In 2006, the 250 four-stroke class in motocross was lastly full with 5 separate manufacturers. that yr, Kawasaki got here out with an all new bike–within the earlier yr, the KX250 and the RMZ250 had been shared in a short-lived alliance. For the January, 2006 situation of Dirt Bike, we had the primary full 250F shootout. Here’s how they stacked up in that situation.
1st–YAMAHA YZ250F
For 2006, Yamaha re-engineered their ¼ liter four-stroke with a brand new aluminum body and copious quantities of titanium, complimented by a rejuvenated powerband. The result’s flat gnarly. The YZ250F is graced with very good suspension, a newfound lightness, the dealing with is stellar and the ability covers the gamut of usable and aggressive juice. There isn’t an F on this division that does it higher.
2nd–KAWASAKI KX250F
The KX250F is nearly one hundred pc new for 2006, and with the brand new aluminum body, Showa suspension and motor mods it makes for a mixture that’s deadly. The motor has a savage hit within the mid and rips all the way in which to the rev limiter. With all of the modifications and enhancements the KXF nips on the heels of the Yamaha for the win. On the observe the KXF250 is just a bit comfortable out of the opening. The consequence, second place.
third–HONDA CRF250R
2006 marks a daring transfer for Honda. The twin piper has modifications to the motor, which targeted on reliability and improved bottom-end energy. Older guys love the ability supply, however these bikes are being rated as race bikes, and the dearth of top-end yank limits the race-ability of the machine. The CRF250R handles nice and never one rider had a criticism within the suspension division. The result’s third.
4th–KTM SXF250
This motor flat out rips and is little doubt the strongest within the class. If we needed to choose a motorbike to go to the gate primarily based on energy alone, the KTM would take it arms down. The suspension is one other story; it’s simply not pleasant and requires far more setup time than any of the opposite machines. Still, the sooner you trip the KTM the higher the suspension works. The result’s fourth place.
fifth–SUZUKI RMZ250
The RMZ250 isn’t a nasty bike; it simply didn’t get any upgrades for 2006. It did obtain a number of modifications to the motor to enhance reliability and a few blue accents within the graphics. The metal handlebars sans a cross pad appear prehistoric, the suspension is unchanged and sadly we had been by no means actually pleased with it. The Suzuki, not too far off the mark, tallies fifth.
FORK
1. YAMAHA–Best of all worlds being compliant and agency.
2. KAWASAKI/HONDA–The Showa system presents a fantastic planted really feel to the entrance finish.
4. SUZUKI–The KYB dampers supplied first rate motion however had been harsh on small stuff, but blows by way of on the massive hits.
5. KTM–Harsh and falls by way of the journey on sluggish pace masses on the similar time.
SHOCK
1. YAMAHA–Tractable, compliant and agency. Good stuff.
2. HONDA–A shade comfortable for the tremendous severe racer, however nice motion and hook-up.
3. KAWASAKI–Rides a bit low, requires good rider setup.
4. SUZUKI–Run of the mill, too comfortable for the racer, hacky on the chop.
5. KTM–Linkless could also be lighter, however KTM must fill-in the gaps between bottoming on low pace and absorbing observe hack.
ENGINE
1. KTM–Big hit, slight vibration, a lot of inside racket.
2. KAWASAKI–Great mid hit, lengthy pulling however fairly vacant out of the opening.
3. HONDA–The greatest low energy, nice for supercross tracks. Needs extra yank on prime.
4. YAMAHA–Broad energy with sufficient low, a robust mid and smear of prime juice.
5. SUZUKI-Good unfold of usable juice, only a shade off the mark set by the competitors.
BRAKES
1. KTM–Strong, intense with first rate really feel.
2. KAWASAKI–New petal rotors provide nice really feel, low weight.
3. HONDA/SUZUKI- Good, sturdy, predictable
5. YAMAHA–Nothing horrible, simply not the depth or development of the others.
KTM 250F = 39.4 max horsepower
KX250F = 37.8 max horsepower
CRF250 = 36.7 max horsepower
YZF250 = 35.5 max horsepower
RMZ250 = 35.2 max horsepower
HOW FAR HAVE WE COME?
Just for kicks and giggles, right here’s a have a look at the present 250 four-strokes, as measured on the identical dyno at Pro Circuit. That’s a achieve of 10 horsepower in 18 years. It’s sort of like watching your youngsters develop up. You don’t discover that a lot within the second, however whenever you look again, it’s wonderful.
See you subsequent week!
