The 2027 Yamaha Off Road Competition range
Yamaha’s legendary Off Road Competition range has been the choice of dirt racers for generations. For 2027 the offer is further improved with even more genuine Yamaha Racing DNA running through the range, in line with Yamaha’s tireless pursuit of improvement and constant innovation to gain the competitive edge.
With the new Off Road Competition range, Yamaha has created a suite of bikes that serve both expert riders and weekend warriors, matching elevated performance and precise handling with durability, reliability and easy maintenance, resulting in Off Road Competition motorcycles made to win — any time, any place, any level.
For 2027, Yamaha have significantly upgraded the YZ250F with a complete overhaul of the bike. The YZ85 has been given updates for increased usability and reliability. The YZ65 benefits from new components, and the whole range benefits from updated colours and graphics.
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Faster, stronger, tougher: The 2027 YZ250F
The key ingredients for winning races — higher performance, better handling, easier maintenance and enhanced reliability — are embedded in the DNA of the whole Yamaha Off Road Competition range, and for 2027 they have been even further amplified for the YZ250F.
All-new engine for more power and torque
The YZ250F’s engine has enjoyed high praise and resounding racing success through the years, but for 2027 the model gains an all-new 249 cc liquid-cooled four-stroke DOHC, single-cylinder engine, delivering more power and torque across the entire rev range while still meeting noise regulations.
To achieve the targeted performance gain, an all-new valve system has been developed, with the intake valves now employing a finger-follower format contributing to a lighter valvetrain. The rocker arms are from Yamaha’s flagship Supersport model, the R1. The intake valve springs feature a double-spring design — a first on a YZ Series model — and a wrap spring seat is used to allow for more freedom in the intake port’s shape for increased intake airflow. To balance this, the compression ratio has been raised from 13.8:1 to 14.1:1, with a new piston design featuring a thinner and lighter top ring and enlarged piston pin.
Also the crankshaft has been redesigned, adopting a larger shaft diameter and a revised crank web shape for optimised balance and weight reduction. The conrod big end bearing has been updated with a plain metal type. To achieve a clear torque feeling and stable controllability at low speeds the rotor inertia was increased with 8%. And the YZ250F’s cam chain and tensioner have been renewed to achieve a more stable operation and to support reliability.
With a 700rpm higher rev limit the new engine offers a very wide and linear power band and strong top-end.
A thorough revision of the air cleaner and exhaust systems, including newly designed exhaust valve springs to improve valve action stability, means the YZ250F meets the relevant noise regulations. The exhaust note has also been tuned to deliver a pleasing high-quality sound.
Real-world performance upgrades
The drivetrain has been comprehensively overhauled to handle the increased engine output while offering greater reliability. The updated components reduce weight, boost strength and improve durability, resulting in better reliability. For instance, the gearbox features new gear arrangements and ratios while the width of the gears themselves and the number of gear dogs have been increased. In addition, the YZ250F is equipped with the same dry sump system as the YZ450F to provide stable oil circulation and accommodate the engine’s higher rpm and power output.
The YZ250F now features the same hydraulic clutch as the 2026 YZ450F, keeping the meshing point constant even in racing conditions for a stable, dependable performance. Increased spring load and a model-specific clutch hose give the clutch lever a natural, responsive and light feel with a smoother feathering action, delivering controllability on par with a cable-operated clutch.
To further support riders to maximise performance in a wide range of conditions, the traction control and launch control settings have been revised to match the new engine’s characteristics, while Yamaha’s latest version of the Power Tuner app allows detailed tuning to optimise engine output and behaviour
As a result of the performance gains and ride feel improvements, both beginners and experts recognised a marked improvement in performance during real-world testing of the new YZ250F.
New rolling chassis for enhanced performance and feel
To guarantee optimal stability, cornering performance and front-end feel, as well as dominant championship-winning looks, the new YZ250F features the same frame, suspension and bodywork as Yamaha’s flagship Off Road Competition model, the YZ450F.
With dedicated tuning to optimise performance for the YZ250F, the new chassis provides strong stability and excellent cornering performance, along with a smooth, reassuring front-end feel. The new chassis has an improved absorption capability of bumps and edges and this creates a strong connection to the ground and a more precise riding behaviour.
The shape and thickness of the front and rear engine brackets have been revised for optimal rigidity to suit the new frame and more powerful engine. This improves comfort and straight-line stability, and gives the chassis a more manageable character with a predictable response when encountering unexpected bumps.
Both front and rear suspension adopt the same parts and components as the YZ450F, tuned with model-specific settings for the YZ250F to deliver optimal performance. The rear shock absorber unit also uses a new base valve. The damping force has been increased, allowing the wheels to follow the ground more accurately — from the initial stroke right to the end of suspension travel, there’s a high level of shock absorption and comfort that enhances the overall traction.
Braking power with new character
The rear brake system has been redesigned for enhanced control. The size of the master cylinder piston and the rear brake calliper piston were reduced, and the rear brake disc was made smaller (from 240 mm to 220 mm). In addition, the rear brake pedal is now fastened with bolts rather than rivets to allow for easy replacement.
In addition to weight loss, these changes create a braking character with a linear buildup of stopping power, optimised braking force and improved controllability. This allows the bike to deftly absorb bumps throughout the entire cornering process — from corner entry to exit — for excellent controllability. Predictable response over unexpected bumps reduces rider fatigue so they can keep pushing for longer.
Embracing the YZ looks
Evoking the YZ Series’ lineage, the YZ250F now shares its bodywork with the flagship YZ450F.
The front racing number plate has a compact and slim profile, while the hose routing behind the number plate supports a clean appearance.
The side covers use a two-piece construction, creating a two-tone effect to emphasise compactness and further highlight the trademark horizontal lines of the YZ Series. The same signature lines are visible in the rear fender’s flowing lines extending towards the rear.
The seat features a honeycomb-patterned surface to make it easy to slide forward but reduces the potential of the rider sliding back. This gives the rider freedom to adjust their body position during corner entry and amplifies their hold on the bike when seated during hard acceleration.
The new YZ250F also adopts the same graphics as the flagship YZ450F, emphasising the youthful, aggressive styling of the YZ Series.
Enhanced competitiveness: The 2027 YZ85
For 2027, the Yamaha YZ85 gains engine and chassis updates to boost its competitiveness as well as increase usability and reliability helping to lower running costs.
Broader power, better feel
The improvements start with Moto Tassinari’s VForce4R reed valve — known for its high performance — for the intake system. To accommodate this, the intake manifold has been redesigned with new gaskets in front of and behind the reed valve. The carburettor settings have also been updated to maximise the benefits, and together with the changes to CDI ignition timing, they achieve cleaner combustion. These changes bring the YZ85’s strengths alive in various track environments with smoother, predictable and useable power delivery across the rev range.
Further improving performance and usability are the changes to the timing of the Yamaha Power Valve System (YPVS), increasing output at lower rpm and providing a smoother transition to higher rpm. The diameter of the flywheel weight was also increased from 60mm to 79.5mm, leading to an improvement in engine usability and retaining a sharp feeling of acceleration.
The inner diameter of the air filter intake mouth was expanded from the current model’s 75mm to 85mm to increase the power output at high rpm, while the diameter of the water drainage hole was increased to improve the response at low rpm.
Improved reliability and rideability
The YZ85 has been made more durable and reliable through several upgrades, such as new material for the alloy cylinder head to maximise thermal conductivity. Materials were also upgraded for the clutch friction plate, with five inner plates and two plates on both sides using different papers for increased abrasion resistance. A judder spring was also added for better feel for starts and acceleration. In addition, the new surface treatment for the pinion gear and wheel gears for third and fourth gear results in increased reliability and suppressed pitching.
Further boosting reliability is the impeller inside the water pump, which is now 5mm taller. A pressure relief vent was also added, contributing to improved cooling performance.
For improved rideability, throttle response and operability, a new quick-action throttle with a 12% lower operating angle when fully open has been adopted.
Chassis updates to match the performance
To optimise rigidity for the power output levels, the shapes and thicknesses of the engine and swingarm brackets have been changed. This achieves greater handling stability and enhanced feel from the ground when cornering and riding in heavy-load situations such as hitting large bumps.
The bodywork fastening bolts now have thinner, lower heads. The length of the bolts is uniform at 14mm to increase maintenance ease. And the front wheel bearing is updated with a sealed type for improved water resistance
The clear choice of future champions, for 2027 the YZ85 is available in updated Icon Blue colours with new graphics and a new compact handle-bar pad.
Performance for all
Also appearing in the Off Road Competition range in 2027 is the YZ250, the ultimate combination of controllable power, agile handling and Yamaha durability. Just a step down the cc-ladder is the YZ125, widely praised for its segment-leading suspension package and superb handling. It brings incredible fun to every ride, and powers the award-winning Yamaha YZ BLU CRU programme.
For 2027, the YZ250 and the YZ125 are available in updated Icon Blue colours with new graphics.
Yamaha’s youth racing machine, the YZ65, is built using the same race-bred technology utilised in its larger siblings. Manufactured to Yamaha’s high standards, for 2027, this smaller capacity model features model-specific updates with the handlebar pad, front wheel bearings and seat skin. It also benefits from the updated Icon Blue colour and new graphics for 2027.
For the youngest racers, the clear choice is the legendary PW50. It’s not only one of the most recognisable bikes in the world, but with a friendly yet thrilling fully-automatic 50cc engine, easy-to-adjust throttle limiter, low seat and lightweight handling, the PW50 is the ultimate beginner’s bike. For 2027, the PW50 receives updated Icon Blue colour with new graphics.
Yamaha Genuine Accessories
Every Yamaha off road motorcycle can be taken to the next level with our wide selection of Yamaha Genuine Accessories. For riders chasing peak performance, the GYTR (Genuine Yamaha Technology Racing) line delivers race-proven parts developed and tested by Yamaha’s own factory teams. To keep machines running at their best, Yamaha also offers the full Yamalube range — high-performance lubricants and care products created in-house to meet the same high standards as our bikes.
Paddock Blue and MX riding gear
Developed by Yamaha in collaboration with Alpinestars, the latest Yamaha MX riding gear collection includes a range of jerseys, pants and gloves, as well as off road body armour and enduro riding trousers and jackets. Also available from Alpinestars is the Yamaha S-M3 ECE 22.6 Helm in Blue White Glossy and Yamaha Tech 7 Boots in Blue Black White. Finishing the overall look to match the Icon Blue model graphics. Each bit of kit is manufactured from premium materials and features exclusive factory designs.
In the paddock, the Paddock Blue teamwear delivers a clean, coordinated look for riders, crew and fans. Every piece comes in iconic Yamaha Racing blue and features the Yamaha Racing logo. For everyday life, the Paddock Blue Urban line brings racing energy beyond the track —designed from the paddock and built for the streets to fuel the moments that make your heart race.
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About Yamaha Motorcycles
Yamaha Motor Co., Ltd. is a major Japanese manufacturer founded in 1955, renowned for producing a wide range of motorcycles, scooters, and motorized products. Known for reliability and performance, they are a global leader in the industry, focusing on innovation and the Japanese concept of Kando (intense excitement).
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