Yamaha has announced its 2027 Off-Road Competition range, with the YZ250F taking centre stage thanks to a completely new 250cc four-stroke engine, chassis and suspension package. The smaller two-stroke YZ85 and YZ65 also receive engine and chassis updates, while the YZ450F only gets new graphics.

Yamaha’s off-road competition range arrives for 2027 with different levels of updates depending on the model. The YZ250F receives the main technical changes, the YZ85 gets a significant revision aimed at performance, usability and reliability, and the YZ65 gains more focused updates. The rest of the line-up adopts new colours and graphics, including the Monster Energy Yamaha Racing editions.

2027 YZ250F: full overhaul for the 250 four-stroke

The YZ250F is the headline model in Yamaha’s 2027 range. The company describes it as a complete revision, starting with a fully redesigned 249cc liquid-cooled, DOHC, single-cylinder four-stroke engine.

The goal has been to increase power and torque across the rev range while still meeting noise regulations. To achieve this, the intake side uses a new valve system with tappets, rocker arms derived from the YZF-R1 and dual intake valve springs, a first for the YZ series.

The compression ratio rises from 13.8:1 to 14.1:1, combined with a revised piston featuring a thinner and lighter top ring, plus a larger piston pin. The crankshaft has also been updated, with a larger shaft diameter and revised crank web shapes to adjust balance and reduce weight.

Yamaha has increased flywheel inertia by eight percent to give a more controllable response at low speed. A revised timing chain and tensioner are also fitted, while the rev limit has been raised by 700rpm.

In the transmission, the YZ250F receives new gear ratios, wider gears and an increased number of engagement dogs. It also adopts the dry-sump system already used on the YZ450F, designed to provide stable oil circulation with the engine’s higher revs and increased output.

The clutch is now hydraulic, using the system from the 2026 YZ450F. According to Yamaha, it keeps a consistent engagement point under racing conditions, with a model-specific spring load and clutch hose to retain a progressive feel at the lever.

The electronics have also been adjusted to suit the new engine. Traction control and launch control settings have been revised, while Yamaha’s Power Tuner app continues to allow riders to modify the engine character.

Chassis and suspension derived from the YZ450F

The chassis has also changed significantly. The 2027 YZ250F adopts the frame, suspension and bodywork from the YZ450F, although with model-specific settings for the 250.

The chassis is intended to improve stability, cornering and front-end feel. To help achieve this, Yamaha has changed the shape and thickness of the front and rear engine mounts, tuning the rigidity of the package around the new engine and frame.

The front and rear suspension use YZ450F components, with specific settings for the YZ250F. The rear shock also receives a different base valve and increased damping force, aimed at improving terrain tracking and traction.

The rear brake has been revised too. Yamaha has reduced the diameter of the master cylinder and caliper pistons, while the rear disc goes from 240mm to 220mm. The rear brake pedal is now bolted rather than riveted, making replacement easier.

On the ergonomics side, the YZ250F adopts YZ450F bodywork, including a compact front number plate, two-piece side panels and a honeycomb-style seat surface designed to help the rider move forward while improving grip when accelerating seated.

The YZ250F Icon Blue will be available from September 2026, while the YZ250F Monster Energy Yamaha Racing Edition will follow in November 2026.

2027 YZ85: more usable and reliable

The YZ85 also receives an important update for 2027. Yamaha has worked on the two-stroke engine to make it more usable while also improving reliability.

The intake now uses a Moto Tassinari VForce4R reed valve system, combined with a redesigned intake manifold and new gaskets ahead of and behind the reed valve. Fuel settings and CDI ignition timing have also been revised to improve combustion.

The YPVS system timing has been changed to increase low-rpm power and smooth the transition into the higher rev range. The flywheel weight diameter also increases from 60mm to 79.5mm, with the aim of making the engine easier to manage without losing response.

The airbox has been updated as well: the intake opening grows from 75mm to 85mm to support high-rpm power, while the water drain hole is enlarged to improve low-rpm response.

For reliability, the YZ85 gets a new aluminium cylinder head, revised clutch friction plates, an anti-judder spring and a new surface treatment on the third and fourth gear pinions. The water pump also receives a 5mm taller impeller and a pressure relief valve to improve cooling.

The chassis has been adapted to the increased performance with changes to the engine and swingarm mounts. The YZ85 also gains a quick-action throttle with a 12% smaller opening angle at full throttle, uniform bodywork bolts to simplify maintenance and a sealed front wheel bearing to improve water resistance.

YZ65: focused updates for the small two-stroke

The YZ65 does not receive as extensive a revision as the YZ85, but it does gain specific updates for 2027. Yamaha lists a new handlebar pad, updated front wheel bearings and a revised seat cover.

It also adopts the 2027 Icon Blue colour and graphics, in line with the rest of the range.

YZ450F and Monster Energy editions

The YZ450F does not receive major technical changes in this announcement. For 2027, the update is focused on appearance, with new colours and graphics.

Yamaha continues to offer Monster Energy Yamaha Racing Edition versions of the YZ450F, YZ250F, YZ250 and YZ125, with graphics inspired by the factory race bikes.

The YZ250 and YZ125 will also be available in updated Icon Blue colours, as well as in their respective Monster Energy editions.

At the time of writing, prices for the 2027 Off-Road Competition range are not yet available.

More information: www.yamaha-motor.com