A few years ago, Yamaha went back to the drawing board with their YZ250F, introducing a revamped bike with a few problems that needed to be worked out, namely handling bugs. Then in 2007, Yamaha fixed most of those problems introducing a bike that was largely well received by everyone. Now, for 2008, the blue factory has decided to further refine their Lites class bike with most of the attention toward improving upon the already proven machine, because after all, why fix something that doesn’t need to be fixed?

WHAT’S NEW

Perhaps one of the biggest changes that Yamaha has introduced for 2008 is a higher-compression piston, which boosts the compression up from 12.5:1 to 13.5:1. The increased compression is designed to add a little more power all throughout and fully utilize the efficiency of the five-valve combustion chamber. The new YZF also received a few slight changes to the clutch, namely the clutch boss and primary drive were altered to help increase clutch oiling for better durability. As for handling, Yamaha didn’t change anything drastically; the only real changes were largely made to the suspension and linkage. The outside of the fork tubes were altered slightly with new internals for improved handling, and a new lower triple clamp helps to hold them in place. In the rear of the bike, the shock got a few new internal mods, while the linkage ratio was changed to help smooth the ride out considerably. Cosmetically, there were only a few changes, and in fact, upon first glace, the bike seems nearly identical to the ’07 version. Upon closer inspection, though, you’ll find that the graphics are new and slightly more durably than last year, but the most noticeable aesthetic change would have to be the black crankcase covers. Finally, to give a little better rider control, Yamaha installed huge 55mm stainless steel footpegs.

HOW IS IT?

Last year, the YZ250F left us pleased that Yamaha had fixed the handling problems that the bike experienced in 2006. This year, we came away from our initial test ride of the bike even more excited. It still does everything we have come to expect from a 250F, and does it just as well, if not better, than previous years. The handling of the bike is really good. It turns well, handles rough straights with ease, and can withstand brutally hard landings without flinching. The power, though, is where the bike fell a little short for us—but only at first. Our first few initial laps on the bike gave us the impression that it needs to really be ridden in the meat of the powerband, meaning you have to keep it in the right gear all the time. We did, however, slap a one-tooth-larger sprocket on it, which cured our problem. The larger sprocket allows the YZF to pull each gear just as far as it does in stock trim, but gives it a little added boost down low—which in the end, is what we were looking to attain. As for ergonomics, the Yamaha is very well designed. For ’08, the pegs were lowered slightly to help open up the rider compartment, which gives the bike a much-improved level of comfort, thereby increasing the fun factor significantly. We also really like the Pro Taper bars. Previously, they were a little low, but the ’08 YZF—as well as the ‘07—comes standard with a slightly taller bend, which when combined with the lower footpegs, gives the bike a much more open feel.

CONCLUSION

When it all comes down to it, it’s great to see that Yamaha didn’t try to change a ton of things on their 250F. After 2007, they had a very good, competitive bike, and now with the improvements that have been made, they have a bike that is still a blast to ride, and still very competitive in an ultra-competitive class. And although we did find the power to be slightly less than we expected, we found an easy fix with a larger sprocket, and once we did that, we were happy campers. One thing is for sure, though, if you’re a fan of Yamahas—or any bike that performs well—you’re going to love this bike.

SPECIFICATIONS

Model- YZ250FXL; YZ250FXW

Engine Type- 250cc liquid-cooled DOHC 4-stroke; 5 titanium valves

Bore x Stroke- 77.0 x 53.6mm

Compression Ratio- 13.5:1

Carburetion- FCR-MX37 X 1

Ignition- CDI

Transmission- Constant-mesh 5-speed; multiplate wet clutch

Suspension/Front- Speed-Sensitive System inverted fork; fully adjustable, 11.8-in travel

Suspension/Rear- Fully adjustable single shock;12.0-in travel

Brake/Front- Hydraulic single disc brake, 250mm

Brake/Rear- Hydraulic single disc brake, 245mm

Tire/Front- 80/100-21-51M

Tire/Rear- 110/90-19-57M

L x W x H- 85.1 x 32.5 x 51.2 in

Seat Height- 38.8 in

Wheelbase- 57.8 in

Ground Clearance- 14.6 in

Fuel Capacity- 1.8 gal

Dry Weight- 204 lb

Color- Team Yamaha Blue/White;White/Red