Cycle News is a weekly magazine that covers all aspects of motorcycling including Supercross, Motocross and MotoGP as well as new motorcycles
Issue link: https://magazine.cyclenews.com/i/1519483
P116 RIDE REVIEW I 2024 YAMAHA YZ250X department. When it comes to the tradition- al "X rider," I picture someone who predomi- nantly rides and races off-road but doesn't want to say no when their buddies want to hit the motocross track for the day. Again, the higher-speed terrains out West might beg for some stiffening of the clickers, but the stock YZX suspension checked my box for comfort and performance on the East Coast. The YZ250X undoubtedly put a smile on my face, but that didn't mean I didn't have a few gripes, like the manual kickstarter. If it had an electric starter, the YZ250X would be even more appealing to off-road racers and casual trail riders. That's just how it is now; very few want to kickstart their motor- cycles anymore. I know I don't. Fuel capacity is on the small side, at 1.8 gallons, so you must plan your trail rides and races carefully. At least it has a petcock with reserve to give you warning. The YZ250X that I rode was fitted with handguards, but yours will come without them. It's a Yamaha thing. My gripes, however, are easy fixes, but it would be nice if we didn't have to since we know these things have been addressed with the Europe-only Italian-made Fantic EX 300. The EX 300 is essentially a big-bore YZ250 that comes from the factory already fitted with e-start, a 2.37-gallon tank and handguards, not to mention fuel injection, dual engine maps, traction control and a hydraulic clutch. Could a YZ300X be around the corner? Don't hold your breath, but wouldn't that be nice? However, Yamaha gives you plenty of choices if you plan to "hop up" your YZ250X via its Genuine Yamaha Technology Rac - ing Catalog, where you can find seemingly hundreds of race-caliber accessory parts for your X that are built by Yamaha. The bottom line is that it's hard not to have fun on the 2024 YZ250X, especially with its fast yet refreshingly smooth engine that makes the bike capable off-road while still maintaining its moto-inspired bones. CN 2024 YAMAHA YZ250X ($8099) ENGINE TYPE: Reed-valve inducted, 2-stroke, single DISPLACEMENT: 249cc BORE X STROKE: 66.4 × 72.0mm COOLING SYSTEM: Liquid STARTING SYSTEM: Kickstarter COMPRESSION RATIO: 7.9-9.4:1 FUELING: Keihin PWK38S TRANSMISSION: Constant-mesh 5-speed; multiplate wet clutch FRONT SUSPENSION: KYB SSS REAR SUSPENSION: KYB single shock, with linkage FRONT-WHEEL TRAVEL: 11.8 in. REAR-WHEEL TRAVEL: 12.4 in. FRONT WHEEL: 21 in. REAR WHEEL: 18 in. FRONT BRAKE: 270mm REAR BRAKE: 240mm FRONT TIRE: 80/100-21 Dunlop Geomax MX33F REAR TIRE: 110/100-18 Dunlop Geomax MX33 RAKE: 27.7° SEAT HEIGHT: 38.4 in. GROUND CLEARANCE: 14.2 in. FUEL CAPACITY: 1.8 gal. WEIGHT (CURB): 229 lbs. S P E C I F I C AT I O N S