Opinions
After just one moto I got a pretty good feeling for the good and bad of the YZ250F. I liked the power throughout all gears; it seemed like it never stopped pulling or rarely hit the rev-limiter. The bike seemed good at cornering, though the suspension wasn't the best and bounced around. It was hard to get into and stay in ruts going through corners. I really liked the way the bike felt in the air. It seemed like no matter what, the bike did what you wanted it to. For instance, while the wind was blowing hard, the bike flew through it like a knife into butter and it didn't scare me. One major thing I noticed was the clutch; it was very smooth and felt hydraulic! Lastly, I really liked the bike height; the distances from pegs to bar and seat to bar were perfect. With a little suspension touch-ups, the bike would be solid for me!-Chris Dvoracek/5'11"/165 lb/Intermediate
The 2007 Yamaha's chassis is one of the standout features on the blue 250F. For my size, weight and riding style, the frame seems to have the perfect amount of flex and balance to it-no more rigidity issues here, as far as I'm concerned. This accounts for a smooth, planted feeling around the track, one that is exemplified in rougher sections and through hard hits. I liked the suspension on both fronts; not a lot of tweaking was necessary to find a good setting for me. In stock form, the YZ-F's fork should be more than adequate to meet the demands of any averaged-sized rider. As far as the motor goes, the Yamaha does a good job of hooking up and putting power to the ground; the engine carries a slightly slow-revving, almost modified feel, but it gets the job done. As a package, I found the YZ-F to be consistent and impressive, and I'm definitely looking forward to spending more time in the saddle of this middleweight thumper.-Chris Denison/5'10"/155 lb/Intermediate
While the motor on this YZ250F did not jump out and impress me, sort of the same effect the 2007 YZ450 had on a lot of riders, I wouldn't hold back the bike for that. But what is improved is the weight feel and the bike's agility on the track. I didn't have the same steering issues in '06 with the 250F as I did with the 450F, but the new thumper feels just fine with plenty of weight on the front giving it a good bite and lots of feel. That and the stock Dunlop 739 front tire, which has lately fallen from grace. Seems the repositioning of the engine lets the bike feel lighter in side-to-side movement and in the air. To me, the engine feels flat, especially on the bottom and again at the top-end. It might just be the right power for grabbing traction, but it also seems lackluster in comparison with some of the other bikes in the class that have really stepped up in the engine game. I don't think this is a mandatory upgrade year for a YZ250F owner if you have an '06, but if you are still on a steel frame, get on this one, then the improvement is huge.-Jimmy Lewis/5'10"/180 lb/Vet Pro
Specifications
MSRP: $6149 ($6249 in white/silver)
Claimed dry weight: 204 lb
Actual weight (ready to ride, no fuel): 216 lb
Seat height: 37.3 in.
Seat-to-footpeg distance: 20.9 in.
What's Hot
* Handling issues solved.
* Rare combination of light weight, precise controllability and stability.
* Quieter exhaust system.
What's Not
* Power delivery is too mellow off bottom for some and signs off too early for most.
* These radiator shrouds grab at some riders' boots.