Yamaha’s YZ250F has now enjoyed more than a decade as one of the prime racing motorcycles of the MX2/250 division at the highest level. On its inception in 2001 it instantly established a new creed of motocrosser - the 250cc four-stroke - paving the way for the latest generation of MX2-GP class machines. On the track the 2012 YZ250FM works prototype is again hoping to break barriers with a fully modified engine including an advanced fuel injection system for a third season.

The YZ250F was an instant hit on its world championship introduction in 2003, dominating the second half of the 125 championship with Stefan Everts and claiming eight from nine races, scooping the manufacturer’s crown. In the first year of the MX2 category in 2004 the bike was again gracing the top step of the podium. The following campaign Italian Antonio Cairoli obtained a maiden title for the machine on an YZ250F prepared by famed tuner Claudio De Carli. He repeated his success in 2007 after finishing runner-up in ’06.

The YZ250F race-bike was updated for 2009 with a weight drop of 500g and a new lighter swingarm improving handling along with a redesigned rear hub. For 2010 the bike was again revised with a brand new engine, styling and centralisation of the chassis. For 2011 YRRD (Yamaha Rinaldi Research and Development) embarked on an ambitious new prototype engine project including fuel injection and celebrated a Grand Prix victory and six further podium trophies with Gautier Paulin. 2013 will see the third generation of that prototype hit the tracks in the hands of Christophe Charlier.

The race-proven production YZ250F is an excellent base. In 2009 the motorcycle, in the hands of Charlier, won the extremely competitive MX2 European Championship; the Grand Prix feeder series and in 2010 and 2011 Zach Osborne and Arnaud Tonus claimed the MX2 British Championship.

The 2012 version of the YZ250F saw yet more refinements made to this capable motorcycle. A new bi-lateral beam frame with improved rigidity meant enhancement in the already superb handling and a new lighter valve system and redesigned carburettor has added boost to the potential of the engine. The modifications were part of the formula that helped Mel Pocock to a dominant run to the ’12 European Championship. Yamaha Rinaldi Research and Development (YRRD) kit parts were key in the technical assistance that Chiara Fontanesi received in order to win her – and Yamaha’s – first ever FIM Women’s World Championship.

The 2013 YZ250FM prototype continues to progress and has undergone major development on the engine with increased performance compared to the ’12 model. Mid and mid-top areas of the powerband have been boosted thanks to new parts and different specifications.

Riders such as Pocock, Maxime Desprey and Dean Ferris will be using a Cosworth powered YZ250F engine entered by the Monster Energy Yamaha squad of Steve Dixon.

Teams and racers on circuits across the continent benefit from the acclaimed YRRD race kits with engine upgrades and components designed to allow the YZ250F to operate at the peak of its performance. 
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