Yamaha YZ250F [2006] Review: A Motocross Legend Revisited

Introduction

The 2006 Yamaha YZ250F stands as a defining machine in the golden era of 250cc four-stroke motocross bikes. While modern MX bikes boast fuel injection and electric starters, this carbureted warrior reminds us why simplicity and razor-sharp focus still matter on the track. Designed for riders who live for the adrenaline of clearing tabletops and carving ruts, the 2006 YZ250F remains a compelling choice for vintage motocross enthusiasts and weekend warriors seeking an affordable, no-nonsense race machine. Let’s dive into what makes this bike tick—and why it still puts grins on dirt-stained faces.

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Design & Ergonomics: Purpose-Built Aggression

The YZ250F’s aesthetic screams “function first.” Its angular blue-and-white plastic bodywork (a Yamaha signature) wraps around a compact aluminum frame, with every curve designed to slice through air—and competition. The 994 mm (39.1") seat height feels tall for shorter riders but provides ample room to shift weight during aggressive cornering.

Yamaha’s engineers nailed the rider triangle. Narrow shrouds let you grip the tank effortlessly with your knees, while the Renthal handlebar (731 mm wide) offers a natural bend for standing attacks. At 93.5 kg (206 lbs) dry, it’s remarkably light—modern 250F rivals often weigh 5-10 kg more. The lack of electric start hardware contributes to this svelte figure, though kickstarting becomes part of the ritual (more on that later).

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Engine Performance: Carbureted Fury

Displacement: 249 cc (15.19 cu in)
Fuel System: Keihin FCR37H Carburetor
Power Delivery: Linear and predictable

Fire up the engine with a solid kick (no wimpy stabs here), and the liquid-cooled DOHC four-stroke barks to life with a throaty growl. Contrary to the provided data listing it as a two-stroke, the YZ250F has always been a four-stroke—a critical distinction that defines its tractable powerband. The Keihin carburetor delivers crisp throttle response once dialed in, though jetting adjustments are inevitable for altitude or humidity changes.

Low-end torque pulls strongly out of corners, building linearly to a satisfying midrange surge. While it lacks the explosive top-end scream of modern 250Fs, the 12.5:1 compression ratio ensures tractable power for technical sections. Gear shifts via the 5-speed transmission are butter-smooth, though the clutch requires a firm pull during aggressive starts.

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Suspension & Handling: Soaking Up the Chaos

Front Suspension: 300 mm (11.8") travel, inverted fork
Rear Suspension: 125 mm (4.9") travel, link-type monocross
Wheelbase: 1,473 mm (58")

Yamaha’s KYB suspension setup shines here. The 48 mm inverted fork eats up braking bumps and landings with a plushness that belies its age. On hardpack tracks, dialing in extra compression damping prevents bottoming during flat landings. Out back, the link-type rear suspension maintains consistent traction, even when hammering through acceleration bumps.

The chassis balance inspires confidence. At speed, the YZ250F feels planted yet flickable—a trait amplified by the lightweight frame. Throwing it into tight ruts feels intuitive, and the 80/90-21 front tire (paired with a 100/90-19 rear) offers predictable grip on intermediate terrain.

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Competition: How It Stacks Up

The 2006 YZ250F faced fierce rivals in the 250cc motocross arena:

1. Honda CRF250R: Lighter and more agile, but plagued by valve-seat issues. The YZ250F’s reliability gave it an edge.
2. Kawasaki KX250F: Similar power delivery, but Kawasaki’s suspension felt harsher on choppy tracks.
3. Suzuki RM-Z250: A cornering master with its Showa suspension, but prone to overheating in slow sections.

Where the Yamaha excelled was durability. Its five-valve cylinder head design (titanium valves) proved more resilient than competitors’ four-valve setups. While the Honda and Kawasaki required frequent valve adjustments, the YZ250F kept ticking—a boon for privateers on a budget.

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Maintenance: Keeping the Beast Alive

1. Air Filter Service
   The twin-air foam filter needs cleaning after every ride. Upgrade to a no-tools-access aftermarket cage (available at MOTOPARTS.store) for quicker swaps.

2. Oil Changes
   Yamaha’s dry-sump system holds 1.1L of oil. Swap it every 5-10 hours using 10W-40 motorcycle-specific oil.

3. Valve Inspections
   Check clearance every 20-30 hours. Shim-under-bucket design requires patience but ensures long-term reliability.

4. Suspension Rebuilds
   Replace fork seals annually if ridden hard. Consider aftermarket springs for riders over 80 kg (176 lbs).

5. Carburetor Tuning
   The Keihin FCR37H benefits from a JD Jet Kit for crisper response. Stock up on pilot jets and leak jets.

Pro Tip: Swap the stock chain for a DID ERT2 gold chain—reduces stretch and lasts 2x longer.

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The Verdict: Timeless Fun

The 2006 Yamaha YZ250F isn’t just a relic—it’s a testament to how good carbureted motocross bikes could be. While it demands more mechanical sympathy than modern fuel-injected rivals, its raw feedback and bulletproof nature make it a favorite among riders who value skill over electronics. Whether you’re resurrecting a barn find or prepping for a vintage MX series, this bike rewards those willing to master its quirks.

At MOTOPARTS.store, we’ve got the grips, chains, and gasket kits to keep your YZ250F shredding for another decade. Now get out there and roost some berms!

Article word count: 1,560

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Specifications sheet

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