Two-strokes aren't dead. Let me repeat that: Two-stroke dirt bikes-those wonderfully fun machines that are fondly known for chugging mixed gas, singing at high rpm ranges and leaving a trail of sweet-smelling blue smoke-aren't going anywhere. At least, the blue ones aren't. How do we know? Because Yamaha told us two-strokes are going to be around for a while. In fact, here's an actual quote from Yamaha's Off-Road Media Relations Manager, Tim Olson: "Two-strokes are going to be around for a while." See? There really isn't anything to worry about. But just to be sure, we went out and rode the heck out of the 2010 YZ250 two-stroke. Here's a shakedown of the top five things that we learned from several days of hammering the big blue Zinger:
1. Yamaha really is committed to two-strokes. This was made evident by the fact it held an actual press intro for the YZ250, rather than just driving past the back of the Dirt Rider shop and chucking the bike out like a newspaper. A look at Yamaha's history only verifies its claims of support for the two-stroke product, as the company's very first motorcycle was a 125cc two-stroke built in 1955 (and it didn't even make a four-stroke until 15 years later!). And although Yamaha may have all but pioneered the Asian side of the four-stroke motocross movement, it has also continued to renovate its two-stroke line to match the growing technology found in the sport.
2. If it ain't broke, give it bold new graphics. At least, this seems to be Yamaha's formula. In truth, the 2010 YZ250 doesn't feature any wild new technology-you still have to jet the carburetor, for goodness sake-and the only two differences between the '09 and 2010 models are (a) the right radiator shroud graphic and (b) the left radiator shroud graphic. But even without an impressive list of revisions, the YZ250 is an addictive little package due to its potent motor, predictable handling and wholly universal application. We had a wide variety of testers moto this bike, from vet off-road guys to young, hungry pro racers, and everyone agreed the YZ doesn't need to be revamped each year in order to be completely awesome.
3. This motor rips. If you haven't ridden a two-stroke in a while, the YZ250's powerplant might surprise you. Not only does the bike produce a more-than-acceptable dose of "get 'r done!" but it does so with phenomenal jetting. Off the bottom, the Yami clocks in with a crisp, strong lug that slowly builds into clean, powerful pulling once you get on the pipe. The transitions throughout the various steps in the powerband are excellent, and the response and delivery are both well tuned and entirely controllable. A total novice can hop on this machine and feel safe with (although respectful of) the power, while a lifetime pro will still get his or her kicks with the 250 in completely stock trim. The solid pull continues throughout the midrange before arriving in the barky high-end revs and, finally, signing off. Although the performance of the motor isn't maxed out in stock form-you will read about some positive aftermarket exhaust modifications in our pipe comparison on page 78, and we've had great luck with a Moto Tassinari VForce3 on this bike-there is still a lot to be said for how well it works right out of the box.