MXA’s 2009 250 SHOOTOUT: RIDE ‘EM. RACE ‘EM. WRECK ‘EM. REVIEW ‘EM. The World’s Shortest, Most Concise & Honest 250 Shootout You’ll Ever Read; The Perfect Test For People Who Don’t Like To Read Lengthy Tests
NUMBER ONE:
2009 HONDA CRF250
The 2009 Honda CRF250 is not a perfect machine (the forks are harsh, the front tire is unpredictable and the jetting is off), but these problems are overshadowed by an awesome powerband, nice ergonomics and excellent handling. It has taken Honda six years to get the CRF250 to the top of the class.
PLUSES: The best all-around engine in the 250 four-stroke class.
MINUSES: It has horrid jetting and the forks are jack hammers disguised with Showa logo.
NUMBER TWO:
2009 KAWASAKI KX250F
The 250 shootout winner in 2006, 2007 and 2008, the 2009 KX250F actually got better (even though it didn’t win the shootout). It’s strong, fast and caters to Intermediate and Pro-level riders. The suspension works well, but the front end has a tendency to push from center-out in corners and the jetting is way off.
PLUSES: Although not potent, the power is in the perfect place for a racer.
MINUSES: The handling, jetting and gearing need to be addressed at the factory.
For the full test of the 2009 KAWASAKI KX250F click here.
2009 YAMAHA YZ250F
The 2009 Yamaha YZ250F is predictable, sturdy and solid. Those are great attributes for a plow horse, but not a rave review for a motocross bike. If it wasn’t for the incredible Kayaba SSS suspension, the YZ250F would be forgettable. The handling, brakes, powerband, ergos and accouterments are not memorable in any way.
PLUSES: Great suspension, spot-on gearing, good brakes and crisp jetting.
MINUSES: Save for the suspension, the Yamaha doesn’t do anything exceptionally well (nor does it do anything glaringly wrong).
For the full test of the 2009 Yamaha YZ250F click here.
NUMBER FOUR:
2009 KTM 250SXF
It may sound harsh, but WP is killing KTM’s chances of winning shootouts. The 250SXF could be such a sweet machine, if only its WP forks weren’t bone jarringly harsh and its WP shock could stay straight in off-throttle situations. When it comes to sheer horsepower, no other 250 four-stroke can touch the 250SXF.
PLUSES: The 250SXF produces 38.60 horsepower (the most in the class), handles well and is incredibly light.
MINUSES: The forks are harsh, the shock kicks, and the gearing is way too tall.
For the full test of the 2009 KTM250F click here.
2009 SUZUKI RM-Z250
The 2009 RM-Z250 is a barely disguised 2008 RM-Z250. Even so, the Suzuki has excellent power off the bottom, spot-on jetting and marvelous handling. What it lacks is serious horsepower (it gives up four horses to the KTM) and top-end over-rev. It’s a fun bike, but the suspension and power are too soft.
PLUSES: Thanks to its celebrated handling, the Suzuki does something better than every other bike.
MINUSES: The soft spring rates are designed for minicycle riders and the top-end is weak.
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