Already universally recognised as the leader in its class, the new generation 2024 Yamaha YZ250F will arrive later this year, both in a special 50th Anniversary Edition colourway to commemorate the YZ line’s history, as well as the traditional Team Yamaha Blue variant. But what is it that makes the brand’s 250 class contender one of the most celebrated bikes in modern times? MotoOnline takes a closer look at what makes up the next YZ250F in this latest Three Things feature.

Chassis

The completely redesigned aluminium bilateral beam frame is based upon the YZ450F that was released for this current season, the premier class platform traditionally receiving a major overhaul the year prior to the quarter-litre four-stroke. With the chassis, essentially, a lot of the design aspects from the 2023 YZ450F feature in the 2024 YZ250F to result in what’s largely a similar bike. The general feedback from the previous version (2018-2022) was that it made for a heavier and wider feel, which has been sharpened for this latest spec. The new YZ250F frame is aimed at providing optimal amounts of strength and flex to provide the perfect balance of stability and cornering performance, while making it slimmer – both physically lighter and lighter in motion. In terms of the suspension, class-leading, fully adjustable KYB coil spring-type fork with speed-sensitive damping delivers exceptional balance between handling and bump absorption. New for 2024, the fork now includes a hand-adjustable knob for tool-less compression adjustment. Linkage-type rear suspension features a KYB shock with revised settings to provide less pitch on corner entry/exit for improved stability. The new 2024 YZ250F has a more narrow, flatter body design for improved control, including a streamlined fuel tank, lower air-box and narrower radiator shrouds. The rider triangle is also improved with increased legroom between the seat and footpegs (which are 55mm wide) for greater rider comfort. Looking at the braking package, a large 270mm front brake disc and 240mm rear are coupled with Nissin calipers to provide exceptional stopping power and control. With the rims, careful computer-aided refinement of each wheel’s cross-sectional profile shaves valuable weight without sacrificing durability, plus a unique three-cross-spoke pattern on the rear wheel improves impact absorption and overall feel. Tyres that come fitted are Dunlop Geomax MX33, 80/100-21 on the front and 1280/80-19 on the rear, with the total weight of the bike now 105kg wet. Providing the finishing touches, embedded graphics are designed to produce immense durability and scratch resistance. The 2024 YZ250F will be available in two liveries, Team Yamaha Blue ($13,949 ride away) or the 50th Anniversary Edition ($14,249 ride away), both available in Australia from October this year.

Engine

Whether it’s competition at the professional level with Yamaha’s factory teams globally or purely in production specification, the YZ250F boasts low-end and mid-range torque that is regarded as the best in the business, with the latest model even stronger in those areas. Not a great deal was actually done to update the already competitive motor, however, the 2024 YZ250F’s advanced four-stroke engine has a more efficient intake path and revised ECU settings that result in even more mid- to high-end power, plus a redesigned cam chain that improves durability. Additionally, it features a high-spec piston, aggressive cam profiles and forward-positioned intake cylinder-head layout. Looking at specific specifications of the engine, it’s a 250cc liquid-cooled, DOHC, four-stroke, four-valve powerplant. Its bore and stroke are 77.0mm and 53.6mm, while its compression ratio is 13.8:1. Fuel delivery is through Mikuni fuel injection, while the transmission is five-speed and features a multi-plate wet clutch. Compact, lightweight push-button electric start provides effortless restarts, which is precisely what you’d expect from a current four-stroke motocross bike.

Electronics/tech

Yamaha’s groundbreaking Power Tuner App has been revised to be even more user-friendly for the new year, enhancing the tech available on the 2024 YZ250F. Updated features include an intuitive ‘simple tuning’ slide bar for engine mapping, traction and launch control tuning, plus lap timer, along with helpful engine and suspension tuning guides. Looking at the traction control system specifically, it’s operated through the Power Tuner App with three selectable settings (high, low and off). The all-new traction control system communicates wheel slip to the ECU, tuning the engine to maintain ideal rear wheel traction. Meanwhile, the updated launch control system now features adjustable RPM limiting for improved launches when the gate drops. This can be adjusted in 500rpm increments between 6000rpm and 14,000rpm. Two-mode adjustable engine mapping allows on-the-fly selection between two maps via new handlebar-mounted push-button switchgear, which collectively gives riders the option to personalise the bike exactly to their preferred settings.