Jeff Allen

2019 250F MX Shootout

Yamaha YZ250F vs. Suzuki RM-Z250 vs. KTM 250 SX-F vs. Kawasaki KX250 vs. Husqvarna FC 250 vs. Honda CRF250R

The 2019 250F Motocross Shootout pits the Yamaha YZ250F, Suzuki RM-Z250, KTM 250 SX-F, Kawasaki KX250, Husqvarna FC 250, and Honda CRF250R against one another to determine how each manufacturer's 250 four-stroke motocross bikes stack up.

We took delivery of each motorcycle and installed Factory Effex preprinted number-plate backgrounds, and we mounted Dunlop D404 street tires on the rear wheels for runs on our Dynojet dyno. Afterward, we mounted Dunlop MX33 soft-to-intermediate-terrain tires on each bike front and rear to ensure consistency in traction among the six competitors through the duration of the test.

The shootout began at Fox Raceway in Pala, California, for photos and videos, but the official test day took place at Glen Helen Raceway in San Bernardino, California, where each manufacturer was present to make any necessary adjustments to their respective bikes for each rider. The test team consisted of six riders ranging in ability from novice to AMA pro, with weights ranging from 125 to 170 pounds.

Read on to find out how the six bikes finished when the dust settled and the results were tallied.

1st Place Of The 2019 250F MX Shootout: KTM 250 SX-F

The KTM 250 SX-F wins the 2019 250F MX Shootout with the fastest engine, good suspension, nimble yet stable chassis, and the lightest weight. Read more about the 1st Place Of The 2019 250F MX ShootoutJeff Allen

2nd Place Of The 2019 250F MX Shootout: Husqvarna FC 250

The Husqvarna FC 250 finishes in the runner-up spot in the 2019 250F MX Shootout with a powerful engine, very good suspension, and a neutral-handling chassis. Read more about the 2nd Place Of The 2019 250F MX ShootoutJeff Allen

3rd Place Of The 2019 250F MX Shootout: Yamaha YZ250F

The Yamaha YZ250F rounds out the podium in Dirt Rider's 2019 250F MX Shootout with a broad, powerful engine, plush suspension, and great stability. Read more about the 3rd Place Of The 2019 250F MX ShootoutJeff Allen

4th Place Of The 2019 250F MX Shootout: Honda CRF250R

The Honda CRF250R finishes one step off the podium in the 2019 250F MX Shootout with good suspension, comfortable ergonomics, and the nimblest handling. Read more about the 4th Place Of The 2019 250F MX ShootoutJeff Allen

5th Place Of The 2019 250F MX Shootout: Kawasaki KX250

The Kawasaki KX250 is unchanged for 2019, save for the graphics, radiator shroud color, and model name. With this, it finished in the same spot as last year. Read more about the 5th Place Of The 2019 250F MX ShootoutJeff Allen

6th Place Of The 2019 250F MX Shootout: Suzuki RM-Z250

The 2019 Suzuki RM-Z250 is all-new, but stiff suspension, a rigid chassis, and a lack of power compared to the competition holds it back in the standings. Read more about the 6th Place Of The 2019 250F MX ShootoutJeff Allen
2019 250F MX Shootout Dyno Comparison ChartDirt Rider Staff
Bike Weight, Full Tank (lb.) Fuel Capacity (gal.) Seat Height (in.) MSRP
CRF250R 239 1.6 37.1 $7,999
FC 250 234 1.9 37.1 $9,099
KX250 232 1.7 36.6 $7,749
250 SX-F 231 1.9 37.5 $8,999
RM-Z250 238 1.6 37.2 $7,899
YZ250F 236 1.6 37.1 $8,199