Dirt Bikes

2026 Yamaha YZ250F Technical Overview

Features and specifications of Yamaha’s 250cc four-stroke motocross bike for 2026.

Updated: February 18, 2026

Following the move to a new-generation platform in 2024 and a handful of revisions for 2025, Yamaha’s YZ250F boasts one mechanical change for 2026 in the form of an ECU lock to help deter theft. Radiator shroud graphics and fork guard color also differ from the 2025 model, and those who want something other than Team Yamaha Blue have the option to go with the 70th Anniversary Edition version, which differs only in appearance via white and red speed block livery, black rims, and gray valve cover and ignition cover bolts. Read on to learn more about the 2026 Yamaha YZ250F and stay tuned to see how it stacks up against six other machines in our 2026 250F Motocross Shootout.

An ECU lock is the one and only update Yamaha’s YZ250F receives for 2026.Jeff Allen

Its fuel-injected liquid-cooled DOHC four-stroke 250cc single-cylinder engine is good for 39.5 hp and 18.4 lb.-ft. of torque at the rear wheel, as measured by the Dirt Rider dyno.Jeff Allen

A rather large muffler opening contributes to Yamaha having the loudest 250cc four-stroke motocross bike around.Jeff Allen

The YZ250F is one of three bikes in class with a cable-actuated clutch, the others being Honda’s CRF250R and Suzuki’s RM-Z250.Jeff Allen

Yamaha combined engine map and stop buttons on a single module in 2024, and revised it last year with a raised ribbed design and worked to improve internal sealing.Jeff Allen

The YZ250F has featured electric start since 2019.Jeff Allen

Fork and shock spring rates are 4.7 Nm and 54 Nm, respectively.Jeff Allen

Toolless fork compression damping adjusters have been in place since 2024.Jeff Allen

While its big brother (the YZ450F) features a new hand-operated shock low-speed compression damping adjuster for 2026, the YZ250F still requires a flat-blade screwdriver for such tweaks.Jeff Allen

Gearing is 13/50.Jeff Allen

Yamaha is the only brand to spec Dunlop Geomax MX33 tires on its standard-model 250cc four-stroke motocross bike in 2026.Jeff Allen

Like all other Japanese manufacturers in the 250cc four-stroke motocross bike market, Yamaha relies on a Nissin dual-piston front caliper and Nissin single-piston rear caliper for brakes. Disc sizes are same as Kawasaki’s KX250 and Suzuki’s RM-Z250 with a 270mm front and 240mm rear.Jeff Allen

Cosmetically, new radiator shroud graphics and lighter blue fork guards differentiate the 2026 YZ250F in Team Yamaha Blue from last year’s model.Jeff Allen

The 2026 Yamaha YZ250F rolls onto our automotive scales at 234 pounds wet.Jeff Allen

2026 Yamaha YZ250F Specs

MSRP:	$8899/$9099 (70th Anniversary Edition)
Engine:	DOHC, liquid-cooled single-cylinder; 4 valves
Displacement:	250cc
Bore x Stroke:	77.0 x 53.6mm
Compression Ratio:	13.8:1
Transmission/Final Drive:	5-speed/chain
Dirt Rider Measured Horsepower:	39.5 hp @ 12,800 rpm
Dirt Rider Measured Torque:	18.4 lb.-ft. @ 10,000 rpm
Fuel System:	Mikuni EFI w/ 44mm throttle body
Clutch:	Wet, multiplate; cable actuation
Frame:	Aluminum bilateral beam
Front Suspension:	KYB Speed Sensitive System (SSS) 48mm coil-spring fork, compression damping and rebound damping adjustable; 12.2 in. travel
Rear Suspension:	KYB shock, spring preload, high/low-speed compression damping, and rebound damping adjustable; 12.3 in. travel
Front Brake:	Nissin 2-piston caliper, 270mm disc
Rear Brake:	Nissin 1-piston caliper, 240mm disc
Tires, Front/Rear:	Dunlop Geomax MX33; 80/100-21 / 110/90-19
Rake/Trail:	26.9°/4.7 in.
Wheelbase:	58.1 in.
Ground Clearance:	13.8 in.
Dirt Rider Measured Seat Height:	37.8 in.
Fuel Capacity:	1.6 gal.
Dirt Rider Measured Wet Weight:	234 lb.
Availability:	Now
Contact:	yamahamotorsports.com