2023 Yamaha YZ250 Specifications

Name: 2023 Yamaha YZ250
Brand: Yamaha

Cross / motocross • Specs last verified 13 July 2026

No images available

Tap to enlarge

2023 Yamaha YZ250 Overview

For 2023, Yamaha offers the YZ250 as a cross / motocross motorcycle with 249 cc on tap. The 2023 Yamaha YZ250 is built around a Single cylinder, two-stroke engine, a compression ratio of 10.6:1. Internally, bore and stroke are 66.4 x 72 mm. In everyday use, the 2023 YZ250 tips the scales at 103 kg, carries an 8-litre fuel tank, offers a seat height of 975 mm and spans a 1481 mm wheelbase. That's roughly 6.9 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 2023 Yamaha YZ250 spec sheet below.

2023 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 2023 Yamaha YZ250 comes out as follows.

With 975 mm, the YZ250 has the joint 18th tallest seat height of 200 bikes in the Cross / motocross category, 8% above the category average of 900 mm.
Wet weight of 103 kg is lighter than that of 88 of the other 128 bikes in the Cross / motocross category.
Narrowing the field to the 89 models within five model years of it, the seat height of 975 mm is taller than that of 84 of the other 88.

Versus the 2022 model

Compared with the 2022 model, seat height rose from 970 mm to 975 mm (+5 mm). Wet weight and displacement are unchanged.

2023 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 975 mm seat puts flat-footing out of reach for a lot of riders - sit on it in person before committing.
Modest fuel capacity: An 8-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.

Brake disc and pad wear

Single disc 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 KYB® Speed-Sensitive System inverted fork; fully adjustable up front and KYB® single shock; fully adjustable 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 Semi-double cradle, aluminium 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 2023 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 3 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. The sump holds 0.80 litres, so budget for that volume of quality motorcycle-specific engine oil. With a 10.6:1 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.

2023 Yamaha YZ250 - Frequently Asked Questions

What engine does the 2023 Yamaha YZ250 have?

The 2023 Yamaha YZ250 uses a Single cylinder, two-stroke engine with 249 cc of displacement.

How much does the 2023 Yamaha YZ250 weigh?

The 2023 Yamaha YZ250 weighs 103 kg. This is the manufacturer's wet figure.

What is the fuel tank capacity of the 2023 Yamaha YZ250?

The 2023 Yamaha YZ250 has an 8-litre fuel tank. At around 5-6 litres per 100 km, that is roughly 133-160 km between stops.

Is the 2023 Yamaha YZ250 suitable for shorter riders?

The 2023 Yamaha YZ250 has a seat height of 975 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 2023 Yamaha YZ250 have?

The 2023 Yamaha YZ250 uses single disc at the front and single disc at the rear.

What tyre sizes does the 2023 Yamaha YZ250 use?

The front tyre size on the 2023 Yamaha YZ250 is 80/100-21.

How much oil does the 2023 Yamaha YZ250 take?

The 2023 Yamaha YZ250 takes 0.80 litres of engine oil at a full oil and filter change. Always verify against the dipstick or sight glass after filling.

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

8.00 litres / 2.11 US gallons

Full 2023 Yamaha YZ250 Specifications

Colours Team Yamaha Blue

Warranty 30 Day Limited Factory Warranty

Ground Clearance (in.) 14.2 inches

Ground Clearance (mm) 361 mm

Seat Height 975 mm / 38.4 in.

Wheelbase 1481 mm / 58.3 in.

Height 1290 mm / 50.8 in.

Length 2184 mm / 86.0 in.

Width 826 mm / 32.5 in.

Oil Capacity (l) 0.80 litres

Oil Capacity (Quarts) 0.85 US quarts

Fuel Capacity 8.00 litres / 2.11 US gallons

Wet Weight 103.0 kg / 227.0 lbs

Bore x Stroke (in,) 2.6 x 2.8 inches

Bore x Stroke (mm) 66.4 x 72.0 mm

Displacement (cc) 249.0 cc

Displacement (ci) 15.19 cubic inches

Engine Type Single cylinder, two-stroke

Engine Detail Reed-valve inducted

Fuel System Carburettor. Hitachi Astemo® Keihin PWK38S

Compression Ratio 10.6:1

Engine Lubrication Premix

Ignition CDI

Starter Electric

Final Drive Chain (final drive)

Gearbox 5-speed

Primary Drive Constant-mesh

Frame Type Semi-double cradle, aluminium

Suspension - Front KYB® Speed-Sensitive System inverted fork; fully adjustable

Suspension - Rear KYB® single shock; fully adjustable

Rake 27.7°

Trail 122 mm / 4.8 in.

Wheel Travel - Front 300 mm / 11.8 in.

Wheel Travel - Rear 315 mm / 12.4 in.

Brakes - Front Single disc

Brakes - Rear Single disc

Rims Dunlop® Geomax MX33 tyres

Tyres - Front 80/100-21

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