MXA RACE TEST: 2021 YAMAHA YZ250FX CROSS-COUNTRY
We’re thrilled that Yamaha updated the YZ250FX cross-country bike with better components and more thought than the original FXs. This is a big step up
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We’re thrilled that Yamaha updated the YZ250FX cross-country bike with better components and more thought than the original FXs. This is a big step up
Suzuki riders always claim that with the money they save, they could build an RM-Z450 as good as a KTM. How much money would it cost to lose 20 pounds?
Yamaha was the first motorcycle manufacturer to figure out that it’s not how much power you make, but how you make it.
On a cross-country bike you have to give to get—and be prepared to innovate solutions to blend the differences of track and off-road away
Remember when Suzuki was at the top of the motocross food chain? In fact, the 2011 RM-Z250 took top honors in the 250 four-stroke class. But, the last decade has not been kind to the RM-Z250.
TM makes a few different versions of its 250 two-stroke; TM makes a motocross version and an enduro version. So, how did we get a cross-country version? We combined the two.
The lower-overall-height platform of the Husqvarna TC250 has an exceptional chassis that provides superb handling
The best thing about the YZ250 is that Yamaha keeps making it. Yamaha’s last Japanese two-stroke competitor said, “Sayonara” 12 years ago
With the GasGas MC250 you get all the best parts from the KTM 250SXF at an $800 lower price. This bike is designed for people who want high performance, but not a high price.
The term “cheaper” is relative. The MC 450F costs exactly the same as a Kawasaki KX450 or Yamaha YZ450F and $200 less than a Honda CRF450
Think sofa. The 5.0 N/mm forks on the KX450 motocross model are already way too soft, so you can easily imagine what the KX450X’s 4.8 N/mm spring rate and softer damping feel like
Mike walked away from the 2020 World Two-Stroke Championship with a smile on his face and $30,000 in his bank account
The Big Four manufacturers have tried to replicate the KTM engine’s high-rpm design by borrowing from KTM’s playbook, but they can’t seem to get the recipe for success right
If you ride the 2021 KX250 like you’re going out for a Sunday stroll, the orange, white and blue competition will blow by you due to the KX250’s lackluster bottom-end power
Don’t buy a 2021 KTM 450SXF if you don’t need the strongest clutch, most powerful brakes, lightest weight, broadest powerband, most accurate handling or a Formula 1 transmission
Not as powerful as a YZ250, the YZ250X has an easy-to-use powerband
The FC250 does nothing wrong. The lowered chassis and improved suspension bring the handling up to a new level of excellence.
It’s a fun bike to ride. It’s a fun bike to own. If you feel compelled to spend money on your 2021 Yamaha YZ125, spend it on the engine
It’s nice, pleasant and fun to race, but maybe Kawasaki should start thinking about better forks, a smaller rear rotor, electronic mapping and more actual horsepower for 2022
We are ambivalent about the 2021 Honda CRF450; they did some things very well and some things very poorly—but mostly they rushed it out the door before it was done
The best advice for first-time 350SXF riders is don’t shift. Of course, we don’t mean never shift, just don’t shift until the rpm peaks out
If you are looking for a bike that will make you a better rider, turn sharper, brake stronger and haul the mail without any drama, this is the bike for you
A great powerband. Not an incredibly powerful engine down low, but a powerband that helps both the rider and chassis work better together
This is the engine package that Yamaha’s sponsored riders use in European EMX 125 and the Yamaha Cup 125 races. Sounds great, doesn’t it? Sadly, it’s not sold in America
Yamaha dabbles in the off-road market with the YZ125X. It can be used for motocross or cross-country, but compromises had to be made for both
The Husqvarna FC450 is designed to be a motocross bike; the Husqvarna FX450 can be used for motocross or off-road —we liked it either way
Pee-wee racing used to smell of gasoline and peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, now it doesn’t smell like gasoline anymore
At 212 pounds and with 49.23 horsepower the 2020 KTM 250SX delivers the most anti-four-stroke style of power imaginable
TM is a boutique builder, meaning it is a small Italian company that produces hand-made bikes in limited numbers — they are rare and ultra-trick
It would be inaccurate to say that the Husky TC125 and KTM 125SX are identical, but no one will slap you upside the head for thinking it