Segment:
High-performance open-class motocross motorcycle
Reputation:
Renowned for its powerful two-stroke engine, agile handling, and competitive edge in motocross racing.
Competitors 2002:
Honda CR250R, Kawasaki KX250, Suzuki RM250, KTM 250 SX
Engine Character:
Explosive powerband, strong mid-range torque, characteristic two-stroke 'hit'
Chassis Design:
Lightweight aluminum frame, advanced suspension for the era
Handling Dynamics:
Agile, responsive, designed for aggressive riding and cornering
Engine Mechanical:
Top end rebuild, bottom end overhaul, cylinder inspection and repair, piston and ring replacement, crankshaft service, bearing replacement, valve clearance (if applicable, though YZ250 is 2-stroke), cooling system (if applicable)
Fuel System:
Carburetor disassembly, cleaning, adjustment, jetting, fuel pump (if applicable), fuel lines, fuel tank service
Ignition System:
CDI unit, spark plug replacement, ignition coil, wiring diagrams, timing adjustment
Exhaust System:
Exhaust pipe inspection, silencer maintenance, packing replacement
Transmission Drivetrain:
Clutch inspection, adjustment, and replacement, gearbox disassembly and reassembly, gear inspection, output shaft service, chain and sprocket maintenance
Suspension:
Front fork service (oil change, seal replacement, damper rod inspection), rear shock absorber service (oil change, seal replacement, spring adjustment), linkage lubrication and inspection
Brakes:
Front and rear brake caliper service, master cylinder overhaul, brake pad replacement, brake fluid flush and replacement, rotor inspection and replacement, brake line maintenance
Wheels Tires:
Wheel bearing inspection and replacement, spoke tightening, tire mounting and balancing, rim inspection
Electrical System:
Wiring diagrams, headlight, taillight, brake light operation, battery maintenance, fuse replacement, general electrical troubleshooting
Chassis Frame:
Frame inspection, steering head bearing service, swingarm bearing service, shock linkage lubrication
Bodywork Plastics:
Seat removal and installation, fuel tank removal and installation, fender inspection, radiator shroud maintenance
Maintenance:
Pre-ride inspections, periodic maintenance checks, lubrication points, filter cleaning/replacement
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic charts for common running issues, starting problems, and performance degradation
Repair:
Detailed step-by-step instructions for component disassembly, repair, and reassembly
Adjustment:
Carburetor tuning, clutch cable adjustment, brake lever adjustment, suspension sag adjustment
Installation:
Component installation procedures, torque specifications for critical fasteners
Depth:
Comprehensive, covering everything from basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission overhauls, including diagnostics and specifications.
Engine Type:
2-stroke, single-cylinder, liquid-cooled
Bore X Stroke:
66.4 mm x 72.0 mm
Compression Ratio:
8.4:1 (nominal, may vary with decomp port)
Intake System:
Reed valve induction
Exhaust Port Design:
Power Valve System (YPVS - Yamaha Power Valve System)
Horsepower Estimated:
50+ HP (at crankshaft, approximate)
Torque Estimated:
35+ lb-ft (at crankshaft, approximate)
Carburetor Model:
Keihin PWK38 (or similar 38mm flat-slide)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline, 91-98 octane recommended
Fuel Mixture:
Pre-mix (2-stroke oil and gasoline), 40:1 or 50:1 ratio typically specified
Coolant Capacity:
Approx. 0.7 Liters
Coolant Type:
Ethylene glycol-based antifreeze (50/50 mix with distilled water)
Type:
5-speed constant mesh
Options:
N/A (Factory specification)
Clutch Type:
Wet, multi-disc, cable-operated
Gear Ratios:
Specific ratios detailed in manual (e.g., 1st: 2.615, 2nd: 1.933, 3rd: 1.500, 4th: 1.235, 5th: 1.000)
Transmission Oil Type:
Yamalube 2R or equivalent high-performance 2-stroke oil (for fuel mix), Gear oil for gearbox (e.g., SAE 10W-30 or 80W-90)
Transmission Oil Capacity:
Approx. 0.7 Liters (Gearbox oil)
Safety Features Motorcycle:
N/A (Motorcycle safety is inherent in design and rider skill; no standardized ratings like cars).
Braking System:
Hydraulic disc brakes front and rear
Suspension Control:
Adjustable front forks and rear shock absorber for rider preference and terrain adaptation.
Frame Construction:
Strong, lightweight aluminum frame designed for rigidity and impact absorption.
Ergonomics:
Designed for rider control and balance during aggressive riding maneuvers.
Oil Change Engine Gearbox:
After every few rides or as specified in the manual (typically dependent on riding hours/conditions).
Air Filter Cleaning:
After every ride or as needed based on dust conditions.
Spark Plug Inspection:
Regularly, typically every 10-20 hours of riding.
Suspension Service:
Fork oil change every 20-40 hours, full suspension service annually or as needed.
Top End Rebuild:
Typically every 40-80 hours of hard riding (piston, rings, small end bearing).
Clutch Inspection:
Regularly, adjust free play as needed.
Premix Oil:
Yamalube 2R, Motul 800 2T, Castrol TTS, or equivalent high-performance synthetic 2-stroke racing oil.
Gearbox Oil:
Yamaha Gear Oil 10W-30 or SAE 80W-90 GL-4 gear oil.
Coolant:
50% distilled water and 50% ethylene glycol-based antifreeze.
Brake Fluid:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 hydraulic brake fluid.
Common Wear Items:
Piston rings, clutch plates, wheel bearings, steering head bearings, exhaust packing, swingarm bushings.
Engine Performance Issues:
Carburetor jetting sensitivity to altitude/temperature, power valve sticking if not maintained, wear in the reed block.
Suspension Maintenance:
Regular fork seal and bushing replacement due to harsh riding conditions.
Heritage:
Yamaha has a long and successful history in motorcycle racing, particularly in motocross, with numerous championships and innovations.
Yz250 Lineage:
The YZ250 has been a dominant force in the 250cc motocross class for decades, evolving significantly in chassis and engine technology.
2002 Updates:
For 2002, the YZ250 featured refinements to the suspension (Kayaba components), revised engine tuning, and updated styling.
Manufacturing Location:
Japan