2012 Yamaha YZ250 Specifications

Name: 2012 Yamaha YZ250
Brand: Yamaha

Cross / motocross • Specs last verified 13 July 2026

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2012 Yamaha YZ250 Overview

For 2012, Yamaha offers the YZ250 as a cross / motocross motorcycle with 249 cc on tap. The 2012 Yamaha YZ250 is built around a Single cylinder, two-stroke engine running Double Overhead Cams/Twin Cam (DOHC) valve actuation, a compression ratio of 8.9:1. Internally, bore and stroke are 66.4 x 72 mm. In everyday use, the 2012 YZ250 tips the scales at 103 kg, carries a 7.95-litre fuel tank, offers a seat height of 993 mm and spans a 1,481 mm wheelbase. That's roughly 6.4 kg lighter than the average cross / motocross motorcycle in our database. Every technical detail, from suspension travel to tyre sizes, is covered in the full 2012 Yamaha YZ250 spec sheet below.

2012 Yamaha YZ250 compared with other bikes in the Cross / motocross category

Measured against other bikes in the Cross / motocross category in our database (up to 200 models, one entry per model), the 2012 Yamaha YZ250 comes out as follows.

With 993 mm, the YZ250 has the 8th tallest seat height of 200 bikes in the Cross / motocross category, 10% above the category average of 902 mm.
Wet weight of 103 kg is lighter than that of 86 of the other 128 bikes in the Cross / motocross category.
Narrowing the field to the 101 models within five model years of it, the seat height of 993 mm is taller than that of 96 of the other 100.

Versus the 2011 model

The figures we track are unchanged from the 2011 model: wet weight, displacement and seat height all match.

2012 YZ250 - Pros & Cons

Strengths

Strong front braking: The single disc front brake bites hard and stays consistent - a solid foundation whether it's stock or upgraded with braided lines.

Considerations

Carburetor fuelling: Carburetion is more hands-on than fuel injection - plan on periodic jetting and cleaning as part of routine ownership.
Tall seat height: A 993 mm seat puts flat-footing out of reach for a lot of riders - sit on it in person before committing.
Modest fuel capacity: A 7.95-litre tank keeps things light but means budgeting for more frequent fuel stops on any longer ride.
Chain final drive upkeep: A chain drivetrain is the most common setup in its class, but it's also the one that demands the most regular hands-on maintenance.

Wear Points & Servicing Notes

Carburetor maintenance

Being carbureted, the YZ250 is more sensitive to stale fuel and altitude changes than a fuel-injected bike - a carb clean and rejet restores crisp throttle response after any extended lay-up.

Valve clearance checks

Valve clearances on Double Overhead Cams/Twin Cam (DOHC)-equipped engines like the YZ250's drift slowly with mileage rather than failing suddenly - sticking to the service interval keeps it a non-issue.

Brake disc and pad wear

Single disc with hydraulic up front provides the primary stopping power; inspect disc thickness and pad wear at each tyre change to catch scoring before it becomes a rotor replacement.

Suspension condition on used examples

Suspension duties are handled by Speed-Sensitive System inverted fork up front and Fully adjustable single shock at the rear. Weeping fork seals aren't a dealbreaker on a used bike, but they're a fair basis for negotiating price.

Final drive maintenance

Chain final drive on the YZ250 means routine lubing and tension checks are part of ownership - skip them and sprocket wear accelerates noticeably.

Frame & chassis check

The Hybrid steel and aluminum frame with a Controlled- Fill aluminum subframe and cast aluminum swingarm chassis holds up well with normal use; on a used bike it's still worth checking the head-stock and swingarm pivot area for impact damage or corrosion.

Low-speed handling

The YZ250's 103 kg kerb weight makes low-speed control noticeably less effort than on a heavier machine.

YZ250 - Buying & Maintenance Guide

What to check before buying

A pre-purchase check on the 2012 Yamaha YZ250 with its 249 cc cross / motocross should cover the same ground every time: service history, drivetrain condition, and any oil seepage around the casings. This model runs chain final drive, so check chain slack and sprocket tooth profile specifically - a worn sprocket is a cheaper fix now than after it's chewed up the next chain. Now 14 years old, this cross / motocross is as likely to show age-related wear (perished rubber, seized fasteners, degraded seals) as mileage-related wear. Start it from cold if you can - a well-kept YZ250 settles to a smooth idle within seconds.

Oil and filter changes

Oil changes are the cheapest insurance you can buy for the YZ250's 249 cc single cylinder, two-stroke - keep to the manufacturer's interval rather than stretching it. With an 8.9:1 compression ratio, running the octane grade specified in the manual matters more than on a lower-compression engine. Use the viscosity grade the manual specifies, not whatever's on sale.

Carburetor upkeep

A YZ250 that's sat unused is almost always a carb-cleaning job before it runs right again - float bowls and pilot jets first, since they clog before anything else.

Valve clearance service

There's no reliable seat-of-the-pants way to tell if a YZ250's valve clearances are in spec - a light top-end tick is the only real warning sign, and by then some wear has already happened. Service records are the only proof.

2012 Yamaha YZ250 - Frequently Asked Questions

What engine does the 2012 Yamaha YZ250 have?

The 2012 Yamaha YZ250 uses a Single cylinder, two-stroke engine with 249 cc of displacement.

How much does the 2012 Yamaha YZ250 weigh?

The 2012 Yamaha YZ250 weighs 103 kg. This is the manufacturer's wet figure.

What is the fuel tank capacity of the 2012 Yamaha YZ250?

The 2012 Yamaha YZ250 has a 7.95-litre fuel tank. At around 5-6 litres per 100 km, that is roughly 132-159 km between stops.

Is the 2012 Yamaha YZ250 suitable for shorter riders?

The 2012 Yamaha YZ250 has a seat height of 993 mm. This is towards the tall end of the spectrum and will require most riders under 175 cm to tiptoe at stops.

What brakes does the 2012 Yamaha YZ250 have?

The 2012 Yamaha YZ250 uses single disc with hydraulic at the front and single disc with hydraulic at the rear.

What tyre sizes does the 2012 Yamaha YZ250 use?

The 2012 Yamaha YZ250 runs 21/7-10 front and 110/90-19 rear tyres. A good selection of sport, touring and all-weather rubber is available in these sizes.

What fuel system does the 2012 Yamaha YZ250 use?

The 2012 Yamaha YZ250 uses Carburettor. Keihin PWK38S, providing precise fuelling across the rev range and reliable cold-start behaviour.

Yamaha YZ250 Spec Evolution

The Yamaha YZ250 was produced across 21 model years (2002-2023). The table below highlights the key specifications that changed across the production run - useful whether you are comparing years or tracking down a specific variant.

Specification	2002	2004	2005	2006	2007	2008	2009	2010	2011	2012	2013	2014	2015	2016	2017	2018	2019	2020	2021	2022	2023
Wet Weight	-	-	-	-	-	-	103.9 kg / 229.0 lbs	103.9 kg / 229.0 lbs	103.0 kg / 227.0 lbs	103.0 kg / 227.0 lbs	103.0 kg / 227.0 lbs	103.0 kg / 227.0 lbs	103.0 kg / 227.0 lbs	103.0 kg / 227.1 lbs	103.0 kg / 227.1 lbs	103.0 kg / 227.0 lbs	103.0 kg / 227.0 lbs	103.0 kg / 227.0 lbs	103.0 kg / 227.0 lbs	103.0 kg / 227.0 lbs	103.0 kg / 227.0 lbs
Dry Weight	97.5 kg / 215.0 lbs	97 kg / 213.8 lbs	-	96 kg / 211.6 lbs	96 kg / 211.6 lbs	96.2 kg / 212.0 lbs	-	-	-	-	210.5 kg / 464.1 lbs	59 kg / 130.1 lbs	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	-
Engine Type	Single cylinder	Single cylinder	Single cylinder	V2	Single cylinder	Single cylinder	Single cylinder	Single cylinder, two-stroke	Single cylinder, two-stroke	Single cylinder, two-stroke	Single cylinder, four-stroke	Single cylinder, two-stroke	Single cylinder, two-stroke	Single cylinder, two-stroke	Single cylinder, two-stroke	Single cylinder, two-stroke	Single cylinder, two-stroke	Single cylinder, two-stroke	Single cylinder, two-stroke	Single cylinder, two-stroke	Single cylinder, two-stroke
Seat Height	-	990 mm / 39.0 in.	991 mm / 39.0 in.	997 mm / 39.3 in.	993 mm / 39.1 in.	993 mm / 39.1 in.	993 mm / 39.1 in.	993 mm / 39.1 in.	993 mm / 39.1 in.	993 mm / 39.1 in.	993 mm / 39.1 in.	993 mm / 39.1 in.	993 mm / 39.1 in.	976 mm / 38.4 in.	976 mm / 38.4 in.	976 mm / 38.4 in.	976 mm / 38.4 in.	976 mm / 38.4 in.	970 mm / 38.2 in.	970 mm / 38.2 in.	975 mm / 38.4 in.
Fuel Capacity	-	-	7.94 litres / 2.10 gallons	8.00 litres / 2.11 gallons	7.94 litres / 2.10 gallons	7.94 litres / 2.10 gallons	7.94 litres / 2.10 gallons	7.94 litres / 2.10 gallons	7.95 litres / 2.10 gallons	7.95 litres / 2.10 gallons	7.95 litres / 2.10 gallons	7.95 litres / 2.10 gallons	7.95 litres / 2.10 gallons	8.00 litres / 2.11 gallons	8.00 litres / 2.11 gallons	8.00 litres / 2.11 gallons	8.00 litres / 2.11 US gallons	8.00 litres / 2.11 US gallons	8.00 litres / 2.11 US gallons	8.00 litres / 2.11 US gallons	8.00 litres / 2.11 US gallons
Oil Capacity (Quarts)	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	0.05 quarts	0.05 quarts	0.05 quarts	0.85 US quarts	0.85 US quarts	0.85 US quarts	0.85 US quarts	0.85 US quarts
Ground Clearance (mm)	391 mm	391 mm	396 mm	385 mm	381 mm	381 mm	381 mm	381 mm	381 mm	381 mm	381 mm	381 mm	381 mm	367 mm	367 mm	367 mm	361 mm	361 mm	361 mm	361 mm	361 mm
Ground Clearance (in.)	15.4 inches	15.4 inches	15.6 inches	15.2 inches	15.0 inches	15.0 inches	15.0 inches	15.0 inches	15.0 inches	15.0 inches	15.0 inches	15.0 inches	15.0 inches	14.4 inches	14.4 inches	14.4 inches	14.2 inches	14.2 inches	14.2 inches	14.2 inches	14.2 inches

Key Specifications

Engine

Single cylinder, two-stroke

Power

Not recorded

Torque

Not recorded

Top Speed

Not recorded

Weight

103.0 kg / 227.0 lbs

Fuel Capacity

7.95 litres / 2.10 gallons

Full 2012 Yamaha YZ250 Specifications

Colours Blue/White, White/Red

Warranty 30 Day (Limited Factory Warranty)

Ground Clearance (in.) 15.0 inches

Ground Clearance (mm) 381 mm

Seat Height 993 mm / 39.1 in.

Wheelbase 1,481 mm / 58.3 in.

Height 1,064 mm / 41.9 in.

Length 2,177 mm / 85.7 in.

Width 828 mm / 32.6 in.

Fuel Capacity 7.95 litres / 2.10 gallons

Wet Weight 103.0 kg / 227.0 lbs

Displacement (cc) 249.00 cc

Displacement (ci) 15.19 cubic inches

Engine Type Single cylinder, two-stroke

Fuel Control Double Overhead Cams/Twin Cam (DOHC)

Bore x Stroke (in,) 2.6 x 2.8 inches

Bore x Stroke (mm) 66.4 x 72.0 mm

Engine Detail Reed-valve inducted

Fuel System Carburettor. Keihin PWK38S

Compression Ratio 8.9:1

Engine Lubrication Wet sump

Ignition CDI

Starter Electric

Valve System 5

Clutch Multiplate, wet

Final Drive Chain

Gearbox 5-speed

Primary Drive Constant-mesh 5-speed

Frame Type Hybrid steel and aluminum frame with a Controlled- Fill aluminum subframe and cast aluminum swingarm

Suspension - Front Speed-Sensitive System inverted fork

Suspension - Rear Fully adjustable single shock

Wheel Travel - Front 300 mm / 11.8 in.

Wheel Travel - Rear 315 mm / 12.4 in.

Lighting system Dual 30W Krypton multireflector Headlights and 3.9/0.5W LED Brake light

Brakes - Front Diameter (in.) 9.8 inches

Brakes - Front Diameter (mm) 250 mm

Brakes - Rear Diameter (in.) 9.6 inches

Brakes - Rear Diameter (mm) 245 mm

Brakes - Front Single disc. Hydraulic

Brakes - Rear Single disc. Hydraulic

Tyres - Front 21/7-10

Tyres - Rear 110/90-19

Specifications are compiled from manufacturer documentation and cross-referenced technical sources, and corrected on an ongoing basis. Spot an error? Let us know.