2021 Yamaha YZ250F vs 2022 KTM 250 SX-F
Full specifications comparison •
2 motorcycles
Full Specifications
Differs
Same
| General |
| Comments | Power Tuner app. | - |
| Colours | Team Yamaha Blue | Orange/white/blue |
| Warranty | 30 Day Limited Factory Warranty | - |
| Dimensions |
| Ground Clearance (mm) | 335 mm | 370 mm |
| Ground Clearance (in.) | 13.2 inches | 14.6 inches |
| Seat Height | 970 mm / 38.2 in. | 950 mm / 37.4 in. |
| Wheelbase | 1476 mm / 58.1 in. | 1495 mm / 58.9 in. |
| Height | 1285 mm / 50.6 in. | - |
| Length | 2174 mm / 85.6 in. | - |
| Width | 826 mm / 32.5 in. | - |
| Weights & Capacities |
| Oil Capacity (l) | 0.90 litres | - |
| Oil Capacity (Quarts) | 0.95 US quarts | - |
| Dry Weight | - | 99 kg / 218.3 lbs |
| Fuel Capacity | 6.06 litres / 1.60 US gallons | 7.50 litres / 1.98 US gallons |
| Wet Weight | 106.1 kg / 234.0 lbs | - |
| Performance |
| Mods from previous model | New cylinder head with an improved intake port shape, new exhaust camshaft profile, a new silencer, and an updated ECU. | - |
| Engine |
| Fuel Control | Double Overhead Cams/Twin Cam (DOHC) | - |
| Bore x Stroke (in,) | 3.0 x 2.1 inches | 3.1 x 2.1 inches |
| Bore x Stroke (mm) | 77.0 x 53.6 mm | 78.0 x 52.3 mm |
| Displacement (cc) | 250.0 cc | 249.9 cc |
| Displacement (ci) | 15.26 cubic inches | 15.25 cubic inches |
| Engine Type | Single cylinder, four-stroke | Single cylinder, four-stroke |
| Engine Detail | Titanium-valves | - |
| Fuel System | Injection. Mikuni, 44mm | - |
| Compression Ratio | 13.8:1 | - |
| Engine Lubrication | Wet sump | - |
| Ignition | TCI: Transistor Controlled Ignition | Keihin EMS |
| Starter | Electric | Electric |
| Valve System | 4 | - |
| Drivetrain |
| Clutch | Multiplate wet clutch | Wet multi-disc clutch, Brembo hydraulics |
| Final Drive | Chain (final drive) | Chain (final drive) |
| Gearbox | 5-speed | 5-speed |
| Primary Drive | - | 5/8 x 1/4´ chain. |
| Chassis |
| Frame Type | Bilateral beam aluminum frame | Central double-cradle-type 25CrMo4 steel |
| Suspension - Front | KYB speed-Sensitive System, inverted fork: fully adjustable | WP XACT-USD, Ø 48 mm |
| Suspension - Rear | KYB fully adjustable single shock | WP XACT Monoshock with linkage |
| Rake | 26.0° | 26.5° |
| Trail | 119 mm / 4.7 in. | - |
| Wheel Travel - Front | 310 mm / 12.2 in. | 310 mm / 12.2 in. |
| Wheel Travel - Rear | 318 mm / 12.5 in. | 300 mm / 11.8 in. |
| Wheels & Brakes |
| Brakes - Front | Single disc. Hydraulic. | Single disc |
| Brakes - Rear | Single disc. Hydraulic. | Single disc |
| Rims | Bridgestone® Battlecross tyres | Wire spoked. |
| Tyres - Front | 80/100-21 | 80/100-21 |
Verdict
⚖️
Too close to call
The 2021 Yamaha YZ250F and the 2022 KTM 250 SX-F 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
2021 Yamaha YZ250F - Advantages
- 🔧Fuel injection: Precise fuelling, better cold-start reliability, and lower maintenance requirements.
- 🔄More rear wheel travel: 318 mm vs 300 mm - absorbs bigger hits and rough terrain better.
2022 KTM 250 SX-F - Advantages
- 📏Lower seat height: 950 mm vs 970 mm - accessible to a wider range of rider heights.
- 🏔️More ground clearance: 370 mm vs 335 mm - better clearance over rocks and obstacles.
2021 Yamaha YZ250F vs 2022 KTM 250 SX-F - FAQs
Which bike is better for shorter riders, the 2021 Yamaha YZ250F or the 2022 KTM 250 SX-F?
The 2022 KTM 250 SX-F has the lower seat at 950 mm, making it more accessible. The 2021 Yamaha YZ250F sits higher at 970 mm. A seat height below 800 mm suits most riders; above 820 mm shorter riders may need to tiptoe.
Which should I buy, the 2021 Yamaha YZ250F or the 2022 KTM 250 SX-F?
Both are strong choices. The 2021 Yamaha YZ250F has the edge in fuel injection and higher rear wheel travel, while the 2022 KTM 250 SX-F stands out for lower seat height and greater ground clearance. Visit dealers, arrange test rides, and factor in local parts and service costs - these often matter as much as the spec sheet.