Motorcycle specifications YamahaYZ 250 2023 Shock waves

The 2-stroke is on borrowed time....... but it's still going strong. The YZ 250 bears witness to this, as Yamaha renews its confidence in it for 2023. The evolution of this successful motocross bike continues. The current version boasts ultra-slim bodywork that refines its profile to make it one of the most dynamic motorcycles on the market. But the model represents much more than just a cosmetic makeover from the previous generation. More powerful braking, revised suspension, lightweight components and a high-efficiency intake system are just some of the specifications.

ultra-slim cladding and rectilinear silhouette

The YZ two-and-a-half features ultra-narrow bodywork, similar to the design used on the YZ 125, and a rectilinear silhouette that gives the bike an aggressive, assertive look. The fuel tank and radiators reduce the space between the rider's knees, enhancing mobility, while the compact bodywork offers a feeling of lightness and agility that reinforces the model's athletic character.

flatter seat

In addition to its narrower bodywork, the YZ 250 benefits from a flatter seat surface, which improves ergonomics and facilitates and accelerates front-to-rear weight transfer. The rear mudguard and side covers improve air intake efficiency. The front mudguard has a sharper, more dynamic appearance, while the side covers and rear mudguard have been redesigned to improve air intake efficiency. Larger rear vents are integrated into the side covers, and the underside of the seat and the shape of the top of the rear mudguard are designed to optimize airflow. The resulting intake efficiency enhances high-speed performance. To match the air intake, the big YZ is equipped with an exhaust system whose shape has been revised and dimensions modified.

lighter, more powerful front and rear brakes

The 250 YZ is equipped with a powerful braking system that offers enhanced performance and feel while reducing weight. The 270 mm front disc is the same diameter as on the previous model, but thanks to the installation of a stiffer caliper and larger-diameter pistons (25.4 mm), the braking system benefits from a 30% greater pad contact area. Greater caliper rigidity and pad surface area deliver exceptional stopping power and precise feel for fingertip braking. The rear brake has also been upgraded with the installation of a 240 mm disc slightly smaller in diameter - by 5 mm - and a newly designed caliper that offers the same pad contact area and braking performance as the previous model, while saving almost 100 gr.

revised suspension parameters

The YZ 250's 48 mm KYB SSS fork and KYB Monocross pushrod rear suspension are industry benchmarks. Since 2022, the factory settings have been revised to further improve low-speed damping characteristics.

weight-saving components

Further small but significant weight savings have been achieved through the use of a different clutch lever and a new ring gear.

yZ 250 Monster Energy Yamaha Racing Edition

For 2022 and 2023, Yamaha is launching a YZ 250 Monster Energy Yamaha Racing Edition, finished in Monster Black colors and with factory-inspired motifs that make this legendary motocrosser even more attractive on the track and in the paddock. This is the first time this exclusive color and pattern package has been offered on this machine. It is inspired by the bikes of the Monster Energy Yamaha Factory MXGP and MX2 teams. The technical specifications of the YZ 250 and YZ 250 Monster Energy Yamaha Racing Edition remain the same.

yZ 250 highlights

- YPVS 250 cm3 two-stroke liquid-cooled engine
-lightweight aluminum chassis
- High-efficiency air intake
-Redesigned exhaust
- Narrower bodywork: 36 mm extra space between knees
-improved ergonomics with fuel tank and flatter seat
-more powerful braking system
-revised KYB factory suspension settings
- Lighter handlebars and shorter levers
- Also available in Monster Black factory colors

News credit: Yamaha France
Photo credit: Yamaha USA