Segment:
Motocross Racing Motorcycle
Target Audience:
Motocross racers, performance enthusiasts, mechanics
Competitors 1996:
Honda CR250R, Kawasaki KX250, Suzuki RM250, KTM 250 EXC
Engine Type:
Liquid-cooled, 2-stroke, reed valve induction, Yamaha Power Valve System (YPVS)
Suspension Front:
Upside-down telescopic forks with adjustable compression and rebound damping
Suspension Rear:
Monocross single-shock rear suspension with adjustable preload, compression, and rebound damping
Brakes:
Hydraulic disc brakes front and rear
Clutch:
Wet, multi-plate, cable-actuated
Detail Level:
High, designed for professional technicians and serious DIY mechanics
Illustration Quality:
Clear, step-by-step illustrations and diagrams
Engine Mechanical:
Engine assembly, disassembly, tuning, cooling system, lubrication, piston, rings, cylinder, crankshaft, connecting rod, bearings, valve timing (if applicable for 2-stroke exhaust port timing)
Fuel System:
Carburetor (Mikuni VM series typical), fuel pump, fuel lines, fuel tank, fuel filter
Ignition System:
CDI ignition, spark plug, ignition coil, stator, wiring diagrams
Exhaust System:
Exhaust pipe, silencer, power valve operation and maintenance
Transmission:
Gearbox, clutch, shift mechanism, gear ratios, maintenance, repair
Drivetrain:
Final drive chain and sprockets, maintenance, adjustment
Suspension Front:
Upside-down telescopic forks (e.g., KYB or Marzocchi), service, seal replacement, oil levels, damping adjustments
Suspension Rear:
Monoshock system (e.g., KYB 'BASS' or similar), linkage, shock absorber service, spring preload, damping adjustments
Brakes Front:
Hydraulic disc brake, caliper, master cylinder, brake pads, brake lines, bleeding procedure
Brakes Rear:
Hydraulic disc brake, caliper, master cylinder, brake pads, brake lines, bleeding procedure
Wheels Tires:
Wheel bearing maintenance, spoke tension, tire replacement, tube replacement
Electrical System:
Lighting (if applicable), wiring diagrams, troubleshooting electrical faults, switches, cables
Frame Chassis:
Frame inspection, steering head bearings, swingarm maintenance, footpegs, controls
Bodywork:
Fairings, fenders, seat, fuel tank cover, decals, removal and installation
Routine Maintenance:
Air filter cleaning/replacement, chain lubrication/adjustment, spark plug inspection/replacement, oil changes (gearbox), pre-ride checks
Engine Overhaul:
Top-end rebuild (piston, rings), bottom-end rebuild (crankshaft, bearings), power valve cleaning and adjustment
Suspension Service:
Fork seal replacement, fork oil change, shock absorber rebuild
Carburetor Rebuild:
Disassembly, cleaning, reassembly, jetting adjustments, idle speed setting
Brake System Service:
Brake pad replacement, brake fluid flush and bleed, caliper service
Electrical Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic procedures for ignition system faults, charging system issues (if applicable), lighting
Clutch Adjustment:
Cable adjustment, hydraulic clutch bleeding (if applicable)
Wheel And Tire Service:
Tire mounting and balancing, spoke tensioning
Steering Head Bearing Service:
Inspection, adjustment, replacement
Depth:
Comprehensive (covering disassembly, repair, reassembly, and tuning for all major systems)
Diagnostics:
Detailed troubleshooting guides and symptom-based diagnostics
Rebuild Specifications:
Includes critical torque specifications, clearances, and tolerances for engine and chassis components
Wiring Diagrams:
Complete electrical schematics with component identification
Type:
Liquid-cooled, 2-stroke, single-cylinder
Displacement:
249 cc (approx. based on typical YZ250 specifications)
Bore X Stroke:
Typically 68.0 mm x 68.5 mm (verify with specific manual)
Compression Ratio:
Typically 7.4:1 to 8.7:1 (depending on exhaust port timing and tuning, verify with manual)
Cooling System:
Liquid-cooled
Power Valve System:
Yamaha Power Valve System (YPVS)
Horsepower:
Estimated 45-50 HP (stock, at crankshaft, typical for this model year)
Torque:
Not specified, but strong mid-range torque characteristic of 250cc motocross bikes
Carburetor Model:
Typically Mikuni TMX series (e.g., 38mm VM)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline, 91-98 octane recommended (verify with manual)
Premix Ratio:
Typically 20:1 to 40:1 (premium 2-stroke oil, verify with manual)
Length:
Approx. 2170 mm (verify with manual)
Width:
Approx. 820 mm (verify with manual)
Height:
Approx. 1275 mm (verify with manual)
Wheelbase:
Approx. 1475 mm (verify with manual)
Ground Clearance:
Approx. 335 mm (verify with manual)
Seat Height:
Approx. 985 mm (verify with manual)
Dry Weight:
Approx. 102 kg (verify with manual)
Wet Weight:
Not typically specified as accurately as dry weight for dirt bikes, but would include fluids.
Fuel Capacity:
Approx. 8.0 Liters (verify with manual)
Front Tire Size:
80/100-21 51M (verify with manual)
Rear Tire Size:
110/90-19 62M (verify with manual)
Wheel Bolt Pattern:
N/A (Spoked wheels, hub-mounted)
Air Filter:
Clean/inspect after every few rides, replace as needed (refer to manual for specific hours/conditions).
Spark Plug:
Inspect every 10-20 hours, replace as needed (refer to manual for specific type and gap).
Chain Lubrication:
Lubricate and adjust chain tension before every ride or after wet conditions.
Gearbox Oil:
Change every 15-30 hours of riding, or as specified in the manual.
Top End Rebuild:
Recommended every 30-60 hours for aggressive racing, or based on wear indicators.
Suspension Service:
Fork oil and seal replacement recommended every 20-40 hours; rear shock service periodically.
Coolant:
Mixture of high-quality ethylene glycol-based antifreeze and distilled water (50/50 ratio typical).
Brake Fluid:
DOT 4 hydraulic brake fluid.
Power Valve Sticking:
Carbon buildup can cause the YPVS to stick, affecting engine performance. Requires regular cleaning.
Clutch Wear:
Clutch plates can wear due to hard use; proper adjustment and maintenance are key.
Suspension Seals:
Front fork seal leaks are common with hard riding; timely replacement is important.
Carburetor Jetting:
Requires proper jetting for optimal performance at different altitudes and temperatures.
Yamaha Motorsports:
Yamaha has a long and storied history in motorsports, particularly in motocross and Grand Prix racing, with many championship titles.
Yz Series Development:
The YZ250 has been a dominant force in motocross for decades, with continuous development in engine technology (YPVS), suspension, and chassis design.
1996 Updates:
The 1996 model likely featured refinements to suspension, chassis, and engine tuning over previous years, building on a successful platform. Specific updates would be detailed in the manual.
Manufacturing Location:
Primarily Japan, with potential assembly in other regions.
Production Era:
The YZ250 was produced continuously from the late 1970s through the 2010s in its 2-stroke form, making the 1996 model a part of a highly evolved lineage.