2022 gas gas mc250f vs 2019 yamaha yz250f

100% MC 250f way. Bulletproof engines, as far as you’re okay with tightening some spokes here and there. 
Way more reliable bike imo. And i’m a jappy fan, but the austrians are great machines.

I love the '19-20 YZ250F. I think the '14-18 is honestly still a very strong bike, if set-up correctly too, for what it's worth. The only thing that scares me on the '19 -23 (but especially the '19 and 20) is the cam chain. I know it's a hit or miss thing, but that is the main thing to watch on those bikes, in my opinion. Also, I would stay away from heavily modded ones. But as far as comparing it to the GG, I prefer the YZF for the suspension and the motor character. To me, the KTM/Hus/GG bikes feel very long-geared and I just don't like that in a 250F. The YZF is very instantanious response/recovery and gear selection is not as critical at all, compared to the GG. If you ride a lot of faster or open tracks then it could favor the GG but in most cases, I prefer the way the YZF runs. The downside is you will upshift more on fast straights on the YZF. Like it'll want 4th in spots where you can carry 3rd on the GG. But not a big deal when the YZF can be in 2nd or 3rd in most corners and still get over a jump out of a turn very easy. Where I think it's harder to do on the GG. In my opinion, if you can get a '21-23 YZF, that is the sweet spot. I think the frame and engine updates really perfect the platform on those years. I have ridden back to back with my friend's '20 several times and I think the '21 has much better front end feel (and just overall cornering ability), while still being stable. Plus they seem to rev quicker and pull a little farther up top. But the '19-20 is still a great bike too. I'd choose either over a GG/KTM but that is just my opinion from my experiences.

Get the YZ

I suggest get the YZ. I loved my 2019 YZ250f I had, reliability issues, it just ran and ran. The frames on that gen Austrian bikes is lackluster, and that 250f engine is meh imo from all the ones I have put time on. But it’s all personal opinion. 

That’s because gas gas has terrible resale. Most of the population thinks it’s a Chinese knock off…I would lean towards the YZ mainly for the engine, not the suspension, unless you are a rever. I just came off a yz250f to a ktm350sxf and thought I was going to hate the suspension from what everyone says but I found it just as good if not better than my YZ. I know crazy…anyhow I rode KTM 250s and didn’t care for the need to rev it to the moon compared to the yz to get it moving, especially out of corners. Like mentioned above if you don’t care about electric start the pre ‘19s are fine. Look for the cleanest low hour version and if you do get a post ‘19 replace the cam chain and you should be good to go.

The cam chain was updated for '21 but it was really just a different coating. It was a different part number but it's still not quite 100% problem free. That was the only update to the '24, which is beefier. But I don't believe that part will work on the '23 and older. It's not what I would call a chronic issue but it does happen on some. But if you do freshen up whatever bike you get, just replace it. I'm not sure if they updated the '19 and '20 to the '21-23 part just automatically. I would imagine but I can't say for sure. Either way, it wouldn't keep me from buying a YZF, it's just something to keep an eye on and not neglect. In most cases, the YZFs are reliable. Just when they get a ton of mods, the low end needs beefed up. Also, be very detail-oriented when you do air filter changes. Do them often and just pay attention that dirt isn't getting down into the airboot and otherwise, they are great. 

In my opinion, both of those bikes have great engines and they both handle well.
If it's down to two specific bikes, buy the bike that is in better condition with lower hours.

If they're equal, here are some things to consider:

The Austrian engines are damn near bullet-proof from what I've seen.
Yamaha has more torque, especially in that 2019 generation. (It will be easier to ride as you're heavy for a 250F).

Yamaha has the best suspension around, but at 200+ you should re-spring any 250F you buy.
GasGas has an air fork, so you only need to buy a rear spring and pump up the fork pressure.

Yamaha OE parts are some of the least expensive when you compare to all the other manufacturers.
If you're on a budget, look into prices for common replacement parts and do a direct comparison.

The 2019+ YZ250F comes with the CCU, so you can get the Yamaha Power Tuner App.  
(Get that app before you look at the bike and you can check the actual engine hours within the ECU via the phone app).

With the GasGas, you won't get a map switch like you do on a KTM... The bike is set in the mellow map until you get switch from KTM.
That's between $100 used and $200 new and well worth it.  You'll never ride map 1 again once you ride map 2.

A few friends are running the Tusk tires...  Things like that are a good way to save some cash.

Obviously both bikes are capable bikes. For me its about reliability as these modern machines are all pretty damn good. You cannot beat the reliability on a GG/KTM/HUSQ. Also, as people have mentioned in this thread the austrian machines pull gears so long its crazy while the YZ will give you a noticeable "hit" kind of like a shitty hit of nitrous. I had this dilemma about 4 months ago and chose a 21 GG 250F. I had always been a Japanese bike guy and it wasnt until I rebuilt an old steel frame YZ125 that got me thinking about trying an austrian machine. There is a level of plushness and comfort on the steel frame that just feels good. The MC250F is so damn fun to ride. Party because it loves to be revved and ridden high in the gears. Ive been on a 125 kick for awhile now (recently picked up a 25yz125) so getting on a 250F where the chasis and motor respond best when revved high I figured this would be the best 4 stroke for me right now. It has disappointed one bit. I have the map switch and surprisingly really love the "mellow" map (1). Its great for faster tracks such as glen helen. 3rd gear literally pulls forever. I use the aggressive map (2) when riding tighter tracks such as Perris or FOX. Long story Long, go GG. You wont be disappointed. Also, the air fork will feel weird at first and kinda vague feeling but you get used to it. 

Good choice, the 250/350 KTM platform is bulletproof one of the best engines there is. 

Your forks should be fine when all the way lowered in the clamps, now that you have the proper rear spring it will be even worse but moving the forks down like you did should be fine. 

Mc 250f and go plus 1 on rear sproket and rip it.  

Keep oil and filters clean and it will run for along time.

If it dont already have it put the aggressive throttle cam in.  Little stuff like that makes a big difference.

Alot of people go with big money items on ecus and exhaust.   On the Austria 250fs it dont take much.  Gearing, throttle cams, take the screen out of the air filter cage and maybe some holes in the air box.  For you I would add the map switch and that's about it.

With the right set up you can do 3rd all the way around the track or woods.  They pull until 14k rpm.  

51/52 tooth rear sprocket and you’re good to go