Track Tested | 2020 SML 250 MX Shootout

Rene Garcia on the Yamaha YZ250F

First Place: Yamaha YZ250F

Test Rider Scores: 1-1-1-2-1-3

Last year, in our final shootout as TransWorld Motocross, the 2019 Yamaha YZ250F swept Bike of the Year honors with relative ease. All-new last year, the YZ250F topped all comers with its powerhouse engine, class-leading suspension, and very good handling character. Knowing that it had a good thing on its hands, Yamaha elected to slap some new graphics on the machine and bring the YZ250F back in 2020 with no performance upgrades. Was it enough? Heck yes!

Power is king in the 250 class and although the Yamaha YZ250F doesn’t pump out the biggest peak numbers on the dynamometer, it is the best performer on the track. With the most low-end torque of all the bikes, the Yamaha will be a couple of bike lengths ahead of the other bikes that need to be clutched out of tight corners. That big low-end hit transfers smoothly into a big mid-range surge of power and keeps pulling respectably well into the upper echelon of the rpm range. Best of all, the Yamaha’s powerband is easily tuned and adjusted via its exclusive Power Tuner smartphone app, allowing the rider to basically put the power wherever he wants it throughout the rpm range. Throw in an on-the-fly map switch that allows you to toggle between two pre-selected maps, and you have an engine package that can’t be beat.

The Yamaha’s Kayaba suspension has long been the best in class and although Kawasaki and Honda have made huge strides forward in that category, the YZ250F continues to reign supreme. The Yamaha enjoys the most high-speed stability of any bike and the bike maintains great contact with the track’s surface, absorbs bumps well, and tracks extremely straight, Cornering is also no longer the blue bike’s Achilles’ heel, as it changes direction well and does so in a predictable manner. 

Voted first by four of six test riders, the 2020 Yamaha YZ250F is our 250 Bike of the Year!

Hits

• Deep low-end grunt that hits hard and leaves the other bike behind
• Infinitely tunable powerband thanks to Yamaha’s exclusive Power Tuner smartphone app
• Class-leading suspension
• Great high-speed stability and agile cornering
• Excellent quality of construction

Misses

• Soft seat foam
• Small air filter must be cleaned every ride
• Stock grips are hard on the hands

Test Rider Props

“The Yamaha is the most confidence-inspiring bike in rough conditions thanks to the excellent balance of chassis and suspension performance. The YZF’s plush feel, smooth action, and strong bottoming resistance is what all other manufacturers strive for.” – Pat Foster

“The best 250F engine by far, the engine is amazing all around. The bike corners very well and it is predictable in all areas of the track. Awesome suspension that has no faults.” – Rene Garcia

“By far the most powerful feeling bike in the group. It has usable power everywhere on the track that was easy to make good use of. The suspension has great balance and control.” – Cole King

“The Power Tuner app is remarkable and allows riders to literally make the bike into exactly what they wish for. The YZ250F can have unlimited personalities with a few clicks of your smartphone.” – Donn Maeda

“This bike is amazing! It has a wide and responsive powerband that is always there when you need it. When jumping from bike to bike, the Yamaha was the easiest to get comfortable on and gain complete trust in.” – Austin Schott

“The power is so good. The Power Tuner app is awesome as it gives you the ability to change the mapping to your liking at every track. I wish every manufacturer would do this.” – Cody Whitsett

Test Rider Chops

“It is in no regard a weakness, but the top-end power is not as dominant as the rest of the Yamaha’s power curve.” – Pat Foster

“There is literally nothing that I can complain about when it comes to the Yamaha YZ250F.” – Rene Garcia

“It took me a while to get used to the wider feel of the Yamaha, but after a few laps I was able to adapt to it.” – Cole King

“At a recent race I didn’t get the seat nub that covers the gas cap popped in securely and it came loose during and was nearly impossible to ride with, flopping around. Seems like there is a better design option.” – Donn Maeda

“I honestly don’t think there is a weakness in the Yamaha YZ250F.” – Austin Schott

“The bike feels bulky and wide to me, and sometimes when the track is rough it also feels heavy.” – Cody Whitsett

**Rider impressions and more on the next page!**