The 250F proved to be pretty agile and light, even when it came to flying through the air.
The 250F, however, doesn't require the same amount of aggressiveness. Take a later apex, then start dialing on the power as the tires dance across the ruts. You can feel the rear Dunlop dig in while powersliding and then hook up while climbing the jump's face. The extra time spent accelerating compared to the 125 makes it far easier to land the jump consistently.
In fact, other than the starting procedure, everything's easier on the 250F. Even lugging it around in the pits and loading it is simpler, as the 4-stroke has handy grab handles cut into the side number plate panels that aren't there on the 125. The much more expansive powerband lets a rider – no matter how experienced, find traction and, hence, acceleration.
And this isn't just a boon on the track, either. Our time trail riding the 250F proved the superiority of its engine, whether on loose dirt or climbing up technical hills. The minimal extra weight of the 4-stroker is really a non-issue in these types of riding environments. And though we didn't hit any sand dunes during our time with the YZs, the 250F would undoubtedly outperform the screaming 125 in the loose stuff, what with its wider powerband and bountiful torque curve.
"It's probably the best bike for the majority of the people out there," said Raffl at the end of a long day riding. "The 250 is an easy bike to ride and an easy bike to ride fast for a long time. Whereas on a bike that is a little more demanding, like the 125, you can get tired in 5-6 laps of a session and start to make mistakes and throw your rhythm off. But this 250 just does everything so well."
The identical brakes on both machines proved to be excellent, front and rear.
There is a premium to pay for all this goodness, as the 250F retails for $500 more than the $4999 YZ125. Improvements to the 250F for 2003 include the aforementioned automatic compression release, as well as having the hot start button on the handlebar instead of down on the carb. One Yamaha rep said the new 250F can be started wearing tennis shoes, explaining how much easier it is to fire up than in previous years. The 4-stroke already was worth the extra half-grand over the 125, and now with the starting drill licked, it's an even better deal. A lighter, stiffer frame and a flatter seat is said to offer better handling, too.
According to one editor of a national MX magazine, the YZ125 is the best stock 125 he's ever ridden. Which makes it that much more salient when we say the YZ250F kicks the 125's ass.
"You say you want a revolution..." It's happening, folks.
