2021 Yamaha YZ250F Specifications

Cross / motocross • Specs last verified 13 July 2026

No images available
Tap to enlarge

2021 Yamaha YZ250F Overview

The 2021 Yamaha YZ250F is a cross / motocross motorcycle built around 250 cc of displacement. Under the tank sits a Single cylinder, four-stroke engine running Double Overhead Cams/Twin Cam (DOHC) valve actuation, a compression ratio of 13.8:1. The bore and stroke measures 77 x 53.6 mm. From a practical standpoint, the 2021 YZ250F tips the scales at 106.1 kg, carries a 6.06-litre fuel tank, offers a seat height of 970 mm and spans a 1476 mm wheelbase. That's roughly 7.5 kg heavier than the average cross / motocross motorcycle in our database. Scroll down for the complete 2021 Yamaha YZ250F spec sheet covering every technical detail from suspension travel to tyre sizes.

2021 YZ250F - Pros & Cons

Strengths

  • Fuel injection: The fuel injection system delivers crisp throttle response and reliable cold starts regardless of altitude or temperature.

Considerations

  • Tall seat height: The 970 mm seat height will challenge shorter riders - tiptoeing at low speeds is something to factor into your decision.
  • Modest fuel capacity: The 6.06-litre tank means more frequent fuel stops on longer rides, which is worth planning around on touring routes.
  • Chain final drive upkeep: Chain final drive needs regular cleaning, lubrication and tension checks to get full life out of the sprockets.

Wear Points & Servicing Notes

Fuelling & injector care

Fuelling comes from fuel injection. Systems like this are largely maintenance-free beyond keeping fuel quality decent and injectors clear - a fuel-system cleaner every service interval is cheap insurance.

Valve clearance checks

Double Overhead Cams/Twin Cam (DOHC) valve actuation on the YZ250F means clearances should be checked at the manufacturer's specified interval - they can tighten as mileage accumulates, and a light top-end tick is usually the first sign.

Brake disc and pad wear

The Single disc. Hydraulic. front brake gives strong, progressive stopping power. Disc thickness and pad depth are worth checking at every tyre change, since worn pads can score the disc surface.

Suspension condition on used examples

Up front, the YZ250F runs KYB speed-Sensitive System, inverted fork: fully adjustable and KYB fully adjustable single shock at the rear. On a used example, check fork seals for weeping oil and test the rear linkage for play - seals are a relatively cheap fix but useful when negotiating price.

Final drive maintenance

Final drive is by chain - expect to clean and lube it every few hundred kilometres and check tension regularly; a neglected chain wears the sprockets faster than the chain itself.

Frame & chassis check

The frame is Bilateral beam aluminum frame - worth a visual check for corrosion or impact damage around the head-stock and swingarm pivot on any used example, since frame damage is far costlier to fix than any service item.

Low-speed handling

At just 106.1 kg, the YZ250F is light enough to manhandle easily at a standstill - one of the practical advantages of its class.

YZ250F - Buying & Maintenance Guide

What to check before buying

When inspecting a used 2021 Yamaha YZ250F, 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 YZ250F 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 YZ250F. Stick to the manufacturer's interval - typically every 6,000 km or once a year, whichever comes first. The sump holds 0.90 litres, so budget for that volume of quality motorcycle-specific engine oil. Always use the correct viscosity grade as specified in the owner's manual.

Fuel system care

The YZ250F's fuel injection system is durable but benefits from quality fuel and the occasional use of a fuel-system cleaner additive. If the bike has been stored for more than three months, drain and replace the fuel to prevent varnish deposits in the injectors.

Valve clearance service

Check that valve clearances have been adjusted at the correct intervals on any used YZ250F. A bike with clearances out of spec doesn't always feel obviously wrong - but tight clearances accelerate valve seat wear. Ask for service documentation proving it's been done.

2021 Yamaha YZ250F - Frequently Asked Questions

What engine does the 2021 Yamaha YZ250F have?
The 2021 Yamaha YZ250F uses a Single cylinder, four-stroke engine with 250 cc of displacement.
How much does the 2021 Yamaha YZ250F weigh?
The 2021 Yamaha YZ250F weighs 106.1 kg. This is the manufacturer's wet figure.
What is the fuel tank capacity of the 2021 Yamaha YZ250F?
The 2021 Yamaha YZ250F has a 6.06-litre fuel tank. At around 5-6 litres per 100 km, that is roughly 101-121 km between stops.
Is the 2021 Yamaha YZ250F suitable for shorter riders?
The 2021 Yamaha YZ250F has a seat height of 970 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 2021 Yamaha YZ250F have?
The 2021 Yamaha YZ250F uses Single disc. Hydraulic. at the front and Single disc. Hydraulic. at the rear.
What tyre sizes does the 2021 Yamaha YZ250F use?
The front tyre size on the 2021 Yamaha YZ250F is 80/100-21.
How much oil does the 2021 Yamaha YZ250F take?
The 2021 Yamaha YZ250F takes 0.90 litres of engine oil at a full oil and filter change. Always verify against the dipstick or sight glass after filling.

Yamaha YZ250F Spec Evolution

The Yamaha YZ250F 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 - - - - - - 102.5 kg / 226.0 lbs 102.0 kg / 224.8 lbs 102.0 kg / 224.8 lbs 103.0 kg / 227.0 lbs 103.0 kg / 227.0 lbs 103.0 kg / 227.0 lbs 104.8 kg / 231.0 lbs 104.8 kg / 231.0 lbs 105.0 kg / 231.5 lbs 104.8 kg / 231.0 lbs 106.1 kg / 234.0 lbs 106.1 kg / 234.0 lbs 106.1 kg / 234.0 lbs 106.1 kg / 234.0 lbs 106.1 kg / 234.0 lbs
Dry Weight 96.5 kg / 212.7 lbs 97 kg / 213.8 lbs - 93.5 kg / 206.1 lbs 92.7 kg / 204.4 lbs 92.5 kg / 204.0 lbs - - - - 210.5 kg / 464.1 lbs 59 kg / 130.1 lbs - - - - - - - - -
Engine Detail - - - - - - - - - Titanium valves - Titanium-valves Titanium-valves Titanium-valves Titanium-valves Titanium-valves Titanium-valves Titanium-valves Titanium-valves - -
Engine Type Single cylinder Single cylinder Single cylinder V2 Single cylinder Single cylinder Single cylinder Single cylinder, four-stroke Single cylinder, four-stroke Single cylinder, four-stroke Single cylinder, four-stroke Single cylinder, four-stroke Single cylinder, four-stroke Single cylinder, four-stroke Single cylinder, four-stroke Single cylinder, four-stroke Single cylinder, four-stroke Single cylinder, four-stroke Single cylinder, four-stroke Single cylinder, four-stroke Single cylinder, four-stroke
Seat Height 998 mm / 39.3 in. 995 mm / 39.2 in. 991 mm / 39.0 in. 994 mm / 39.1 in. 983 mm / 38.7 in. 986 mm / 38.8 in. 986 mm / 38.8 in. 988 mm / 38.9 in. 988 mm / 38.9 in. 991 mm / 39.0 in. 991 mm / 39.0 in. 991 mm / 39.0 in. 965 mm / 38.0 in. 965 mm / 38.0 in. 965 mm / 38.0 in. 965 mm / 38.0 in. 965 mm / 38.0 in. 965 mm / 38.0 in. 970 mm / 38.2 in. 970 mm / 38.2 in. 970 mm / 38.2 in.
Fuel Capacity - - 6.81 litres / 1.80 gallons 7.00 litres / 1.85 gallons 6.81 litres / 1.80 gallons 6.81 litres / 1.80 gallons 6.81 litres / 1.80 gallons 6.43 litres / 1.70 gallons 6.43 litres / 1.70 gallons 6.06 litres / 1.60 gallons 6.06 litres / 1.60 gallons 6.06 litres / 1.60 gallons 6.06 litres / 1.60 gallons 6.06 litres / 1.60 gallons 7.50 litres / 1.98 gallons 7.50 litres / 1.98 gallons 6.06 litres / 1.60 US gallons 6.06 litres / 1.60 US gallons 6.06 litres / 1.60 US gallons 6.06 litres / 1.60 US gallons 6.06 litres / 1.60 US gallons
Oil Capacity (l) - - - - - - - - 1.20 litres - - - - - 0.90 litres 0.90 litres 0.90 litres 0.90 litres 0.90 litres 0.90 litres 0.90 litres
Oil Capacity (Quarts) - - - - - - - - 0.08 quarts - - - - - 0.06 quarts 0.06 quarts 0.95 US quarts 0.95 US quarts 0.95 US quarts 0.95 US quarts 0.95 US quarts

Key Specifications

Engine

Single cylinder, four-stroke

Power

Not published by manufacturer

Torque

Not published by manufacturer

Top Speed

Not published by manufacturer

Weight

106.1 kg / 234.0 lbs

Fuel Capacity

6.06 litres / 1.60 US gallons

Advertisement

Full 2021 Yamaha YZ250F Specifications

Comments Power Tuner app.
Colours Team Yamaha Blue
Warranty 30 Day Limited Factory Warranty
Ground Clearance (mm) 335 mm
Ground Clearance (in.) 13.2 inches
Seat Height 970 mm / 38.2 in.
Wheelbase 1476 mm / 58.1 in.
Height 1285 mm / 50.6 in.
Length 2174 mm / 85.6 in.
Width 826 mm / 32.5 in.
Oil Capacity (Quarts) 0.95 US quarts
Oil Capacity (l) 0.90 litres
Fuel Capacity 6.06 litres / 1.60 US gallons
Wet Weight 106.1 kg / 234.0 lbs
Mods from previous model New cylinder head with an improved intake port shape, new exhaust camshaft profile, a new silencer, and an updated ECU.
Fuel Control Double Overhead Cams/Twin Cam (DOHC)
Engine Type Single cylinder, four-stroke
Displacement (ci) 15.26 cubic inches
Displacement (cc) 250.0 cc
Bore x Stroke (mm) 77.0 x 53.6 mm
Bore x Stroke (in,) 3.0 x 2.1 inches
Engine Detail Titanium-valves
Fuel System Injection. Mikuni, 44mm
Compression Ratio 13.8:1
Engine Lubrication Wet sump
Ignition TCI: Transistor Controlled Ignition
Starter Electric
Valve System 4
Clutch Multiplate wet clutch
Final Drive Chain   (final drive)
Gearbox 5-speed
Frame Type Bilateral beam aluminum frame
Suspension - Front KYB speed-Sensitive System, inverted fork: fully adjustable
Suspension - Rear KYB fully adjustable single shock
Rake 26.0°
Trail 119 mm / 4.7 in.
Wheel Travel - Front 310 mm / 12.2 in.
Wheel Travel - Rear 318 mm / 12.5 in.
Brakes - Front Single disc. Hydraulic.
Brakes - Rear Single disc. Hydraulic.
Rims Bridgestone® Battlecross 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.

Advertisement