Scoop test: 2021 Yamaha YZ250F
Both in the World Championship and in the US, Yamaha is achieving great results in the 250cc categories. The 2021 YZ250F, the latest evolution of Yamaha's inverted cylinder head technology, is therefore considered the cream of the crop in the MX2. Very curious, we went to France to put this new blue cannon through its paces.
Since 2014, the brand has achieved the right flow with the crossed tuning forks with their typical inverted cylinder head. Okay, in 2010 the concept was first used in the YZ450, but it had quite a few shortcomings. A completely redesigned four-stroke engine, coupled with an excellent new frame, put Yamaha back on the road to success in 2014.
As is the case for every brand, the development of the MX1 and MX2 engines often runs together. For the 2018-2019 model years, Yamaha worked on an even more precise chassis for the YZ250F and YZ450F with improvements in suspension and more powerful engines and an electric starter. Add to that the much-praised Yamaha Power Tuner app that allows you to quickly and easily adjust the ignition characteristics and mappings with a smartphone and you notice that Hamamatsu certainly does not sit still in the MX field.
Latest list of improvements
After a while we had to silence our test driver Rodrigo for a while. The list of improvements for the 2021 YZ250F became very long. For the new model year, the focus was on better mid-range and top-end performance, greater handling and balanced, predictable responses at high speed. The brakes were also overhauled, while Yamaha's MX2 engine visually matched the factory engines.
An overview of the most remarkable new features:
- The air filter box has been redesigned, allowing 9% more air supply. The airbox itself is also larger, while the air filter was taken over from the YZ450F. The air filter cover was replaced by two new air ducts that improve air flow, which in turn has a beneficial effect on the response at higher speeds.
- The engine's power feel - from the mid-range to where the rev limiter intervenes - has been refined and improved by a new exhaust camshaft with a revised profile that reduces valve overlap.
- New exhaust system that made the engine quieter.
- Reinforcements for the gearbox.
- Reinforcements in various places in the chassis: 20% thicker walls in the side arms of the frame while the lower square tubes of the cradle construction became 14% thicker.
- In particular, the engine's mountings in the frame are critical in terms of a dirt bike's reactions to certain obstacles. That's why Yamaha reconsidered the entire concept in this area. The upper supports are made of steel and the lower ones are made of an aluminum alloy.
- Further refinements to the Kayaba front fork and shock absorber.
- The redesigned front brake caliper is 30% stiffer than before and uses larger diameter pistons and newly designed brake pads. A new 270mm front brake disc also increases the contact area by 16% without increasing weight. The rear brake caliper design is also new. Together with a new 240 mm rear brake disc, this system offers the same braking power, while weighing 120 grams less.
After Jago Geerts
In short, Yamaha's engineers have not been sitting idle. Time for us to unleash the Jago Geerts / Maxime Renaux / Ben Watson / Dylan Ferrandis / Justin Cooper / Shane McElrath in us. To be honest, we were impressed by the evolution.
On a typical French track we were presented with conditions that introduced us to very different challenges. The track was perfect in the morning, we plowed through the rain for two to three hours, and halfway through the afternoon the surface was perfect again. So don't say that journalists always have it easy!
Where the Yamaha YZ250F mainly makes the difference against its Japanese competitors Honda and Kawasaki is in terms of the engine block. The 2021 MX Yam does not need to receive lessons from anyone in terms of pure performance. Stronger than ever, this dirt bike shines especially in the mid-range and is certainly impressive at high revs. In fact, it just keeps running fast and always makes a lot of progress when you are at a lower speed.
Handy powerhouse
What makes it enjoyable for every rider is the fact that that power is also released in a predictable and controllable manner. Even on tricky, technical sections, the 2021 YZ250F won't embarrass you. Even when there is little grip and you have to look for traction. If you see it at work at the start, it also appears that it is one of the most powerful 250cc's on the market. As far as I'm concerned, this engine offers the best feeling in the mid and top range. At the bottom he always has an accessible character, although there is clearly some powder in there too!
The clutch did not make any mistakes, although we did drive in extreme conditions through the mud. Changing gears is not only a piece of cake, it is also done with a lot of precision. Good job!
In terms of bicycle components, Yamaha mainly confirms the good things that we are used to. Read a neutral chassis with predictable responses that is also very stable. In terms of suspension, the little brother of the YZ450F can count on a proven recipe. Both in terms of small bumps and larger shocks and in terms of general comfort, the YZ250F scores best in the MX2 class. What's more, the difference with its competitors became even greater in this area!
The GYTR evolutione
While GYTR used to be a purely American affair, there has also been close cooperation with the European racing department for several years. Traditionally, the responsibility of factory Yamaha engines in the US lay with GYTR. However, GYTR's special stuff is also increasingly available to regular customers.
To this end, GYTR works closely with departments in the US and Europe. On the occasion of this press introduction, we were able to try a GYTR engine with a fully modified GYTR cylinder head, a complete exhaust line and a range of other GYTR parts.
In that GYTR version, the engine - not exactly childish in the standard 2021 YZ250F - makes a big impression. What power! That power is released a little less predictably but more abruptly and elastically. It's hard for me to describe it any other way! And be warned, this is not everyone's cup of tea. Depending on your level, ambitions and the type of circuits you drive on, this is certainly an interesting option for those who want more, but as far as we are concerned, the regular production version already has a lot to offer.
Prices 2021 Yamaha YZ250F (both for the Netherlands and Belgium)
YZ250F: €8.899
YZ250F Monster edition: €9.099
Click here for the prices of the other new Yamaha models
Tekst: Rodrigo castro
GALLERY's: Yamaha MotorEurope
Also to read
Jago Geerts: “I want to come back to Lommel”
Jago Geerts is working hard to bounce back from an injury he sustained in early March during the opening race of the 2024 MXGP World Championship in Argentina. The Belgian, who at…Andrea Bonacorsi on his move to MXGP: “That was the most difficult decision of my life”
Reigning EMX250 Champion, Andrea Bonacorsi, will move to the Monster Energy Yamaha Factory MXGP Team for the remainder of the 2024 FIM Motocross World Championship season, replacing…Entry lists MXGP of Portugal
The Motocross World Championship will continue next weekend with the fifth race on the MXGP calendar. In Agueda, Portugal, in addition to MXGP and MX2, the boys from EMX250 and EMX125 will also compete…Tom Vialle is chasing the US title
There is one race left in the US East Coast Supercross Championship. It will take place in two weeks in Salt Lake City, the city that has become accustomed to…
Your reactions