Two-Stroke Braap! How Does the 2024 Yamaha YZ250 Compare to Four Strokes? | Bike Test

Yamaha's venerable Yamaha YZ250 two-stroke returns for 2024 with sweet 50th Anniversary retro looks, and a classic feel. How does it compare to a modern four-stroke, such as a Yamaha YZ250F? Kris Keefer and Kenny Day take the YZ250 to Glen Helen to compare four-stroke lines to two-stroke lines, as well as some setup tips for suspension, jetting and more.

Film/Edit: Simon Cudby

[Nik-oknu]

Yamaha, PRETTY PLEASE build a 300cc 2 stroke "YZ300X", with headlight, 6 speed wide ratio transmission, and electric start! Price it around $9, 500-$10, 000 and I'll never longingly gaze at another KTM or Husqvarna again! I swear! Make it either the above white/purple livery, OR an OG yellow/black/white scheme like you do the anniversary bikes of recent times! I'll pre-order mine now! Mmmm-kaaayyyy...

[angelracing]

aesthetically, the most beautiful 2-stroke motocross bike I've ever seen, original from the factory😎

[MrJeffharper]

Do not run 50:1 in these bikes

The manual calls for “30:1 with 90 octane gas or better”

Most people who ride motocross run 32:1 or 40:1 at most.

[rcm]

Rode 125/250 back in the day. Got a chance to ride a few 450 4 strokes, they scared the poop out of me. Just recently bought a 24/YZ250 and started riding again at 64 yrs beautiful blue machine is like a fountain of youth!

[doca]

Loved my first two stroke, ‘82 yz80, first year water cooled with the number plate radiator
Now I putt around on a kdx220

[paulmcmullen]

You must be reading my mind. Looking to get back into MX and considering either a 350 SX F or YZ250. Grew up on 2-strokes so they feel right to me. This is one more piece of evidence that I am better served sticking with what I know.

[andreasstefanou]

I just bought a brand new yz250...
That is soooo Fun.
I prefer it over ktm 100% but i am happy that KTM throw money to the 2 stroke development.

[torr-michaelbennetta]

Great bikes. I just bought a brand new 125 & 250 to go along with my 4 strokes. Great way to train and keep it interesting.

[Sleepy.Time.]

love the colors and graphics this year

[raymondsiewert]

So impressed with how Kenny rides, smooth, fast and stylish . Good rider ! 😊🔥

[brandonfoley]

In love with these Yamahas. Just got a brand new 250f and I definitely want to add a 2 stroke to the collection, was thinking the anniversary 125 but may have to consider this 250

[ozzielinkin]

That’s a great mountain scene in the background

[motozz]

So far ive riden nothing like Yz 250, real 2t power and sound from the rider position . Timeless actually when you compare, even to the carbed ktms of old . Crispy and Lively with those bouncers KYB life

[chummy]

Ride blue, bleed blue, i love the new all 'classic yamaha blue' plastics from front to back looks amazing with the white shroud delete, keiffer eats weeges for dinner goodnight everyone

[timw]

they need to have a 300 2 stroke class and an electric class. This keeps things more interesting and the sound of motocross will always be the 2 stroke sound Doesnt matter what the current tech is.

[Pompomgrenade]

It's just a different way to flow... No engine braking, point and squirt power 💪
Lightweight, hard on the brakes when you use them..
Two $troke fun... affordable upkeep 🪄

[JoseGonzalez-pkkf]

That sound he made at beginning of the video was a terrible example of what a two stroke sounds like. Lmaoooo

[speedtoad]

The first mod should be a cut cylinder head. Easy cheap and makes the biggest improvement.

[alexarmstrong]

Thanks guys
I just went and got one 👍😎👍

[yuriabmxr]

How did you guys arrive at 50:1? Which oil?