2004Yamaha YZ250

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The 2004 Yamaha YZ 250 is a lightweight motocross machine designed for intermediate to advanced riders seeking sharp handling and competitive performance. Powered by a liquid-cooled 249cc two-stroke engine, it delivers aggressive power delivery ideal for racing and technical terrain. Known for its nimble chassis and responsive character, the YZ 250 remains a benchmark middleweight in the motocross class.

Capacity: 249.0 ccm
Engine: Single, two-stroke
Gearbox: 5-speed
Dry weight: 97.0 kg
Seat height: 990 mm
Power: 46.0 HP (34.3 kW)

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What’s new for the 2004 Yamaha YZ250

vs the 2003

Spec	2003	2004
Compression	8.8:1	9.0:1

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%

Cornering60%

City riding5%

Daily riding5%

Touring5%

Two-up0%

Track40%

Best for: Built exclusively for motocross racing and rough off-road riding, not for street use or commuting.
Built for: A raw, lightweight, high-revving two-stroke that rewards aggressive, active riding with explosive acceleration out of corners and razor-sharp handling.
Not ideal for: Not suitable for new riders, road use, passengers, or anyone wanting comfort, storage, or long-distance touring capability.

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 990mm, a rider of 175cm with a 79cm (estimated) inseam will not reach the ground comfortably on the 2004 Yamaha YZ250, with a moderate knee angle of around 90 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: 0.4742 HP/kg (dry)
Bore x stroke: 66.4 x 72.0 mm
Compression: 9.0:1
Cooling system: Liquid
Fuel system: Carburettor
Starting: Electric
Ignition: CDI
Lubrication system: Dry sump

Transmission

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

Dimensions & weight

Wheelbase: 1485 mm
Overall length: 2182 mm
Overall width: 827 mm
Overall height: 1302 mm
Seat height: 990 mm
Dry weight: 97.0 kg
Wet weight: 103.9 kg
Fuel capacity: 7.90 litres
Ground clearance: 391 mm
Oil capacity: 0.80 litres

Chassis & suspension

Frame: Aluminium
Front suspension: Telescopic fork
Rear suspension: Swinging arm (Monocross)
Front wheel travel: 300 mm
Rear wheel travel: 315 mm
Rake (fork angle): 26.0°
Trail: 109 mm

Brakes & wheels

Front brakes: Single disc
Front brakes diameter: 250 mm
Rear brakes: Single disc
Rear brakes diameter: 245 mm
Front tyre: 80/90-21
Rear tyre: 110/90-19

Other

Color options: Blue
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	2004	2008	2015	2021	2027
Capacity	249 cc	249 cc	249 cc	249 cc	249 cc	249 cc
Dry weight	98 kg	97 kg	96 kg	96 kg	96 kg	96 kg
Seat height	990 mm	990 mm	993 mm	993 mm	970 mm	975 mm
Fuel capacity	7.9 L	7.9 L	7.9 L	8 L	8 L	6.8 L