The 250cc four-stroke motocross division is one of the most competitive classes in all of motorcycling, and it’s fair to say that Yamaha is at the head of the class with the YZ250F. The blue machine has managed to stay at the head of shootouts and comparisons, as well as dominate the AMA Supercross and Pro Motocross ranks at the hands of young phenom Haiden Deegan.
For 2025, the mighty YZ250F sees only modest changes, but still stands apart from the 250F field with its reversed cylinder head design, downdraft air intake system, and the Kayaba SSS (speed-sensitive suspension) 48mm fork. Revised suspension settings, updated rear linkage, and a new handlebar switch block design are among the only changes of note for 2025.
A big strength of the Yamaha YZ family is its smartphone connectivity by way of the Yamaha Power Tuner app, which puts the power of engine tuning right in your hand. It lends to the versatility of the YZ platform, but a beginner bike, this is not. The YZ250F features powerful, fast-revving torque designed to dominate the motocross track, and long-travel suspension to soak up big jumps and help you slingshot through turns on your way to the checkered flag.
The 2025 Yamaha YZ250F is available in Yamaha blue for $8899 and a black Monster Energy Edition for $9099.
- Honda CRF250R, $8299
- KTM 250 SX-F, $10,399
- Kawasaki KX250, $8999