“2019 YZF-R25 Test Ride Review” Look Like MotoGP Machine!

[YAMAHA YZF-R25]Details & Test Ride Reviews

Among the 250cc sports models where competition is fierce, the YZF-R25 got the first minor model change. The redesigned body completely changed the atmosphere, and of course has been attracted a lot of attention. The front mask, like the YAMAHA's MotoGP machine YZR-M1 and flagship model YZF-R1, as well as the newly adopted inverted front forks, are packed with eye-catching features!

I compared each models since I had the opportunity to test ride the YZF-R25 and YZF-R3. First, we will let you know the reviews from the YZF-R25!

1. Look Like the MotoGP Machine

Overall Dimension [ L x W x H]

2,090mm x 730mm x 1,140mm

[Curb Weight]

167kg (ABS:170kg)

The first thing that catches your attention is the front fairing when comparing the old and new model. It has changed to a design that is reminiscent of the YAMAHA's machines "YZR-M1" participating in MotoGP, and the flagship model "YZF-R1". The sharper headlight than the previous model is cool!

The front mask has completely been redesigned, such as the newly designed windscreen and the M-shaped duct in the center of the cowl.
The new cowl has a "cross-layered wing" that does not only reduce resistance but also make the engine cool efficiently. In addition, the wing at the rear of the side cowl brings downforce.

The handlebar and the tank are in a lower position than the previous model, and making it in a more sporty position. There are no major changes in the rear part, but if the reviews of the front changes this much, it looks like another motorcycle.

2. Foot Grounding

[Seat Height]

780mm

[Foot Grounding]

The foot grounding is relatively good because the 780mm seat height remains the same with the previous model. When the 155cm staff who was worried about the foot grounding sat down the seat, she could ground her both tiptoes. I thought that the riding position would be harder since handlebar position was lowered, but I was able to ride in a comfortable position without becoming cramped.

▲ Seat Height: 780 (Rider Height: 167cm)

3. Aggressive LED Headlights

[Headlight]

The LED Dual headlights newly adopted are designed to be sharpened look and more aggressive. The central M-shaped duct was thought to be the ram air intake at first glance, but it was playing the role of sending wind to the radiator. The tail light has the same LED with previous model.

[Tail Light]

4. More Racy by Full LCD

In the full LCD meter newly adopted by the model change, tachometer also has been changed to a bargraph type. It corresponds to the fine throttle work since the bargraph is finely set. The fuel gauge, water temp gauge, and shift indicator has continuously been show up. The meter became more racy as well as its visibility that makes me want to keep watching.

5. A Beautiful Machined Lightweight Top Bridge

In the steering part, the axle bracket, under bracket and top bridge has been newly designed. The most eye-catching part is the machined lightweight top bridge reminiscent of the YZR-M1. It makes the cockpit more racy coupled with the full LCD meter.

The handlebar position also has been lowered by 22mm, since handlebar mount positon has been changed from the above of top bridge to the bottom of top bridge. In addition, the handlebar switch has been improved and compacted, and a integrated kill / cell switch and a hazard lamp switch has been newly installed.

▲ Machined Lightweight Top Bridge

6. Inverted Front Forks Are Not a Decoration

For the undercarriage that has been changed together with the front mask, the inverted front forks with 37mm diameter inner tubes has been newly adopted. High rigidity and reduction the unspring weight has been achieved by the inverted fork. In addition to changing the shape of the fork, damping force and spring rate also have been reviewed to be appropriate.

At first glance, it might be thought, "just switched the upright fork and inverted front fork, right?" However, the high rigidity and reduction makes improve the handling and the ground feeling of the front tire when turning and braking.

There are no major changes to the wheels or brakes. This test ride vehicle was ABS model, which restrain the lock of the wheels when braking.

7. Comfortable High Rev Engine

Max Output: 26kW (35ps) / 12,000rpm
Max Torque: 23N.m (2.3kgf.m）/ 10,000rpm

The liquid-cooled DOHC inline 2-cylinder 4-valve 249cc engine generates a maximum output 35ps the same previous model. Although it is inferior in power to rivals of the CBR250R and Ninja 250, since the YZF-R25 is a late generation model, it is possible to enjoy the acceleration and response of the high rev engine by the advanced fuel map more than rivals. Of course, it is easy to handle in the low and medium rev range considering the street riding. The sharp sound played OEM short exhaust system resonates pleasantly at high rev.

8. A More Sporty Tank

Tank Capacity: 14L

The tank capacity is 14L the same as the previous model, but the tank cover has been redesigned, and it has become a more sporty-look. In terms of functionality, by the lowered tank cap position by 20mm compared to the previous model, the ease of making a forward posture and holding ability has been improved.

9. A Seat with a High Degree of Freedom

There are no major changes to the seat design, but the Highly Degree of Freedom is the same. The storage space under the seat is enough to accommodate ETC onboard equipment and documents. The on-board tools are provided on the back of the seat.

10. What Is Selling Price Concerned?

MSRP

・YZF-R25 ABS: around 5530 USD
・YZF-R25: around 5160 USD

11. Summary

The YZF-R25 has dramatically been changed around the front part. Of course, I was able to feel the difference in terms of the running performance.

First of all is the riding position. I thought that it would be difficult to ride on the street due to its lowered handlebar position compared to the previous model, but I could feel that it has become rather better. Originally, I felt that the position of the previous model was cramped, so the new position which dropped moderately was better for me personally.The fuel tank position also has been lowered, so you may be able to enjoy sports riding more.

The handling performance also has been improved. Thanks to the reduction of the unspring weight by adopting the inverted front forks and change the position of the handlebar, I felt that the swinging and turning performance has been improved more smoothly. However, the handling performance was already satisfactory, so it may be difficult to feel the difference of it on the street.

In terms of maintenance also, overhaul costs may likely increase because the inverted fork structure is more complicated than an upright fork.

There is no change in particular about the engine, but I refelt that it is a good engine that rotate comfortably until the high rev. Since the red line is from 14,000rpm, the acceleration when pulled to the top rev is feeling good even it is 250cc!

However, what annoys me from the previous model is the part that the number of rev is as high as around 7,000rpm during high-speed cruising at 6-speed 100km/h. On the meter, it looked as if there was still enough reserve power for the engine because it was about the half of the rev from the red line, but, I felt the engine noise was louder than my expection, and I got the impression that the engine was working very hard. I think many riders may be concerned in a long touring using highways.

The new YZF-R25 is more sophisticated in both running performance and looks. If you are interested, please check it at the shop!

YZF-R25 Main Specifications　

* [ ] Indicates “YZF-R25 ABS”

Certification Type / Engine Type		2BK-RG43J / G402E
Overall Dimension [L x W x H]		2,090mm x 730mm x 1,140mm
Seat Height		780mm
Wheelbase		1,380mm
Minimum Ground Clearance		160mm
Curb Weight		167kg *[ABS: 170kg]
Fuel Consumption Rate*1	Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and tourism Constant Fuel Consumption *2	37.7km/L (60km / h) when 2 persons riding
	WMTC Mode Value (Class)*3	27.2km/L (Class 3, Sub-Class3-2) when only 1 riding
Engine Type		Liquid-cooled 4-stroke DOHC, 4-valve
Cylinder Arrangement		Inline 2 cylinders
Total Displacement		249cc3
Bore x Stroke		60.0mm x 44.1mm
Compression Ratio		11.6:1
Max Power		26kW (35ps) / 12,000rpm
Max Torque		23N.m (2.3kgf.m) / 10,000rpm
Starting System		Self Starter
Lubrication System		Wet Sump
Engine Oil Capacity		2.40L
Fuel Tank Capacity		14L (Designated as "Unleaded regular gasoline"
Fuel Supply System		Fuel Injection
Ignition System		TCI (Transistorized Ignition Control)
Battery Capacity / Voltage		12V,7.0Ah (10HR) / GTZ8V
1 Deceleration Ratio / 2 Deceleration Ratio		3.043 (70 / 23）/ 3.071 (43 / 14)
Clutch Type		Wet, Mutiple
Transmission Type/ Gear Shift System		6-speed / Return Type
Gear Ratio		1st Gear 2.666, 2nd Gear 1.882, 3rd Gear 1.454, 4th Gear 1.200, 5th Gear 1.037, 6th Gear 0.920
Frame Type		Diamond
Caster / Trail Angle		25 degrees / 95mm
Front / Rear Tire Size		110/70-17M/C 54S / 140/70-17M/C 66S (Front and Rear Tubeless)
Front / Rear Brakes		Hydraulic Single Disc Brake / Hydraulic Single Disc Brake
Front / Rear Suspension		Telescopic / Swingarm
Headlamp Bulb / Headlamp		LED / LED

See YAMAHA Moto Index Page
See Accessories for YAMAHA YZF-R25 (R25)
See Accessories for YAMAHA YZF-R1 (R1)
See Accessories for YAMAHA YZF-R3 (R3)