2008Yamaha YZ250

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The 2008 Yamaha YZ250 is a competitive two-stroke motocross bike designed for intermediate to advanced riders seeking lightweight agility and responsive power delivery. Known for its potent 249cc single-cylinder engine and exceptional maneuverability, it excels in tight track sections and technical terrain. The liquid-cooled powerplant and 5-speed transmission deliver the performance needed for serious racing.

Capacity: 249.0 ccm
Engine: Single, two-stroke
Gearbox: 5-speed
Dry weight: 96.2 kg
Seat height: 993 mm
Power: 46.0 HP (34.3 kW)

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What’s new for the 2008 Yamaha YZ250

vs the 2007

Spec	2007	2008
Front suspension	Telescopic Fork, coil spring/oil damper, 11.8´	Speed-Sensitive System inverted fork
Rear suspension	Swingarm (link, suspension), coil spring/gas-oil damper, 12.4´	Fully adjustable single shock, 12.4-in travel

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 993mm, a rider of 68.9" with a 31" (estimated) inseam will not reach the ground comfortably on the 2008 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: 0.4782 HP/kg (dry)
Bore x stroke: 66.4 x 72.0 mm
Compression: 9.2:1
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: 1481 mm
Overall length: 2177 mm
Overall width: 828 mm
Overall height: 1306 mm
Seat height: 993 mm
Dry weight: 96.2 kg
Wet weight: 103.9 kg
Fuel capacity: 7.90 litres
Ground clearance: 381 mm
Oil capacity: 0.80 litres

Chassis & suspension

Frame: Aluminium
Front suspension: Speed-Sensitive System inverted fork
Rear suspension: Fully adjustable single shock, 12.4-in travel
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: 80/80-M21
Rear tyre: 110/90-M19

Other

Comments: Power is a Motocross Action dyno figure; Yamaha does not publish one for the YZ250.
Modifications compared to previous model: 500 grams off the front end makes this the quickest turning, best-handling YZ250 ever.

Specs last verified against published sources: October 2026.