and honestly I love it blows anything away

[@howardwoods342]

I got the 2021 model and I completely agree. It freaking rocks. And as for power, I pull on my friends beautiful ktm 360 sx, and that thing is insane. Mine is upgraded a little with v force reeds and a lectron though. Everybody was pushing me to spend the extra 3 grand for a ktm, i got to ride one GeForce i bought this. Absolutely would not trade my YZ for the ktm. I dont care if they have been upgraded and are modernized 2 strokes. The YZ has been the best all arounder since i can remeber. Lol sorry about my rant. Yamaha for the win

[@davidklimmek3192]

Get a '21 sir an hang onto it. Awesome.

[@MrCarbera]

@Nacho Squatcho can anyone here speak to how long of a ride on a tank of fuel say trail riding etc? My buddies and I often go on all day rides right now and my 92 WR200 has the bigger tank and goes all day. I wonder about the 5 speed instead of 6 but some comments I read make it sound like it doesn’t really matter with how this is geared. Looking at picking one up so any info is much appreciated

[@MrCarbera]

@Nacho Squatcho I’d love to see your bike! Thanks for info too! Send me a message on Instagram if your on that platform and feel like showing me your bike Carbera420

[@ghostrt1608]

@@howardwoods342 ...when I bought my 2018 YZ250 from the dealership brand new, they didn't know anything about a YZ250 X model... until I asked if they had one... I actually wanted that X model, but ended up getting the regular motocross version anyway (because I wanted to purchase a new YZ that day

[@andreasstefanou5898]

ΜΧΑ being mean (again) to the most loved dirt bike in the history of motocross... YZ250 ls still the most fun bike to ride, Reliable Best suspension hands down and still competitive to its class. What a legendary bike

[@powersportsenthusiast1986]

mean or honest? their opinion doesnt have to be yours

[@andreasstefanou5898]

@@powersportsenthusiast1986 i totally respect their opinion. My point is about the WAY they express their opinion. They didn't have to be offensive. MXA is blamed by theirs own viewers for being biased to specific brand.

[@marcduhamel4798]

This is a great review! I'm an old guy getting back into Motocross and want something a little bit more plush for strictly track riding. I think this might be a little bit easier on the old bones. Thanks a bunch guys.

[@dalton6786]

How did this work out for you?

[@KingFriday274]

Yes curious. I'm worried the suspension is too soft and I'll need another $2,000 to fix it.

[@marcduhamel4798]

After much consideration I went with the crf 250R model I realize that I'll be doing more like 90% track riding and just rolled the dice. I'm super happy with my decision to get the r model. The suspension is like nothing I ever rode in my earlier days. I overshot a 90 footer last year and landed flat and survived. No injury or crash

[@KingFriday274]

@@marcduhamel4798 yea the x might not have soaked that up.

[@truthseek3017]

@@KingFriday274 It is more of a trail/single track bike imo, it is plush and the power is tamed down alot compared to the YZ250, the YZ250X has tall gears which feels like a trail bike instead of a MX bike. If i were you, get a YZ250 and you can tweak the suspension, or get a 450 mx bike.

[@steelshotproductions]

I have a KX125 and A KX250F. I rode a friends YZ250X at the MX track a week ago and IMMEDIATELY fell in love with it. I like it way better than my own 2 bikes. It lugs through the corner in 3rd gear like a 4 stroke but hits the power band coming out of the corner in 3rd and 4th gear like a typical 2 stroke..

[@robwilliams239]

I just bought this bike and I agree. That’s probably the best description.

[@richardcasados]

Man I sure wish Yamaha would bring back the Banshee! Even if they took the 350 Twin motor and slapped it in a YFZ450 frame and give the plastics a more updated racer look, similar to the YFZ. That would be one hell of a machine! It would help revive the 2 Stroke market and I bet Yamaha would sell a shitload. Something to hope and pray for!

[@Sanguine_Addiction]

Dude if they would bring back that machine even for a limited time, guarantee it would sell out everywhere!

[@davidklimmek3192]

Yes!

[@sethanderson9931]

That would be awesome

[@paulygood6665]

Hillclimb Races have done that. Banshee engines in a YZ Modified Frame. There bad ass🏁

[@toddclaibourn2689]

I own one and when you crack it open it eats realestate up fast Love it

[@trevorjameson3213]

That's awesome, it's the bike I want to get to replace my old XR400. I have a friend, Seringle de Bradgoff, who already has a YZ250 but it's not the X version.

[@toddclaibourn2689]

@@trevorjameson3213 get either the YZ250 or the 250X they're both awesome bikes They look great Lots of power Super quick Easy to work on And if they quit making it today there's enough parts out there to last 2 lifetimes Plus You can just keep Running them it's not a finicky bike like some of them

[@Dell_xD]

i think the best thing about a yz250 is just how simple they are, parts interchange from 2002-present, i hope the 250x does the same, simple fun and dependable.

[@jefftuttle9530]

been waiting for this video thanks! I already ordered mine for the spring but was torn between yz 250 and the x I don't race any more but still ride motocross bikes.

[@Sanguine_Addiction]

My '19 250X is a very versatile machine. At the MX track I ride mostly vet level and so long as I'm not trying to clear triples or do anything too aggressive, she performs just fine. So far I've taken her to all MX tracks in SoCal including Glen Helen. I took her to Ocotillo Wells and Dumont dunes and she's handled them all like a champ.

[@walleye306]

I’ve been waiting years for a “crossover” bike like this. Not only that but it sounds perfect for adult beginners

[@beri232]

Haha…. Sounds like me. I ride a Harley for my 2 wheeling but ride a Canam 1000R Outty for offroading. I’m 48 and have always wanted a dirtbike but wanted a smaller lightweight 2-stroke like the old CR’s and YZ’s kids had when I was growing up.

[@mritalianhillbilly]

And, don’t have to wait 2 weeks for parts if one breaks down. Bam sold!

[@johnthomas6614]

Nice Vid Josh. It's funny tht so many people Miss the Point of this Bike. If they would Listen 2 what U are Sayin Then Ride 1 MAYBE‼ They Might See 👀. Wick On ✊ Mosiman

[@Wc_Eddy]

I have the 2021 250x and honestly there’s no other better bike

[@toddclaibourn2689]

I love mine it rips if the regular YZ250 hits harder it would have to be a winner

[@popclutchco.7208]

i test rode one of these back when i was racing in 250C and i actually liked it more than the yz 250 at the time it had trick parts from GTYR or whatever tf it is it was more smooth and the front end didnt want to push as much as it did on the full moto model

[@MikePruszkowski]

Sit up on the tank mr pusher

[@craigsteinman9807]

Like to see one doin lap times between the x and mx versions

[@aaronkoschel2912]

The yz 250 incredible bike to race in any form torque motor super reliable

[@JohnSmith-dj5gf]

I ride a 2021 YZ250X here in the deserts and mountains of New Mexico and it’s perfect for that. The bike is fast, light weight, simple, reliable, and has great suspension. The faster you go the better it gets. Many times I’ve hit things where I thought I’d crash but the bike constantly surprises me and soaks it right up. It’s the cockroach of dirt bikes and will still be ripping after the apocalypse. When all these fancy boys with their skinny jeans and Euro bikes can’t ride because their $1000 iPhones won’t connect to their bikes, the YZ will still be out there shredding the trails.

[@garysavala665]

Haha you had to throw in the skinnny jeans . That’s what I would say haha

[@dalepellerin]

Love it. But what’s funny about your comment is it’s Yamaha that’s been touting the ‘tuning your bike with your iPhone.’ Last I checked, none of the Euro ICE bikes have phone tuning like the new Yamahas do.

[@T-ROY_69]

Lmao! They are still on their lunch break. When they get back to work, they need to put electric start on the 2025 model and I'll have one. My 2015 yz250fx is still doing great for now. Good video! Cheers!

[@peekingtom8337]

I use mine for singletrack and lug it to death and it doesnt care, things still fast when lugging through the gears

[@jasongreen5470]

If the suspension done for 150 lb rider, is this a good all around bike?

[@vince5946]

Don't they run a stiffer governor spring so the power valve opens slower/later so there isn't so much of a hit? I think you had it backwards

[@whitetrashgarage8110]

No. It's pretty common on the x to remove a shim in the governor to make it even lighter to open. It makes the hit less abrupt. Mine is still stock, and there are times in tight trails where I'm lugging it a bit, and if the rear slips the rpms climb and suddenly you're on a ride in the Powerband. On the track, that isn't a big deal, in the woods, it's not the best feeling.

[@TheAltaAssassin]

What bike would you get if you were the type of guy that never goes to the track and always wants to be out in the desert? Up in the mountains riding, not hardcore enduro but something to bump around on in the 250's or would you recommend something else? And if so what? -Thanks for your help

[@truthseek3017]

Definitely a 450 motocross bike, a 250 two stroke will not handle dunes and sand as well as the 450 four stroke. The 250 motor won't last very long with alot of dune riding too. You need an mx bike because they have the best suspension and power, soft suspension will wash out in the sand and in the desert. CRF450R, YZ450F, KX450, i'd pick the honda.

[@RubensRamirez4.8]

I saw this video and thought I see the yz250x as an absolute win personally I’m thinking it’s better then the normal one ay ay

[@stephenmitchum5864]

I know most will say it is not needed, some will say it is a sign of old age and laziness but once you have that Magic button the world changes. Put in on this bike without any other changes and blue will make a large presence on the offroad starting line again. Anything more than 2 strokes offroad is a waste.

[@mountainslapstick6170]

it really is the only reason they aren't selling these xc bikes out. Put that button on it and they would see sales sky rocket

[@danhurley6152]

Does it have a lighting coil and wiring?

[@zachflores1505]

I’m thinking about picking one up just had a question how big does the bike feel? I’m 5’9 and those YZ450Fs feel huge. Wonder if it’s the same for the 2 strokes

[@pp-cum5189]

ahahahahah you prolly never got the 250x things an animal on the track

[@PinalitoCity]

Nice Bike, but why they don’t have Electric Start, headlights and taillights like the European , in my opinion with all the missing parts mentioned above the Yamaha Yz 250x will beat the best bike ever made.

[@RelentlessCo]

All increase cost

[@sekacity3425]

Because as he clearly states, it isn't strictly an Enduro bike. It is a cross country bike that doesn't want headlights and batteries and electric start.

[@joshwinsor5054]

If it has electric start stay away from the bike

[@gerhardventer2076]

If they put a starter on this bike I'm sure they'll give Ktm a run for it's money in hard enduro. Last year I went for training in a part of south africa that's known for the best wet tech riding in Africa. At that time my dad had just bought me a new ktm 300xcw and I had to take my old 2014 which we planned on keeping as a practice bike. Long story short the ktm broke and I got to ride a yz250x for the whole week in HARD enduro. Apart from the fact that it doesn't have an electric starter(which sucks for enduro) I've never felt as comfortable and confident on a bike

[@PinalitoCity]

I agreed with you, and also headlight and taillight, I will be the perfect bike

[@jt1573]

The X is a great trail bike for the athletic rider who likes to push a fast pace off road. If we're strictly talking trail bikes, your best bet is going to be a TTR-250. But that's not the point.

[@jpesicka999]

TTR 250 sounds like one of the slowest options.

[@iv7492]

YZ 250 two-stroke is the only motorcycle I will ride. 25 years racing in Hair scrambles.

[@kojack635]

I'm wanting to try hare scrambles this year. I like 4 stroke power delivery though. Is the 250 2 stroke that much better?

[@JosephOjea316]

I’m looking to get one of these very soon, and looking to do these races and enduro races

[@skillet6098]

It's a fun bike. But the only thing it's really good for is saving money. All bikes today cost 10.000 or more witch is ridiculous. The yz250 cost 7.500 so do the math. That's why.

[@ridhoahmadi9358]

Yamaha is the best

[@Tammacazi10]

It needs a few things updated if it wants to compete with the KTMs. Electric start, fuel injection, hydraulic clutch, and headlight and tailight. It's a great bike but for what KTM offers it's hard to compete. The only plus is the price, but you are getting a lot less.

[@alisoupb]

The new Ktm's have linear power so they are losing the character of a traditional 2 stroke but some may prefer that.

[@michaelkreitz1527]

Not with the upcoming tBi bikes, they’re like a perfectly jetted carb 100% of the time!

[@jonathanseigle3747]

Oh it's nowhere close to the KTM. But it's half the price. So you get what you pay for

[@andyb3735]

You made me hate the sound of my 250FX now, damn.

[@chriscardoza9785]

Just about anything you want to do with it but that's just me I'm a big Yamaha guy so that should tell you something about me..

[@lawerncemiller6557]

What it needs is a big bore cylinder a 300cc or maybe a 325 cc kit

[@KingFriday274]

Still dont know which bike to buy. Everything about the x sounds great except bottoming on jumps. I want the x with mx suspension.

[@imotomoves]

That’s exactly it. I picked up a 23x and it rides so well! Super crisp and smooth. My only complaint… it bottoms even on small hits 😠

[@ronwest7930]

If you don't bottom out once in a while then you are just riding a bike with less suspension travel.

[@thodieousk5853]

Can it trail ride 300lbs?

[@MXJEFF94]

It’s good for being a $3,000 (less than) KTM/ Husky option... that’s about it.

[@xlrfiji476]

Desert Dog it has better suspension

[@xlrfiji476]

You can find parts cheaper

[@tcmx712]

@@xlrfiji476 depends what it's used for. In tight gnarly single trail the new xplor and pds on the xcw's are way better but once things start widening up the kyb gets better

[@sciencemilitia1853]

More reliable. Better suspension. Easier to work on. Parts more available. AND cheaper. The literal ONLY advantage that KTM offers is more horsepower. Every single other aspect of the YZ250X is better. Even price.

[@mountainslapstick6170]

@@tcmx712 Not way better when you get both revalved the kyb is much nicer feeling than WP

[@ranikkurnialestari2583]

Aku ngevans motor ini kesukaanku 250

[@hevechvy]

I'll take a Brap over something that sounds like an old truck with no muffler any day.

[@matthewprice8239]

Maybe test it on a trail where it belongs😮😀

[@AS-gs3ut]

First!

[@franciscoantoniobarbosaamo6846]

Linda e valente

[@stevenhappel8089]

There are better, more informative videos covering the pros and cons of the yz250x out there. TLDR; Yamaha hasn’t made a significant update to their 2-stroke in a decade, and despite the bike still being competitive, we can’t find any sound reasoning for that being a deal-breaker for 95% of riders, so we are going to whine a lot and show footage of some doofus riding this cross-country bike on a motocross track.

[@lucaslaroche2246]

Is this bike no good on tracks?

[@snowy8281]

1:41 Shpring

[@dougfields6418]

Let’s take a cross country bike straight to the MX track...makes a lot of sense...cmon guys do better

[@powersportsenthusiast1986]

did you maybe not watch the video? they are showing you its a bike you can ride on the track and everywhere in between, showing the versatility of the bike. not sure what the issue is

[@dougfields6418]

none ya yes I watched it...I’m just saying that they do this all the time. Rarely do they take a cross country bike and actually take it to the trails.

[@powersportsenthusiast1986]

@@dougfields6418 they are motocross action, all they do is MX. i think the purpose was to show that you can ride this bike on the track if you wanted, which is cool if a person does both but can only have one bike. im sure you already know that if you want to see it in a element that it was designed for, dirt bike and other channels have videos like that. im ok with this video lol

[@jonathanmoulton9251]

How can you base a test on a bike that can preform in single track at a MX track? You cant.

[@Sanguine_Addiction]

@@powersportsenthusiast1986 and that's exactly why I bought my '19 250X. It can handle pretty much any MX track here in SoCal, including Glen Helen, just as long as you're not trying to ride aggressively, because this bike wasn't designed for 100% track use. It performs very well in the sand dunes and wide open desert, and of course, trails. Fantastic bike and I couldn't be happier with it!!

[@MrPagargar1]

Why do they insist on testing these cross country models in a track and then say the suspension is soft and it’s a lil under powered.....it’s not ment to throw down fast lap times or even win races on a track test these machines with real desert/trail riders where they are ment to shine so we can get a real review/opinion on then

[@dougfields6418]

It blows my mind. Every time they get these cross country bikes they run straight to a MX track...yes the bike is capable of being good on a track but it’s woods bike

[@MrPagargar1]

Doug Fields exactly what I’m talking about even when they get a few of them to do a shoot out they still head straight to the track don’t they realize there are way more people that ride trails over a track

[@sciencemilitia1853]

Because it’s called “Motocross Action”. They will tell you how a bike does on a motocross track. It’s worth considering when you are choosing the best overall bike for you. I race motocross and cross country. I don’t want to buy 2 bikes. I want to find some sort of balance here.

[@MrPagargar1]

Science Militia1 ok I can see your point definitely makes sense but it is marketed as a cross country “closed course race bike” meaning works style gncc style racing so it should be tested as such instead of just on a track don’t get me wrong I appreciate their reviews all in saying is throw in some trail testing too

[@sciencemilitia1853]

MrPagargar1 That’s for other companies to do. It’s been done, a lot.

[@chazzgonzalez1356]

If it’s not a Ktm it’s not good... understandable now

[@snowrider4495]

Ktm is an overpriced unreliable shit bike with crap suspension!

[@CMFOT]

You think this is too small for a 26 year old 5”6 and weighs 165lbs?

[@gmanb8933]

*too big

[@sekacity3425]

My wife's daughter is 5'6" and 165 pounds. If it isnt too small for her why would it be too small for you ? Think 125 and eat some dinner.

[@bee_marshall]

No electric starter, no handguards, no skid plate, no 6th gear, no big tank. It's falling pretty short from other options out there. I don't get it..

[@nathanbanks7091]

It's sad that the Japanese abandoned 2 stroke development. I wonder if they now regret their decision. The sport of enduro and all of its offshoot races are absolutely dominated by European two strokes.

[@miketursky1410]

I'm getting old, so I want this bike with E-start and a sixth gear. If they do that I will sell my KTM.

[@sekacity3425]

If you're too frail and weak to kick start a bike maybe you should get an e-trike and tote your dog around on it with a flag on the back. I'm 57 and I have zero problems kick starting it. And if 90 MPH isn't good enough for you on dirt with the 5 gears provided then I doubt you have the upper body strenghth to hang on anyway .

[@miketursky1410]

@@sekacity3425 need and want are two different things. 63 and hanging with the 30yr olds.

[@shaynesantos5121]

Seems like you are haters on the yz go make a Honda video. Middle finger to this

[@michaelj.kastner5165]

except for wide open desert, nothing is better than a MX bike in the woods/trails !!!

[@rafaelamelo4619]

Boa

[@oo0Spyder0oo]

Looks like KTM nailed it over the x, electric start, fuel injection etc, Yamaha have sat on their laurels for too long.

[@jamesdunn4751]

Where's the gas tank?

[@MrGuvEuroman]

So the X is a YZ250 for girls? It’s softened out, I want the power to come in harsher, all or nothing.

[@MrCarbera]

Stupid comment, come ride some trails around here on a motocross 2 stroke, you’ll be picking it up every 2 minutes.

[@stephangiannoulidis509]

Reviewing an enduro bike on a MX track eems stupid...

[@glenndanzigg712]

How about a ride on some single track?? Damn yo, poor review

[@sekacity3425]

Ther are a million of them doing just that. I guess you would be the one saying " Hey, bring this to a Motocross track to make it well balanced , yo? What a poor review. "

[@joecro1453]

Yamaha is so fucking lame

[@mecalpsha4473]

*KTM* it is well worth it and NEW

[@youtubeaccount9058]

No e-start, no sale.

[@youtubeaccount9058]

@mark b Hmmm, a TPI I guess? I have a 2018 300xc (carb'd) and I can kickstart and run it fine with the battery disconnected, I've done it.

[@sekacity3425]

Yeah, Yamaha doesn't care about your wallet or opinions either way , they can't keep these on the floor as it is.

[@youtubeaccount9058]

@@sekacity3425 All the dealers and manufacturers have it easy right now and are spoiled rotten. It won't last forever.