Can two all-new platforms and another bike with updates dethrone the Yamaha YZ250F? We put the six 250 four-stroke motocross bikes to the test to find out.
Dirt Rider’s 2023 250 Four-Stroke Motocross Shootout brought six of the best motorcycles in the category together to see which reigns supreme and where the others fall in the running order.
Featuring all-new platforms, KTM’s 250 SX-F and Husqvarna’s FC 250 aroused the most anticipation, while Kawasaki gave its KX250 a host of changes in an effort to better its ranking. Except for different radiator shroud graphics, the GasGas MC 250F, Honda CRF250R, and Yamaha YZ250F entered the comparison identical to last year.
Before turning laps at the track, fuel tanks were topped up and all six motorcycles were weighed on our automotive scales, then run on our in-house Dynojet 250i rear-wheel dynamometer with Dunlop D404 street tires mounted on the rear wheels. We then measured seat heights, applied DeCal Works preprinted number plate backgrounds, and mounted new Dunlop Geomax MX33 tires.
Fox Raceway served as the location for static and action photography. Laps were spun there, Perris Raceway, and Glen Helen Raceway for testing. Bike setup assistance was provided by each manufacturer at Glen Helen to make adjustments their respective machines might need to suit each rider. Our test team consisted of five riders ranging in ages from 24 to 52, in ability from novice to AMA pro, and in weight from 125 to 190 pounds.
Full story here: https://www.dirtrider.com/story/tests/best-250f-four-stroke-motocross-bikes/
