RIDE REVIEW I 2024 YAMAHA YZ250F
P86
WHAT'S NEW?
The 2024 YZ250F isn't totally
new. Its much-loved motor re-
turns virtually unchanged. Frank-
ly, it didn't need anything. The
frame
and chassis, however, are
a whole different story. It now
has the same slim frame that its
bigger YZ450F brother got last
year. The skinnier frame comes
with new, sharper bodywork,
a rounded seat, and a more
streamlined airbox. The battery
tray and subframe have also
been consolidated. The new
chassis is designed to rid the
bike of its wide front end and
feel more like you're sitting "in"
the bike rather than "on" it. The
bike is also 2.5 pounds lighter
than last year's at a claimed 233
pounds wet.
As mentioned, Yamaha left well
enough alone with the motor, but
they did beef up the cam chain
and tweaked the air intake area to
go along with the new bodywork.
FOR BETTER
OR FOR WORSE
The slimmed-down chassis is
immediately evident, and the
new ergos feel spot on. The
cockpit is neutral and comfort-
able for my six-foot frame.
Compared
to last year, the rider
triangle has increased by 10mm
with a flatter, taller seat (five
millimeters) and optional bar
positions for cockpit customiza-
tion. My biggest takeaway came
from
the redesigned shrouds
and airbox. Before, the YZ's front
end pushed your knees outward.
Now, the cockpit feels racey and
thin, allowing the rider to move
around in a much freer nature.
The round seat feels more ag
-
gressive than the '23, but it took
me a
little while to get used to
the new shape.
The retro 50th Anniversary
YZ250F is a looker. It's
still available in traditional
Yamaha Racing blue.
