MXA TEAM TESTED: AHM SUSPENSION YZ250F SUSPENSION RE-VALVE

WHAT IS IT? Yamaha is known for its class-leading Kayaba SSS forks that provide more comfort out of the box than any other OEM’s stock forks; however, the new 2023-2024 YZ450F chassis and the new 2024 YZ250F chassis have required some work. We love that they’re lighter, nimbler, and easier to turn, but the engineering world is all about give and take. Yamaha’s R&D team made the bikes nimbler than before, but in doing so, they ended up robbing the bikes of their stable nature. AHM was tasked with the job of setting up our 2024 Yamaha YZ250F suspension. 

WHAT’S IT COST? The basic AHM re-valve runs for $800, not including wear items or special parts.

CONTACT? www.ahmfactoryservices.com or (714) 692-2795.

WHAT STANDS OUT? Here’s a list of things that stand out with AHM Suspension’s 2024 Yamaha YZ250F suspension re-valve. 

Ty Masterpool (81) ran AHM suspension on the Kawasaki KX450 when he set the world on fire with his privateer rides in the 2023 AMA Nationals.

(1) AHM. Established in 2013, AHM Factory Services delivers factory-quality off-road motorcycle services to all riders and racers looking to achieve a higher level of performance and, ultimately, a better, safer riding experience. AHM specializes in suspension tuning, but they also do custom bike projects and other maintenance at the company’s shop in Yorba Linda, California. 

Brandon Peterson and the crew at AHM are best known for their off-road suspension and success down in Mexico at the Baja 1000, but they do a great job in the motocross and Supercross worlds, too. Ty Masterpool used AHM Suspension on his KX450 and scored 5-4 moto finishes for sixth overall at the Thunder Valley National last year where James Stewart praised Ty and his AHM Suspension on TV. Masterpool went on to finish seventh in the 450 National points standings before earning a fill-in ride with Pro Circuit Kawasaki for the 2024 Pro Motocross season. 

AHM Factory Services does all brand, but rose to fame with their and Kawasaki and Honda off-road set-up.

(2) Concept. The stock Yamaha YZ250F suspension works well for novice riders, but intermediates, pros and quick vet riders need more. The forks felt soft, and they would dive into corners, especially for our faster guys. The front end is busy on this bike, and with softer suspension pitching back and forth, it makes it hard to be smooth in turns.  

(3) Performance. AHM’s fork and shock re-valve reminded us of how good the Kayaba suspension can be once dialed in for you. It breathed confidence into our test riders right away. The easiest way to explain this is “balance.” Brandon went stiffer on the valving and was able to find a considerable amount of holdup for our test riders. Now, instead of the front end diving whenever we let off the throttle and got on the front brake, the forks would compress much less under braking, and the shock wallow was gone. 

We do have to note that not all of our testers loved the AHM settings. Our Vet-level testers preferred the stock suspension because they weren’t going fast enough to make the AHM setup work. This is why it’s important to be honest with your tuner when you’re dropping off your suspension. The more details you share (i.e., skill level, race results, your real weight, tracks you ride at regularly), the better your tuner will be able to fine-tune the setting for you. 

WHAT’S THE SQUAWK? No squawks.   

MXA RATING: We asked AHM for an intermediate/pro setting for the YZ250F. Luckily, AHM has lots of experience with this bike having Australian up-and-comer Brad West using AHM Suspension on his Yamaha for the last few years. If you need suspension help, AHM is a friendly and affordable option