Todays article is about the Comparison of 250cc Dirt Motorcycles. This year, only a half not separates the first from the second… As much to say that seldom a match 250 cross-country races will have been also disputed, because each Honda CRF250R, Kawasaki KX250F, KTM 250 SX-F, Suzuki 250 RM-Z and Yamaha YZ250F 2013 will bitterly have fought to reach Grail. Only here is, the test riders of the station will have been inflexible on the classification, once more! Verdict
Comparison of 250cc Dirt Motorcycles – Features Comparison
In front of us, five 250 4-times cross-country race vintage 2013, a lenient weather, a wet circuit just what it is necessary and some quite battered portions… Perfect ingredients for comparative any bikescatalog! As always, several pilots of different levels played the game and come to lend strong hand to us.
We will not be thus less than five to discuss and give our opinion on each motor bike of cross-country race year 2013 invited to this match hollow. Will this year clash: Kawasaki KX250F, Honda CRF250R, Yamaha YZ250F, Suzuki RMZ 250 and the KTM 250 SX-F. A match who is announced intense, several of these 250 4-times having evolved appreciably for their vintage 2013.
Our procedure of test
For this comparative cross-country race 250 return, it was thus caught on the circuit of bikescatalog. Five testers thus answered present (and they were not even forced): Arnaud, Thomas and Julian who record several participation in the various tests and compares bikescatalog, then Sylvain the intermediate pilot of level and finally Kevin a young person who makes his first turns of wheels on 250 4T (after the 85 and 125). We have the motor bikes of the manufacturers, Honda, Yamaha and KTM played the game.
Suzuki also, but for a practical matter and of timing, it is the dealer Atomic Motor bike (hey yes, still him…) who puts to us with provision of his Suzuki 250 RM-Z 2013 for demonstration. And it is Kevin who agreed to join to entrust us and us his Kawasaki 250 personal KX-F 2013 just ground for this comparative (from where the virgin plastics assembled for the winter), thank you with him. Each pilot tests the motor bikes the ones after the others and debriefs its felt with each pause. That exchanges information enter “test to wrinkle”, but that assiduously fills the cards with evaluations too.
Not less than eight criteria are to be informed, of the quality of manufacturing to ergonomics or the behavior of the frame and the engine via the price, nothing is left randomly and all the remarks are good to take. The test riders are coughed up and justified, the motor bikes are weighed, already photographed in statics (if…), the full of petrol is made, the pens are ready to declaw… It left for comparative the 250 cross-country races 2013 on the station
Comparison of 250cc Dirt Motorcycles – Details
1st: Honda CRF 250 R
Price: 7890 € (price licensee)
Availability: immediate
Color: red
Honda CRF250R 2013: A cross-country race which wants you good
First dirt motorcycle in the list of Comparison of 250cc Dirt Motorcycles, we have Honda CR250R. Visually, well that leaves rather badly for the red… Vis-a-vis its Japanese adversaries who better and better equipped their motor bikes with series, Honda does not have large thing to make dream its future purchaser in term of equipment.
Admittedly, the completions are impeccable, but the motor bike is insipid. For the first world manufacturer, a little more than one protect-disc would be welcome on its CRF. But the warbling not referring to the plumage, Honda should quickly know to put everyone of agreement.
It is enough to rise on its saddle to feel as at the house, one finds his niche and the orders instinctively. All the pilots are unanimous on this point: with Honda CRF250F, no need of time for adaptation, one can leave ball at the top of the first solo circuit! The frame is incontestably what is done best.
Sat or upright, one of course feels the motor bike, one transfers, one takes the holes and the jumps without hesitation… The progressiveness and the comfort of the Showa suspensions make wonder, difficult to take them at fault. The test riders felt in confidence on the red none will not make him reproach.
Character sanitized but…
Visually, well that leaves rather badly for the red… Vis-a-vis its Japanese adversaries who better and better equipped their motor bikes with series, Honda does not have large thing to make dream its future purchaser in term of equipment.
Admittedly, the completions are impeccable, but the motor bike is insipid. For the first world manufacturer, a little more than one protect-disc would be welcome on its CRF. But the warbling not referring to the plumage, Honda should quickly know to put everyone of agreement.
It is enough to rise on its saddle to feel as at the house, one finds his niche and the orders instinctively. All the pilots are unanimous on this point: with Honda CRF250F, no need of time for adaptation, one can leave ball at the top of the first solo circuit! The frame is incontestably what is done best.
Sat or upright, one of course feels the motor bike, one transfers, one takes the holes and the jumps without hesitation… The progressiveness and the comfort of the Showa suspensions make wonder, difficult to take them at fault. The test riders felt in confidence on the red none will not make him reproach.
If Kawasaki gains the palm of the most complete kit part in this comparative cross-country race 250 2013, Honda arrives in second position on this point. Remain that 7,890 €, it is a tariff in the high average.
2nd: KTM 250 SXF
Price: 7490 € (price licensee)
Availability: immediate
Color: orange
KTM 250 SXF 2013: A supercharged engine!
The KTM 250 SX-F 2013 is the second off-roader in the list of Comparison of 250cc Dirt Motorcycles, it is obviously that which throws some more in our comparative cross-country race 250… Faithful to its slogan, we are vis-a-vis a motor bike ready for the race. The parts racing are there, the concern of the detail is thorough until the iodization of the rays (what likes much our test riders of the day…). The new line likes, even if it motor bike seems more imposing with these new plastics.
The refrain is known, KTM emphasizes to beautifully fort its motor bikes, and it goes. Only motor bike of cross-country race 2013 are equipped with framework steel, the SX-F is also the only motor bike which asks for a small time of catch in hand. But force is to note that it is increasingly natural on the Austrian one, one is less and less shocked by the difference in position on its board, compared with what offer the Japanese motor bikes on this point.
In track, it is also the same report, our test riders are surprised by the behavior of the suspensions of the KTM SXF 250 2013. Granted and effective, one is on the way right track at KTM on this point; it misses just a little comfort at the beginning of compression. In addition, the motor bike is rather handy, player and remains operational when the circuit is degraded. The power of the Brembo brakes once more makes its effect, difficult to find better today.
That cracks extremely!
For some time, the KTM 250 SX-F was made “bicker” on its favorite playing field, i.e. the motorization, in particular vis-a-vis the subsidiary shell of Suzuki RM-Z. Well one took again the things in hand in Austria! The mill of the KTM 250 SXF 2013 is impressive; it has force and now agrees to return the turns on the third report without touching with the clutch!
And this time – a gap of the SXF last year -, the lengthening-piece is from now on with return! In short, you will have understood the extreme that cracks in the cylinder of Orange! In against part, more the beginners will not be inevitably any more with their ease on this motor bike of elitist cross-country race.
With this year 2013, KTM replaces the bar high in the category of the 250F, in particular in term of pure performances. If there remains a frame not yet as intuitive and naturalness as that of certain competitors, the progress made by the Austrians on this new cross-country race is obvious, the more so as the KTM SX-F 250 2013 is also the only motor bike of this comparative to have an electric starter, another major asset. Proposed with 8,290 € in price catalogues, this one is brought back to 7,490 € via the operation “Orange Race” reserved to the bachelors FM and UFOLEP.
3rd: Suzuki 250 RM-Z
Price: 7,699 €
Availability: Immediate
Color: yellow
Suzuki 250 RM-Z 2013: Vitamins for the Yellow too!
Suzuki 250 RM-Z 2013, being the third member is the Comparison of 250cc Dirt Motorcycles, receives many “in-house” evolutions for 2013. That it is good news; however some expected a little more aesthetic side. The yellow always remain equipped well out of relevant equipment (it is the only one to have an aluminum petrol tank). It since 2010 is known, but it is always also pleasant to note.
By taking seat on the Suzuki RM-Z 250 2013, one finds his position very easily, but the low handlebar and very curved is still not taste of everyone. Not shocking for the small gauges, but a little more destabilizing for largest. Passed this detail, one finds his marks well on Suzuki’.
The Suzuki RMZ 250 is easy to catch in hand and reveals a behavior player, as well on ground as in the airs. However, quickly, one is exceeded a little by a particular point: its nose gear is too firm, one is made thrash in the holes… and that hurt the arms! One will have tried various adjustments (to loosen prestressing and to open compression) for finally finding an improvement on the end of the day of test.
But like the Coffee equipped with same fork SFF, the Suzuki RMZ 250 will not make a miracle on this point.
This engine remains a reference
Really damage, bus of the pleasure, one takes some with the mill of the yellow! A tone with the top of its adversaries for a few years, Suzuki has not expected the counterpart of KTM to make evolve its engine. Thus, the Suzuki RM-Z 250 2013 has what to answer the
Austrian one.Very sharp, it is not there still the engine most accessible to the beginners. Even if the plug makes it possible well to moderate its behavior a little, its explosive character prevails.
Thus, Suzuki RM-Z 250 2013 has an enormous potential, thanks to its very powerful engine and its frame. From the start, it is felt that there is average to play and to go quickly with this motor bike. Although Suzuki’ is excellent many points into cubes, the pleasure is nevertheless wasted by its nose gear which requires a real clarification. With 7,699 €, the 250 RM-Z remains “in the nails” side tariff, but its kit parts is not really significant.
4th: Kawasaki KX 250 F
Price: € 7,499 €
Availability: Immediate
Color: green and black
Kawasaki KX 250 F: Austrian of the Japanese women
With the first glance, in fact the KTM flatters the eye, not very far behind, the Coffee points the end of its mudguard. The racing spirit of green is always of topicality, mixing small anodic parts blue or black (anti friction treatment of the tubes of fork in particular…).
The blow of young person brought to the line of the KTM KX-F 250 is welcome; one is not more in front of the motor bike “rough of foundry” which one knew, the unit gains in fluidity. But there is not only the aesthetics which changes with this year 2013, and one quickly realizes that the KXF 250 was thinned so much so that it becomes about it almost more slender of the day!
In track, one has very well the feeling to be on a motor bike smaller and more compact than his competitors. Its catch in hand is only easier, even if the position somewhat “chopper tools” disturbs some of the test riders day. On the way, the smallest gauges are of continuation more at ease on the green one.
And as one feels more imposing on the motor bike, one has less difficulty transferring; the Kawasaki KX250F 2013 does not ask that has to take angle in the ruts. But the concern is that it is necessary to arrive there, correctly, in the ruts… Here, the problem, it is the fork which does not show an exceptional progressiveness and returns braking in the holes and at the very least random entries of turns.
Fortunately, the shock absorber works correctly for the great benefit of traction. However, the dissension with the fork does not put in confidence, on the KX-F 2013 one apprehends in the fast and battered portions. One sought some different adjustments well, with best in the end of the day, but without reaching the perfection either.
The problem, it is the fork
Driving side, the character of the Kawasaki KX250F is not any more what it was. It is still angry but one rather rounded the angles at Coffee. It does not have weak points or strong points particular this mill, it is very correct everywhere. The trunk of green is there, but one will not be able to allow oneself to set out again too low in the turns without taking the clutch.
Then, that goes up in the turns and that lengthens, but one has all the same feeling which the Kawasaki KX250F saturates a little too quickly. Opinion of all, it misses small something to poke truly the flame of the pilot (a lengthening-piece of madness likes in 2011 perhaps?).
At least, magic of electronics, the three plugs makes it possible to modify the cartography and the driving character are effective and will charm the most pointed pilots.
Homogeneous, the 250 KX-F 2013 seems an accessible motor bike. With an appreciable ergonomics and honorable performances (and the most flexible descent of kick of the batch!), the green one holds its row in spite of the “delicate” behavior of its fork.
Little among us managed to be released with its handlebar. But attention, the Kawasaki KX250F 2013 is caught up with on an argument which often makes snuffs, that of the purse. Not only Kawasaki is one of the least expensive of this comparative cross-country race 2013 (7 499 €), but the complete kit parts arch which accompanies it can also give to reflect
5th: Yamaha YZ 250 F
Price: 8,199 €
Availability: immediate
Color: white and red, blue and white
Yamaha YZ 250 F: The fuel is resisting!
Nothing of nine on Yamaha 250 YZF 2013, this motorbike having evolved last year on the high side of the engine. Besides, it is a small reproach which several testers will address to him, with initially a design of engine which starts to date. For recall, one finds here the engine with 5 valves supplied with carburetor.
However, in spite of this “old” design, the blue one puts its entire adversary KB at the exercise of weighing with the absolute record of 103.8 kg. In short, even if its aggressive look remains single and its equipment of good invoice, one will feel a certain lassitude at some test riders with respect to the YZF 2013.
In saddle, the impression of a high motor bike is confirmed unanimously, the smallest gauges will not be inevitably with their advantage. In spite of that, the catch in hand of the Yamaha YZ250F is fast. And although the position on before the marking down of its competitors, one very quickly feels on his board the precision of its behavior.
Yamaha makes it possible to transfer in a wink, its promptness is remarkable, and one gets caught up quickly. The balance of blue makes wonders, we are of course a motor bike fun, which answers the changes of supports instantaneously. Other side of the coin, the frame of blue is rigid and shakes the pilot in the sequences of holes. As it should be said as the suspensions are a hair healthy aim farms.
What strength!
Although “old man” compared to his adversaries of the day, the engine of Yamaha YZ250F 2013 has surprised his world at the time of our comparative. OK, we felt the gaps of the carburetor with some holes (the adjustments should be polished a little, what…), but then, what a force! The low modes of the animal are wild, a gas blow is enough to propel it ahead and the blows of clutch awake the cavalry easily.
Bottoms until the mid–modes, Yamaha are undoubtedly most powerful and “sensational” of the batch. However, the euphoria turns short thereafter; the YZ-F 250 also quickly returns the hand in the high modes and lack cruelly of lengthening-piece. If one can be bluffed by the very honorable performances of this mill, it is as on Yamaha as the engine brake is marked the most.
It thus has still beautiful days in front of it, Yamaha YZ250F 2013, because its performances are always of topicality. However, a recasting would be the welcome vis-a-vis a more recent competition, the more so as a8 199 €, it is most expensive by far and loses here invaluable points vis-a-vis its adversaries.
Comparative assessment cross-country races 250 2013: Wisdom proceeded…
After deliberation of the jury and counting of the points (see our table following page), the victory is played of a little in this compare cross-country races 250 2013. And in fact finally the Honda CRF250R gains the palm. On a technical and a little breakable circuit, the frame of the Red made the difference.
All without exception felt naturally at ease on its board trustful in all the situations. “Yes but, the engine…” Admittedly, the mono one injected Honda CRF250R arises like less exciting batch, but the beginners precisely appreciate his facility and its roundness, whereas the most hardened less hesitate to accelerate earlier… Thus, the facility and the effectiveness of Honda once more gain the match vis-a-vis the performances and with the feelings.
But it should be said that the fight for the podium was tightened, because the KTM 250 SX-F 2013 pursues Honda. A beautiful motor bike much more pleasant to look at than the Red, a frame which is not yet on the same level but which approaches some, an electric starter and especially an engine with the incredible performances! If our “test riders” confirmed were not mistaken there, it should well be admitted that the Austrian one remains a powerful motor bike which will perhaps not be appropriate for the beginners.
On the last walk of the podium, Suzuki 250 RM-Z also makes strong impression with its vitamin zed engine. One will not be able to reproach him large thing, there is what it is necessary where it is necessary, if it is only as with Kate, there is more accessible for the beginners. Like Kawasaki, Suzuki’ suffers above all from its nose gear. With a more accessible fork and less “break-in arm”, it is certain that the Yellow would be very close from the top of the victory.
Arrive then is the Kawasaki KX250F, motor bike so handicapped by its fork SFF, with this time a dissension more pronounced between before and the back. There still, it misses something to improve the unit, because with its easy engine and its handy frame, there is average to give pleasure with the green one. Moreover, a kit parts of a value of 1,099 € provided with the motor bike, it is nothing…
In fact finally the Yamaha YZ250F 2013 closes walk. Different but instinctive, the YZ-F 2013 wants to play! The rather rigid unit misses comfort and can sometimes put badly at ease in the holes. The engine answers present of fort good manner! But more than 8,000 € without any kit parts and for an old technology from now on, that does not forgive, and it is here that blue loses it more.
