2012 YAMAHA YZ250FClick Thumbnail to download (size 1600 x 1200 pixels)
 
 
 
2012 Yamaha YZ250F Review
An absolute pleasure to ride!
Totally updated and refined for 2012, the new YZ250F delivers unparalleled power and handling.
Supported by pro racers and  weekend warriors, due to its seamless cornering ability, the new 2012  Yamaha YZ250F gets a boost of power from the mid to top power range and  an updated chassis design.
New to the sport, or a seasoned pro, you'll appreciate the effortless handling and smooth, responsive power.
It's tricky building a bike that  caters to the world's fastest racers, and those who just want to have  some fun. The #1 demand from both sides is cornering performance; that's  what our engineers and test riders focused on when developing the new  YZ250F. For 2012, the 250F retains its superior cornering prowess but  benefits from increased mid-to-top end power and a stronger, more rigid  chassis surpasses current expectations. Take your competitiveness—or  weekend fun—to an all-new level with Yamaha's potent YZ250F.
New for 2012 with more power and better handling.
The new 2012 YZ250F features a  new Bilateral Beam frame, beefy new front suspension components, revised  rear shock internals, and more rigidity in the swing arm axle block  area. Engine refinements include a larger 39mm carburetor, optimized  CDI, and lighter piston for more power as well as exceptional throttle  response in the mid to high speed range.
2012 Yamaha YZ250F Highlights and Key Features:
• Increased mid-to-top end power
• Stronger, more rigid chassis
• Revised suspension settings
Key Features:
• New optimized engine pumps out  more power in the 8,000 to 12,000 rpm range with outstanding throttle  response, thanks to new crankshaft webs, new vibration-reducing  counterbalancer, new connecting rod, and low-friction piston rings, as  well as a new piston, piston pin, and clip assembly that’s over 8%  lighter overall than before. To take full advantage of these  advancements, there’s also new CDI mapping and a bigger 39mm carb with  freer breathing air cleaner cage. Added to the new frame and suspension  refinements, this latest engine gives YZ250F amazing balance – a  powerful, light-handling machine with performance that’s accessible to  all levels of riders.
• The  new-for-2012 Bilateral Beam frame has revised rigidity balance for  superior cornering performance as well as great stability on rough,  high-speed straights. Beefy new front suspension components plus revised  rear shock internals and more rigidity in the swingarm axle block area  give this new machine a serious handling advantage with light, quick  steering.
• The styling  emphasizes the bike’s lightweight and nimble handling character. The  sharp, horizontal lines set the bike apart with a clean, aggressive  look.
• New KYB® suspension is tuned to work with the also new Bilateral Beam frame for unmatched handling.
•  There’s no disputing the YZ250F’s unmatched four-stroke prowess – it  was the 1st four-stroke 250 motocross bike on the market, the 1st to win  an international race, the 1st to win an AMA® Supercross,® and the 1st  to take an AMA® U.S. Supercross Championship® title, as well as the ?rst  to win an AMA® National race.
New for 2012:
•Engine refinements, including a  larger 39mm carburetor, optimized CDI, and lighter piston with a  lighter piston pin, mean YZ250F has more power as well as exceptional  throttle response in the mid-to-high speed range.
•The crankshaft web design is revised to match the lighter piston and reduce high-rpm vibration.
•The air cleaner cage is a new  design that provides increased airflow, contributing to the excellent  throttle response in the mid-to-high speed range.
•The new muffler is designed to meet 94 dB standards.
•The new Bilateral Beam frame  with a revised balance of longitudinal, lateral, and torsional rigidity  is used for superior cornering performance, especially while exiting  turns, as well as great stability on rough, high-speed straights.
•YZ250F has beefy new outer fork  tubes and triple clamps. The result? An increase in the front fork  assembly’s torsional rigidity for unmatched chassis stability.
•Fork offset has been changed  from 25mm to 22mm to accommodate the new frame design. This shortened  offset increases trail length which, in turn, contributes to excellent  stability and reduces the inertial moment of the front fork assembly for  quick, race-winning handling. The rider can take advantage of the  higher level of performance throughout the turn.
•The redesigned axle block  portions of the swingarm provide greater rigidity to further optimize  the rigidity balance between the new frame and the revised front fork  assembly.
•Front and rear suspension  settings have been optimized for the new frame design, including a shock  that uses a 16mm shaft for optimal hydraulic flow, resulting in  exceptionally smooth suspension and great traction capability.
•New seat foam material has an excellent cushion feel.
•Both color options feature rich-looking black rims and a gold-color drive chain.
2012 Yamaha YZ250F Features and Benefits
ENGINE
Revised, liquid-cooled, 250cc,  DOHC, 5-valve (titanium), 4-stroke engine features a 13,500-rpm redline.  The modifications to the engine provide improved performance in the mid  to high speed range.
The 13.5:1 compression ratio provides fast, controlled combustion and excellent engine performance.
Optimized 5-valve (3-intake  & 2-exhaust) combustion chamber design provides the most efficient  intake and exhaust flow for maximum power.
Titanium valves decrease weight  by more than 40% over a conventional steel valve train and reduce  reciprocating mass for faster-revving.
"Load reduced" valve springs  reduce the amount of force required to open the valves and thereby  minimizes power losses associated with friction and improves torque in  the low and mid ranges.
Special chromium nitride coating on the tips of the intake valve stems reduces wear.
Ceramic composite cylinder bore  is a "liner less" design with the ceramic coating sprayed directly on  the aluminum block to create the "sleeve" the piston travels in. The  benefits include reduced weight (no heavy iron liner), reduced friction,  extended cylinder life and excellent heat dissipation for consistent  power delivery.
Cylinder design features  cutaways that allow the air trapped under the piston to enter a side  chamber (or cutaway) to reduce horsepower-robbing "pumping losses."
Lightweight engine crankcases  also utilizes special cutaways to reduce "pumping losses." The crankcase  cutaways match the cutaways in the cylinder for maximum efficiency.
Revised, short skirt forged  piston with new rings and new piston pin reduce weight and mechanical  vibration, while offering excellent durability. The weight reduction  helps improves throttle response.
Revised balancer shaft ratio.  The balancer shaft offsets the vibration produced by the crankshaft and  influences the amount of engine vibration a rider feels, especially in  the handlebar. For 2012 the balancer shaft ratio has been modified for  reduced vibration, improved comfort and less rider fatigue.
Lightweight magnesium cylinder head cover.
Dry sump lubrication system uses  a remote oil tank reservoir positioned in front of the engine. This  compact oil tank features a partition in the centre of the tank that  improves the air-oil separation function. This tank is positioned low in  the chassis which centralizes mass and lowers the centre of gravity for  exceptional handling and a light feeling.
Oil volume in the engine has been optimized to reduce weight and "oil drag" related power losses.
5-speed transmission features  "involute splines" on the transmission axles to ensure smooth shifting  and instant hook-up under power.
Multi-plate wet clutch provides an easy clutch lever pull.
Lightweight, "quick-access" outer clutch cover provides fast, easy access for clutch maintenance.
Compact automatic cam chain tensioner reduces maintenance and mechanical engine noise
New, larger Keihin FCR-MX39  flat-slide carburetor with throttle position sensor (TPS) and an  accelerator pump for excellent throttle response. The carb bore has been  increased from 37mm (2011) to 39mm for improved engine performance and  less intake airflow resistance. The diameter of the intake boot has also  been increased to match the new carb.
The revised air box features a  straight design "boot" between the air box and the carb for optimum air  flow. The air cleaner holder or guide has been modified for less intake  airflow resistance for improved performance.
Washable, dual-stage, foam air filter.
No fuss auto decompression system means fast, easy starting. The YZ250F restarts in any gear.
Convenient, handlebar-mounted hot start lever ensures fast starts when the engine is hot.
CD ignition system delivers a  strong, precise spark and monitors engine rpm to insure optimal timing  for fast, strong response at all rpms.
Direct ignition system means the ignition coil is integrated into spark plug cap to reduce weight and complexity.
Compact, lightweight, single  core, dual radiators provide outstanding cooling efficiency. The  location of the rads has been optimized for maximum airflow and  protection in the event of a crash, plus they help reduce the center of  gravity and centralize mass too.
Lightweight titanium exhaust  header pipe minimizes weight, improves performance and allows  hassle-free replacement of the oil filter.
The lightweight exhaust system  utilizes a 4-stage expansion format that improves the cylinder filling  induced by the exhaust pulse effect, resulting in excellent power  characteristics.
Revised muffler assembly  features an internal diffuser pipe and noise reducing "punched hole  pipe" to achieve maximum performance with reduced noise levels. The  muffler can be repacked to maintain peak performance. The sound  "deadening" material now extends into the newly designed tapered end  cone of the muffler for a further reduction in noise.
Works-style race-spec "barrel adjuster" for on-the-fly clutch lever free play adjustments.
CHASSIS / SUSPENSION
Revised, compact "bilateral  beam" aluminum frame centralizes mass for exceptional handling and  cornering ability. The frame consists of forged, extruded and panel  aluminum parts. The revised frame features new tank rails (or top rails)  which utilize 3 internal box sections instead of 2. The swingarm pivot  area has also been modified for improved handling performance. The  longitudinal and torsional rigidity balance of the frame has been  modified and optimized for improved handling and a light, agile feel.  The benefit of this revised chassis is fast, easy cornering … one of the  most important keys to winning races.
The front and upper rear engine  mounting brackets have been revised and strengthen the engine's function  as a stressed member of the chassis.
The head pipe (steering head),  wheelbase, caster and trail dimensions are optimized to accentuate the  engine and frame characteristics. The benefit is incredible turning  ability and quick, stable handling.
Removable rear sub frame is  constructed of square-section, lightweight aluminum pipe. Its detachable  design allows easy access when servicing rear suspension components.
Revised lightweight, tapered,  aluminum swingarm is produced using "hydro forming", a special method  that uses high pressure water to form shapes. The swingarm design  provides great overall "balance" with the frame for precise cornering,  excellent traction and a light handling feel. The end portion (chain  adjuster area) has been modified and the rigidity increased.
Cast aluminum upper and forged  aluminum lower triple clamps. The new cast upper clamp features a 50%  increase in rigidity for improved handling.
Fork offset has been decreased from 25mm to a 22mm offset. This increases the trail dimension and provides excellent stability.
Revised 48mm, adjustable,  inverted, Kayaba, "Speed Sensitive", cartridge fork features a  twin-chamber design, meaning the damper unit is in a separate structure  which prevents aerated fork oil from entering the inner damper assembly  and degrading its damping abilities. Since the inner damper is  pressurized, it also prevents air bubbles forming in the oil.
For 2012 the fork modifications  include a weight reduction to the internal cylinder head, tank and  spring guide (these are fork internals … not engine internals). The  outer tube shape is revised and is now the same as the YZ450F
Front fork adjustments include:  20-way compression damping and 20-way rebound damping. Optional fork  springs are available through Genuine Yamaha parts.
The 48mm inverted KYB fork also  features a Transfer Control Valve (TCV) system. The TCV enhances the  damping force of the inner damper from mid stroke to full stroke and  improves bottoming characteristics. The benefit of TCV is more precise  control throughout the full stroke. The TCV is located on the upside of  the spring and its function is controlled by piston speed, not piston  position … hence the term "Speed Sensitive fork".
Front and rear suspension settings have been modified to accentuate the engine and frame changes.
The combined benefits of the  revised frame, fork and fork offset provides less front - rear pitching  and excellent stability when exiting a corner.
Front wheel travel is 300mm or 11.8"
Large "wrap-around" plastic fork  protectors provide excellent lower fork tube protection. The  "self-supporting" design reduces friction for smoother fork operation.
Revised Monocross link rear  suspension system features a fully adjustable Kayaba, piggyback shock  which features separate adjusters for high- and low-speed compression  damping. Adjustments include: spring preload, 20-way rebound damping,  20-way low-speed compression damping and 2 turns of high speed  compression damping.
The revised shock uses a new  16mm diameter piston rod. Kashima coating is used in the shock body and  sub tank to reduce friction and improve suspension performance during a  long moto. The Kayaba shock utilizes a full rebound oil lock system for  excellent suspension function and great ride quality.
Rear wheel travel has increased from 307mm (12.1") to 317mm (12.5").
250mm floating front wave-style  disc reduces weight and improves heat dissipation. It is squeezed by a  compact Nissin twin piston caliper.
245mm rear disc brake features a lightweight "wave-style" disc and a single piston Nissin caliper.
Compact, lightweight rear master  cylinder is an integrated design (fluid reservoir is integrated into  the top of the master cylinder) for strong stopping power with excellent  feel and control.
Pro Taper handlebar provides excellent strength and durability. Foam handlebar pad is included.
Adjustable handlebar clamps  offer a total of 4 different handlebar positions with an adjustment  range of 30mm, to suit a wide variety of riders.
Eye catching, compact body work  enhances the lightweight feel and look of the YZ250F. This "minimal"  bodywork is a flat design, allowing fast, easy rider movements. The  ergonomics provide a natural and roomy riding position. The body has  been designed to maintain it good looks throughout the life of the  machine.
The lightweight, plastic resin  6.4 litre fuel tank compliments the chassis and its location helps to  centralization tank mass. Its compact design allows excellent rider  mobility.
Revised seat material reduces  weight and improves rider comfort. The seat surface texture has been  designed to give a grip when needed, yet still allow easy rider  movements. The seat cover resists clogging with dirt or mud to ensure  long lasting good looks.
Lightweight, 21" front and 19"  rear Excel rims provide exceptional durability and help reduce unsprung  weight for optimal suspension performance and handling.
Rear wheel assembly uses a large  25mm diameter axle and the rear hub features a second bearing on the  sprocket side for increased rigidity and durability.
Lightweight Sun Star rear sprocket.
ADDITIONAL DETAILS / FEATURES
• Rugged polypropylene engine and integrated water pump protector plate reduces weight.
• "Shorty" adjustable front brake lever. Adjustment range is 5.5mm.
• New throttle tube design provides improves throttle feeling and response
• Convenient oil sight glass window
• Heavy duty plastic rear caliper and lower rear disc protectors.
• Lightweight, extra wide foot pegs excellent grip
• Lightweight header pipe heat shield.
• Serrated rear brake pedal for extra grip
• Folding gear shifter tip
• Stainless steel inner clutch cable provides excellent strength and durability.
• Lightweight chain guide / support helps reduce chance of chain derailment and also helps protect the rear sprocket.
• Heavy duty DID 520 drive chain
• E10 friendly fuel system components
Specifications - Technical Details
MSRP* $7,290 (Team Yamaha Blue/White) Available from September 2011
$7,290 (White/Red) Available from September 2011
ENGINE
Type 250cc liquid-cooled DOHC 4-stroke; 5 titanium valves
Bore x Stroke 77.0mm x 53.6mm
Compression Ratio 13.5:1
Fuel Delivery Keihin® FCR MX39
Ignition CDI
Transmission Constant-mesh 5-speed; multiplate wet clutch
Final Drive Chain Drive
CHASSIS
Suspension / Front KYB® Speed-Sensitive System, inverted fork: fully adjustable, 11.8-in travel
Suspension / Rear KYB® Fully adjustable single shock; 12.5-in travel
Brakes / Front Hydraulic single disc brake, 250mm
Brakes / Rear Hydraulic single disc brake, 245mm
Tires / Front 80/100-21
Tires / Rear 100/90-19
DIMENSIONS
Length 85.4 in
Width 32.5 in
Height 51.4 in
Seat Height 39.0 in
Wheelbase 58.1 in
Ground Clearance 14.9 in
Fuel Capacity 1.6 gal
Wet Weight*** 227 lb
OTHER
Warranty 30 Day (Limited Factory Warranty)