CRF250 or KX250F?

[Highline]

I started riding trails on an XR400, moved to a KTM 400SX since I liked riding the track more than trails, and wanted something lighter. I haven't ridden for a couple years (been focusing on snowmobiles).

I'm already a 4-stroke guy and just want the lightest, easiest to ride of the 250's. I'm 41, 6'2" and 190lbs, only fair skills, and no intention to race. I think the Honda may fit me better since I'm tall, but I heard the Kawi had a smoother powerband.

I've ruled out the Yammie and the Zook already, and KTM has no 4-stroke that's as light as the CRF or KX250F.

Opinions from those that own or have ridden either or both of these bikes?

 

[arrow101]

the kawi and the zook are the same bike. so it would be who can give you the better deal out of those two.
Only bad thing with the kawazukis is that the water pump cover and the oil filter cover are one the same. so when changing the oil filter you need to drain the coolant. although there are some companies making seperate covers now just somehitn gto remember when fitting out the bike after you buy it

 

[burchdogs]

maybe the CRF250X if you will not be on a track?

 

[Highline]

Thought about the X for a while as an alternative, but nothing it adds (except the low-eng chug gearing for trails) is worth the weight penalty - it's almost 25 lbs. heavier than the R and I don't care about elec. start, lights, etc. Plus it's more money and they're hard to find at the moment. My local dealer has no X's, and almost a dozen R's.

 

[Highline]

I'm probably gonna go with Honda -

 

[fuzzy]

I doubt you'll be dissapointed. While I'm a two stroke guy, you wouldn't catch me on any 4-st dirtbike that wasn't made by honda. They are simply the kings of 4-strokes, and obviuosly waited to see how the trend was building(all while TAKING THEIR TIME engineering a pair of racing 4-strokes). I'm a yama/kawi 2st fan. I've heard mixed reliability probs with the yamas, and as mentioned the kawi 4st is a Suzuki(you can change the plastics back and forth to change what brand you're on!). Never catch me on a squid dirt bike!

IMO, and such...

 

[Highline]

I opted for the Honda based on their rep for quality, good reviews, and better aftermarket support. There was nothing really wrong with the Kawi, but I just thought the Honda was the better bike. The only review I could find that favored the Kawi was Transworld Moto, who said the Honda had a 2-stroke like hit. Everybody else gave the Honda the nod.