2005 Yamaha YZ250 vs 2008 Honda CRF250R
Full specifications comparison •
2 motorcycles
Full Specifications
Differs
Same
| General |
| Colours | Team Yamaha Blue/White | Red, Black (2008 Special Color, Limited Availability) |
| Dimensions |
| Wheelbase (in.) | 2.3 inches | - |
| Ground Clearance (in.) | 15.6 inches | 14.2 inches |
| Ground Clearance (mm) | 396 mm | 361 mm |
| Seat Height | 991 mm / 39.0 in. | 965 mm / 38.0 in. |
| Wheelbase | - | 1,478 mm / 58.2 in. |
| Height | 1,308 mm / 51.5 in. | - |
| Length | 2,182 mm / 85.9 in. | - |
| Width | 828 mm / 32.6 in. | - |
| Weights & Capacities |
| Dry Weight | - | 103 kg / 227.0 lbs |
| Fuel Capacity | 7.94 litres / 2.10 gallons | 7.19 litres / 1.90 gallons |
| Engine |
| Bore x Stroke (in,) | 2.6 x 2.8 inches | 3.1 x 2.1 inches |
| Displacement (cc) | 249.00 cc | 249.00 cc |
| Displacement (ci) | 15.19 cubic inches | 15.19 cubic inches |
| Engine Type | Single cylinder | Single cylinder |
| Stroke | 2 | 4 |
| Bore x Stroke (mm) | 66.4 x 72.0 mm | 78.0 x 52.2 mm |
| Fuel System | Carburettor | Carburettor. 40mm Keihin flat-slide |
| Compression Ratio | 9.1:1 | 12.9:1 |
| Ignition | - | CD |
| Valve System | 1 | - |
| Drivetrain |
| Final Drive | Chain | Chain |
| Gearbox | 5-speed | 5-speed |
| Chassis |
| Suspension - Front | 48mm Kayaba inverted cartridge fork w/adjustable compression and rebound damping | 47.0mm inverted Showa cartridge fork with 16-position rebound and 16-position compression damping adjustability |
| Suspension - Rear | Kayaba single shock w/adjustable preload, compression and rebound damping separate hi/lo-speed compression adjusters | Pro-Link Showa single-shock with spring preload, 13-position [low-speed] and 3.5-turn [high-speed] compression damping and 17-position rebound damping adjustability |
| Rake | - | 27.9° |
| Trail | - | 125 mm / 4.9 in. |
| Wheel Travel - Front | 300 mm / 11.8 in. | 315 mm / 12.4 in. |
| Wheel Travel - Rear | 315 mm / 12.4 in. | 315 mm / 12.4 in. |
| Wheels & Brakes |
| Brakes - Rear Diameter (mm) | 245 mm | - |
| Brakes - Rear Diameter (in.) | 9.6 inches | - |
| Brakes - Front Diameter (mm) | 250 mm | - |
| Brakes - Front Diameter (in.) | 9.8 inches | - |
| Brakes - Front | Single disc | Single disc |
| Brakes - Rear | Single disc | Single disc |
| Tyres - Front | 80/80-21 | 80/0-21 |
| Tyres - Rear | 110/90-19 | 100/90-19 |
Verdict
⚖️
Too close to call
The 2005 Yamaha YZ250 and the 2008 Honda CRF250R are evenly matched across the key measurable criteria. Your decision comes down to personal preference, riding style, and which brand's dealer network best suits your location.
Key Differences
2005 Yamaha YZ250 - Advantages
- 🏔️More ground clearance: 396 mm vs 361 mm - better clearance over rocks and obstacles.
2008 Honda CRF250R - Advantages
- 📏Lower seat height: 965 mm vs 991 mm - accessible to a wider range of rider heights.
2005 Yamaha YZ250 vs 2008 Honda CRF250R - FAQs
Which bike is better for shorter riders, the 2005 Yamaha YZ250 or the 2008 Honda CRF250R?
The 2008 Honda CRF250R has the lower seat at 965 mm, making it more accessible. The 2005 Yamaha YZ250 sits higher at 991 mm. A seat height below 800 mm suits most riders; above 820 mm shorter riders may need to tiptoe.
Which should I buy, the 2005 Yamaha YZ250 or the 2008 Honda CRF250R?
Both are strong choices. The 2005 Yamaha YZ250 has the edge in greater ground clearance, while the 2008 Honda CRF250R stands out for lower seat height. Visit dealers, arrange test rides, and factor in local parts and service costs - these often matter as much as the spec sheet.