The 2020-2023 Yamaha YZ250F has proven to be a serious race-winning weapon, especially in recent years. The first generation of the Yamaha reverse-engine 250F hit the market in 2014 and since then has received refinements and redesigns making it better and better.

Right from the beginning the reverse engine was praised for having loads of power throughout the rev range but the chassis was often criticised for being too heavy and bulky. Yamaha has worked hard to correct this and now the current model is much slimmer and more nimble than the first reverse-engine models, while still remaining a very powerful 250cc machine. The cherry on top is the KYB suspension that comes on the YZ-F as standard; it is praised worldwide and has become the industry standard. Everything in the motorcycle industry is now compared and ranked against KYB suspension which delivers a very comfortable and predictable ride.

The YZ-F did have some growing pains over the years with water pump issues due to impeller shaft breakages, as well as other issues including pistons cracking or rods bending when heavier aftermarket pistons were fitted. In more recent years I have heard that some racers in the US have had gearbox issues during the supercross season but this is not an issue I have heard about here in Australia.

If you are looking at a second hand YZ250F then check it over for any physical signs of damage, then make sure the bike starts off the electric start easily and idles with no excessive engine noise. Then ride the bike and make sure it selects all gears and the clutch doesn’t slip. With the YZ-Fs you can hook up your phone through the wifi module and check for any engine codes as well as check the engine hours. If the engine hours are excessive then ask to see if the owner has any receipts or proof of any maintenance or rebuilds that have been carried out.

NEW

2020 $12,099

2021 $12,449

2022 $12,849

2023 $13,399

SECONDHAND

2020 $6550 – $7750

2021 $7150 – $8500

2022 $8500 – $10,100

2023 $9550 – $11,350

MARKET EQUIVALENT

20 -23 Honda CRF250R

$6950 – $10,950

20 – 23 Suzuki RMZ 250

$6000 – $10,850

20 – 23 Kawasaki KX250F

$6550 – $10,050

20 – 23 KTM 250 SX-F

$6450 – $12,300