ATHENA Connecting Rod Kit + engine gasket kit for YAMAHA YZ 250 and FANTIC XX 250 1999-2027

The ATHENA PB322027 connecting rod kit is designed for YAMAHA YZ 250 and FANTIC XX 250 from 1999 to 2027. The connecting rod links the piston to the crankshaft and takes the most violent loads in the engine. Its big-end bearing and crank pin wear over the hours: play at the big end is the warning sign of a failure that can wreck the whole engine.

Key features

• High-strength forged connecting rod made in Japan.
• Supplied with crank pin, needle bearing and thrust washers, depending on the application.
• Fits to original dimensions, with no modification.

Specifications

• Brand: ATHENA
• Manufacturer part number: PB322027
• EAN code: 8052780274401
• Weight: 580 g
• Engine: 2-stroke

When to replace it?

• Vertical play at the big end at top dead centre.
• Side play out of tolerance, signs of overheating (bluing).
• Vibration and dull noise from the bottom end.

During a bottom end rebuild, at the intervals in the service manual, and without delay as soon as play appears at the big end.

Fitting tips

1. Replacing a connecting rod means pressing the crankshaft apart and then realigning it: with a dial indicator, you check the run-out, i.e. the deviation in rotation measured at the end of the shaft, which must stay within a few hundredths of a millimetre at most. Leave this job to a properly equipped workshop if you don't have a press and a truing stand.
2. Replace the crankshaft bearings and oil seals at the same time.
3. Check the big-end side play after assembly.
4. Close up the engine with the engine gasket set included in the kit and tighten to the manufacturer's torque.
5. Check the gearbox bearings, then fill up with fresh oil and fit a new spark plug.

Why ATHENA?

Athena, an Italian company founded in 1973 near Vicenza, designs gaskets, pistons and cylinder kits for motorcycles. An OEM supplier to KTM, Ducati, Fantic, Piaggio and Triumph and a partner of the MXGP world championship, it develops its parts on the test bench and on the track with racing teams.

Spare parts and items to plan

• Crankshaft bearings and seals : ALL BALLS
• Gearbox bearings : HOT RODS
• 2-stroke oil : LIQUI MOLY 1 L 3065 · LIQUI MOLY 1 L 3063
• Spark plug : NGK 3430 · NGK 3130

Frequently asked questions

Is the gasket kit included?
Yes: this kit contains the connecting rod and an engine gasket kit, so you can close up the engine with new gaskets.

Can I fit the connecting rod myself?
Yes, if you have a press and a crankshaft truing stand; otherwise, an engine workshop can do it for you.

What else should I plan for?
The crankshaft bearing and seal kit, the gearbox bearings if required, engine oil and a new spark plug.

Compatibility

Check the exact model and year of your bike in the list below before ordering.

Fits:
FANTIC XX 250 2026
FANTIC XX 250 2025
FANTIC XX 250 2024
FANTIC XX 250 2023
FANTIC XX 250 2022
YAMAHA YZ 250 2027
YAMAHA YZ 250 2026
YAMAHA YZ 250 2025
YAMAHA YZ 250 2024
YAMAHA YZ 250 2023
YAMAHA YZ 250 2022
YAMAHA YZ 250 2021
YAMAHA YZ 250 2020
YAMAHA YZ 250 2019
YAMAHA YZ 250 2018
YAMAHA YZ 250 2017
YAMAHA YZ 250 2016
YAMAHA YZ 250 2015
YAMAHA YZ 250 2014
YAMAHA YZ 250 2013
YAMAHA YZ 250 2012
YAMAHA YZ 250 2011
YAMAHA YZ 250 2010
YAMAHA YZ 250 2009
YAMAHA YZ 250 2008
YAMAHA YZ 250 2007
YAMAHA YZ 250 2006
YAMAHA YZ 250 2005
YAMAHA YZ 250 2004
YAMAHA YZ 250 2003
YAMAHA YZ 250 2002
YAMAHA YZ 250 2001
YAMAHA YZ 250 2000
YAMAHA YZ 250 1999