Motorcycle Segment:
High-performance motocross/off-road competition motorcycle.
Target Audience:
Motocross racers, off-road enthusiasts, and mechanics who maintain and repair the Yamaha YZ250.
Key Competitors:
KTM 250 SX, Honda CR250R, Kawasaki KX250, Suzuki RM250 (during the respective model years).
Engine Performance:
Renowned for its potent, high-revving 2-stroke powerband, agile handling, and competitive performance.
Chassis Design:
Lightweight aluminum frame, advanced suspension, and rider-centric ergonomics contribute to exceptional maneuverability.
Engine Mechanical:
Detailed diagnosis, disassembly, inspection, repair, and reassembly of the 2-stroke engine, including top-end (cylinder, piston, rings), bottom-end (crankshaft, connecting rod, bearings), cooling system (if applicable, though typically air-cooled), lubrication system (pre-mix or oil injection system if applicable).
Fuel System:
Carburetor tuning, cleaning, and overhaul (including jetting specifications), fuel pump and lines (if applicable), fuel tank inspection and cleaning.
Ignition System:
CDI unit testing, ignition coil inspection, spark plug specifications, timing adjustments (if applicable).
Transmission Drivetrain:
Clutch operation, inspection, and replacement; gearbox disassembly, inspection, and repair; shift mechanism; final drive (chain and sprockets) maintenance and adjustment.
Suspension Front:
Fork disassembly, seal replacement, oil level and type specifications, damping adjustment, general inspection and repair of the telescopic forks.
Suspension Rear:
Monoshock rear suspension system, including linkage lubrication, shock absorber inspection, servicing (if user-serviceable), and spring adjustment.
Brakes Front:
Hydraulic front brake system, including caliper disassembly, piston inspection, seal replacement, brake pad replacement, rotor inspection and measurements, brake fluid type and bleeding procedures.
Brakes Rear:
Hydraulic rear brake system, including caliper disassembly, piston inspection, seal replacement, brake pad replacement, rotor inspection and measurements, brake fluid type and bleeding procedures.
Wheels Tires:
Spoke tension inspection and adjustment, wheel bearing maintenance, tire pressure recommendations, tire replacement procedures.
Electrical System:
Wiring diagrams, lighting system (headlight, taillight), kill switch functionality, battery maintenance (if applicable for lighting/horn), basic troubleshooting of electrical components.
Cooling System:
Typically air-cooled for this model, so focus would be on fin cleaning and ensuring adequate airflow.
Frame Chassis:
Frame inspection for damage or cracks, steering head bearing maintenance, swingarm bearing inspection and lubrication, general chassis component checks.
Bodywork:
Removal and installation of plastic body panels, seat, fuel tank cover, fender inspection and repair/replacement.
Routine Maintenance:
Oil changes (gear oil), chain adjustment and lubrication, air filter cleaning, spark plug inspection, bolt torque checks, general cleaning and lubrication.
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic procedures for common engine performance issues, electrical faults, and mechanical problems.
Engine Rebuild:
Complete engine overhaul procedures, including piston ring gap, cylinder honing, crankshaft runout, and bearing clearances.
Suspension Servicing:
Fork oil replacement, fork seal replacement, rear shock linkage service.
Brake Service:
Brake pad replacement, caliper servicing, brake bleeding.
Carburetor Overhaul:
Complete cleaning, jetting, and adjustment procedures for the carburetor.
Electrical Diagnosis:
Troubleshooting common electrical system faults using wiring diagrams.
Wheel Truing:
Spoke tension adjustment for wheel alignment and truing.
Diagnostic Capabilities:
Comprehensive diagnostic charts for identifying and resolving various operational issues.
Specification Data:
Detailed torque specifications, clearances, fluid capacities, and wear limits for all major components.
Repair Procedures:
Step-by-step instructions with diagrams for virtually all repair and maintenance tasks.
Rebuild Guidance:
In-depth guidance for complete engine and gearbox rebuilds.
Engine Displacement:
249cc
Engine Configuration:
Single-cylinder, 2-stroke, reed valve induction, liquid-cooled (though some older variants were air-cooled, the 2008 YZ250 is liquid-cooled).
Bore X Stroke:
66.4 mm x 72.0 mm
Compression Ratio:
8.7:1 (typical for YZ250 models of this era, check manual for exact figure)
Valve Mechanism:
Reed valve induction
Cooling Method:
Liquid-cooled
Horsepower:
Approximately 45-50 HP (actual figure varies based on tuning and conditions, manual will provide specific data).
Torque:
Not typically published in standardized torque figures for this type of motorcycle, but known for strong mid-range pull.
Carburetor Model:
Keihin PWK38 (typical for this model, verify in manual).
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline, 91 octane or higher (premium).
Oil Mixture:
Yamaha recommends Yamalube 2R (or equivalent 2-stroke racing oil) mixed with gasoline at a 50:1 ratio.
Engine Oil Change:
Every 10-15 hours of operation or as specified in the manual, particularly after hard use.
Air Filter Cleaning:
After every few rides or more frequently in dusty conditions.
Chain Lubrication Adjustment:
Before every ride or as needed based on riding conditions.
Spark Plug Inspection:
Regularly, typically every 5-10 hours of riding, and replace as needed.
Top End Rebuild:
Typically every 50-100 hours of racing or hard use, depending on rider and conditions.
Transmission Oil Type:
Yamalube Hypoid Gear Oil GL-4 (or equivalent SAE 80W/90 hypoid gear oil).
Coolant Type:
Yamahaitrile Coolant (or equivalent permanent type antifreeze/coolant with corrosion inhibitors) mixed with distilled water at a 50:50 ratio.
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 hydraulic brake fluid.
Clutch Wear:
Clutch plates can wear relatively quickly under aggressive riding conditions, requiring periodic replacement. The manual details inspection and replacement procedures.
Carburetor Jetting:
Proper carburetor jetting is crucial for optimal performance and longevity. Altitude and temperature changes require adjustments. The manual provides baseline jetting and troubleshooting.
Suspension Maintenance:
Regular fork oil changes and seal checks are important to maintain optimal suspension performance and prevent leaks.
Cooling System Management:
Ensuring radiators are clean and free of debris is vital for preventing overheating in this liquid-cooled machine.