Yamaha YZ250 (2006-present) and YZ250X Maintenance Schedule and Service Intervals

This is the maintenance schedule and associated service intervals for the Yamaha YZ250 and YZ250X.

The YZ250 is a two-stroke single-cylinder motocross motorcycle that has been made for many many years in the same basic configuration. Yamaha has had it in the line-up since 1974, and hasn’t changed much in recent years. The models made in 2020 have the same engine as made in 2003 and the same chassis as in 2006, with an aluminium frame. In the words of one website, “you can list the changes on the YZ250 since 2006 on a Post-it note.”

These are

  • 2006-2012: Titanium shock springs
  • 2007: N3EW needle and oversized bars
  • 2008: Removable bar mounts, smaller front brake caliper, and wave-style rotors
  • 2011: 75mm-longer silencer and less compression
  • 2013: White rear fender (don’t get too used to this)
  • 2014: Blue rear fender returned
  • 2015: Some plastics
  • 2016: Black rims (don’t get too used to them either)
  • 2017: 270mm front brake rotor
  • 2018: Blue rims!

Nothing in the engine changed, though you’ll notice the brakes changed a couple of times. Where parts are different, we’ll make mention of it.

The YZ250 is a motocross bike, and the YZ250X is a dedicated off-road version. It has a kickstand, a wide ratio gearbox, remapped ignition, a more compact pipe, and re-valved suspension for off-road use. Maintenance wise, it’s the same.

2019 Yamaha YZ250X
Yamaha YZ250X — the off-road version of the YZ250

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Yamaha YZ250 and YZ250X Maintenance Schedule

Below is the maintenance schedule for the Yamaha YZ250 and YZ250X.

It’s the same between both bikes, other than the Yamaha YZ250X having a kickstand to lubricate.

Yes, these are high-maintenance race motorcycles.

Notes on maintenance

  • The following maintenance schedule is intended as a general rule to maintenance and lubrication.
    • Bear in mind that such factors as weather, terrain, geographical location, and individual usage will alter the required maintenance and lubrication intervals
    • If you are in doubt as to what intervals to follow in maintaining and lubricating your machine, consult with your mechanic.
  • Periodic inspection is essential in making full use of the machine’s performance.
    • The service life of the parts varies substantially according to the environment in which the machine runs (e.g., rain, dirt, etc.). Therefore, earlier inspection is required by reference to the list below
ItemBreak-inEvery race (~2.5 hrs)Every 3rd race (~7.5 hrs)Every 5th (~12.5 hrs)As requiredNotes
PISTON — Inspect and cleanInspect crack
Inspect carbon deposits and eliminate them
Piston — Replace
PISTON RING — InspectCheck ring end gap
Piston ring — Replace (Wiseco YZ250 Piston Rings)
PISTON PIN, SMALL END BEARING
Inspect
Piston pin bearing — Replace
CYLINDER HEAD
Inspect and clean, Retighten
Inspect carbon deposits and eliminate them
Check gasket
CYLINDER — Inspect and cleanInspect score marks
Inspect wear
Cylinder — Replace
YPVS — Inspect and cleanInspect carbon deposits and eliminate them
CLUTCH — Inspect and adjustInspect housing, friction plate, clutch plate and spring
Clutch — Replace
TRANSMISSION — Replace oilRecommended Brand:
Yamalube 10W-40
API service SG type or higher JASO standard MA
Transmission — Inspect. Replace bearing as needed
SHIFT FORK. SHIFT CAM, GUIDE BAR — InspectInspect wear
ROTOR NUT — Retighten
MUFFLER — Inspect, Retighten bolts
Muffler — Clean
Muffler — Replace fiberWhen the exhaust sound becomes louder or when performance drop is felt
CRANK — Inspect and clean
CARBURETOR — Inspect, adjust and clean
SPARK PLUG — Inspect and clean
Replace (NGK BR8EIX)
DRIVE CHAIN — Lubricate, slack, alignment (Motul chain paste)Use chain lube
Chain slack: 48.0-58.0mm (1.89-2.28 in)
Drive chain — Replace
COOLING SYSTEM — Check coolant level and leakage
Check radiator cap operation
Replace coolant (ethylene glycol pre-mix)Every two years
Inspect radiator hoses
OUTSIDE NUTS AND BOLTS — Retighten
AIR FILTER — Clean and lubricateUse the Yamaha or other quality foam air filter oil
Air filter — Replace (K&N YA-2506XD)
FRAME
Clean and inspect
FUEL TANK COCK
Clean and inspect
BRAKES — Adjust lever position and pedal height
Lubricate brake lever pivot point
Check brake disc surface
Check brake fluid level and leakage
Retighten brake, disc bolts, caliper bolts, master cylinder bolts and union bolts
Replace brake pads
Replace brake fluid (Castrol DOT 4)Every one year
FRONT FORKS — Inspect and adjust
Replace fork oilYamaha Suspension oil S1, or Bel-Ray 5W
Replace fork oil seals
FRONT FORK OIL SEAL AND DUST SEAL — Clean and lubeLithium base grease
PROTECTOR GUIDE
Replace
REAR SHOCK ABSORBER
Inspect and adjust, retighten
Rear shock — lubricate(After rain ride)•Molybendum disulfade grease e.g. Valvoline moly-fortified
DRIVE CHAIN GUIDE AND ROLLERS — Inspect
SWINGARM — Inspect, lube and retightenMolybendum disulfade grease e.g. Valvoline moly-fortified
RELAY ARM, CONNECTING ROD — Inspect, lube and retightenMolybendum disulfade grease
SIDESTAND (YZ250X)
Lubricate
Lithium base grease e.g. Valvoline moly-fortified
STEERING HEAD
Inspect free play and retighten
Steering head — Clean and lubeLithium base grease e.g. Valvoline moly-fortified
Steering head — Replace bearing
TIRE, WHEELS
Inspect air pressure, wheel run-out, tire wear and spoke looseness
Retighten sprocket bolt
Wheel bearings — Inspect bearings, lubricateLithium base grease e.g. Valvoline moly-fortified
Wheel bearings — Replace
THROTTLE, CONTROL CABLE — Check routing and connection, lubricateUse lithium soap-based grease
Maintenance schedule for the Yamaha YZ250 and YZ250X

About the Yamaha YZ250 and YZ250X

2022 Yamaha YZ250 action in air

The Yamaha YZ250 has been in production for decades (with a few changes along the way, but very few since 2006).

The YZ250 is a motocross motorcycle, whereas the YZ250X is an off-road motorcycle geared for staying off the beaten track.

They both have modern, aggressive styling, and a high-power single-cylinder 249cc two-stroke engine powering them.

The engine is liquid-cooled and produces around 50 hp, which is a crazy amount given the whole thing is roughly 100kg wet (229 lb).

A large 270mm front disc brake coupled with high-performance pad material means they have very good machine control and performance, with exceptional stopping power and controllability.

Manual for the Yamaha YZ250

2019 Yamaha YZ250 Maintenance schedule screenshot from manual

The above information was gleaned from the owner’s manual for the 2019 Yamaha YZ250 and YZ250X.

You can download it from Yamaha’s website here.

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