YZ250

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The YZ250 is a 2-stroke motocross race bike from Yamaha. Launched in the 1970s, it won the World 250cc Motocross Championship in 1973, ridden by factory rider Hakan Andersson.(Source: FIM)

Over the years the YZ250 has been constantly updated, with a major engine and chassis redesign usually introduced every three to five years.

The YZ250 2-stroke was one of the leading contenders in Supercross during the 1980s and 1990s before the new generation of 4-stroke race bikes became dominant in recent years. The YZ250 received a revival in 2005 with a new motor and chassis. Yamaha released its first aluminum framed YZ250 in 2005, along with the YZ125. However, the YZ has remained cosmetically unchanged since 2002. The only cosmetic updates have been a new front fender and front numberplate introduced in 2006. Yamaha Motor Company plans to stop production of the YZ250 in 2010.

Today the new generation of 4-stroke motocross bikes from Yamaha (and other Japanese and European manufacturers) are dominant in Supercross and Motocross. However, the YZ250 2-stroke, and other manufacturers' 2-strokes, are still popular with racers and play riders thanks to their lighter weight, lower running and purchase costs and mechanical simplicity. Two-strokes are most popular among freestylers and avid harescramble racers due to their lightweight and throttle response.