A couple of years ago, as industry observers were getting impatient waiting for rival Japanese manufacturers to announce something competitive with Yamaha’s YZ400/426 design, it was Yamaha that, once again, sprang a surprise on all of us. By announcing the YZ250F, Yamaha proved it could stay at least one step ahead of the competition, and keep all of us guessing. In many respects, the YZ250F came out of left field — as we were all focusing on “400 class” four-stroke motocross machines.
The 250F was an instant, smash hit, and for good reason. Legal in the 125 class here in the United States, it offered far superior torque and rideability. It also turned out to be a great “vet class” machine, where riders 30 years old, and older, can ride any machine they desire. Before they answered the challenge of the 400/426, Yamaha’s competitors had an entirely new target to aim for.
Fast forward to the present, and Yamaha is still the only player in the four-stroke 250 motocross game with product readily available “on the shelf” for customer purchase. Having caught the competition napping, you might expect Yamaha to leave the 250F alone (it never stopped flying out of dealer showrooms), but it didn’t. The 2003 YZ250F is dramatically changed from last year’s model. Too many changes to list in this article, for sure.
The highlights were discussed in our preview article dated June 13, 2002, and include a 6.6 pound weight reduction, an automatic decompression system that makes starting the bike far easier, redesigned ergonomics that include a slimmer, smoother body and a lighter, stronger main frame.
The engine doesn’t just start easier, it contains countless changes designed to improve reliability and performance, as well. One area Yamaha felt the need to beef up was the crankshaft, which has been redesigned for 2003. In fact, the crank web diameter, crank pin diameter, bearing diameter and crank taper diameter are all larger versus the 2002 model. Power is increased at the rear wheel due to many subtle changes designed to reduce friction and reduce pumping losses.
New suspension settings compliment the lighter weight, and weight distribution changes resulting from the new ergonomics. The smaller fuel tank loses some fuel capacity (down to 1.8 gallons this year).
We have only spent a short while riding the 2003 YZ250F, and will post a Part Two to this ride review after many more laps, and reports from riders of various skill levels. Our immediate impression, however, is that Yamaha has substantially improved the YZ250F.
The 6.6 pound weight reduction, coupled with the narrower ergonomics, give the new bike a much lighter, more flickable feel than last year’s model. Indeed, the 2003 YZ250F feels almost as light as a 125 in the air.
The bike still corners like it is on rails. Yamaha four-strokes have a fair amount of engine braking, but this creates wheel bite in corners, and a “connected” feel on the track.
We are still playing with suspension settings, but it is clear that Yamaha has dialed the 2003 YZ250F in quite well. Combining excellent bottoming resistance with a plush feel over square edged bumps, the suspension feels like it has already been to an after market suspension specialist. Both ends of the bike (particularly, the fork) are a bit stiff during the first few rides, so don’t judge your bike until it is broken in.
The motor was always the real gem in the YZ250F, and this is true with the 2003 model, as well. Indeed, the bike seems to pull a little bit harder everywhere, and pull more smoothly, as well. Where the older model seemed to have a dip in the mid-range power delivery, before pulling strong on top, the new bike is much more linear. It has a very light flywheel effect, and revs super quick.
Although we are already impressed with Yamaha’s new generation YZ250F, stay tuned for a more thorough analysis in Part Two.
