Vehicle Category:
Motocross / Off-Road Motorcycle
Target Audience:
Enthusiast riders, amateur racers, and DIY mechanics seeking to maintain, repair, and optimize their Yamaha YZ250.
Key Competitors Era:
Honda CR250R, Kawasaki KX250, KTM 250 SX
Vehicle Reputation:
Renowned for its powerful 2-stroke engine, agile handling, and competitive performance in motocross and off-road racing.
Manual Value Proposition:
Provides essential, detailed information for maintaining peak performance and addressing potential issues, saving time and money on repairs.
Engine:
Comprehensive engine disassembly, inspection, repair, and reassembly for the 2-stroke powerplant, including top-end, bottom-end, cooling system, and lubrication.
Fuel System:
Carburetor overhaul and adjustment (Mikuni VM38), fuel tank inspection, fuel line maintenance, and fuel pump (if applicable to model variant).
Transmission:
Clutch operation, gearbox inspection, gear shifting mechanism, and lubrication system for the transmission.
Drivetrain:
Chain and sprocket inspection, adjustment, and replacement; rear wheel hub and bearing service.
Suspension:
Front fork (Kayaba USD) disassembly, service, and fluid replacement; rear shock absorber (Monoshock) inspection, adjustment, and rebuild; linkage and swingarm bearing service.
Brakes:
Front and rear hydraulic disc brake system service, including caliper overhaul, pad replacement, fluid flush and bleed, master cylinder inspection, and rotor maintenance.
Electrical System:
Ignition system (CDI), lighting circuits, wiring diagrams, battery maintenance, charging system, and troubleshooting for electrical components.
Cooling System:
Radiator inspection and cleaning, coolant specifications and replacement, hoses, and thermostat operation.
Frame And Bodywork:
Chassis inspection, frame integrity, body panel removal and installation, seat, handlebars, and footpeg service.
Wheels And Tires:
Wheel bearing service, spoke tensioning, tire inspection and replacement, and rim maintenance.
Routine Maintenance:
Oil changes (2-stroke premix ratios), air filter cleaning and oiling, chain lubrication and adjustment, spark plug inspection and replacement, and general bolt torque checks.
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic procedures for common running issues, ignition problems, fueling issues, and electrical faults with step-by-step guides.
Engine Rebuild:
Detailed instructions for piston and ring replacement, cylinder inspection and potential replating/boring, crankshaft and connecting rod bearing service, and gasket replacement.
Suspension Tuning:
Adjustments for compression and rebound damping, sag settings, and fork oil level and weight recommendations.
Brake Bleeding:
Proper procedure for hydraulic brake system fluid replacement and air removal.
Carburetor Jetting:
Guidance on adjusting carburetor jetting for different altitudes, temperatures, and modifications.
Wiring Diagram Interpretation:
Detailed wiring schematics for easy identification of electrical components and troubleshooting.
Depth Level:
Comprehensive from basic maintenance to complete engine and component overhauls, suitable for both home mechanics and professional technicians.
Engine Type:
2-stroke, Liquid-cooled, Reed Valve, Case-reed induction
Displacement:
249 cc (15.2 cu. in.)
Bore X Stroke:
66.4 mm x 72.0 mm (2.61 x 2.83 in)
Cylinder Material:
Aluminum alloy, SCEM plated
Horsepower Estimate:
Approx. 45-50 HP (at crankshaft, depending on tuning and exhaust)
Torque Estimate:
Approx. 30-33 lb-ft (at crankshaft)
Carburetor Model:
Mikuni VM38SS
Carburetor Jetting Stock:
Specific jetting details provided within the manual for various conditions.
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline (91 octane or higher recommended)
Premix Ratio:
50:1 (Yamalube 2R or equivalent high-quality 2-stroke oil recommended)
Cooling Method:
Liquid-cooled
Coolant Capacity:
Approx. 0.75 liters
Coolant Type:
Yamaha Super Coolant or equivalent high-quality ethylene glycol-based coolant
Instrumentation:
Basic analog odometer, trip meter, and engine hour meter; indicator lights for neutral, low oil pressure (if applicable to specific market variant), and turn signals (if equipped).
Rider Aids:
None (This is a pure performance-oriented motocross machine, designed for rider input).
Electronic Features:
Focus is on mechanical and electrical systems for engine ignition and lighting, not integrated electronic rider aids or connectivity.
Oil Change Interval:
Recommended after every 10-20 hours of riding or annually, whichever comes first, for transmission oil. 2-stroke oil premix is constant during operation.
Air Filter Cleaning:
Recommended after every 5-10 hours of riding, or more frequently in dusty conditions.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Recommended every 20-30 hours of riding or as needed based on inspection.
Top End Rebuild:
Recommended every 40-60 hours of aggressive riding for optimal performance (piston, rings, small end bearing).
Brake Fluid:
DOT 4 hydraulic brake fluid
Fork Oil Type:
Specific Kayaba fork oil weight (e.g., 01 or G10S) and level detailed in manual.
Common Wear Items:
Clutch plates, piston rings, wheel bearings, steering head bearings, swingarm bearings, and suspension seals.
Carburetor Tuning:
Sensitivity to altitude and temperature changes can require re-jetting for optimal performance.
Exhaust Power Valve:
The power valve mechanism can accumulate carbon and require periodic cleaning and lubrication for proper operation.
Manufacturer History:
Yamaha Motor Corporation has a long and successful history in motorcycle manufacturing, particularly in off-road and racing disciplines.
Yz250 Lineage:
The YZ250 is a legendary model with a lineage dating back decades, consistently evolving to remain competitive in the 250cc two-stroke class.
2007 Model Updates:
The 2007 YZ250 received various refinements, often including revised suspension settings, updated graphics, and minor engine tuning improvements over previous years.
Production Era:
Continuous production since the 1970s, with significant updates in the second generation (2002-2011) and ongoing refinements.