Test: Yamaha YFM 250 SE W

Don't be fooled by the fact that it is powered by a 250cc single cylinder engine. See air-cooled as it is a proven and extremely rugged unit with a five-speed transmission that's so easy to maintain it won't cut your time. or cause gray hair with high bills. service technician. It doesn't have enough power to stun a driver, but enough power to climb even steep slopes.

The philosophy of this ATV is simple: lots of fun and little worries at a reasonable price. Therefore, it is ideal for all beginners and those without serious racing ambitions. Larger Yamaha model with 450cc engine. See, is already a real SUV, but it does not forgive the mistakes of inexperienced drivers.

However, YFM has a lot to offer. It looks great as the tough, unbreakable plastic parts are modeled after larger race cars and also made from quality components, so the construction is robust and ready for real off-road use.

It thrives best on gravel roads and ironed carts, where it impressed us with its ability to slide around corners. The motocross track isn't intimidating either, as the suspension is good enough to tackle jumps and bumps.

Taller drivers, say over 180 centimeters, will have a slight headache because the ATV is small (only 1.110 mm crotch), which can be cushioned by more active body movements while driving and adjusting the center of gravity. It is ideal for young people and people of smaller stature, for women and even for children.

With a distance of 265 millimeters from the ground, it can easily overcome smaller fallen logs and stones.

Separately, it is worth noting the absolutely excellent brakes (front and rear discs), the same as on the larger sports models. The braking force is amazing and gives a good brake lever feel.

In the test, we had a Raptor homologated for road use, which is the perfect combination for our situation where sometimes it is enough to drive a few kilometers on the tarmac to the first rubble track or cart. In addition to the basic homologated version, from which 5.600 € 3 must be deducted, a limited edition with XNUMXD decorative decals is also available for some extra prestige.

Technical information

Test car price: 5.700 euros (non-homologated version 4.400 euros)

engine: single-cylinder, four-stroke, 249 cm? , air-cooled, Mikuni BSR carburetor 29 mm.

Maximum power: np

Maximum torque: np

Energy transfer: 5-speed gearbox, chain drive to the rear wheels.

Frame: steel pipe.

brakes: two coils in the front, one coil in the back.

Suspension: front 2 single shock absorbers with double A-rails, rear swingarm 1x single shock absorber.

Tires: front 20 x 7-10, rear 19 x 10-9.

Seat height from ground: 730 mm.

Fuel tank: 9 l.

Wheelbase: 1.110 mm.

Weight: 142 kg.

Representative: Delta Team, Cesta krških žrtev 135a, Krško, 07/492 14 44, www.delta-team.com.

We praise and reproach

+ ease of use

+ usability both in the field and on the road

+ carrying capacity

+ high-quality construction and durable plastic

+ appearance

+ excellent brakes

– for tracks with a high crest, the tracks are too narrow

Petr Kavčič, photo: Boštjan Svetličič