2026Yamaha YZ250

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The 2026 Yamaha YZ250 is a competitive 249cc liquid-cooled 2-stroke designed for intermediate to advanced motocross racers seeking aggressive power delivery and precision handling. Known for its potent peak power and responsive throttle character, this machine excels in technical terrain and demanding race conditions. Its lightweight 227-pound platform and compact dimensions deliver the agility and control serious off-road competitors demand.

Capacity: 249.0 ccm
Engine: Single, two-stroke
Gearbox: 5-speed
Dry weight: 96.2 kg
Seat height: 975 mm
Power: 46.0 HP (34.3 kW)

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Other years 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025 2026 2027

How it rides

Editorial estimate from the spec sheet - not lab tested

Off-road & trail98%

Cornering85%

City riding5%

Daily riding8%

Touring8%

Two-up0%

Track90%

Best for: Built purely for motocross track riding and competitive off-road racing, not for general transportation.
Built for: A raw, punchy two-stroke motocrosser that rewards aggressive riding, precise clutch and throttle control, and delivers explosive mid-to-top-end power with razor-sharp agility.
Not ideal for: Not suitable for commuting, highway travel, passengers, or riders wanting plush comfort and low-maintenance simplicity.

Scores are derived from the spec sheet using the same model across every bike, so they compare like for like.

Will it fit you?

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Your height

Inseam (optional)

Units

At 975mm, a rider of 68.9" with a 31" (estimated) inseam will not reach the ground comfortably on the 2026 Yamaha YZ250, with a cramped knee angle of around 85 degrees and an upright riding position.

Assumes about 30mm of suspension sag once seated. This is an approximation from category-typical geometry, not a measurement of this bike or of you - sit on one before you buy.

More bikes at over 900 mm — Sky High →

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Full specifications

Engine

Capacity: 249.0 ccm
Power: 46.0 HP (34.3 kW)
Engine type: Single, two-stroke
Power/weight ratio: 0.4782 HP/kg (dry)
Bore x stroke: 66.4 x 72.0 mm
Compression: 10.6:1
Cooling system: Liquid
Fuel system: Carburettor
Starting: Electric
Ignition: CDI
Lubrication system: Premix

Transmission

Gearbox: 5-speed
Transmission type: Manual
Final drive: Chain
Clutch: Multiplate, wet

Dimensions & weight

Wheelbase: 1486 mm
Overall length: 2185 mm
Overall width: 825 mm
Overall height: 1290 mm
Seat height: 975 mm
Dry weight: 96.2 kg
Wet weight: 103.0 kg
Fuel capacity: 6.80 litres
Ground clearance: 360 mm
Oil capacity: 0.80 litres

Chassis & suspension

Frame: Semi-double cradle, aluminium
Front suspension: KYB® Speed-Sensitive System inverted fork; fully adjustable
Rear suspension: KYB® single shock; fully adjustable
Front wheel travel: 300 mm
Rear wheel travel: 315 mm
Rake (fork angle): 27.7°
Trail: 122 mm

Brakes & wheels

Front brakes: Single disc. Hydraulic
Front brakes diameter: 270 mm
Rear brakes: Single disc. Hydraulic
Rear brakes diameter: 245 mm
Front tyre: 80/100-21
Rear tyre: 110/90-19

Other

Comments: Power is a Motocross Action dyno figure; Yamaha does not publish one for the YZ250.

Specs last verified against published sources: October 2026.

Compiled from manufacturer documentation and user contributions, corrected on an ongoing basis. Spotted something wrong? Tell us.

What changed, year to year

Differences highlighted

Specification	2002	2008	2015	2021	2026	2027
Capacity	249 cc	249 cc	249 cc	249 cc	249 cc	249 cc
Dry weight	98 kg	96 kg	96 kg	96 kg	96 kg	96 kg
Seat height	990 mm	993 mm	993 mm	970 mm	975 mm	975 mm
Fuel capacity	7.9 L	7.9 L	8 L	8 L	6.8 L	6.8 L