2012 Yamaha YZ250 vs 2014 Honda CRF250R

Full specifications comparison • 2 motorcycles

Comparing 2 motorcycles
2012 Yamaha YZ250 2012 Yamaha YZ250

Cross / motocross

Engine
Single cylinder, two-stroke
Power
N/A
Top Speed
N/A
Weight
227.0 pounds
2014 Honda CRF250R 2014 Honda CRF250R

Cross / motocross

Engine
Single cylinder, four-stroke
Power
N/A
Top Speed
N/A
Weight
231.0 pounds
Full Specifications
General
Comments-Model ID: CRF250R
ColoursBlue/White, White/RedRed
Warranty30 Day (Limited Factory Warranty)-
Dimensions
Ground Clearance (mm)381 mm323 mm
Ground Clearance (in.)15.0 inches12.7 inches
Seat Height993 mm / 39.1 in.950 mm / 37.4 in.
Wheelbase1,481 mm / 58.3 in.1,488 mm / 58.6 in.
Height1,064 mm / 41.9 in.1,271 mm / 50.0 in.
Length2,177 mm / 85.7 in.2,191 mm / 86.3 in.
Width828 mm / 32.6 in.827 mm / 32.6 in.
Weights & Capacities
Oil Capacity (l)-1.80 litres
Oil Capacity (Quarts)-0.12 quarts
Fuel Capacity7.95 litres / 2.10 gallons6.28 litres / 1.66 gallons
Wet Weight103.0 kg / 227.0 lbs104.8 kg / 231.0 lbs
Performance
Max Torque-47.70 Nm (4.9 kgf-m or 35.2 ft.lbs) @ 6500
Engine
Bore x Stroke (in,)2.6 x 2.8 inches3.0 x 2.1 inches
Bore x Stroke (mm)66.4 x 72.0 mm76.8 x 53.8 mm
Engine TypeSingle cylinder, two-strokeSingle cylinder, four-stroke
Fuel ControlDouble Overhead Cams/Twin Cam (DOHC)SOHC
Displacement (ci)15.19 cubic inches15.19 cubic inches
Displacement (cc)249.00 cc249.00 cc
Engine DetailReed-valve inducted-
Fuel SystemCarburettor. Keihin PWK38SInjection. Dual-Timing Programmed Fuel Injection (PGM-FI), 46mm throttle body
Compression Ratio8.9:113.5:1
Emissions-Meets current California Air Resources Board (CARB) and EPA off-road emissions standards.
Engine LubricationWet sump-
IgnitionCDIFull transistor with electronic advance
StarterElectricKick
Valve System5-
Drivetrain
ClutchMultiplate, wetMulti plate wet clutch
Final DriveChainChain
Gearbox5-speed5-speed
Primary DriveConstant-mesh 5-speed#520 Chain; 13T/49T
Chassis
Frame TypeHybrid steel and aluminum frame with a Controlled- Fill aluminum subframe and cast aluminum swingarm-
Suspension - FrontSpeed-Sensitive System inverted fork48mm inverted Showa cartridge fork with 16-position rebound and 16-position compression damping adjustability
Suspension - RearFully adjustable single shockPro-Link® Showa single shock with spring preload, 17-position rebound damping adjustability, and compression-damping adjustment separated into low-speed (13 positions) and high-speed (3.5 turns); 12.3 inches travel
Rake-27.0°
Trail-118 mm / 4.6 in.
Wheel Travel - Front300 mm / 11.8 in.241 mm / 9.5 in.
Wheel Travel - Rear315 mm / 12.4 in.61 mm / 2.4 in.
Electrical Systems
Lighting systemDual 30W Krypton multireflector Headlights and 3.9/0.5W LED Brake light-
Wheels & Brakes
Brakes - Rear Diameter (in.)9.6 inches9.4 inches
Brakes - Front Diameter (mm)250 mm240 mm
Brakes - Front Diameter (in.)9.8 inches9.4 inches
Brakes - Rear Diameter (mm)245 mm240 mm
Brakes - FrontSingle disc. HydraulicDouble disc. Two-piston calipers.
Brakes - RearSingle disc. HydraulicSingle disc
Tyres - Front21/7-1080/100-21
Tyres - Rear110/90-19100/90-19

Verdict

Too close to call

The 2012 Yamaha YZ250 and the 2014 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

2012 Yamaha YZ250 - Advantages

  • More ground clearance: 381 mm vs 323 mm - better clearance over rocks and obstacles.
  • More rear wheel travel: 315 mm vs 61 mm - absorbs bigger hits and rough terrain better.
  • More front wheel travel: 300 mm vs 241 mm - greater compliance over rough surfaces.

2014 Honda CRF250R - Advantages

  • Lower seat height: 950 mm vs 993 mm - accessible to a wider range of rider heights.
  • Fuel injection: Precise fuelling, better cold-start reliability, and lower maintenance requirements.
  • Dual front discs: Greater stopping power and better heat management under hard braking.

2012 Yamaha YZ250 vs 2014 Honda CRF250R - FAQs

What are the engine differences between the 2012 Yamaha YZ250 and 2014 Honda CRF250R?
The 2012 Yamaha YZ250 uses Single cylinder, two-stroke, while the 2014 Honda CRF250R is powered by Single cylinder, four-stroke. This is a fundamental difference - the 2012 Yamaha YZ250 is a two-stroke engine while the 2014 Honda CRF250R runs a four-stroke, resulting in very different power delivery, maintenance requirements, and riding character.
Which bike is better for shorter riders, the 2012 Yamaha YZ250 or the 2014 Honda CRF250R?
The 2014 Honda CRF250R has the lower seat at 950 mm, making it more accessible. The 2012 Yamaha YZ250 sits higher at 993 mm. A seat height below 800 mm suits most riders; above 820 mm shorter riders may need to tiptoe.
Which should I buy, the 2012 Yamaha YZ250 or the 2014 Honda CRF250R?
Both are strong choices. The 2012 Yamaha YZ250 has the edge in greater ground clearance and higher rear wheel travel, while the 2014 Honda CRF250R stands out for lower seat height and fuel injection. Visit dealers, arrange test rides, and factor in local parts and service costs - these often matter as much as the spec sheet.