The highly anticipated Yamaha 2027 YZ250F has arrived, and Yamaha has made it clear that 2027 is the year of the 250. We head to QMP to put it to the test... Photos: YMA

For a World First Ride, we head to Queensland Moto Park to put the new YZ250F through its paces and see how the extensive changes work on track. After riding Yamaha’s ProMX race bikes the day before, the 2027 YZ250F certainly had plenty to live up to. It didn’t disappoint.

Kicking off the trip with a flight from Melbourne to Brisbane, I met up with some of the Yamaha team and other media riders before heading out to Queensland Moto Park (QMP) to catch the final round of the ProMX Championship.

After an action-packed day, we packed up and headed to our accommodation at Tamborine Mountain Glades. This stunning, eco-friendly accommodation had one feature that took me by surprise – a shower without a roof. Although unexpected, after a big day at the track it was definitely a treat!

Dan will bring us tests and features on the Yamaha race bikes over the next few months. What treat to ride those!

The following morning we were back at Queensland Moto Park, where we were given the opportunity to ride the professional race bikes that had been raced the previous day in the final round of ProMX, from teams CDR, WBR and Yamalube. Riding the bikes that had just been pushed to their limits by Australia’s top professional racers gave me a completely different perspective on what these bikes are capable of. Expect a separate write-up on my time riding these professional race bikes…

Read our previous Yamaha YZ tests here…

Once we had finished riding the ProMX race bikes, we headed back to the accommodation for the presentation of the all-new Yamaha 2027 YZ250F. With 2027 being the year of the 250, Yamaha has gone all out with its new YZ250F, giving it a complete overhaul compared to the previous model. Yamaha has focused on rider development, with improvements to the engine, chassis, suspension, braking, starting and overall ergonomics.

Yamaha has focused on rider development, with improvements to the engine, chassis, suspension, braking, starting and overall ergonomics…

On the final day, we were back at Queensland Moto Park bright and early. Upon arrival, we were greeted by Yamaha team tents filled with 2027 YZ250Fs, just teasing us to get our gear on and head out onto the track to test them.

The Ride

The wait was finally over. I was excited to see what Yamaha had done with the all-new 2027 YZ250F. As soon as I threw my leg over and hit the start button, you could hear the sound difference from the previous YZ250F. While the 2027 is not as loud, when you twist the smooth throttle the 2027 YZ250F unleashes a roar that stretches higher into the rpm than ever before.

As soon as I got onto the track, I noticed that I felt very confident and comfortable. After a couple of sighting laps to get used to the track, I really got to open the 2027 YZ250F up, and it did not disappoint. With the updated 250cc engine, I could notice the focus Yamaha had put into linear and controllable power. Rather than feeling like a bike that constantly needs to be ridden on the limiter, the new YZ250F gives you strong and usable power that allows you to concentrate on carrying momentum.

“The new YZ250F gives you strong and usable power that allows you to concentrate on carrying momentum.”

The increased torque is noticeable as you roll the throttle open, giving the YZ250F a strong connection between the throttle and the rear wheel. The power delivery feels predictable and controlled, which allows you to focus on your lines rather than constantly worrying about managing the engine.

The new hydraulic clutch is light and smooth, making clutch control easy from race starts to anywhere throughout the laps. I found that throughout the long day of riding, I never got arm pump like I would on a bike with a heavy clutch.

“The hydraulic clutch is light and smooth, making clutch control easy from race starts to anywhere throughout the laps”.

The five-speed gearbox was easy to use, with clean changes throughout the day. With the improved torque and revised gear ratios, I found myself needing to shift less frequently, which allowed me to focus more on riding the track rather than constantly searching for the next gear.

The reduced engine braking is also another noticeable change. The 2027 YZ250F feels freer when you roll off the throttle, allowing you to carry momentum into corners without the rear of the bike feeling overly aggressive.

The 2027 YZ20F has an easy to use left hand control module, which allows you to swap between two different maps whilst out on the track. These maps can be easily adjusted within the Power Tuner app. Also giving you the option to add traction control for those muddy and wet conditions allowing you to get the power to the ground without the worry of losing the rear wheel.

“The traction control worked well at the start of the day on a freshly watered track allowing me to go straight through any wet areas with ease”…

I was able to put these to the test at QMP the traction control worked well at the start of the day on a freshly watered track allowing me to go straight through any wet areas with ease. Having two separate maps made it quick and easy to swap between having one map with traction control on, with the second full power once the track dried up with a simple press of a button. I also tested the launch control system. The launch control allowed the YZ250F to maintain rpm when you dropped the clutch off the start keeping you in the mid range getting you down the start straight as quick as possible.

“The YZ250F was very easy to control when landing jumps and transitioning through rougher sections of the track.”

Yamaha has clearly focused on making the YZ250F easier to ride. The updated rigidity characteristics provide a controlled feeling through the corners while still allowing the chassis to move underneath you. The front-end feel gave me confidence when entering corners, whether it was a flat corner or into a rut. The YZ250F feels planted without feeling difficult to turn, allowing you to commit to your lines and carry speed through the corners.

The KYB suspension worked extremely well around Queensland Moto Park. The combination of the revised fork and new rear shock provided a comfortable and controlled ride across the different sections of the track. The suspension soaked up the bumps and jumps while maintaining traction underneath the bike. The YZ250F was very easy to control when landing jumps and transitioning through rougher sections of the track.

The KYB suspension worked extremely well around Queensland Moto Park.

The new rear brake was another area that stood out. The smaller 220mm rear disc provides a very controllable braking feel, allowing you to modulate the rear brake without it feeling aggressive when entering corners under hard braking. The new directional gripper seat provides excellent support when accelerating and braking while still allowing you to move forward when entering corners.

Yamaha’s focus on rider-focused bike development is clear throughout the 2027 YZ250F. From the engine characteristics to the chassis, suspension, braking and rider ergonomics, the YZ250F feels like it has been designed around making the rider more comfortable and confident.

Overall, I was very impressed by the all-new Yamaha 2027 YZ250F. With its smooth, linear power and comfortable rider ergonomics, the YZ250F is easy to ride quickly. The combination of strong torque, reduced engine braking, fewer gear changes and confidence-inspiring chassis makes the YZ250F feel like a bike that allows you to focus on riding rather than fighting against the bike.

The Yamaha Power Tuner app allows quick and easy changes to your bike while out at the track, with the added new anti-theft lockable ECU feature adding that extra piece of mind. The Yamaha YZ250F is the complete package, allowing you to tackle every section of the track with confidence. Yamaha has pulled out all the stops and created a 250 that is built hard, ridden fast and enjoyed.

 

TECH TALK, 2027 YAMAHA YZ250F

The Yamaha 2027 YZ250F has been developed with a strong focus on the rider. Yamaha’s team of engineers have concentrated on creating more power and torque while maintaining a linear and controllable power delivery. The new YZ250F is also designed to offer a more compliant chassis and suspension, fewer gear shifts, less engine braking and improved starting performance.

One of the biggest changes for the 2027 YZ250F is the all-new dry-sump engine. Yamaha has put an extensive amount of work into the engine to increase output and durability at high rpm while also improving the overall feel and controllability of the power.

2027 Yamaha YZ250F engine right side.

ENGINE

The engine features a high-rpm valve system with a new valvetrain designed to increase output and durability at high engine speeds. The finger-follower system helps to reduce valvetrain weight, making it possible for the engine to operate efficiently at higher rpm. Yamaha has also eliminated the cam bearings, creating a saving of six per cent in weight.

The inlet valves feature a dual-spring design, while high-speed metal impact treatment has been used to improve durability. The exhaust valve has also been revised, while valve lift has increased from 9.6mm to 10.22mm. With these and other engine changes combined, the rev limit has been increased by 700rpm.

Yamaha has also increased the compression ratio from 13.8:1 to 14:1. Changes to the piston and internal engine flow allow the engine to operate at higher engine speeds, while the larger-diameter piston pin and thinner-profile top ring contribute to its durability.

The timing chain system has received a complete revision. The new camshaft sprockets increase from 32 to 34 teeth, while the crankshaft sprocket increases from 16 to 17 teeth. The timing chain has also increased from 114 to 118 links, while the tensioner has been relocated to the cylinder head to help suppress chain whip. The new timing chain system has been designed to support the increased engine rpm of the 2027 YZ250F.

The crankshaft has also been redesigned, with Yamaha adopting an axe-shaped crankshaft with plain big-end bearings. The shaft diameter has increased from 30mm to 32mm, while the overall weight has been reduced by three per cent. These changes are designed to provide superior high-rpm characteristics while optimising engine balance.

The increased rotor inertia also helps provide stable low-speed control. Yamaha has fitted a heavier rotor and lighter stator, resulting in a lighter overall system while maintaining stable engine control at low speed and providing a clear torque feeling as the throttle opens.

The transmission has been strengthened, with increased gear width and an increased number of dogs. The five-speed gearbox has been optimised with revised gear ratios to provide improved high-rpm durability and reduce the need for excessive gear changes.

One of the changes I was interested to try was the new hydraulic clutch system. The clutch uses a conical spring to optimise clamping force and engagement, while alternate straight and angled friction plates help deliver strong power transmission with less drag. The new hydraulic clutch also provides lighter operation and removes the need for clutch adjustment.

Starting performance has also been improved on the 2027 YZ250F with a new high-output Mitsubishi starter motor, while a revised reduction ratio reduces cranking load. The decompression setting has also been revised to support easier starting.

The 2027 YZ250F also features a low-noise, high-power airfilter system and a low-noise, high-power exhaust, allowing Yamaha to increase performance while maintaining noise compliance.

CHASSIS

The chassis of the 2027 YZ250F has received a major update, with Yamaha focusing on rigidity tuning to provide easier handling and a more controlled ride.

The main frame is shared with the YZ450F, however, Yamaha has developed model-specific engine brackets. The new frame uses an optimised downtube and asymmetrical engine mounts to provide a balance between rigidity and flex. The result is a chassis designed to provide high stability, strong cornering and a confident front-end feel.

The suspension has also been revised. The YZ250F uses KYB twin-chamber, speed-sensitive, fully adjustable forks with new spring settings designed to improve damping and provide a more controlled feel. There is also a new KYB fully adjustable rear shock, which features a hand-adjustable low-speed compression clicker. The updated suspension is designed to provide improved shock absorption, comfort and traction.

 

 

The braking system has received attention, particularly at the rear. Yamaha has reduced the size of the rear brake system to improve controllability while saving weight. The rear master cylinder diameter, brake piston diameter and brake disc diameter have all been reduced. The rear disc has been reduced from 240mm to 220mm. A new brake pad material has also been introduced. These changes provide a more linear braking feel while saving 180 grams of weight.

STYLING

The 2027 YZ250F has also received completely revised bodywork, giving the YZ250F a fresh and aggressive appearance while improving rider movement. The new gripper seat is designed to make it easier for the rider to move forward while making it harder to slide backwards.

Yamaha has also given the YZ250F a new compact and lightweight front number plate. The side number plates have been redesigned with fewer 8mm bolts, along with a new easy-grab rear fender that makes moving and handling the YZ250F around the pits easier.

2027 Yamaha YZ250F left switchgear.

ELECTRONICS

The Yamaha Power Tuner app continues to give riders the ability to customise the performance of their YZ250F, with the 2027 YZ250F receiving a new security feature. The ECU now features a lock function, previously seen on the 2026 YZ450F.

This acts as an anti-theft device and allows the rider to set their own password, giving riders an added level of security when the bike is stored at home, in the pits or at the track. Just make sure you remember your password, because forgetting it could mean you won’t be riding next weekend.

 

 

2027 Yamaha YZ250F Specifications

Yamaha-Motor.com.au

Price: $15,049 Ready to Ride
Warranty: N/A
Colours: Team Yamaha Blue
Claimed Power: N/A
Claimed Torque: N/A
Wet Weight: 107kg
Fuel capacity: 6.2L
Fuel Consumption Claimed: N/A
Fuel Consumption (measured): N/A

Engine: Liquid-cooled four-stroke, DOHC, four-valve, 77 x 53.6mm bore x stroke, 250cc, 14.1:1 compression, dry sump, EFI with 44mm Mikuni throttle body, electric start, TCI ignition, five-speed gearbox, hydraulic clutch actuation.

Chassis: Frame: Bilateral alloy beam frame.
Rake: 27º Trail: 120mm
Suspension: Fully adjustable KYB Speed Sensitive System coil-spring fork, 310mm travel (f); fully adjustable KYB shock, 295mm travel, aluminium swingarm (r). Brakes: 270mm disc, hydraulic caliper (f), 220mm disc, hydraulic caliper (r). Tyres: 80/100 – 21in tube type (f), 110/90 – 19in tube type (r).

Dimensions:
Seat height: 970mm
Ground clearance: 345mm
Overall width: 825mm
Overall Length: 2185mm
Overall height: 1275mm
Wheelbase: 1480mm

Instruments & Electronics: N/A instruments, Engine Mapping, Traction Control, Launch Control, Lap Timer and ECU Lock via Yamaha Power Tuner app.

 

2027 YZ250F GYTR GENUINE ACCESSORIES

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