2020 YZ250FX Full Review | Rocket Ship | I LOVE IT, but it's not perfect...
Vložit
- čas přidán 9. 06. 2020
- Win one of three bikes I'm giving away April 15 - June 15 2020 - www.dirtbikechannel.com/winmy...
Order your Parts from Rocky Mountain ATV/MC using this link to support DBC
www.rockymountainatvmc.com/l/...
Great:
- This bike feels like it's bolted to the ground, in a good way
- Front fork was amazing anytime I was in 2-4th gears and it's fast and flowing
- Gave me SUPER confidence on jumps, drops, corners
- Fastest lap times I've ever done... consistently
- Super Lively motor with SNAP
- Amazing go fast bike!
Good:
- Covered up the fuse box that used to be exposed
- brakes are good. Didn't notice a problem with them like I have on other bikes with the same brakes
- Not a great deal of engine braking sensation for a 4 stroke
- Easy to use App for your phone to tune the bike. Connects every time with ease. Much better than the GET ECU app I've tried
- Good map switch, easy to tell which map you are on
- I also like the maintenance tracker they have in the app, nice touch
- Light clutch pull despite being a steel clutch wire
Needs improvement
- Forks while going slow the fork tends to bounce around and deflect more than some of my other off road bikes. While the fork is really, really good when doing faster stuff, it suffers when you have to hit choppy rocky and sharp edges over and over like on rocky nasty hill climbs.
- It also felt a bit heavier and slower to handle when carving up quick turning trails as opposed other bikes I’m riding right now.
- While it's a great cornering bike, when you are just "dodging things in the trail, it's slower to quickly change directions.
- Could use an actual hour meter since the app tracks for a few minutes of time after each shut down. This means you will be changing oil a lot if following just the tracker on the app.
- Don't love the huge spring on the kickstand, and the foot of the kickstand is relatively small.
- Would like a semi close ratio transmission instead of the WR wide ratio
- Motor stalls very easily, and then starts really slow.
- I don't love the air-box design overall. Limits the amount of fuel we get. Seems like it's easy for grass and other small bits to collect up in there. On other bikes, they can fall out the bottom, but they get trapped up in here on the Yamaha.
- Fuel capacity is not enough for serious off roaders
- The bike is significantly wider than my other off road bikes especially up here in the cowling for the radiators.- I swapped the grips for lock ons, but that is just me.
Miss
- Needs finger clickers on the forks since you can't get your screw driver in there very well depending on bar position.
- Starts very slow while in gear and when motor is hot many times it takes a full second or two before it will fire up. If you can get in the habit of shifting to neutral as soon as you stop, this issn't as bad - I've been told there is a re-map of the ECU to combat this, but I didn't do that.
- Needs some sort of hand guards to be stock on the bike
- Engine guard isn't a skid plate and falls off the bike
- Does not turn tight enough for tight switch backs we have here in the steep mountains. Was 2nd largest turning radius I've tested.
Listen to my podcast Subscribe where-ever you get podcasts - dirtbikechannel.buzzsprout.com/
Karen (my wife), Kaylee, Konnor Kase, and Kenzie (the kids) thank you for using these links. It is one of the ways we are supporting our family right now.
Fly Formula Helmet:
www.rockymountainatvmc.com/ri...
Motion Pro Digital Tire Gauge - amzn.to/2O9HXrZ
Klim Nak Pak in Lime or Black - amzn.to/34GGpvh
Water Bladder - amzn.to/2ZXaMyP
Garmin inReach GPS Communicator - amzn.to/2NWjTsA
Shinko 505 Rear - 546 Front and TUbliss set from Amazon - amzn.to/2QqNdtH
TUbliss front and rear set from Amazon - amzn.to/2LhEynD
Dunlop AT81 EX Gummy Rear Tire - amzn.to/2Lt164Z
Dunlop AT81 Front tire - amzn.to/2Ljl5nP
Shinko 525 Rear Tire - amzn.to/2NOwKgg
Pro Funnel from Motion Pro on Amazon - amzn.to/2FABIYa
AC Delco Torque Wrench - amzn.to/2TW3mEV
Armor All - amzn.to/2C3VABf
Multi Seal Tire Sealant - amzn.to/2SItOl4
Floor Pump - amzn.to/2SF8nRN
Shop Towels - amzn.to/2VD5UsP
Sony Action Cam
amzn.to/2LfBSXy
Graphics:
www.dirtbikechannel.com/graph...
USWE Lizard 16 Riding Bag - amzn.to/2EdENyo
Klim Nac Pack - amzn.to/2ZPkpuC
Special thanks to my $10/month patrons on / dirtbikechannel - Auta a dopravní prostředky
Dont worry about your review lengths. There are channels out there that have 45 minute videos reviewing a pocket knife. There is a bit more to talk about with a motorcycle!
Exactly
Yeah, I wouldn't mind them being even longer. Just don't be super vague, talking about what you are going to talk about and so fourth. That can be very annoying.
I prefer longer reviews because I can listen while driving back and fourth from work
I’m just happy to see more brands getting in to the GNCC scene. Not everyone wants an MX bike especially for noobs getting into the sport. I’ve seen countless dudes give up on dirt bikes simply because most MX bikes are terrible for single track.
What does single track mean? Noob Coming from riding street.
Ride enduro growing up but not competition. Trying to de decide between yz250f or something more tame like a crf250f
@@americandude3825 sorta proving his point unintentionally lol. Single track = Goat path
@@factoryXperimental ha yup. I learned this since researching. I don’t want a dirtbike I don’t think. To much maintenance for causal off-roading. I need a Suzuki drz400 or dr650
Maintenance isn't bad, will build skill overall. Street riding doesn't translate to off road at all, off road however translates to street riding. It's beneficial. Street bike rider will tell you not to use the clutch lol
Watching passed 22 minutes was all ready our gold nugget thanks Kyle
Haha!
I really appreciate the effort you put into these reviews. I'm excited to see what you'll do next.
I’m glad you clarified that it good in 2-3 gear. When you said it was going when you are going fast I thought high 3rd and up. Thanks for the review and keeping the manufactures moving the sport forward!
7:30 Great point made!!!
I have a 2015 and I relocated the relays as I felt they are too exposed (especially being close to the back wheel). Good to see Yammy fixing these little issues but also great seeing a reviewer picking up on these little things that matter to fussy owners (like me).
Great review Kyle. I had the opp to ride this bike a few weeks ago next to my KTM and you nailed it. When we were down in the desert, it ran like an awesome close course race bike. When we then went up into the mountains with tight ST with rocks, it wasn’t awesome. For what it is worth, I put AXP skid plates on all my bikes and have loved them - so light, so durable, and they don’t vvvvviiiiibbbrrrate. Thanks for your awesome content. Can’t wait for your reviews of Sherco!!!
Thank you for the review. Got me in a good mood this morning when I woke up.
Your review of the fx was a game changer for me. You are the best at what you do. Props.
That intro was amazing Kyle! good job bro! another great review! I have used your reviews, technical videos and tips often! Thanks a ton! even as a Motorcycle Mechanic of 15 years I get a lot out of your videos! THANKS AGAIN :)
This guy really knows his stuff and has a very good channel... I enjoy watching all of the videos.
Great review, this bike is amazing and I’m jealous of the time you have spent on it. Hope to get one soon!
You should!
There is always honesty on your videos. That's why I follow you.
I bought mine in March 2020. It was mapped way too rich to the point it flamed out constantly in slow sections. My mechanic said there was a tech notice sent out to dealers to address this issue. It's still a little finicky starting when its hot but it runs so much better since I had a trained mechanic lean out the mapping for me. It is a definitely happiest when ridden fast. My bike now has 47 hours on it and is an absolute blast to ride.
Thanks for the review Kyle. This further proves to me that for as much as I like and want to ride a 4 stoke, especially the Yamahas, they are just not the best choice for type of riding we have here in the NE.
I enjoy the longterm thorough reviews. Your doing a great job🤘🏽
Another great video, Thanks. I have a 2018 and I love it, but lately I’ve been thinking about getting the 2020.
Awesome review. Looking forward to more! Whoever wins that should have a great time.
Kyle thanks for the review 👍 I’ve been looking at Husqvarna FC 250 they also seem to be cool bikes for that type of riding
Kyle, I highly recommend aluminum skid plates. I have seen plastic ones break and the case cracked, leaking oil, just from hitting the edge of a cut log, not necessarily even hitting a rock.
Great video, I love the honesty and real down to earth review. I own a Wr250 and I’m very surprised to hear this bike has same gear ratio. and that from an early 2000’s bike like my 2001 WR to this one the gas tank and air box have completely swapped places.. I’m so surprised by how filled with junk that new style air box gets.Wow
Thinking about this for my first off road bike. Been riding street bikes for more than 25 years but have only had quads and side-by-sides off road. thinking of a two wheeler. Thanks for the great review and info!
I really like how much time you spend with a bike before you give a review a lot of people don’t do that .
Thanks!!! I tested the 2022 YZ450fx instead of the WR450f because of this review and after 5mins on the bike I had to have it!
Very good concise review. You hit all the proper points. 👍👍
Glad I found this channel thank you for the information your providing in all your videos,much help.
The best channel for dirt bikes related reviews.
Stalling a bike is a rider problem and not a bike problem. If you ask the tire to push you forward but dont apply enough throttle to do so....it stalls. I always laugh when I see these comments because it is always 2 stroke fans saying this stuff as a way to "show how 4 strokes are not as good". When most people who know better just laugh at the rider and his lack of skill.
Great review! I love my 2020 250fx as well and agree with you! I’ve recently watched another review on our bikes (can’t remember channel, I’ll have to search.) and they found that the stock battery is underpowered for the bike and once replaced with a lithium the issue went away.
Great content! 🔥 good thorough review and all honesty!
I think your review is spot on. I have a 2015 I've been riding for 3-1/2 years and I agree with many of your observations on where improvements are needed. Especially the tendencies not wanting to make tighter technical turns. Since I like the slower technical terrain I prefer a softer map on this bike. But I also love the the snappy power above slow speeds, unlimited tractoring on hills, so long as its not a long sandy one. I plan to move onto a 2-stroke. Probably the TE300i 2020 or later. My buddies have them and they are amazing.
I currently have a 2015 wr250f that I put a couple mods on, removing the emissions, changing the ecu, a new fmf exhaust, removing all the electronics and lights. Anyways this 2020 yz250fx in my opinion is considerably better. It handles a ton better, the engine is much snappier and more usable. I think anyone who's been on the previous model will think it's light years better. If you get a chance to throw a leg over one, you might just want to keep with a Yamaha 4 stroke✌
Wow. Thanks. I am dreaming of owning this beauty. Great review.
Regarding the hot start of the bike, the throttle housing cover have a mark that is the sweet spot of the throttle for hot start, check the owner´s manual. Great review, i wish i lived in usa to get a chance to win a bike like that!
Great review. Thank you for all the great information.
Great job on the review! Sounds like a fun bike
I just purchased a 2020 YZ 250 FX love it. This is a spot on review of the 250 FX but in spite of its downfalls this bike shines for its tune ability and stability.
Awesome review, very helpful and really entertaining.
You look like a different rider on that bike! When I so the intro I thought it was someone else! Great rideing!
Love the “Oh Yess” made me laugh you are having to good off time on the Yamaha👍😎
Love the review!! 22min went fast! 👌
Nice review Kyle. I would love to see you review a 4 stroke made for more single track style riding instead of the racier GNCC style bikes. I think you would have a better time in technical stuff with one and could give a more fair comparison to the 2 strokes you prefer for this type of riding. That new KTM 350XCFW is out now!!
great video per usual Kyle thank you!
Kyle you said the bike is a 5 speed the FX and WR are 6 speeds transmissions.
Yep, 6 speeds on this bike. Must have mis-spoke if I said 5 speed.
15:33 Yes I put the heaviest available flywheel on my CRF450R from Trail Tech to avoid trail stalling and to calm the engine down a bit for the technical Florida sand walls we climb. Did that 2016 or so on my 2005 b4 Japan started building these wicked trail bikes! Cheers from Clearwater
To make the bike a little slimmer you can put a cycra powerflow shroud kit on and it slims it up by about a 1/2" both sides so around an 1" in all.
These reviews are good. Shopping for a new bike you could make a big mistake on bike selection without videos like this to point out the good and bad with months of time on them. 👌
I'd love to see you review the YZ250X in the future. Been a bike on my radar as a budget woods bike for a while.
Long form reviews are the best. Your reviews are great! Some people just want to read the brochure.
Glad you like them!
@@DirtBikeChannel can u give us ur suspension config.?
My 2016 WR450F is also awesome in 2nd gear and above medium-high speed stuff. Not so great in the 1st gear slow technical stuff, but I keep in mind it's a 450 plus I'm still tweaking and adjusting things here and there -- love the power tuner! As for debris in the air filter, I stuffed a couple pieces of open cell foam into the two forward intakes. This keeps everything clean inside and also helps muzzle some of the intake noise. I agree on the gearing changes needed, but my 1st gear is too fast and there is still that big gap between 2nd and 3rd. I also agree on the flywheel needing more mass, this would be extremely helpful since my 450 engine design is based on the YZ race bike. Granted my bike is 5 years old now so Yamaha may have addressed some of these issues since my 2016 was designed. But overall it's an awesome bike and Yamaha has really upped their game with design, development and "accessibility" in the last few years. Another great video, thanks Kyle.
Nice review, would love to see a review of the new 2021 wr250f and yz125x, they look great!
I know old video, sorry but I just want to say that even if these were an hour or more in length, I wouldn't mind because this is simply quality.
tight turning radius= lay it over 30° and peel out! Man I miss ridin dirtbikes. Love your videos dude
That flatland technique doesn’t work on steep ass mountain switchbacks. You will be down the cliff in no time.
Awesome review bro!!! Thanks
Thanks for another honest and full review!
My pleasure!
I like this guys attitude 🤙
As alway..a solid review! Just subscribed
Kyle, that FX is more that a cross country race bike than Enduro off road. This is why I believe Yamaha did not out hand guards either made those upgrades beneficial for hardcore off road.
What I did to help with some of the twitching off of idle and in first was just go up a tooth in the front. Was gonna change throttle tube but just changing the front sprocket made the world of a difference
I’ve heard a lot of good things about Yamahas 250 4stroke. I got my entries in, I hope I’m one of the lucky three!!!!!!!
Yamaha are doing some good stuff now, road my mates WR450 2019 model, and wow, great bike !
Agree. I rode one too last week and almost went to the dealer.
Kyle, I believe when you said you have work it a little bit[dodge it] that's because of the amount of oil on forks from factory. Probably reducing .5 ml per fork would smooth out their heaviness a bit and give you that flexibility you felt is lacking.
22 minute nugget here, nice review, sounds like you had fun.
Rekluse is really handy on 4 strokes, although the clutch pull is heavier, and you lose some feel. Wouldn't do it on a 2 stroke though, it's just for the easy stalls.
That bike sounds crispy and reallly rips
Kyle, you need to get Strava and use it on the trails around your house (down by Soldier Pass shooting range)...there are a TON of segments out there, and a lot of really fast guys and put their times up there...its a great opportunity for you to see where you stand speed wise, without actually doing a race.
Idm if I don’t win the bike or anything else your socks are great, they are the most comfortable things I’ve ever touched
Great review. I’d love a bake-off between this and the 450 stable-mate.
Another great, fair review 👍🏼
The longer the review the better
Thanks for the review I don't care how long they are bike are to expensive to make the wrong choice l was hot on this bike at first but after your review I'm realved l didn't spend the money on this bike happy trails
My dream bike, going to buy it next year
I agree with your observations and especially the fact that it’s more stable at higher speeds and not as fun to go slow on, YZ’s love speed and when you ride them you can tell they want to go fast and just aren’t made for slow technical riding. Anyone that judges them based on that criteria may as well call a fish inept due to its inability to climb a tree, it’s not built for that.
Need to try a WR250F. I want to see what the real differences are in valving, tune and gearing. I’m looking hard at them, but do do a lot of slow single track. Not very technical, but tight with some short steep hills. Can’t abide flameouts but think the WR could be what I’m looking for. Last bike was a ‘19 Beta 300rr and I know nothing will be as stall-proof as that bike.
One huge benefit i have found with the 250fx airbox is water crossings and wet races
I have swamped my 19 300xcw tpi sixdays on a couple different occasions due to poor air box design water can come through the front edge of the cover
I modified to correct but I shouldn't have to on a 11,000 bike.
And I'm talking going fast through a foot plus of water will swamp these things.
I basically only want 2 strokes for the most part but i am honestly looking at this bike like crazy.
Hey Kyle! First and foremost congratulations on a great job your are doing! I am glad that you were able to follow your dreams and get out of corporate america... Question, I am wondering which bike have more engine brake; This Yamaha YZ250FX or the KTM 350 xcf? Please advise. Thanks again!
not sure if this has been mentioned, in relation to the hot starting, Yamaha recommend a 1/10 throttle every time you start the bike. i tried this on a demo day and it worked a treat, in gear on hills. hot bike.
As a YZ250X owner I agree that the KYB SSS forks, while ultra-predictable and excellent for the faster stuff, can be harsh. For anyone curious, this is due to their SSS damping that basis the majority of its damping force on the speed of the wheel's impact and not the position of the fork in the stroke. Most forks with traditionally set up damping have a pretty soft initial part of the stroke with an increasing mid and a steep spike in damping right towards the end. The SSS retains almost the same damping throughout the entire stroke. This translates to sometimes overly stiff damping on high speed but shallow impacts like rocks and steep braking chatter but it also keeps the fork from bottoming on huge impacts like over-jumps and g-outs. It also gives the fork much more felt feedback. Overall in many ways you're trading comfort for performance. The harder you push SSS, the more it rewards you.
Also, @14:37 I think you mean 6 speed? It shares the same ultra-wide ratio 6 speed as the 2020 WR250F.
Dam bro I love your indepth vidz..I wish you could have done this for the 19' 450's cuz just to get back into riding I'm buying a kawi today rather than waiting for my shop to order a Honda..
My area most everything was sold out
Thanks man I looking into one now
Awsome videos kyle! Glad to see you have the RMATV link up. I purchase thru your link whenever possible. Have you ever worked with different size front and rear sprockets to give the bikes different trail riding characteristics?
Nice review, I love me some Yamaha!
you look super fast and controlled on that thing dude
Have a 2014 wr450 it’s rock solid reliable. However it’s heavy and I like to ride technical single track. So I think a KTM 300 fi will be my next bike.
Kyle thanks for the review! this dirtbike is my dream. In Russia, where I live, there are practically none. Official Yamaha dealers in Russia carry only YZ-F and WR-F. But there is an opportunity to buy used ones imported to Russia from Japan in Vladivostok. But unfortunately 3-4 dirtbikes per year are tracked on the Russian market. Unfortunately, I was late with my comment to be a contender to win this dirt bike. But it would be great if an ordinary guy from Russia received such a gift from the USA. It would just blow up CZcams. YZ250F remains my dream.
I have been riding a 2019 YZ450FX for a year now and your review of the 250 really nailed it. My opinion of the 450 matches everything you said. A really good bike but a few improvements would make a big difference. Flame outs and slow starting are my biggest gripes. Will never match my 300 TE
Yamaha made a good one here.
Do you think theres a map for these bikes that might help the flame out a bit better. Then we can be a bit more lazy with the clutch. And the forks work well for me but I'm 250 pounds. I still turned compression down. But rides like a caddy now
Can’t wait for when you get the 2021 ktm xcf 250 😉
"Holy shizz balls" that's an awesome bike!!
I'm with you on everything except the starter. We too soon forget that not long ago the only way to start these bikes is with a kick starter. Maybe it takes a second or two longer than some other bikes but it's still pushing a button as opposed to kicking.
lol my thoughts exactly.. I was 2 seconds sounds good to me lol.. it takes a min of kicking for me sometimes
Hey Kyle, Wanted to ask you about the sweepstakes on the
bikes, how would you rate the three in your Opinion? Like best to worst of the three? Also just wanted to say thanks for all you do. I ordered some stuff and the hoodie had a rip in it and I let you guys know and you took care of it ASAP. That meant a lot to me as a viewer and was much appreciated. Thanks again Jeff N.
Great review 👌🏼! I had the 2017 and it has the same cons than the 2020...
I had the 2016 and like this 2020 much better. Great improvements to this bike.
Wow that’s awesome I just watched the whole thing thumbs up subscribed and shared,👍🏼👍🏼
Looks like I missed the sweepstake though sadly.
But I’m here in Canada I don’t think id have a chance. lol
That screen in the air box is not there the catch debris that could possibly fall into the intake path when the filter is out. It's a back fire screen.
damn good review. you just turn me away little bit from yz250fx to ktm lol
“I can’t have this as my main bike because it doesn’t do EVERYTHING I want”. Which bikes do everything you want? Great review! Thanks.
Awesome review thanks
Great info. Spot on with the front forks beating you up at slow speeds. I have the ‘19 WR 450 F. I am 230 and didn’t have to worry about a revalve but, i am 14 out on the compression and 11 on the rebound. I think, this suspension will work better for us big guys😆👍. Oh good lawd you aren’t lieing about the hot start while in gear. I have the GYTR ECU & CCU added and with the custom maps it helps but, it still isn’t a quick start up if I don’t have the throttle in the ( barely cracked position)
Yep.
Yea I've just learned to put in neutral everytime I stop in my 19 450fx. Then it always starts right away. But in gear shes a biotch
great video! at 14.40 if i am not wrong you said 5 speeds gear box. but its a 6 speed.
Great comprehensive review thanks! I think I'd like to ride one for a few days before committing to a purchase though. I think Yamaha is still missing the market in terms of trail or enduro riders. The motorcycle lineup could use some solid reimagining; give us something more in line with what we want and compete against KTM / Husky For a better product 😄
Last year I went to a Yamaha demo and after a couple laps I knew I wanted the 250FX. Found a good deal for a used one (2018) in like new condition with only 10 hrs and a few aftermarket parts. Been racing It in FL hare scramble serie and I absolutely love it.
@@SierraRacingTeam That's where that bike shines from what Kyle was saying too. Good luck man glad you're on a winner.
Hopefully you do know the compression clickers for front forks are on the bottom of the fork legs - Rebound at the top of the forks - I have been Loving my 2021 FX250 - racing TORCS series out here in Texas have the cx Rekluse no stalling great at low speeds (scramble low speeds not hard enduro low speeds) it's so fun and fast won class first time out. Life long 2 stroke guy wanted a 4 stroke chose the yamaha fx250 over the sherco 300 4 stroke.
I have a 2020 yz450fx Here's what i can tell you. My bike was very hard to restart when it was hot. And practically impossible to restart while in gear and hot. I ended up figuring out my valves were tight right from the get go. After sorting the valves out, the hard hot restart was better, but still not gone. I've ordered a fan kit from Yamaha, unfortunately ita been on back order. I'm hoping the fan kit fixes the last bit of hard restarting while hot. My bike has also been hard to find neutral on. It usually takes me a few tries to get it in. I'm 39 and have been riding all my life, so this isn't an issue of inexperience. I weigh 225lbs so im definitely not a light rider. I'm still making suspension changes, but I have found the ride to be stiff, and so far I haven't been able to get it dialed in how I'd like it to be. (I ride mostly single track in the mountains) The last issue is the bike tending to stall at low rpm. For example, when going over a water bar at low speed, the bike will sometimes stall if i dont use the clutch or hit the throttle. Otherwise, I've enjoyed this bike and I'm still working on getting it sorted. I've got 7 hours on the bike so far, so its possible it still just needs some more breaking in. But the issues I'm having are not happening on my friends band new ktm 450. I'm enjoying the bike and am not disappointed I bought it, and I love the wide ratio transmission. Hopefully I'll get everything sorted after some more time.