Although Yamaha is the only Japanese motorcycle company offering two-stroke dirt bikes, the tuning fork folks are not resting on their laurels. The 2023 Yamaha YZ250X off-road cross-country racer benefits from several updates. Let’s go over what’s new.
- Yamaha has redesigned the intake. It’s straighter, which Yamaha claims increases low-end and mid-range torque.
- The motor is still a reed-induction design fed by a Hitachi Astemo Keihin PWK38S carburetor—no EFI, yet. However, the 38mm carb does have a throttle position sensor and power jet for improved performance.
- With more power down low, the clutch gets new pressure plates. The goal is to improve resistance to heat. The transmission is still a five-speed, and the clutch continues to be actuated by a cable.
- If you’re going faster, you need to stop with more authority, so Yamaha has upgraded the brakes. Both ends get new rotors, though the diameter is unchanged. Up front, there’s a new caliper with increased rigidity and larger pistons.
- The radiator shrouds have been tucked in, and the seat flattened. This will make it easier to move around on the 2023 Yamaha YZ250X.
- KYB suspension returns with a shock update. The shock gets Kashima Coat internals for smoother action. The fork is still the outstanding Speed Sensitive System unit we all know and love.
- The rear sprocket is lighter this year. The wheels are unchanged—Excel rims with Dunlop Geomax MX33 tires mounted.
- There are new graphics and a new price for the 2023 Yamaha YZ250X. Team Yamaha Blue continues to be the color offered, naturally. The MSRP increases $200 to $7999, and the motorcycle should be on the showroom floor of your local dealer right now.
2023 Yamaha YZ250X Specs
ENGINE
- Type: Two-stroke single
- Displacement: 249cc
- Bore x stroke: 66.4 x 72.0mm
- Compression ratio: 7.9:1 to 9.4:1
- Fueling: 38mm Hitachi Astemo Keihin PWK38S carburetor
- Intake: Reed valve
- Exhaust: Power valve and expansion chamber
- Cooling: Liquid
- Starting: Kick
- Lubrication: Premix
- Transmission: Close-ratio 6-speed
- Clutch: Wet multi-plate
- Chain: O-ring
CHASSIS
- Frame: Twin-spar aluminum w/ aluminum square-tube subframe
- Handlebar: Aluminum
- Front suspension; travel: Fully adjustable KYB Speed-Sensitive System inverted fork; 11.8 inches
- Rear suspension; travel: Linkage-assisted, fully adjustable KYB piggyback shock; 12.4 inches
- Wheels: Excel
- Tires: Dunlop Geomax MX33
- Front tire: 80/100 x 21
- Rear tire: 110/100 x 18
- Front brake: 270mm disc
- Rear brake: 240mm disc
DIMENSIONS and CAPACITIES
- Wheelbase: 58.5 inches
- Rake: 27.7 degrees
- Trail: 4.8 inches
- Seat height: 38.4 inches
- Ground clearance: 14.2 inches
- Fuel capacity: 1.8 gallons
- Wet weight: 229 pounds
- Color: Team Yamaha Blue
2023 Yamaha YZ250X Price: $7999 MSRP
