The '06 YZ250 was the first 250cc two-stroke I've ever ridden. There was so much snap it was scary to ride at first. Without a doubt it is the quickest bike I have ever ridden, and I've ridden bigger bikes including 450 four-strokes and 500s. The power was there as soon as you cracked the throttle; there was no lag, just go, best from the bottom to the mid. Although the bike's light weight seemed to let it dance around a bit under me, I still felt confident. The only adjustments we made were tightening the head stem and pulling the handlebar back a little to where I liked it. The switch to a Dunlop D756 was a huge plus, especially with the varied dirt at Glen Helen and I-5MX. The only problem I had was my boot would catch on the right number plate; besides that everything felt awesome.Tyler Ruiz 5'8"/16O lb/125 Novice
Yamaha YZ250
What's New
* S3 fork
* Rear shock with titanium spring
* Triple clamps with adjustable handlebar position
* Seat
* Swingarm with improved rigidity
* Front fender and number plate
* Rear tire
* Quick-adjust clutch
* Front brake lever
* Rear brake pads and caliper
What's Hot
* The YZ's motor is still a super-sweet package. It is as close to perfect two-stroke power as we've felt on a stock bike.
* Upgrading the suspension is just what this bike needed.
* The suspension pays dividends across the performance spectrum in handling and hookup.
* A small injection of styling in the new front fender and front number plate.
* Reversible top clamp makes for a bigger rider compartment.
* Durability on the YZs has been great; look for that to continue.
* Yamaha has lots of great buyer's programs, a parts fiche on the Internet and YamaBucks!
What's Not
* Some people think the style police needs to issue the YZ250 a fix-it ticket.
* The handlebar bend is a little cramped for larger riders, even with the two-position bar clamp.
* Do I pour more oil in my gas than you drain out of your engine?
Specifications
MSRP: $6199
Claimed dry weight: 211 lb
Actual weight (ready to ride, no gas): 220 lb
Seat height: 37.2 in.
Fuel capacity: 2.1 gal.