It’s not unusual for a motorcycle to get a complete overall one year and very little, if any, changes the following year. The 2020 Yamaha YZ250F is an excellent example of this. In 2019, the YZ250F got a significant update to its engine, chassis, and suspension. Almost not a part was left untouched, so it comes as zero surprise that the 2020 YZ250F arrives as nearly identical to its predecessor. But that doesn’t mean we don’t want to ride it! So when we got the chance to throw a leg over the ’20 YZ250F, we took it and headed to the track to get re-acquitted with the new YZ that, well, we already knew.
2020 Yamaha YZ250F Ride Review
Known for being a front-runner in its class, the YZ250F isn’t missing a beat heading into 2020. Yamaha might not have made significant changes to the 2020 model, but we’ll go out on a limb and predict that the ’20 YZ250F will still hold its ground in what is a very competitive class. As in previous years, Yamaha will offer the YZ250F with two color options—traditional Yamaha Racing blue with blue-colored rims, and a matte silver design with black rims. Photos: Kit Palmer
2020 Yamaha YZ250F Still Going Strong
Already known for its powerful motor, the YZ250F still stays true to its reverse symmetrical intake and exhaust port layout, which was introduced in the model year 2014. This unique design allows for a straight downdraft for the front intake and a center-exit rear port, which results in better flow efficiency and ultimately more power. There is also a high-tech piston that contributes to the YZ’s broad and likeable powerband. A robust motor, combined with a light chassis, makes it hard to keep the front wheel on the ground. And we’re okay with that.
2020 YZ250F Mobile Tuning App
First introduced on the YZ450F a couple of years ago, and then on the YZ250F last year is Yamaha’s excellent power-tuning app, which turns your smartphone into a powerful tool for your YZ250F. As before, the app makes it easy to adjust the bike’s fueling and ignition timing. And it can be executed trackside (quite literally) by just the taps of your finger. One feature that we’ve become of fan of is how it can keep track of the bike’s usage. This is fantastic when it comes to maintenance and extending the life of the motorcycle. The app takes the guesswork out of figuring out when to perform maintenance duties. It does this by giving you alerts when it’s time to change the oil, clean the air filter, or start thinking about rebuilding the top end (per time acquired on the engine). And the best part of all, the app is free! But you don’t need the app right away to have fun on the YZ because the bike comes stock with two pre-loaded mapping ops, which can be altered via a button on the left handlebar. Yamaha designed it to where you can change from one map to the other without having to stop, pull in the clutch, or close the throttle. Technically, you can even do it in the air, which probably isn’t the best idea in the world. Not sure what map you’re in? No problem. If there is no light from the button, you’re in stock mode, if there is a light you’re in aggressive mode. No blink counting here.
2020 Yamaha YZ250F Handling
The YZ250F uses a bilateral aluminum beam frame, which saw a significant re-design last year. Yamaha put a lot of effort into centralizing weight with its unique frame/chassis design and engine layout that made its debut in 2014. And it worked. Ever since then, the YZ250F has been one of the best-handling bikes on the track, while excelling on fast, choppy, and rough tracks. When you match the YZ250F’s solid chassis with one of, if not, the best fork in the business—the YZ’s KYB Speed-Sensitive System (SSS) coil-spring fork—and its proven KYB single shock, you have a complete package that is difficult to fault. The factory did a great job searching for a suspension setting that we feel will satisfy a wide range of riders. The bike handles great and is well suspended right off the showroom floor.
2020 YZ250 Styling
Through our eyes, the YZ25F is still a looker after all these years. Its handsome look is the result of Yamaha paying close attention to detail. We’re impressed by the crispy blue engine head, oil plug, rims, and rear shock that contribute to the YZ’s visual appeal. And the in-mold graphics will help keep it looking good for a long time, too.
Maybe Not Bold But Graphics Are New
When the YZ250F received its major overhaul in 2014, it grew a little bit from side to side, which many YZ riders weren’t stoked on. But Yamaha has been steadily working on that problem ever since. They’ve done an excellent job, so this isn’t much of an issue anymore. A creatively designed narrow fuel tank caters to the motocross rider now. This allows for a tighter feel around the front of the motorcycle and eliminates that once square feeling. There is also more room to move around on the seat. You can also grip the bike with your knees in a more central location, making the bike feel more comfortable in the corners than it used to a few years back.
Ah, Something Technically New For 2020 YZ250F!
A small but notable change for 2020 is a new grommet that improves the sealing of the air filter and cage. With the previous YZ250Fs, the air filter would flutter a little bit at high rpm, causing small hiccups when accelerating. The new grommet eliminates air-filter flutter, resulting in smoother acceleration.The 2020 Yamaha YZ250F has an $8199 MSRP, which is the same as before.
By Nic Garvin
Click here to see how the 2019 Yamaha YZ250F stacked up in our 2019 250F motocross shootout.
