I’ve read dozens of posts of people breaking transmissions and another weak point is timing chains
In grand scope Yamaha sales/issues it is still the most reliable. It’s by far the most sold 250f and your always going to have a few. But nothing that is abnormal or weak compared to other machines
In grand scope Yamaha sales/issues it is still the most reliable. It’s by far the most sold 250f and your always going to have a few...
In grand scope Yamaha sales/issues it is still the most reliable. It’s by far the most sold 250f and your always going to have a few. But nothing that is abnormal or weak compared to other machines
Not here in the nordic market. The Austrians dominate, and the YZ250F still has the most fragile transmission. My 2020 was amazing but it's the only bike i have ever had a transmission failure on in almost 20 years of riding.
2021 came with thicker transmission gears. 2020 yzf model I had to change new 3-4 gears before 100h and wrf (with 6-gears) mouting surfaces started to slip 85h so needed new 4/6th gears.
Timing chain also got better 2021. I would say 2021-> bike is great if you dont mod it too much.
I have 2022 now without any problems and its one of best bikes to ride from shop floor.
Only mods I have are stronger PC clutch springs and Get Ecu.
What was up with the spat of piston / rod failures recently on current YZ250F's?
Seemed to be something weird going on with the front brakes binding or locking up also, I know two people who had it and heard of more. The only one I was involved with I just cracked the bleed nipple and it sorted it. Maybe just common that dealers are over filling the reservoir and not leaving room for expansion and not a bike/component issue at all?
All brands have and have had their problems, the recent KTM group 125's seem to be having a few crank failures, shit happens on mass-produced race-spec equipment, but brand loyalty often gets in the way of honest evaluation.
What was up with the spat of piston / rod failures recently on current YZ250F's?
Seemed to be something weird going on with the front brakes...
What was up with the spat of piston / rod failures recently on current YZ250F's?
Seemed to be something weird going on with the front brakes binding or locking up also, I know two people who had it and heard of more. The only one I was involved with I just cracked the bleed nipple and it sorted it. Maybe just common that dealers are over filling the reservoir and not leaving room for expansion and not a bike/component issue at all?
All brands have and have had their problems, the recent KTM group 125's seem to be having a few crank failures, shit happens on mass-produced race-spec equipment, but brand loyalty often gets in the way of honest evaluation.
It seems like the rod failure a lot of times is once the bike is modded. If the bikes are run with simple bolt-ons then they seem pretty solid. But once modding begins then the bottom-end must also be upgraded. Mine's been good so far, but I just have regular bolt-on mods.
And it's weird that you mention the front brakes. I was at the track with my buddy last year and he knew a guy on a newer YZ450F that came over to us. He was saying how the front brake would randomly drag/bind. We looked at the caliper, the wheel etc. Everything seemed fine. I don't know what ended up happening, as I don't know him. But I thought it was super weird. I didn't know it was a thing.
My 22' has 45 hours on it and its been great. Only thing i've done is oil changes every 5 hours and air filter every ride. One thing I will say is ditch the stock air filter set up for a powerflow kit. It makes a huge difference and I think it seals better and doesn't allow dirt and sand into the intake.
For fast guys they don’t hold up long. Between the junk timing chains, questionable rods and weak transmissions I’d reconsider another 250f. For slower vet/c guys they’ll probably last longer.
This is coming from someone who loves Yamaha’s. I have a 22 yz450f and 23 yz125. And the current 250f Yamaha (I’ve rode a couple) is one of my favorite bikes to ride but I don’t trust them.
I’ve been told replace timing chain every 20hours, thought that was insane. My buddy listened to this advice and sure enough the timing Chain was stretch out a lot compared to the new one. Local kid has blown 2 23 250fs.
For fast guys they don’t hold up long. Between the junk timing chains, questionable rods and weak transmissions I’d reconsider another 250f. For slower vet/c guys...
For fast guys they don’t hold up long. Between the junk timing chains, questionable rods and weak transmissions I’d reconsider another 250f. For slower vet/c guys they’ll probably last longer.
This is coming from someone who loves Yamaha’s. I have a 22 yz450f and 23 yz125. And the current 250f Yamaha (I’ve rode a couple) is one of my favorite bikes to ride but I don’t trust them.
That's kind of the boat I'm in, thought process wise.
I'd like to give one a try long term, maybe in a couple years, and luckily I'm slow, casual and OCD enough I expect it'll behave for me, but the doubt would be in the back of my mind.
My dad is a die-hard Yamaha guy and as a result my first big bike was a YZ and even my sister's piano is Yamaha, so I'm not trying to shit-talk them or anything.
I rode Yamaha 250Fs from 2005 to 2020, never had one blow up, even one where I forgot to tighten the oil drain bolt and it locked up. I just put oil back in it and it was fine.
No one can make a perfect bike that never breaks, and sure, there will be weak spots, like the timing chain, but I would never rule out getting a Yamaha because of the reliability issues.
They're pretty reliable dude. I almost picked one up before I grabbed my new 350. The earlier models seemed to have the most trouble but there's about a dozen kids who show up at our track every weekend on '19-'22 models and ride the crap out of them. Other than the stuff already mentioned, I think a lot of the issues with them are related to people dropping dirt down the air boot when changing air filters. That whole setup sucks.
They're pretty reliable dude. I almost picked one up before I grabbed my new 350. The earlier models seemed to have the most trouble but there's...
They're pretty reliable dude. I almost picked one up before I grabbed my new 350. The earlier models seemed to have the most trouble but there's about a dozen kids who show up at our track every weekend on '19-'22 models and ride the crap out of them. Other than the stuff already mentioned, I think a lot of the issues with them are related to people dropping dirt down the air boot when changing air filters. That whole setup sucks.
Yeah, this was the worst part about that bike for me. I had the power flow kit, and I would put a small plastic bag with a rubber band around that intake part to keep water from getting in there when I washed it (in addition to the power flow wash kit). I have the Honda now and it's way less stressful, the filter hangs, so any dirt or water naturally falls away from the intake.
If you're careful, though, no dirt or water will get in there. Just have to do it right. And for the love of god, only change your filter when it needs it. Every time you pull it off, it's a risk. Do it right, pull it off, put a wash cover on, wash the bike and everything around the intake, let it dry, and then put a fresh filter on.
Yeah, this was the worst part about that bike for me. I had the power flow kit, and I would put a small plastic bag with...
Yeah, this was the worst part about that bike for me. I had the power flow kit, and I would put a small plastic bag with a rubber band around that intake part to keep water from getting in there when I washed it (in addition to the power flow wash kit). I have the Honda now and it's way less stressful, the filter hangs, so any dirt or water naturally falls away from the intake.
If you're careful, though, no dirt or water will get in there. Just have to do it right. And for the love of god, only change your filter when it needs it. Every time you pull it off, it's a risk. Do it right, pull it off, put a wash cover on, wash the bike and everything around the intake, let it dry, and then put a fresh filter on.
I have the No Toil kit. When I change the filter, i lean the bike over with the clutch-side grip on the stand. Then i take the filter off so no dirt drops in. Then i put the plastic wash plug filter in there to keep any dirt/water out when washing. It's an extra step and a bit more of a pain but its worth it to make sure nothing gets into the engine.
I do agree that some of the issues of these bikes is because dirt probably does get down into the engine.
Yeah, this was the worst part about that bike for me. I had the power flow kit, and I would put a small plastic bag with...
Yeah, this was the worst part about that bike for me. I had the power flow kit, and I would put a small plastic bag with a rubber band around that intake part to keep water from getting in there when I washed it (in addition to the power flow wash kit). I have the Honda now and it's way less stressful, the filter hangs, so any dirt or water naturally falls away from the intake.
If you're careful, though, no dirt or water will get in there. Just have to do it right. And for the love of god, only change your filter when it needs it. Every time you pull it off, it's a risk. Do it right, pull it off, put a wash cover on, wash the bike and everything around the intake, let it dry, and then put a fresh filter on.
I have the No Toil kit. When I change the filter, i lean the bike over with the clutch-side grip on the stand. Then i take...
I have the No Toil kit. When I change the filter, i lean the bike over with the clutch-side grip on the stand. Then i take the filter off so no dirt drops in. Then i put the plastic wash plug filter in there to keep any dirt/water out when washing. It's an extra step and a bit more of a pain but its worth it to make sure nothing gets into the engine.
I do agree that some of the issues of these bikes is because dirt probably does get down into the engine.
I have the Twin Air setup, I use the shop vac and vacuum out the airbbox. Once I get the filter off, I stick it right in the hole to pull up any dirt that may have dropped in there while removing the filter. Seems to work.
I will say though (as others have mentioned), I did smoke 3rd and 4th gear though at about 60 hrs... had to replace.
I have the Twin Air setup, I use the shop vac and vacuum out the airbbox. Once I get the filter off, I stick it right...
I have the Twin Air setup, I use the shop vac and vacuum out the airbbox. Once I get the filter off, I stick it right in the hole to pull up any dirt that may have dropped in there while removing the filter. Seems to work.
I will say though (as others have mentioned), I did smoke 3rd and 4th gear though at about 60 hrs... had to replace.
Yes, that is also a good plan. Basically if you upgrade the intake/airbox, just putting extra attention to that area is worth it.
That sucks about the trans though. Makes me cringe thinking about potentially dealing with that down the road.
I have the Twin Air setup, I use the shop vac and vacuum out the airbbox. Once I get the filter off, I stick it right...
I have the Twin Air setup, I use the shop vac and vacuum out the airbbox. Once I get the filter off, I stick it right in the hole to pull up any dirt that may have dropped in there while removing the filter. Seems to work.
I will say though (as others have mentioned), I did smoke 3rd and 4th gear though at about 60 hrs... had to replace.
Yes, that is also a good plan. Basically if you upgrade the intake/airbox, just putting extra attention to that area is worth it.
That sucks about...
Yes, that is also a good plan. Basically if you upgrade the intake/airbox, just putting extra attention to that area is worth it.
That sucks about the trans though. Makes me cringe thinking about potentially dealing with that down the road.
Does anyone know if the trans weakness is limited to only the YZ250F or if it affects the YZ250FX as well? The FX has the 6 speed, not sure if the different gear ratios help at all even though I think 3rd is shared between the two.
I have 277 hours (no rebuilds) on my '19 WR250F by the way. Valves needed to be shimmed at around 220 hours, the transmission star stopper thing started giving me issues around 130 hours, and some electrical connection corrosion issues starting at 200 hours; otherwise it has just been frequent oil and filter changes for me. Looking to pick up a '23 250FX to replace it with now.
Considering this as the next bike. How are they holding up?
Can’t quote on the 22 but I just recently bought a 23 yz250f managed to put only 15 hours on it from new before it dropped the inlet valves causing it too destroy the cylinder head and crack the cylinder , needs a whole new top end , not sure if this is a common thing or I’m just incredibly unlucky , have heard from many people that the top ends or cranks like to go around the 40hour mark
Twin air powerflow kit is a MUST HAVE, never wash the bike with the filter in it. A wet filter will pass dirt through the oil, always use twin air wash cover. Change the timing chain every 40 hours, use rotella 15-40. This has helped my 2021 be 100% reliable for over 100 hours, bike has not even needed a valve adjustment to this day.
I've always said Yamaha reliability is the best in the business. I've only ever had 2 issues. '06 YZ250F threw the intake valves through the piston because Yamaha had a bad batch of valves on the earliest bikes off the production line, and of course I got one of the first ones at the dealership I worked at. Yamaha warranty paid for the engine to be fixed. Then the '08 YZ450F I had maybe 10 hrs on it at the time...just jumped a 105ft camelback jump. About 40ft after landing, going down the straight away after, the lower rod bearing gave out and tossed the crank through the bottom of the cases.. Found out later it was a problem of the newer '08 YZ450F's. Again I got one of the first ones to Minnesota... Fixed both bikes and never had an issue ever again with them.
Twin air powerflow kit is a MUST HAVE, never wash the bike with the filter in it. A wet filter will pass dirt through the oil...
Twin air powerflow kit is a MUST HAVE, never wash the bike with the filter in it. A wet filter will pass dirt through the oil, always use twin air wash cover. Change the timing chain every 40 hours, use rotella 15-40. This has helped my 2021 be 100% reliable for over 100 hours, bike has not even needed a valve adjustment to this day.
Always been washed with a twin air box cover , had engine oil and filter every 3-4hours didn’t even make it too the 5th ride , I’ve heard good things about 22 and below but 23 and 24 seem to be having a lot of engine issues heard a lot of 23 going bang extremely early
I've always said Yamaha reliability is the best in the business. I've only ever had 2 issues. '06 YZ250F threw the intake valves through the piston...
I've always said Yamaha reliability is the best in the business. I've only ever had 2 issues. '06 YZ250F threw the intake valves through the piston because Yamaha had a bad batch of valves on the earliest bikes off the production line, and of course I got one of the first ones at the dealership I worked at. Yamaha warranty paid for the engine to be fixed. Then the '08 YZ450F I had maybe 10 hrs on it at the time...just jumped a 105ft camelback jump. About 40ft after landing, going down the straight away after, the lower rod bearing gave out and tossed the crank through the bottom of the cases.. Found out later it was a problem of the newer '08 YZ450F's. Again I got one of the first ones to Minnesota... Fixed both bikes and never had an issue ever again with them.
Do you think it’s possible that I’ve just been incredibly unlucky and bought one of the few In said “bad batches” ?
I've always said Yamaha reliability is the best in the business. I've only ever had 2 issues. '06 YZ250F threw the intake valves through the piston...
I've always said Yamaha reliability is the best in the business. I've only ever had 2 issues. '06 YZ250F threw the intake valves through the piston because Yamaha had a bad batch of valves on the earliest bikes off the production line, and of course I got one of the first ones at the dealership I worked at. Yamaha warranty paid for the engine to be fixed. Then the '08 YZ450F I had maybe 10 hrs on it at the time...just jumped a 105ft camelback jump. About 40ft after landing, going down the straight away after, the lower rod bearing gave out and tossed the crank through the bottom of the cases.. Found out later it was a problem of the newer '08 YZ450F's. Again I got one of the first ones to Minnesota... Fixed both bikes and never had an issue ever again with them.
The Shop
DeCal Works Huge Plastic Inventory of UFO and Polisport kits.
Timing chain also got better 2021. I would say 2021-> bike is great if you dont mod it too much.
I have 2022 now without any problems and its one of best bikes to ride from shop floor.
Only mods I have are stronger PC clutch springs and Get Ecu.
Seemed to be something weird going on with the front brakes binding or locking up also, I know two people who had it and heard of more. The only one I was involved with I just cracked the bleed nipple and it sorted it. Maybe just common that dealers are over filling the reservoir and not leaving room for expansion and not a bike/component issue at all?
All brands have and have had their problems, the recent KTM group 125's seem to be having a few crank failures, shit happens on mass-produced race-spec equipment, but brand loyalty often gets in the way of honest evaluation.
And it's weird that you mention the front brakes. I was at the track with my buddy last year and he knew a guy on a newer YZ450F that came over to us. He was saying how the front brake would randomly drag/bind. We looked at the caliper, the wheel etc. Everything seemed fine. I don't know what ended up happening, as I don't know him. But I thought it was super weird. I didn't know it was a thing.
This is coming from someone who loves Yamaha’s. I have a 22 yz450f and 23 yz125. And the current 250f Yamaha (I’ve rode a couple) is one of my favorite bikes to ride but I don’t trust them.
I'd like to give one a try long term, maybe in a couple years, and luckily I'm slow, casual and OCD enough I expect it'll behave for me, but the doubt would be in the back of my mind.
My dad is a die-hard Yamaha guy and as a result my first big bike was a YZ and even my sister's piano is Yamaha, so I'm not trying to shit-talk them or anything.
No one can make a perfect bike that never breaks, and sure, there will be weak spots, like the timing chain, but I would never rule out getting a Yamaha because of the reliability issues.
If you're careful, though, no dirt or water will get in there. Just have to do it right. And for the love of god, only change your filter when it needs it. Every time you pull it off, it's a risk. Do it right, pull it off, put a wash cover on, wash the bike and everything around the intake, let it dry, and then put a fresh filter on.
Pit Row
I do agree that some of the issues of these bikes is because dirt probably does get down into the engine.
I will say though (as others have mentioned), I did smoke 3rd and 4th gear though at about 60 hrs... had to replace.
That sucks about the trans though. Makes me cringe thinking about potentially dealing with that down the road.
I have 277 hours (no rebuilds) on my '19 WR250F by the way. Valves needed to be shimmed at around 220 hours, the transmission star stopper thing started giving me issues around 130 hours, and some electrical connection corrosion issues starting at 200 hours; otherwise it has just been frequent oil and filter changes for me. Looking to pick up a '23 250FX to replace it with now.
Can’t quote on the 22 but I just recently bought a 23 yz250f managed to put only 15 hours on it from new before it dropped the inlet valves causing it too destroy the cylinder head and crack the cylinder , needs a whole new top end , not sure if this is a common thing or I’m just incredibly unlucky , have heard from many people that the top ends or cranks like to go around the 40hour mark
Twin air powerflow kit is a MUST HAVE, never wash the bike with the filter in it. A wet filter will pass dirt through the oil, always use twin air wash cover. Change the timing chain every 40 hours, use rotella 15-40. This has helped my 2021 be 100% reliable for over 100 hours, bike has not even needed a valve adjustment to this day.
I've always said Yamaha reliability is the best in the business. I've only ever had 2 issues. '06 YZ250F threw the intake valves through the piston because Yamaha had a bad batch of valves on the earliest bikes off the production line, and of course I got one of the first ones at the dealership I worked at. Yamaha warranty paid for the engine to be fixed. Then the '08 YZ450F I had maybe 10 hrs on it at the time...just jumped a 105ft camelback jump. About 40ft after landing, going down the straight away after, the lower rod bearing gave out and tossed the crank through the bottom of the cases.. Found out later it was a problem of the newer '08 YZ450F's. Again I got one of the first ones to Minnesota... Fixed both bikes and never had an issue ever again with them.
Always been washed with a twin air box cover , had engine oil and filter every 3-4hours didn’t even make it too the 5th ride , I’ve heard good things about 22 and below but 23 and 24 seem to be having a lot of engine issues heard a lot of 23 going bang extremely early
Do you think it’s possible that I’ve just been incredibly unlucky and bought one of the few In said “bad batches” ?
Maybe...?
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