2017 YZ250FX: 5 Reasons To Consider It

Right, then … enduro or motocross model? That’s a question a lot of riders ask themselves before splashing out on a new or upgraded dirt bike. But what about a hybrid of the two; a machine that gives you the best of both worlds? To address the growing demand for a versatile all-round dirt bike, Yamaha is one of only a select few manufacturers who now offer ex-factory, ready-to-race ‘cross-country’ models: their YZ250FX and YZ450FX. And for the past few months, Transmoto has enjoyed the rambunctious company of Yamaha’s 2017-model, quarter-litre “FX” as a project bike.

But what exactly is the YZ250FX? In broad terms, it’s a hybrid version of the YZ250F and WR250F bike. More specifically, it’s a WR250F with firmer suspension settings, a YZ250F exhaust system (with mapping to suit) and no lights. Or, if you’d prefer to compare it with the MXer, it’s a YZ250F with a six-speed gearbox, electric-start, 18-inch rear wheel, silver rims, more compliant suspension settings, an alloy sidestand, and the electrics required to power lights. Whichever way you cut it, the YZ250FX sits somewhere between its enduro and motocross cousins – in terms of both performance and componentry.
Having trail-ridden, raced and lived with the YZ250FX for four months now, we can tell you it’s a damn good thing, and perfectly suited to our Transmoto Enduro Events. In fact, here are five compelling reasons to consider garnishing your garage with a 2017 YZ250FX:

1. THE MODS

Two years ago, when Yamaha’s new-generation, fuel-injected 2015 WR250F was first released, we promptly put one on Transmoto’s project bike fleet. And that machine was one of our favourite bikes of all time. Based on the all-conquering YZ250F, it was light, agile, and powerful for a quarter-litre enduro bike, and a whole lot of fun to ride. But Yamaha has left its WR250F virtually unchanged ever since (though, technically speaking, Yami is yet to release the 2017 WR250F). The YZ250FX, on the other hand, copped a heap of upgrades for 2017 – mainly to its engine to boost torque and outright power – which it shared with the 2017 YZ250F. This updated 250FX also got a special two-ring piston, revised EFI mapping, a modified crankshaft and counter-balancer design to reduce vibration, a plastic skidplate, revised suspension settings and some tweaks to the alloy perimeter frame. It also got a few other notable tidbits, such as the WR-style fuel sensor, the convenience of the fuel level and engine warning indicator, and revised Dzus-clip fasteners for the airbox lid (which are less likely to inadvertently comes loose). In other words, the 2017 cross-country machine got a whole lot of significant improvements in the name of performance and practicality, and yet its price tag remains cheaper than the WR250F. Speaking of which…

2. THE PRICE

At $11,699, the 2017 YZ250FX is $600 pricier than its MX cousin. But critically, for those who ride primarily on private property or closed-course racetracks, the FX is $300 cheaper than the registrable (2016) WR250F. And that’s before the $500-plus any half serious racer will need to spend on a less restrictive muffler to unleash the WR250F’s true power potential. The same rationale applies for Kiwis and Yanks, and for Aussies who are lucky enough to live where Rec Rego rules apply. YMA’s long-time product development man, Peter Payne, was right in predicting that the model would also attract ‘mature-aged’ MXers. After all, the YZ250FX is now the only Japanese dirt bike on the market with a motocross pedigree and the convenience of an electric start.

3. THE GRUNT

Just like the 2017-model motocrosser that it’s heavily based on, the 2017 YZ250FX comes with noticeably stronger, torquier and more responsive power, mainly through the bottom-end and mid-range. And that makes an enormous difference to the rideability of any quarter-litre dirt bike. Compared with the WR250F, the first thing you notice about the YZ250FX is how much more responsive it is to throttle inputs. With a less restrictive exhaust, shorter gearing (13/51) and mapping that’s much closer to the motocross model, the FX gets into the meat of its power lower in the rev range much quicker. It’s much happier to be short-shifted to cruise trails or chug up snotty hills at lower revs without falling off the power, or scream its head off on fast, open firetrails and grasstrack. And that extra punch of the 2017 model’s power delivery makes it even more attractive to racers and/or heavier guys who may have previously avoided 250s. Yes, it’s got astonishingly versatile power for a quarter-litre off-road machine, and that’s complemented by a set of Dunlop AT81 hoops, which offer better performance (and similar longevity) to the FIM-spec Metzeler rubber that comes standard on the WR-F range.

4. THE RIDE

As you’d expect from a hybrid machine, the FX rides somewhere between the YZ250F and WR250F. As it’s 4-5kg lighter than the enduro model, it feels a little easier to manhandle, but the most noticeable difference is the feel through the handlebars. With a front number plate in place of the headlight and no hand guards, the reduced weight attached to the bars helps give the entire chassis a more flickable, agile and faster-steering feel.
Like the WR250F, the FX’s chassis has a sweet combination of sharp steering at low speeds and sure-footage stability at pace. Similarly, its suspension action at both ends is very plush in the first part of the stroke. It might not float over a bunch of small rocks quite as effortlessly as the WR250F, but it remains very progressive and super-predictable. It firms up a little more through the mid-stroke, and then has noticeably more bottoming resistance at both ends – meaning it keeps its composure on big hits and jump landings, even in the hands of heavier riders.
While the FX is designed to be firmer and sportier than the WR250F, the average 80-90kg off-road rider will find its suspension package feels closer to a purpose-built enduro bike than a full-blown motocrosser. It’s still very forgiving in snotty terrain and doesn’t deflect off trail obstacles the way a motocross bike tends to, which gives this FX a lot of versatility. And with more bottoming resistance, a heavier rider can push the thing hard with confidence in the bush, and happily carry that aggression over to the motocross track.

5. THE RACE-READY FACTOR

If you’re an off-road racer in Australia, it’s a no-brainer: the FX is the obvious choice over the WR250F. And not just because it comes without all the superfluous ADR componentry. The FX is lighter, more firmly sprung, comes with punchier and more responsive power, and the convenience of an electric leg. And if you ride the machine back-to-back with its enduro brethren at any of Transmoto’s Enduro Events, this becomes increasingly evident as the hours tick by and the track gets rougher.
If you’re a Victorian, there’s even more good news. Yamaha also offers a $500 kit – bashplate, hand guards, headlight assembly, braided steel front brakeline, tail-light and licence-plate holder, and a few other practical wiring additions – that’ll let you obtain Recreational Registration for the FX. Winning!

Our YZ250FX is certainly enjoying its life in the lush Northern Rivers region of NSW under the watchful squint of Transmoto’s Event Manager, Robbie “Dingee” Warden, who says there’s always a queue of frothers wanting to throw a leg over the thing. One such frother is Expert enduro rider and Transmoto 12-Hour regular, Thomas Jenner, who Warden captured these images of, after the bloke flatly refused to hand the FX over one fine afternoon on a loamy Bangalow grasstrack!