Following its introduction in 2014, the all-new completely revised Yamaha YZ250F has continued to impress both on a domestic and international stage with strong results.

With back-to-back 250 class championships in both the AMA Motocross and our own MX Nationals championships, not to mention Wilson Todd securing the 2015 MXD championship aboard the very same bike, it’s safe to say Yamaha are on to something.

For 2016 the Yamaha YZ250F receives minimal changes, which most will not notice at a glance. The Yamaha engineers have done as they always do in creating an innovative design that they know works, release it to the world and continue to massage it over the following years.

The unique reverse design YZ250F powerplant was already a seriously strong 250cc engine with plenty of meaty power throughout the rev range. Yamaha could have easily left that engine alone completely for 2016 without any complaints from the general public, but the brand had a few more tricks up its sleeve for the new year.

For 2016 Yamaha have revised the piston with a new flat top design that maintains the 13.5:1 compression ratio, fitted a lighter piston pin with DLC coating for less friction, a new oil sprayer for increased lubrication, a new crankshaft balance and counter balancer to reduce vibrations at high rpm and a new ECU setting for increased pulling power.

Riding the 2015 model on a more hardpack circuit, as opposed to the 2016 model on a more sand-based circuit at Mackay’s national press launch, it’s hard to pin-point these engine updates and truly compare the two models. In saying that, and as expected, the 2016 Yamaha YZ250F felt strong in the sandy conditions.

One of the key characteristics of this engine is the amount of torque it produces whilst still allowing you to rev the engine to the moon if need be. The ability to choose a higher gear and have the bike pull that through a corner or section is where the YZ250F really shines. If you haven’t ridden one of these, prepare to use third gear in a majority of corners.

In addition to these engine updates, the 2016 Yamaha YZ250F also features a revamped clutch boss, shift stop lever and torsion spring for increased precise shifting and a more solid engagement point at the lever. Third, fourth and fifth gear have also gone from a chamfer to a radius cut to improve strength.

The 2016 Yamaha YZ250F is also compatible with the GYTR Power Tuner, allowing you to adjust air/fuel mixture and ignition timing maps to match engine performance characteristics to the rider and track conditions in a matter of seconds with the push of a few buttons, as well as monitor engine diagnostic codes.

For 2016 the YZ250F’s bilateral beam aluminum frame design remains the same, offering a rigid, balanced and lightweight feel. While the unique and innovative wraparound exhaust remains the same for 2016, the new model features a revised muffler bracket to reduce weight.

Along with the unique exhaust layout which helps centralise the mass by bringing the muffler closer to the center of the bike, the remainder of the bike’s layout also remains the same. The innovative layout adopted from the YZ450F continues to provide the YZ250F with a lower center of gravity and balanced overall feel.

Yamaha has continued to stand by its traditional spring fork design with the KYB SSS (Speed Sensitive System) fork for 2016. To increase comfort and improve rear wheel traction, Yamaha have revised the fork settings and the rear shock settings to match with a rear spring change from 56Nm to 54Nm.

Yamaha’s choice to maintain the traditional KYB SSS spring fork is a welcomed one. The SSS fork is a proven performer and works quite well when combined with their bilateral beam aluminum frame design. The spring fork provides a consistent and confidence inspiring feel that takes no time to get used to.

Once you’re moving at high speeds comfortably thanks to the YZ250F’s strong engine and suspension combination, you’ll need to slow down at some stage. For 2016 Yamaha have mounted a new 270mm front disc brake, a 20mm increase over the previous model, and coupled that with a new pad material to offer improved braking power and controllability.

Once again for 2016 the YZ250F features black Excel rims right out of the box. Not only are you rolling on high quality wheels, but you also look factory right off the showroom floor. Yamaha’s unique embedded graphics are also built into the bodywork for extended durability, resisting both peeling and damage ensuring your ride stays looking fresh.

2016 marks Yamaha’s 60th Anniversary and the brand has released a unique yellow colourway paired with retro graphics to celebrate the occasion. Yes, you can still purchase the regular Yamaha blue model, but if you’d like to grab a piece of history for a slightly increased price, the 60th Anniversary version is the bike for you.

Overall, as anticipated, the 2016 Yamaha YZ250F was impressive across the board. Strong engine, great suspension and chassis combination, comfortable ergos and great looks combine for a seriously strong 250cc four-stroke contender.

You’ll be sure to see the 2016 Yamaha YZ250F at the front of the pack both domestically and internationally next year, if you’d like to be one of those riders, be sure to head to your local Yamaha dealer and check one out for yourself at $10,999 in blue or for $11,199 in the special edition retro yellow.

Further information on Yamaha Motor Australia’s range and complete specifications can be found at www.yamaha-motor.com.au.