But, that might not be so bad. That is a huge advantage in racing, and it carries over to fast trail riding. Owner and Founder of Total Motorcycle. Total Motorcycle is my pride and joy and being able to reach out 300 million people has been incredible but I could not have done it without the support of my visitors, readers and members, thank you so much! You are making a difference to millions of riders worldwide. It runs cleanly from idle, making it possible to find traction in the ugliest of conditions. Again, this is a massive boost to confidence.
As of model year 2018, it is my favorite off-road motorcycle of all-time. This bike comes to 2018 with some minor changes including new graphics and blue styled rims. That might be good, it might be bad. If you mess up, you can start over without much penalty. In the sand, it is great to be able to have plenty of overrev to keep the wheel spinning and the bike moving forward in an easily controllable manner.
You may or may not be satisfied with the expansive stock plastic skidplate. Chances are, it will be a long time before that changes. On tighter trails, the broad powerband means fewer shifts. It runs cool in the summer months when most other bikes boil over just waiting for the gate to drop. Only the Honda is different. The Yamaha ranked 3rd in our 250F shoot out last year so only time will tell if it will be able to hold its place when thrown in the ring with the other bikes. It takes the input of the rider and engine, and turns it into poetry in motion.
Subscribe to Motocross Action: Follow Motocross Action: Motocross Action Website: Motocross Action Facebook: Motocross Action Twitter: Motocross Action Instagram:. The clutch has proven bulletproof. When I was taking it easy, the fork was plush. The bars are rubber-mounted, which is nice, along with the vibration damping tapered aluminum bars. In 2017 it got a new head, intake boot, remapping and a noticeable increase in power. There is never a moment of seesawing or unexpected unequal reaction to the suspension. A wide-ratio six-speed transmission adds to the off-road flexibility of the motor.
Likewise, four of the five other bikes in the 250F class are almost unchanged for 2018. A 450 is intimidating for me, while the 250 gives me the feeling of total control. In 2016 it got a new piston and crank, along with a bigger front brake rotor. Subscribe to Motocross Action: Follow Motocross Action: Motocross Action Website: Motocross Action Facebook: Motocross Action Twitter: Motocross Action Instagram:. We do love this bike but are hoping that Yamaha will soon update this bike and make it more competitive against some of the other 2 strokes being produced currently.
The clutch might not be hydraulic, but it has a consistent feel and an easy pull. This bike comes to 2018 with bold new graphics and blue wheels. Large 55mm footpegs provide an excellent platform for your boots. I never felt like the suspension was working against me. Expert riders will have to find more.
Most of the changes have been aimed at reliability, despite mounting pressure to shave pounds. I can let the motor keep revving instead of shifting up and then down again when entering the next corner. Yamaha gives you four positions to mount the bars, should your size or preference be outside of typical. In 2014 it got the reverse-head, rearward-tilted-engine treatment, and for this particular bike, it really worked. It was a good thing. The motor, while derived from the motocrosser, has an off-road powerband that is more easily controlled.
Novices loved it because it was easy to ride. . You have to keep them singing all the time. Pros loved it because it had the best suspension on the market, and it became the best seller in the class. Routine maintenanceâoil changes, air filter cleaning no tools required , and chain adjustmentâare all simple.
The motor design also allows for the airbox to be placed in the location traditionally assigned to the fuel tank. All controlsâclutch, brakes, and shifterâare where you expect them and react as intended. Those issues simply do not exist on the 250. The class average, on the other hand, has gotten a lot stronger. Those in high-speed rocky terrain, such as the desert, will want to spring for something made from aluminum.