MXA TEAM TESTED: 2024 YZ250F FCP ENGINE MOUNTS & HEAD STAYS

WHAT IS IT? FCP Racing stands for “Factory Chassis Parts.” The company specializes in making high-performance products that help you find an edge over the competition. 

WHAT’S IT COST? $549.00.

CONTACT? www.fcpracing.com or [email protected]. 

WHAT STANDS OUT? Here’s a list of things that stand out with the FCP Racing engine mounts for the 2024 Yamaha YZ250F.  

(1) Concept. Stock dirt bikes are made for the masses. The manufacturers spend big bucks developing them; however, the OEMs have to stay within certain parameters to pass the rigorous pre-pro durability tests while maintaining the projected retail price. This leaves room for aftermarket companies to make products that improve the bike. FCP’s engine mounts aren’t cheap, but they work— if you are experienced enough to feel the difference. Engine mounts and head stays are the “ligaments” that connect the engine to the chassis, and by making them stiffer or softer, it is possible to adjust the handling characteristic of the bike. 

(2) New chassis. The engine cases are the same on the ’23 and ’24 models, but the frames are different, so the stock engine mounts had to be modified to fit the 2024 frame. Surprisingly, the new front mounts and bolts don’t fit so well on the 2024 model. It is difficult to pull the front mount bolts out because the holes aren’t aligned perfectly. This can cause unnecessary binding in the chassis, but you wouldn’t know it unless you removed the front mounts. The FCP mounts and bolts are aligned perfectly with the bolt holes on the engine and frame. 

(3) FCP. Starting with the front mounts, FCP replaces the two shaved-down stock steel mounts up front with two titanium mounts and two additional aluminum front mount spacers. The FCP mounts and spacers are significantly wider than the stock ones and require two titanium M8 bolts and one M10 front engine mount bolt, which are both longer than stock. The steel head stays are replaced by two aluminum head stays, and they use the stock steel bolts.

(4) Performance. By using titanium on the front mounts and aluminum on the head stays, FCP increased front-wheel traction and enhanced comfort. Initial reports after the first test were that the YZ250F was more precise and had a better connected feel to the ground. Our test riders weren’t expecting much, but were surprised by how different the YZ250F felt. You can hop, skip and jump around the track knowing exactly where the front end is going. It was also easier to predict how the bike would react when hitting bigger bumps and kickers.  

(5) Settings. It’s very important to tighten the engine mounts to the recommended torque settings. For the front mount, FCP recommends tightening to 25 foot-pounds on the M8 bolts and 40 foot-pounds on the M10 bolt. On the head stays, 25 foot-pounds is recommended on the M8 bolts and 33 foot-pounds on the M10 bolts. 

WHAT’S THE SQUAWK? FCP mounts are best for Intermediates, Pros and very experienced Vet riders. If you’re still a Novice, you might not be going fast enough to appreciate the benefits. Plus, the $550 could be better spent on the suspension or engine.

MXA RATING: The stock mounts aren’t bad, and the 2024 YZ250F doesn’t handle poorly, but the FCP mounts add a level of predictability to the bike that we didn’t expect.