2021 Yamaha YZ250F Built for 200+ lb Vet Rider | Garage Build

Just because you may be on the heavier side doesn’t necessarily mean you need 450cc underneath you when thinking about purchasing a new motorcycle. Sometimes all you need is a little more love to the engine in order to find just the right power to weight ratio. In all honesty, sometimes you don’t even need to modify your 250F as these new 250 four-strokes pack a lot in a small package. When you’re not in the greatest of shape and you’re trying to maximize your ride time a 250 four-stroke is a viable option. We grab Northern Californian Zeb Armstrong’s 2021 Yamaha YZ250F, go over why he chose a 250 four-stroke over a 450, and why one of these sized machines should be a consideration even when you’re older and rounder.

PRODUCTS & SERVICES USED:

ALLAN BROWN MOTORSPORTS
Race Team Porting, Valve Seat by Fast Core Mods, Custom Intake and Combustion Chamber Machining, Transmission and Shifting Mechanism, ISF Service, WPC Treatment, Engine Case Mod (improved clutch oil flow and lubrication), Camshafts (race team spec), Billet Custom Lobe Camshaft, Valve Lifter DLC Coated, Valve Springs PSI 1200 Series to Match Camshaft and ECU Settings

@allanbrownmx

JE PISTONS
Custom Race Spec Piston, 14.5:1 compression, WPC Treated, DLC Lightweight Wrist Pin

CRANK WORKS
CWI Pro Rod, Connecting Rod

VORTEX
X10 ECU with Race Team Maps

GYTR
Clutch Basket, Flywheel

REKLUSE
CoreManual TorqDrive Clutch

FMF
Factory 4.1 RCT Titanium System w/Carbon End Cap

TWIN AIR
Power Flow Kit

MAXIMA
530MX Oil

ABOUT DECAL WORKS
Founded in 1989 by Ron and Janeen Joynt, DeCal Works has been the industry leader in pre-printed decals and custom graphics for 30 years. With a passion for racing and innovation, DeCal Works has, since its early days, focused its attention on high-quality products with great customer service.

[jairolira]

That’s the guy that keep riverfront looking mint and always prepped

[rhmxman]

I sold my 2019 yz250f and bought a 2021 kx450. The main reason I did this is because people were saying I was to big for the 250. I am only 210lbs and I still gave into the pressure. I miss the yz250f so much. I could ride it longer, faster and had much more fun. Good job Zeb I love your tracks and race with REP all the time.

[joelaliberte]

I do wish some of Japanese manufacturers would make a 350 :(

[vitalsound]

If you ride once a month at a local
track and think you need a 450 you’re on drugs. There are kids on 85’s that’ll smoke you. This is a great video for us older guys on 250’s

[TerrickHarden]

I'm so glad y'all made this video. MOST ppl don't need a 450 and would be better suited for a 250f or 125 2t or 250 2t at most. That whole "I'm too heavy for a 250" is absurd..

The next thing I would like to see a big channel speak on is the fact that you don't need a new bike either. Although I'm sure that might be a conflict of interest with sponsors lol..

[jeremiahlewis]

Yes! Northern California baby!! There’sa reason the Hangtown track has improved since the time he raced it! Zeb has made E street and Riverfront soooo much better as well! Even added a vet track!! Keep it up Zeb!

[bunyon]

This video was made for me. Used to have a KX450f, 9 years haven’t rode a bike, I’m a rusty 250lb dude. Been debating 250, 350 or 450…. I’m sold on excluding a 450 going forward.

[trentenosman]

230lbs have a 21 yz250f probably won’t ever ride a 450 again sold mine best decision I ever made

[Fassfilmz]

A lot of people don’t realize how good you can make a 250f they are really good if you work the engine and set your suspension

[joelballard]

I feel like these builds should start out by saying. I have several thousands of dollars laying around my water fountain in my living room and I thought I would throw thousands at a custom built dirt bike just for funzies. Meanwhile us mortals are happy we found no ethanol gas we could afford and a nasty blue groove track to stumble around. Lol.

[motomatt]

This is just crazy I am also a 6’3 258 lbs I built up a Yamaha 450 did the same tall seat had suspension done love the bike but at times it can bite ya. So I went and just picked up a Yz250fx haven’t been on it yet still getting it everything together can’t wait to give it a go

[robkeller]

Im an ex pretty good A rider in my day, 49 now, between 200-205lbs and i had both 450 and 250 at same time, i sold my kx450 because riding once a weekend now its just too much bike, 3 laps max and i have to come in, my Honda 250f has remapped stock ignition from twisted, yosh slip ons and race gas and its plenty fast, i have a blast riding it and i can push way more laps before i get tired. 2 lap speed i am probably faster on the 450 but im not racing anymore and its just for fun, 3 laps and getting pumped up and having to pull off the track that isnt fun for me. If i rode 3x a week id get a 450, but only once on weekends 250 is the way to go.

[Motojunkies]

After not riding since 2012, I started my year on a 2009 kx450. After riding boys ktm 85sx i wanted a small bore 2 stroke because of how i could ride the 85. Ended up buying a 2017 ktm 150sx and raced it all season doing ok but not that moto win like i wanted in junior class. Anyway i rd buddies 2019 yz250f and loved it. So i got ahold of every newer 250f and tried every one of them. I ended up buying a 2021 yz250f 3 weeks ago and absolutely love it. I use to always think 250f bikes where slow and not fun. In reality there more fun as you can actually use the power they have. I find it way more engaging and enjoyable riding a bike wide open and fast then cruising around all lazy like going same pace.

[LukeMohi-wy]

Yeah bro n the man ain’t no little guy .. respect

[donnyokeefe]

Yea Zeb good to see you and keiffer riding together again

[jamescallen]

awesome video, love seeing the average joes out loving it!!

[kelevra]

I bought a brand new yz250 2 stroke last year. My 2021 yz450 has an eighth of an inch of dust on it. Im 6'5 230, not quite as stout as this man but, my bone stock 250 2 stroke (shit sorry i do have an R134 carbon silencer) with a revalve from racetech and my beloved starcross tires (i live in northern Nevada, i only ride sand) is by far the best dirt bike ive ever owned. Im a Yamaha mechanic, so my jetting is absolutely perfect, i run c12 with klotz supertech, pro taper Pastrana bends with 1 inch risers, arc levers, d1h top and bottom, renthal no waffle firm compound grips and i use these Tesla rubber lined washers between every single engine mounting point. I operated a forklift at Tesla when i broke my femur last year and acquired a box of 1, 000 of those washers. Im starting a trend for sure because they give a really unique feel. You can feel the vibration but it's dampened. All big dudes are Yamaha dudes. I could not agree with this man more on the KTM thing. Ive always hated KTMs because they're so uncomfortable. I LOVE steel frame yammies so its not at all just the flex. I still race my 2003 yz144. I built a super high compression, mgx02 fueled, 12 hour engine for it. The thing makes 40 hp its absolutely ridiculous. Axel Hodges has ridden my little blue rocket. He said it would hang with his kx250 2 stroke which im not too sure about but hey, it was a huge compliment coming from him. Hes a super rad dude.

[stevewinters]

Vet rider here have a YZ 270 F with a GYTR head I’m 205 pounds can pull hole shots on 450s and outlast them and every Moto..

[vlllntynn]

Rmz250 would be sprung right out of the box for him

[travissmith]

Listening to this and I now know that i need to find a 250 and sell my 450. Thanks for the info. and opinions as I'm a lot like Zeb in the weight class.