Choosing the best 250cc motocross motorcycle 2020
Comparative test of motocross motorcycles of the 2021 model year of the 250 cc class. see Honda CRF250R, Husqvarna FC 250, Kawasaki KX 250, KTM 250 SX-F, Suzuki RM-Z250 and Yamaha YZ250F
The first of the 2021 model year motorcycles in the 250cc class. cm was introduced in June, and soon all the others, with the exception of the Suzuki RM-Z250. With the Suzuki just becoming available last week (though it hasn't received any changes for the 2020 model year), it's time to round up all the new bikes for a final comparison test.
The riders we recruited for testing ranged in age, weight and racing ability. To ensure the same conditions for the bikes, we changed all the bikes to Dunlop MX53 tires, which are well suited for our track.
Fifth place: Husqvarna FC 250 2021 motocross motorcycle
Husqvarna FC 250 2020 motocross motorcycle
Place, according to the riders: 5-5-5-5-5-2
For 2021, the Husqvarna FC 250 receives several changes - softer suspension settings and an additional air filter housing cover with larger openings. The extra cover allows the engine to breathe easier and get a sharper response, with the Husqvarna motor loving the mid to high rev range.
This year Husqvarna made a conscious decision to distance itself from KTM with its own suspension tuning. The KTM is aimed at the professional rider who wants aggressive suspension settings, while the Husqvarna is aimed at the average rider and is more comfortable. This does not mean that the motorcycle is weak; the motocross Husqvarna FC 250 has very good handling. The WP air fork isn't as good as competitors' mechanical spring forks, but it offers a wider range of adjustment.
The Brembo hydraulic clutch on the Husqvarna works great and is rated better by many riders than the Magura on the KTM. Husqvarna comes with an excellent ProTaper handlebar, which dampens vibrations well and isolates the rider's hands from excessive feedback. In addition, the design of the Husqvarna FC 250 motocross is more pleasant than the KTM design - the white motorcycle looks great. If the frame had been white too, this would have been the best-looking bike on test.
Advantages of Husqvarna FC 250 2020
- High quality components
- Excellent suspension balance with wide tuning options
- Light bike feel on the track and on the scales
- Amazing cornering ability
- Powerful brakes with good feel
Disadvantages of Husqvarna FC 250 2020
- The engine lacks power in the lower rev range
- Suspension too soft for fast or heavy riders
- The new air filter housing cover helps the engine breathe easier, but it still feels "choked"
- The plastic frame protection in the foot area wears out quickly
- ProTaper handlebars must have a ProTaper pad
Strengths of the 2021 Husqvarna FC 250, according to riders
The Husqvarna FC 250 has no suspension problems. The mid to upper rev range is good and the power is linear.
The Husqvarna FC 250's strengths are its light weight and maneuverability, as well as good mid- and top-end power.
Turning is very easy on the Husqvarna. The bike feels light. I didn't have to force him to do what I wanted.
The cross-country FC 250 is comfortable. The motorcycle is very good from an ergonomic point of view - thin, yet easy to control with your knees and boots.
Weaknesses of the 2021 Husqvarna FC 250, according to riders
The Husqvarna FC 250 suspension is too soft. I spent a lot of time adjusting the compression and rebound, but could not get the bike to suit me.
I made the fork stiffer and slower, but I was still not happy with its performance.
The bike is too soft for me, although I only weigh 72 kilograms. I had to readjust the fork and shock, but they ended up being stiff. This pendant takes time.
The Husqvarna FC 250 engine seemed boring to me. I couldn't feel the amazing power the other guys were talking about, I just felt the vibration.
I'm not a fan of air forks, they don't inspire confidence in corners.
Cross bikes
Chinese 250cc motocross motorcycles, unlike enduro motorcycles, are designed for riding on uneven and difficult terrain where good grip is required.
One of the most common models is the Kayo T6 bike. Its characteristics:
- The progressive water-cooled engine produces 31.5 horsepower.
- There is one cylinder - four valve.
- The electronic ignition system is quite reliable and unpretentious.
- Curb weight is about 125 kilograms.
- Suitable for beginners and professionals.
The Irbis TTR 250 bike has similar characteristics. This model differs in design, cooling system (air), and motor (less powerful). Its maximum thrust is 16 horsepower.
However, this is quite enough to lift the front wheel off the ground even at low speeds. Chinese 250cc motocross motorcycles are very diverse. The characteristics of the majority are presented above.
Chinese 250cc motorcycles: general characteristics
To buy a “Chinese” with a 250 cubic centimeter engine, the buyer will have to pay at least $2,000. For this price you get a good motorcycle, the weight of which ranges from 100 to 150 kilograms. This is an excellent indicator for driving around the city.
Briskly and boldly, the motorcycle picks up speed before the speedometer needle shows 70 kilometers per hour. After this, agility will begin to decrease and the bike will accelerate gradually.
The engine torque is first absorbed by the gearbox. As a rule, Chinese manufacturers install a four-speed gearbox on Chinese 250cc road motorcycles. This is quite enough for good traction in lower gears and high speed in higher gears.
Often, prestigious companies provide their customers with a one-year warranty, within which the buyer can use the service for his motorcycle for free.
First place: Yamaha YZ250F 2021 motocross motorcycle
Yamaha YZ250F 2020 dirt bike
Place, according to the riders: 1-1-1-2-1-3
Last year, the 2021 Yamaha YZ250F won the motocross bike of the year title with relative ease. Completely redesigned for 2021, the Yamaha YZ250F beats everyone out with its powerful engine, class-leading suspension and very good handling characteristics. For 2021, Yamaha's changes are limited to new graphics. Oddly enough, this was enough for victory.
Engine power in the 250 cm3 class. is one of the most important indicators, and although the Yamaha YZ250F engine is not the most powerful on the dyno, it is the best on the track. With the most bottom-end torque of any test bike, the Yamaha YZ250F will always be a couple of lengths ahead of the other bikes. It's great that the Yamaha's powerband is easily tuned and adjusted using the Power Tuner app.
Yamaha Kayaba suspension has long been the best in class, and while Kawasaki and Honda have made great strides in this regard, the Yamaha YZ250F continues to dominate. Yamaha is the most stable motocross bike at any speed. Cornering is no longer the Yamaha's Achilles heel and the bike changes direction easily and predictably.
The first choice of four out of six test riders, the 2021 Yamaha YZ250F is our 250cc motocross bike of the year. cm.
Advantages of Yamaha YZ250F 2020
- Excellent power at low revs
- Convenient smartphone app Yamaha Power Tuner
- Best in class suspension
- Excellent stability at high speed and good maneuverability in corners
Disadvantages of the 2020 Yamaha YZ250F
- Excessively soft seat filling
- The small air filter needs to be cleaned after every workout.
- Stock grips are hard
Strengths of the 2021 Yamaha YZ250F, according to riders
The Yamaha YZ250F motocross inspires confidence thanks to its good chassis balance and suspension characteristics.
The best 250F engine to date. The bike is predictable and handles very well. Amazing pendant.
The most powerful motocross bike ever. The suspension is perfectly balanced.
The Power Tuner app allows the rider to tune the bike the way they want. Very comfortably.
I didn't have to get used to the Yamaha very much during the test, the bike is well balanced and inspires confidence.
The Power Tuner app is great and gives you the ability to change engine characteristics on a track-by-track basis. Every manufacturer should make such an application.
Conclusion
We found that Chinese 250cc motorcycles are suitable for urban and rural roads, for beginners and experienced drivers. Reviews of the latter are mostly positive.
It is these motorcycles that are a cross between mopeds, scooters, 100 cc motorcycles and heavy, powerful bikes with a relatively large engine capacity and power.
They are extremely fast and maneuverable, suitable for experienced riders and beginner motorcyclists.
Driving these two-wheeled vehicles is easy and convenient. The pricing policy of the Chinese manufacturer remains quite loyal, despite the turning points in the country's economy.
Sportbikes 250cc
Sports motorcycles are in great demand in the markets of the CIS countries. Models from manufacturers Zongshen, Spark, Ekonika and many others have been successfully traveling along our roads for several years.
The maximum speed of these motorcycles can reach 200 kilometers per hour. To drive at such speeds, you need roads with smooth surfaces and good grip.
To effectively stop a two-wheeled car, manufacturers install disc brakes. It is this kind of braking system that can quickly reduce speed, which is very important for bikers.
Most sports motorcycle models feature dynamic design, comfortable seats, handlebar position and leg holders. It is imperative that the brake foot is located close to the holders so that the rider can react quickly.
The clutch on these cars is usually multi-disc in an oil bath. The manual gearbox has five or more gears for confident acceleration even at speeds over 100 kilometers per hour (while Chinese 250cc road motorcycles lose agility after 70 km/h).
It is worth noting models with a two-cylinder four-stroke engine. Such power units are significantly ahead of single-cylinder ones. Two pistons with a short stroke will be able to rotate the crankshaft more efficiently than one longer one.
Advantages and disadvantages
The yz 250 model has a number of advantages due to which the demand for the motorcycle has not decreased over the years.
- Excellent dynamic characteristics.
- Small dimensions and weight.
- Power that few models can boast of.
- Comfortable fit.
- Reliable suspension with long travel.
- Stylish and laconic design.
Judging by the reviews of the owners, the Yamaha yz 250 has a minimum of shortcomings. For example, some motorcyclists note its uncertain behavior in sharp turns, the uncomfortable shape of the steering wheel, and also a rather weak front brake. Externally, the 250 cc model almost completely copies its more powerful brother - the YZ 450. The high cost (about 300 thousand rubles) and the lack of new models without mileage in Russia are also a disadvantage of the motorcycle. In general, the model may deserve the attention of lovers of expensive cross-country two-wheeled vehicles.
Chinese motorcycles 250 cc: price
To purchase a new Chinese bike (250 cc), buyers will have to pay for this pleasure from 55 thousand rubles for the most modest model. The cost of a motorcycle depends on:
- Pricing policy of the manufacturer of a two-wheeled vehicle.
- Quality of parts used to make motorcycles.
- Availability of modern and innovative systems and mechanisms.
- Motorcycle characteristics.
- Motorcycle purposes.
- Other factors.
The cost of some models can exceed 100,000 and even 200,000 rubles. Of the entire line of such bikes, the highest prices are for Chinese 250cc sports motorcycles.
Models for this purpose especially need high-precision parts and reliable spare parts, otherwise the behavior of a two-wheeled vehicle at speed can be unpredictable.
Review of popular models
Motorcycles from the following manufacturers are very popular in the country's markets:
- Viper;
- Irbis;
- Kayo;
- Wels;
- X-moto and others.
A common model from the X-moto manufacturer is the SX250 bike. This is a road bike intended for normal daily riding. The maximum speed, according to the technical data sheet, is 105 kilometers per hour. Engine power is 10.5 horsepower, fuel consumption is 2.5 liters per 100 kilometers. The five-speed manual transmission quickly accelerates the bike to its top speed.
The Irbis Garpia model is classified as a road motorcycle. In appearance, this is a real Western bike: equipped with chrome parts, spacious leather panniers and a protective windshield.
The model will appeal to beginners and experienced riders, because the four-stroke engine accelerates the 160-kilogram machine quite quickly.
The best Chinese 250cc motorcycles are presented in the reviews above. These models are most often found in the motor markets of Russia, Ukraine, Belarus and other countries of the former USSR.
Second place: Honda CRF250R 2021 dirt bike
Honda CRF250R 2020 dirt bike
Place, according to the riders: 3-2-2-1-2-5
Like the Kawasaki, the Honda CRF250R motocross bike boasts big changes for the new model year. New camshaft, new ECU maps, higher second gear transmission, completely new exhaust system - changes were supposed to increase power in the lower engine speed range. The chassis has also been revised, with the battery positioned 28mm lower to lower the center of gravity. The Showa suspension also received new settings.
The powerband of the Honda CRF250R motocross has really gotten wider, and it's probably the flattest distribution of power across the revs with good power in the low, mid and high revs. But this is not the most powerful motocross bike in the class. The ECU map switch on the handlebar allows you to select three different maps, but for all but the slipperiest trails we used map #3.
Most riders really liked the ergonomics of the Honda CRF250R, the motorcycle is compact. The balance of the chassis and suspension is very good and the bike feels intuitive. Honda reacts instantly to the rider's movements. The shock and fork work great. In general, the only thing that keeps it in second place is not the most powerful engine. The engine's character is smooth and comfortable, but the extra power will make it the perfect motorcycle.
Advantages of the 2020 Honda CRF250R
- Good power distribution throughout the entire rev range
- Excellent handling
- Comfortable ergonomics
- Successful gear ratios
Disadvantages of the 2020 Honda CRF250R
- The electric starter doesn't work unless you depress the clutch.
- Stock grips are hard
- Honda CRF250R engine is not the most powerful
- Heavy on the scales
- Tendency to skid the rear wheel
Strengths of the 2021 Honda CRF250R, according to riders
The strengths of the Honda CRF250R are maneuverability and ease of control. The suspension is soft, smooth and predictable.
The cross-country CRF250R behaves very predictably in corners. Good engine power in the mid to high range.
The suspension is perfectly balanced and I immediately felt comfortable. The gear ratios are chosen well.
The Honda CRF250R has good power throughout the rev range and excellent handling.
The bike has better power distribution across the revs and is a lot of fun to ride. I like the way the Honda handles in corners and in the air.
The new engine is truly an improvement over last year and has a comfortable powerband. I liked the third, most aggressive ECU map.
Weaknesses of the 2021 Honda CRF250R, according to riders
With less low-end power than the Yamaha, the CRF requires heavy use of the clutch and gear changes.
The weak point of the Honda CRF250R is the lack of power at low revs.
On high-speed sections of the highway, I encountered some kind of shock from the fork when braking.
The Renthal Fatbar transmits too much vibration to the hands.
I like the wide and comfortable powerband of the Honda CRF250R, but it's not the most powerful dirt bike in the class. I would like more power at low revs.
The Honda has a tendency to tail out when exiting corners.
Reviews
Owners of such motorcycles respond positively to the purchased equipment. From the words of buyers, you can understand that these are excellent motorcycles, based on the ratio of their price and quality. Despite the fact that China is “famous” for consumer goods, motorcycle manufacturers in this country know how to make high-quality products.
Buyers say that their new iron horses run briskly along our roads. The speed and power of a 250 cc engine is quite enough for them.
Undoubtedly, there are also disadvantages, which only occasionally include poor-quality assembly or inconvenient placement of any elements of the non-running part (rear-view mirrors, headlight levels or legs for passengers).
The last drawback can be corrected by every bike owner, as he pleases. As for the assembly, these are shortcomings of the manufacturer. As a rule, each buyer has the right to an annual motorcycle service free of charge.
250cc bikes
Chinese 250cc motorcycles are an excellent choice for both beginner riders and experienced bikers. Models with this engine capacity can be placed between heavy motorcycles and small scooters.
The bike has enough power to accelerate the iron horse to a speed of over 120 kilometers per hour. The maximum speed of the device directly depends on the technology of its engine and the gear ratios of the gears in the gearbox and sprockets on the chain drive (if any).
These models are considered quite progressive. They are great for city, highway or rural driving.
As practice shows, Chinese motorcycles 200 and 250 cc perform quite well over several years of operation. You just need to remember about timely technical inspection and repair of the unit (if necessary).
In addition to their own models, Chinese manufacturers are able to make good copies of motorcycles from well-known manufacturers.
