They say that a change is as good as a holiday, but sometimes when things are on point then there’s simply no reason to turn things inside out. That’s exactly the case with Yamaha’s 2011 model YZ250F.

It’s exactly the same as last year’s heavily revised model apart from a few minor styling tweaks, leaving the question to be asked whether it’s still good enough in the ultra competitive world of Lites class motocross machinery.

In short, yes – of course it is. However, with the benchmark being raised each year – not to mention the fact that new buyers love technology – Yamaha may have to up the ante by the time 2012 rolls around.

Yamaha remains the last of the top level motocross manufacturers to retain carburettors on its latest Lites bike, opting to hold off on fuel injection for at least one more year.

Last year saw Yamaha focus on the chassis development of its 250F, the Bilateral Beam aluminium frame developed to increase front-end feel and improve the steering, all while maintaining Yamaha’s trademark stability at speed.

That’s not to say the engine was untouched heading into last year because it did have a number of revisions designed to boost bottom-end and mid-range power. It was also designed to accelerate as smooth as possible, which was one of the reasons why Yamaha opted to retain the carbies for the model.

But that was then and this is now, a year where both Kawasaki and KTM have joined Honda, Suzuki and Husqvarna in adopting EFI on their newest quarter-litre additions.

On track the chassis is everything that we said it was one year ago. While testing on the hard-pack tracks around Sydney that we are so used to experiencing in summer, Yamaha’s claims of having a good front-end and sweet steering definitely ring true.

Despite hard, slippery surfaces and minimal watering (yes, we tested this bike at the end of last year before the rain came!), you can simply place the YZ-F where you need it and it’ll steer into the turn with plenty of feedback.

It’s a pretty tall ride with slimline ergonomics, but it’s ability to track where you aim to go is impressive. You could put this down to the geometry of the frame, all the while taking advantage of the bike’s balance. Its flat seat also means you can position your body in the perfect position to ride hard.

Even though it has a shorter wheelbase than pre-2010 models, the stability down the straights isn’t a problem, and you’ll notice it’s easy to manoeuvre in the air if you’re lucky enough to have a few jumps on your local track.

It’s been over 10 years since Yamaha first launched its 250cc four-stroke in 2000, so they have a massive amount of experience in the category and it shows. The experience built during that decade makes this model one of the most quality and reliable models on the market.

The clutch actuation is light and offers a positive feel, as does the throttles and all of the controls. The wide footpegs are a nice bonus, as are the standard Pro Taper handlebars that are adjustable in four settings – the furthest setting back the most comfortable for a shorter rider like myself at 168cm.

The brakes are both touchy and do have the tendency to heat up if you’re using them a lot, but you’ll appreciate the adjustment in order to get the levers set to suit your preference.

Engine-wise the Yamaha doesn’t feel as quick as the Suzuki or Kawasaki overall, but there is something about carburetted motors that make them feel a bit stronger off the bottom.

Sure, EFI models are more responsive, but sometimes the smoothness of the powerband can fool you into thinking you’re not going as quick. That’s where the Yamaha is great, because it still has that torquey nature where you can feel every ounce of the power that’s being delivered.

It’s got a sweet range of power that’s massively improved compared to the 2009 model, and you can definitely tell Yamaha put a lot of focus on the mid-range.

If you’ve ridden an older generation YZ250F, the big thing you’ll notice with this one is that it pulls third and fourth gears for longer – a factor that could be handy out of the start gates on race day.

The styling looks trick, especially the black, white and red model that we have on test, and you can’t argue with the sharply shaped plastics or black rims that come standard.

Yamaha’s YZ250F may not be the leader of technology in the Lites class at this very moment, but it does have years of development behind it that are second to none in the class.

You won’t be disappointed in the purchase if you’re looking at a Yamaha for 2011.

Fast Facts
Moto Rating:
7/10 – We’re big fans of Yamaha YZ250Fs – especially their reliability – but something tells us it’s next big boom will come with the addition of EFI!

Suited To:
Beginner-Advanced – It’s the ultimate all-rounder that will suit new riders while also living up to the task of a racer.

Bang For Buck:
TBA

Plus Points:
+ Ergos
+ Front-end
+ Styling

Minus Points:
– No EFI
– Completely unchanged from 2010

Test Gear (click for individual reviews)
Jersey/pants/gloves: FOX Platinum Race – Electric Blue
Helmet: FOX V3 Carbon
Goggles: Oakley Crowbar (no review available)
Neck brace: Alpinestars Bionic Neck Support
Boots: Alpinestars Tech 10
Knee braces: Pod MX K700