FIRST RIDE

Yamaha YZ250F 2024 first ride

Powerful, planted and agile. Probably the best-handling 250F I've ridden, on first impressions.

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Summary

After over an hour on the 2024 YZ250F in the south of France, the standout is the handling. It's a kilo lighter than 2023, the frame's been reworked for rigidity, and the shrouds are narrower. Mid-to-top power is strong, the launch control is adjustable from 8,000 to 14,000 RPM, and the Power Tuner app gives two maps. Second gear is short, and the bottom end is adequate rather than dominant.

Pros

  • Excellent mid-to-top power delivery
  • Superb handling, arguably the best-handling 250F out there
  • Adjustable launch control and dual app maps
  • Lighter and more agile than the 2023 bike

Cons

  • Short second gear means frequent shifts on technical tracks
  • Bottom-end power adequate rather than dominant
  • A full GYTR upgrade package runs past £4,000

Over an hour on the 2024 YZ250F in the south of France, and the word that keeps coming back is handling. It’s a kilo lighter than the 2023 bike at 105kg wet, the frame’s been reworked for rigidity and the radiator shrouds are 50mm narrower. It’s probably the best-handling 250F I’ve ridden.

The engine

Mid-to-top power is the strength, planted and strong. The bottom end is adequate rather than dominant, and second gear is short enough that you’re shifting a lot on technical tracks. Launch control is adjustable from 8,000 to 14,000 RPM, and the Power Tuner app gives two customisable maps.

Verdict

Powerful, planted and agile sums it up. It’s an improvement on an already great bike. A day or two of setup and you’d have it exactly where you want it. A full GYTR package runs past £4,000, so factor that in if you go that route.

Who it's for

Riders who value handling and agility over bottom-end grunt.
250F racers who rev the bike and use the top end.
Anyone wanting strong app-based tuning.

Who it's not for

Riders who want dominant bottom-end power.
Anyone who dislikes frequent gear changes.
Budget buyers eyeing the full GYTR route.

Bottom line

An improvement on an already great bike. Powerful, planted and agile sums it up. A day of setup and it'd be dialled.

Common questions

How does the 2024 YZ250F handle compared to the 2023 bike?

Better, and it's the standout feature. It's a kilo lighter at 105kg wet, the frame's been reworked for rigidity and the radiator shrouds are 50mm narrower. After an hour on it in the south of France, it's probably the best-handling 250F I've ridden. Planted and agile.

Is the power delivery strong enough for racing?

If you rev it, yes. Mid-to-top is the strength here, planted and strong, so 250F racers who live in the upper revs will get on well. The bottom end is adequate rather than dominant, so if you want grunt down low off tight corners, look elsewhere.

What's the deal with second gear being short?

You'll shift a lot on technical tracks. Second is short enough that you're constantly working the box to keep the bike in its strong mid-to-top range. If frequent gear changes annoy you, that's worth knowing before you buy. Some riders won't mind, others will find it tiring.

Is it worth the £8,900, and do I need the GYTR parts?

At 8.5 out of 10 it's an improvement on an already great bike, and a day or two of setup gets it exactly where you want it. A full GYTR package runs past £4,000 on top, so budget buyers should factor that in before committing to that route.

More 250f

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