Yamaha Celebrates YZ 50th Anniversary for 2024

For 2024, on top of giving us a heavily revised YZ250F (see below), Yamaha is also going retro with the introduction of four SP models to the YZ range to celebrate 50 years of the brand’s YZ heritage.

The 2024 SP YZs are available as either YZ250F, YZ450F, YZ125 and YZ250 and visually take us right back to the 90s with their white, purple and pink graphics scheme. The SP models are priced at only a slight $200 premium over the standard Team Yamaha Blue 2024 models.

Interestingly, Yamaha seems to have forgotten another milestone, with the popular WR range turning 25 this year following the 1998 debut of the WR400.

2024 sees the venerable YZ250F hit with the update stick, with Yamaha putting its focus into sharpening the handling of the YZ.

That means the 2024 250F gets an all-new aluminium frame based on the YZ450F. The result is the new 250F is, according to Yamaha, a better handling machine with a lighter feel, more agility and increased traction.

While the engine remains largely the same as the ‘23 model, Yamaha has revised the intake take path and ECU settings for more mid- to high-end power, while a redesigned cam chain improves engine durability.

Suspension comes in the form of a fully adjustable KYB coil spring-type fork with speed-sensitive damping. New for 2024, the fork now includes a hand-adjustable knob for toolless compression adjustment. The linkage-type rear suspension features a KYB shock with revised settings to provide less pitch on corner entry/exit and improved stability.

Furthering the sharpening fo the YZ’s handling, Yamaha utilised computer-aided refinement of each wheel’s cross-sectional profile to shave valuable weight without sacrificing durability. The rear wheel also sees a unique three-cross-spoke pattern employed for improved impact absorption and overall feel. For stopping duties Nissin calipers clamp down on a large 270mm front brake disc and 240mm rear.

Yamaha has been at the forefront of dirt electronics. For 2024, the YZ250F scores a new handlebar-mounted switch that allows for on-the-fly selection between two preloaded engine maps with the push of a button, making it easy to make immediate adjustments to changing track or weather conditions. Maps are loaded and configured within the Yamaha Power Tuner App.

Pricing for the 2024 YZ250F starts at $15,549 with the first examples expected to land in October of 2023.