Choosing the best 250cc motocross motorcycle. 2022 Models

Description

The Suzuki GSX-R 250 sports motorcycle model was produced from 1987 to 1991. The motorcycle had an inline 4-cylinder engine, liquid cooling and a steel frame. At that time, it was a high-tech motorcycle with outstanding dynamic characteristics - in tests it was possible to squeeze out more than 200 km/h, which was a fantastic result for 250 cc models.

Meanwhile, Suzuki, along with other major Japanese motorcycle manufacturers, quickly abandoned the concept of small-capacity inline-fours due to their very weak engine life. And if such a problem is not so critical for track driving, then for everyday driving around the city it was fatal.

Sixth place: Suzuki RM-Z250 2022 motocross motorcycle

Suzuki RM-Z250 2020

Place, according to the riders: 6-6-6-6-6-6

Last year, Suzuki's RM-Z250 motocross bike received the most updates in years, and the 2019 RM-Z250 was much better than previous yellow 250s. The engine had decent power in the mid to top end of the rev range and the bike was, as always, excellent in corners. Unfortunately, fans of the Suzuki brand had to spend a lot of time finding suitable springs for the suspension and replacing them.

Perhaps in an attempt to avoid a problem that plagues the larger RM-Z450 - where the shock is significantly stiffer than the front forks - Suzuki engineers installed very stiff front fork springs on the RM-Z250 motocross. The result was a fork that was too stiff for all but the fastest or heaviest riders.

For 2022, the Suzuki RM-Z250 does not receive any changes except for a minor graphics change. This is strange - all the specialized media criticized the suspension settings of the Suzuki RM-Z250.

Apart from the unrealistic suspension settings, the Suzuki RM-Z250 is a decent motocross bike with a good engine and excellent handling characteristics. The character of the engine is not the most convenient - the Suzuki's power is concentrated in the middle and upper rev range. The RM-Z250's powerplant can deliver strong results, as evidenced by some riders' strong starts in competition last summer.

Advantages of Suzuki RM-Z250 2020

• Good mid-range power
• Good clutch and transmission performance
• Great looks
• Renthal Fatbars
• Very good in corners if the suspension is set up correctly

Disadvantages of Suzuki RM-Z250 2020

• Kickstarter
• Replacing ECU cards takes time
• Lack of low-end torque
• Unrealistically stiff suspension
• Very rigid chassis

Strengths of the Suzuki RM-Z250, according to riders

The Suzuki RM-Z250 corners exceptionally well, despite being hampered by an overly stiff fork. The Suzuki engine has decent power throughout the entire rev range.

The engine of the motorcycle has good power in the lower and mid range, but is weak in the upper range. The bike's strengths are cornering and fast straights, but that's about it.

Suzuki has always cornered well, and the 2022 RM-Z250 motocross is no exception, turning corners very easily.

I love the look of the Suzuki RM-Z250.

If you're in the right gear, the Suzuki RM-Z250 handles corners very well.

It's a fun bike and handles well. I could put it in the corner the way I wanted. I like the character of the engine, but I would like more horsepower.

Weaknesses of the Suzuki RM-Z250, according to riders

It creates a feeling of uncertainty on a fast straight and when entering corners. The chassis of the Suzuki RM-Z250 is rigid and uncomfortable.

The motorcycle is unpredictable and finicky. The fork is very stiff on landing and when braking.

The suspension is too stiff for my weight, especially the fork. And I don't like Kickstarter.

The Suzuki RM-Z250 fork appears to be tuned for a 100kg rider. Adjustments don't help much, this bike needs serious work on the suspension.

I am tall and felt uncomfortable on the Suzuki. When I needed power, it simply wasn't there.

If there were no other bikes in the test, I would say that the Suzuki RM-Z250 motocross bike is quite fast, but it is not. Compared to other motorcycles, it lacks power.

Specifications

Fourth place: KTM 250 SX-F 2022 dirt bike

KTM 250 SX-F 2020 dirt bike

Place, according to the riders: 4-4-4-4-3-1

The KTM 250 SX-F motocross bike is the bigger, more aggressive brother of the Husqvarna FC 250. Like the Husqvarna, the KTM 250 SX-F comes for the new model year with an additional air cleaner housing cover with larger openings and revised suspension.

Although KTM and Husqvarna are built on the same base, they are different motorcycles on the track. They're equally good at cornering, feel lightweight and have great balance, but the KTM is more responsive and powerful than the Husqvarna. While it too lacks low-end torque, the KTM actually picks up strongly in the mid-range and continues to pull strongly until redline.

The suspension on the KTM 250 SX-F works well. We noticed that the fork felt softer early in its travel than last year. But compared to motorcycles that have mechanical spring forks, we would like better front wheel control. KTM often does things differently from its competitors.

We hope the manufacturer doesn't hold on to the air fork design for too long. While the air fork is easy to adjust on the trail, it can't compete with mechanical forks and that prevented KTM from finishing higher.

Advantages of the KTM 250 SX-F 2020

• The feeling of a lightweight motocross bike on the track
• High quality components: Brembo brakes, ODI grips, etc.
• Excellent power in the mid to high rpm range
• Dual ECU maps and traction control allow you to quickly set up your bike
• Amazing cornering performance

Disadvantages of the 2020 KTM 250 SX-F

• The engine lacks power in the lower range
• Air fork lacks responsiveness and stability
• The Neken handlebar has a strange bend and is not as comfortable as the ProTaper handlebar on the Husqvarna
• Rear brake pedal is too close to engine housing
• The motorcycle is wider in the radiator area than the Husqvarna

Strengths of the 2022 KTM 250 SX-F, according to riders

The KTM 250 SX-F corners well and is stable on the straights.

The motorcycle is light, nimble and responsive. The KTM delivers smooth, controlled power and never stops pulling.

I like how KTM has changed the suspension settings. Initially the bike felt a little soft, but small changes in the settings solved the problem.

The KTM 250 SX-F is a comfortable, well-balanced motocross bike.

Lots of power, especially at the top. The bike rips, it suits my riding style. I like the aggressive appearance and style of the motorcycle.

The bike is good in corners. The clutch, brakes, ergonomics of the bike are the best of all.

Weaknesses of the 2022 KTM 250 SX-F, according to riders

The KTM 250 SX-F air fork is unstable. When pressing the rear brake it is easy to miss the pedal.

Personally, I prefer spring forks - the air fork has strange reactions and is not stable.

Coming out of tight corners on the 250 SX-F XC you have to use the clutch.

Lacks power at low revs, but the bike is quicker than the Husqvarna.

I don't like the suspension on the KTM 250 SX-F. The rear shock is fine, but the fork is not stable, especially in corners. It feels like the front wheel is pushing you away.

The suspension is ok, but I prefer a traditional spring fork, I don't like the feel in the corners.

Third place: Kawasaki KX 250 2022 dirt bike

Kawasaki KX 250 2020 motocross motorcycle

Place, according to the riders: 2-3-3-3-4-4

Externally, the Kawasaki KX 250 motocross remains almost unchanged, but this motorcycle received big changes for the 2022 model year. A new cylinder head, valve train, larger diameter piston, shorter connecting rod and larger throttle body are the main changes. Kawasaki claims it is the most powerful 250cc four-stroke engine yet. cm they've ever released. Just as important, the excellent Kayaba fork replaces the disappointing Showa SFF fork, making the Kawasaki KX 250's suspension one of the best in its class.

The Kawasaki KX 250's high-revving engine produces plenty of power in the mid-to-high rpm range, but doesn't falter at low revs, especially when equipped with a white map ECU.

The Kawasaki KX 250 motorcycle is perfectly balanced, stable at speed and good in turns. The new KYB fork can be classified as a rigid fork, but, unlike the Suzuki fork, the stiffness is within reason. The KYB shock absorbs impacts with poise and grace. The KX 250 loves to corner and feels light on the trail.

He would also like an electric starter...

Advantages of Kawasaki KX 250 2020

• Great power in the mid to high rpm range
• Good ergonomics
• Excellent suspension characteristics
• The Kawasaki KX 250 motorcycle is stable at speed, yet fast in corners
• Good appearance

Disadvantages of Kawasaki KX 250 2020

• Kickstarter
• Clutch overheats when actively used
• Changing ECU maps takes time
• Stock grips are hard
• Would like more torque at low revs

Strengths of the 2022 Kawasaki KX 250, according to riders

The Kawasaki KX 250 cross-country bike loves an aggressive riding style. Kawasaki's return to a conventional spring fork is the right decision.

The suspension is good and the fork is great. The engine pulls very well at medium and high speeds.

The new Kayaba spring fork instills confidence and trust and I felt very comfortable on the bike.

I'm very glad that Kawasaki has finally parted ways with the Showa fork. The new KYB suspension is comfortable and balanced. Good engine.

The Kawasaki KX 250 motocross is much better than I expected. The ergonomics are good, and the steering wheel is the most comfortable.

The Kayaba fork is a huge improvement over last year's Showa SFF. The engine becomes much more aggressive when using a white ECU map.

Weaknesses of the 2022 Kawasaki KX 250, according to riders

You have to use the clutch after tight turns because there is not enough traction at the bottom.

I don't like kickstarter. In addition, the Kawasaki KX 250 is not the lightest dirt bike.

There is not enough power at low revs, I used the clutch a lot.

Gear shifting is not always clear.