2008 Honda CRF250R vs 2011 Yamaha YZ250
Full specifications comparison •
2 motorcycles
Full Specifications
Differs
Same
| General |
| Colours | Red, Black (2008 Special Color, Limited Availability) | Team Yamaha Blue/White |
| Warranty | - | 30 Day (Limited Factory Warranty) |
| Dimensions |
| Ground Clearance (in.) | 14.2 inches | 15.0 inches |
| Ground Clearance (mm) | 361 mm | 381 mm |
| Seat Height | 965 mm / 38.0 in. | 993 mm / 39.1 in. |
| Wheelbase | 1,478 mm / 58.2 in. | 1,481 mm / 58.3 in. |
| Height | - | 1,306 mm / 51.4 in. |
| Length | - | 2,177 mm / 85.7 in. |
| Width | - | 828 mm / 32.6 in. |
| Weights & Capacities |
| Dry Weight | 103 kg / 227.0 lbs | - |
| Fuel Capacity | 7.19 litres / 1.90 gallons | 7.95 litres / 2.10 gallons |
| Wet Weight | - | 103.0 kg / 227.0 lbs |
| Engine |
| Bore x Stroke (mm) | 78.0 x 52.2 mm | 66.4 x 72.0 mm |
| Displacement (cc) | 249.00 cc | 249.00 cc |
| Displacement (ci) | 15.19 cubic inches | 15.19 cubic inches |
| Engine Type | Single cylinder | Single cylinder, two-stroke |
| Stroke | 4 | - |
| Bore x Stroke (in,) | 3.1 x 2.1 inches | 2.6 x 2.8 inches |
| Fuel Control | - | DOHC |
| Fuel System | Carburettor. 40mm Keihin flat-slide | Carburettor. Keihin PWK38S |
| Compression Ratio | 12.9:1 | 8.9:1 |
| Engine Lubrication | - | Dry sump |
| Ignition | CD | CDI |
| Starter | - | Electric |
| Drivetrain |
| Final Drive | Chain | Chain |
| Gearbox | 5-speed | 5-speed |
| Primary Drive | - | 2WD; Sealed O-Ring Chain, Eccentric Adjustment |
| Chassis |
| Frame Type | - | Aluminium |
| Suspension - Front | 47.0mm inverted Showa cartridge fork with 16-position rebound and 16-position compression damping adjustability | Speed-Sensitive System inverted fork |
| Suspension - Rear | Pro-Link Showa single-shock with spring preload, 13-position [low-speed] and 3.5-turn [high-speed] compression damping and 17-position rebound damping adjustability | Fully adjustable single shock, 12.4-in travel |
| Rake | 27.9° | - |
| Trail | 125 mm / 4.9 in. | - |
| Wheel Travel - Front | 315 mm / 12.4 in. | 300 mm / 11.8 in. |
| Wheel Travel - Rear | 315 mm / 12.4 in. | - |
| Electrical Systems |
| Lighting system | - | Dual 30W Krypton multireflector Headlights and 3.9/0.5W LED Brake light |
| Wheels & Brakes |
| Brakes - Rear Diameter (in.) | - | 9.6 inches |
| Brakes - Front Diameter (in.) | - | 9.8 inches |
| Brakes - Front Diameter (mm) | - | 250 mm |
| Brakes - Rear Diameter (mm) | - | 245 mm |
| Brakes - Front | Single disc | Single disc |
| Brakes - Rear | Single disc | Single disc |
| Tyres - Front | 80/0-21 | 21/7-10 |
| Tyres - Rear | 100/90-19 | 110/90-M19 |
Verdict
⚖️
Too close to call
The 2008 Honda CRF250R and the 2011 Yamaha YZ250 are evenly matched across the key measurable criteria. Your decision comes down to personal preference, riding style, and which brand's dealer network best suits your location.
Key Differences
2008 Honda CRF250R - Advantages
- 📏Lower seat height: 965 mm vs 993 mm - accessible to a wider range of rider heights.
2011 Yamaha YZ250 - Advantages
- 🏔️More ground clearance: 381 mm vs 361 mm - better clearance over rocks and obstacles.
2008 Honda CRF250R vs 2011 Yamaha YZ250 - FAQs
What are the engine differences between the 2008 Honda CRF250R and 2011 Yamaha YZ250?
The 2008 Honda CRF250R uses Single cylinder, while the 2011 Yamaha YZ250 is powered by Single cylinder, two-stroke. This is a fundamental difference - the 2008 Honda CRF250R is a four-stroke engine while the 2011 Yamaha YZ250 runs a two-stroke, resulting in very different power delivery, maintenance requirements, and riding character.
Which bike is better for shorter riders, the 2008 Honda CRF250R or the 2011 Yamaha YZ250?
The 2008 Honda CRF250R has the lower seat at 965 mm, making it more accessible. The 2011 Yamaha YZ250 sits higher at 993 mm. A seat height below 800 mm suits most riders; above 820 mm shorter riders may need to tiptoe.
Which should I buy, the 2008 Honda CRF250R or the 2011 Yamaha YZ250?
Both are strong choices. The 2008 Honda CRF250R has the edge in lower seat height, while the 2011 Yamaha YZ250 stands out for greater ground clearance. Visit dealers, arrange test rides, and factor in local parts and service costs - these often matter as much as the spec sheet.