What bike do I buy? Should I believe the dyno numbers and stear clear of the KX or is it really just magazine propaganda? I like what they are saying about the KX the most but are they all going to change their minds in the shootouts? Any feedback would be greatly appreciated. :ugg:
03 RM250 or KX250 or YZ250
- Thread starter madisdad
- Start date
- Jan 25, 2000
- 1,822
- 0
They rate the KX as a sweet handling, well suspended bike, but it also has a short "midrange" punch powerband, which hurt it in the overall ratings. It seems that the Kaw has a hard time keeping up with the Jones's with their outdated powerplant, and it's gonna cost them. Too bad, because a lot of people will be missing out on an otherwise great bike.
The Suz and the Kaw were rated very close, with the Suz finishing ahead by about 1/10 of one point.
The Yamaha finished well ahead of the other two strokes, even though it's a slightly harsh bike.
The KTM made the most power, but it was rated last because of major vibration and the worst suspension.
The Honda CR250 was second last because of an anemic motor.
The CRF450 was rated as the best "250". :silly:
Rating the bikes analytically is one thing, but if you lined them all up and asked yourself, "Which one would I like to ride first?", the result may be a little different. But in the end, the YZ250 will probably keep a better resale value.
The Suz and the Kaw were rated very close, with the Suz finishing ahead by about 1/10 of one point.
The Yamaha finished well ahead of the other two strokes, even though it's a slightly harsh bike.
The KTM made the most power, but it was rated last because of major vibration and the worst suspension.
The Honda CR250 was second last because of an anemic motor.
The CRF450 was rated as the best "250". :silly:
Rating the bikes analytically is one thing, but if you lined them all up and asked yourself, "Which one would I like to ride first?", the result may be a little different. But in the end, the YZ250 will probably keep a better resale value.
TreeKiller
Member
- Oct 25, 2001
- 73
- 0
Just my 2 cents, but I think handling is much more important than the motor/power delivery. for about $150 Eric can make the motor do what you want. Suspension work is alot more expensive and IMHO a lot harder to get "right". I can't speak for the '03 KTM but I have a '01 and have ridden an '02 and I think the Honda has more vibration than the KTM. The suspension is a little more harsh and has a different feel, but you adapt to it real fast. Now the Jap bike are hard for me to ride.
Last edited:
I don't always put a lot of stock in magazine reviews as they can sometimes be quite biased, but they are spot on when they say the YZ250 is a sweet package. The most incredible thing about the bike is the way that it puts the power to the ground. It is a great bike for its intended purpose and also makes an excellent starting point for an offroad conversion. I have owned all five major brands (I buy 2 bikes a year) and have a warm spot in my heart for each of them, however the YZ power quality/delivery takes a back seat to no other 250- stock or modified- and really makes the package. I am not a real fan of MXA, but in all fairness every dyno is different- their best function is to show relativity and power curves. Since Dirt Rider uses a different dyno it stands to reason that their results would be different than MXA.
It's a lot easier to make a bike go fast than to make it handle well. The 03 KX 250 is the best bike have ever been on for handling and suspension. The motor is strong enough for 90% of the rider out there. It's true that it lacks a bit of bottom compared to the great KX motor (97-98-00). This can be fixed very easy.
Go with the KX, you won't be disapointed.
Go with the KX, you won't be disapointed.
MxerSteve711
Member
- Dec 8, 2002
- 4
- 0
Hello i am having trouble deciding between a used 1996-2000 model 250 yz, kx, cr, rm. Which one would be the best on those years? Please share your opinions and what you experienced and herd. It would be greatly appreciated.
Thank you
Thank you
Madisdad, the mag reviews said that all the bikes are very close to one another, these reviews were made by pro's that know how to get the most out of a bike. So unless you are a pro, pick your color, I really doubt that you will be disapointed. However, you may want to look into reading about some of the differant problems other people are having with their bikes, and base your decision off of that.
Just my .02
Just my .02
SpectraSVT
Member
- Apr 17, 2002
- 720
- 0
Because all the bikes were closely rated you should pick which bike fits you..I.E. rider position and feel. If your a tall rider most people would agree that the KX would be waay too small. The honda is also slightly cramped for tall riders. If you are short then you don't need to worry about the KX being too small but what type of powerband you would like (their all different) or suspension (plush or sharp). Do you like a quick short hit or a long smoother hit? Do you care if the power is centralized in one location or spread out? All these things came into play with my decision to buy an 03 YZ250.
For me, the RM250 and YZ250 were the only two bikes for me to look at because of my height (6'3"). Then came power. I had an Rm before and hated the quick hard midrange hit so I didn't want to take a chance that the 03 would be the same. The YZ had a smoother broader powerband but still ripped and since I'm on the beginner race level I felt this would be the best for my current riding ability.
For me, the RM250 and YZ250 were the only two bikes for me to look at because of my height (6'3"). Then came power. I had an Rm before and hated the quick hard midrange hit so I didn't want to take a chance that the 03 would be the same. The YZ had a smoother broader powerband but still ripped and since I'm on the beginner race level I felt this would be the best for my current riding ability.