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2012 Yamaha YZ250 Overview
The 2012 Yamaha YZ250 is a cross / motocross motorcycle built around 249 cc of displacement. Under the tank sits a Single cylinder, two-stroke engine running Double Overhead Cams/Twin Cam (DOHC) valve actuation, a compression ratio of 8.9:1. The bore and stroke measures 66.4 x 72 mm. From a practical standpoint, 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. Scroll down for the complete 2012 Yamaha YZ250 spec sheet covering every technical detail from suspension travel to tyre sizes.
2012 YZ250 - Pros & Cons
Strengths
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Factory engineering: The 2012 Yamaha YZ250 represents Yamaha's engineering at the time, with a specification built around real-world usability.
Considerations
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Carburetor fuelling: Carbureted engines need occasional jetting attention and can be reluctant in cold weather or at altitude compared to modern fuel-injected alternatives.
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Tall seat height: The 993 mm seat height will challenge shorter riders - tiptoeing at low speeds is something to factor into your decision.
Owner Experiences & Common Issues
Carburetor maintenance
Carburetors on the 2012 Yamaha YZ250 benefit from a clean and re-jet if the bike has been stored, run on stale fuel, or modified with an aftermarket exhaust. Owners frequently mention that fresh jets and float needle clips transforms throttle response from flat to crisp.
Valve clearance checks
Double Overhead Cams/Twin Cam (DOHC) engines should have valve clearances checked at the manufacturer's specified interval. Owners report that clearances can tighten over time on higher-mileage bikes, leading to slight ticking from the top end. Catching it early keeps the job simple and avoids more costly remediation.
YZ250 - Buying & Maintenance Guide
What to check before buying
When inspecting a used 2012 Yamaha YZ250, start with the basics: check the service book for oil change frequency, inspect the chain and sprockets for wear, and look for oil seepage around the engine casings and rocker covers. A cold start test is invaluable - a well-maintained YZ250 should fire up cleanly and settle to a smooth idle within a few seconds.
Oil and filter changes
Regular oil changes are the single most important maintenance task on any YZ250. Stick to the manufacturer's interval - typically every 6,000 km or once a year, whichever comes first. Always use the correct viscosity grade as specified in the owner's manual.
Carburetor upkeep
Keep the carburetors clean and free of deposits. If the YZ250 has been stored, strip and clean the carb float bowls before attempting to start it. Pilot jets are the first to block and the last to be checked - always include them in any carb rebuild.
Valve clearance service
Check that valve clearances have been adjusted at the correct intervals on any used YZ250. This is a job many owners skip because the bike does not immediately feel wrong - but tight clearances accelerate valve seat wear. Ask for proof it has been done.
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.
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. Hydraulic at the front and Single disc. 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
Weight
103.0 kg / 227.0 lbs
Fuel Capacity
7.95 litres / 2.10 gallons
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Full 2012 Yamaha YZ250 Specifications
Colours
Blue/White, White/Red
Warranty
30 Day (Limited Factory Warranty)
Ground Clearance (mm)
381 mm
Ground Clearance (in.)
15.0 inches
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
Fuel Control
Double Overhead Cams/Twin Cam (DOHC)
Engine Type
Single cylinder, two-stroke
Displacement (ci)
15.19 cubic inches
Displacement (cc)
249.00 cc
Bore x Stroke (mm)
66.4 x 72.0 mm
Bore x Stroke (in,)
2.6 x 2.8 inches
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
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