Hey Vital, genuine question about the Suzuki - you said that the heaviest rider didnt have a problem with the spring rate, how heavy was he, how heavy were the other test riders? I am about 180-185ish. I like the new look of the Suzy and was thinking of buying one - if it's more powerful than my 2014 RMZ I'm happy, but if the suspension is worse that might change my mind. Please let me know!
@Michael Lindsay Most shootouts mention the Honda CRF's lack of roll-on / bottom end torque. Not being the strongest engine, how would the new Suzuki RMZ250 compare to it? (more initial hit but less overal torque thru the rpms?) Thanks.
I've been waiting for that one for quite awhile ! Thanks guys ! Pretty disappointed about the Suzuki results, cause I think she looks real good aha. Good thing they dropped the air fork tho.
So I get that weight is a big factor on that rmz if you dont want to respring the suspension but how about height factor. who was your tallest rider and how did height play in at all? I'm 6'2" and 200lbs and want to go Husky because it felt the best sitting on it but I haven't gotten to ride any other bike than the new ktms. I know I want a 250f tho
The TC on the Husky or KTM isn't really liked by our test riders on the 250s unless the track is extremely muddy or straight concrete. So it doesn't really add to either of their scores.
You guys must really know your stuff if you knit picky about stuff like this an average rider like myself who can’t bring out the full power of the bike, races or hits tracks all the time would never be able to tell, thank you all for putting up such detailed info and for all the work y’all put into the video shooting people in the right direction with their hard earned money! Y’all stay blessed! 🤟 happy holidays ride safe but send that shit ! 🤓
Stanza 710 I bought the 2019 Honda and love it. I don’t ride it anywhere near it’s potential so don’t feel the issue they have with power but do feel the handling so overall for me that’s a winner.
RudeDog #999 nice man congrats! I really would love to try those new Honda’s or the Yamaha, the newest bike I’ve ever rode was a 2004 🤣 I’m pretty sure any of these would be have huge improvements lol
Hey Michael Lindsay. I was curious if you sell the bikes after you are done with the shootouts? Don't know if you will even see my comment but worth a shot.
Awesome video!! I used to ride a 2 stroke yz250 12 years ago and am getting back into it but now I will mostly trail ride with my son and maybe some over 40 racing. I am 190 lbs, 5'7 and rented a 2015 crf230 and enjoyed it especially because of the 34.8 seat height but was looking for more power. any suggestions? Looking for Electric strart, low seat height and power! There are some good deals on the 2018 kx250f but it has no kick start, if you put anyone of these 250 four strokes against a 15 yr older 250 2 stroke is the power output similar or do you think like the 2018 kx250 would blow it's doors off? Would a crf250R be so much different than the crf230, sorry for the stupid ?'s but I am a little lost now in the new 4 stroke world
I know this is a late comment given the video came out a month or two ago, but I’m about 5’10” and weigh 135-ish, would I be too light for a 250 in suspension terms? Or would I just have to do a lot of adjusting?
The font end on the ktm 250 is not the best got my suspension done and re-valved and it’s still noticeable and I had a few 18s and never had a problem with the front end
@Michael Lindsay how was the 2019 kx 450 turning?I always have had Kawasakis but the front end is crazy and is very hard to turn. I have just tried the new honda crf 250 2019 and it turns great. Do you know if the KX 250 2020 will be as good in turns as you have tried the KX 450 2019 and know what to expect to be changed on the KX 250 for next year. I think I will buy the 19 honda and then buy the 21 KX when the re-do some of the things that did not work perfectly on the new changes on the 2020 250 KX
Statistically speaking i wish you could have more riders come and test it. Have an open practice day where people can come and ride and give some feedback. I fell like 7 or 8 riders dont show the whole picture.
Cody Wells why would they set the spring rate for each riders weight? They’re testing stock bikes. They’re not gonna modify the bikes n change the springs on the shocks and forks for each n every rider. That doesn’t even make sense. They’re testing the bikes stock from the factory and adjusting what they can (sag, bars, controls, clickers) for each rider. You really want them swapping springs? Lol
You guys are bullying the kx for a cramped rider compartment. All that stuff is adjustable on the kx. I will agree the stock setup with the bars in the back position and the footpegs in the upper it is not ideal for larger riders but is setup for the ideal 250 riders that were mentioned about when you threw the suzuki under the bus for setting it up for a larger rider. Still love your stuff Michael!
I have a 2016 kx250f and i feel the same. After a while i get used to it a lot but still i feel more comfortable on other bikes Especially Yamaha. 2019 kx450 thought felt perfect. I guess 2020 kx250f will have the same amazing chassis/ ergos
@Michael Lindsay Ok you are correct. I forgot I had to change the bars. I know you guys have to test them stock. When moving the stock bend (971 Renthal) bars to the front it also raises them a lot. I had to put a lower bend bar on it. With the bars forward, the pegs lower and forward and the flat seat, the bike can be ridden aggressive and is the most comfortable setup I have ever had and I have owned a lot of bikes. Im just offering this info to anyone who wants to read it. Good day Michael
Idk why you talk about the rpm the engine makes power at because it can all be changed with timing cams exhausts fuel mapping. Its not a two stroke. Anyone can put a couple cams and a tune in it and make it run however you want
I feel like the Vital Mx test riders are asking more from the 250 then it can deliver. They want super good bottom, but wants it to scream on top and make power. You cant have it all. Yz has good bottom but an ok top. The KTM is the middle man between the yz and the honda. Ok bottom but good on top. The honda has less bottom but if its over ~6000 rpm its easily a monster.
this should not be out yet. As much as I respect this channel and his usual evaluations of the bikes, theres no way you could have done a good comprehensive review yet, the suzuki just got in the states like a week or two ago? Look at other shootouts that take place over several weeks to months. With that being said, I do agree with your order of bikes, with the exception of maybe the ktm and husky.
KTM Husky and Yamaha were available for testing for several months now. The result of the shootout will not change even if they were doing it after a month. At least not for the the top three bikes. The only bike that could need a little more time is the Honda. Still is not a completely new model.
All our Shootouts are conducted in the same manner with three to four days of testing. As with most buddies jumping on each other’s bikes, it’s doesn’t take many laps to learn the characteristics of each motorcycle. Each day, the test riders ride 3-4 hours, so by the end of it they’ve done 10-12 total hours of riding testing, adjusting and playing with what’s available stock on each bike. Even by the last day, they have their rough orders laid out and just fine tune one or two of the bikes they’re deciding between somewhere in the order. Personally, our main test rider Michael Lindsay flew to Japan a few months ago to ride the Suzuki.
You think they didn’t do enough testing to make a comparison review... but you agree with their order? So presumably you HAVE ridden all of the bikes for enough time to have a balanced opinion?! 👀
@@Mockle07 the order hasn't changed for quite awhile in my opinion. I've thought the Yamaha, ktm, and husky were at the top of the class for awhile. The kawi is good but not great at anything, and the honda wasn't changed enough from last year to make it better then the front 3. And the rmz250, much like the rmz450 from last year, didn't receive enough changes to top the other bikes. My point was not that the running order was flawed, my point is how can u know all the bikes long term weaknesses and strengths from only testing for just a few days or weeks. Look at motocross actions 450 test that took several months. They brought things to light that could only have been determined t hrougj several months of testing, and considering that each one of us that are going to buy these bikes are usually in it for the long term, it's best to take into account longer evaluations when testing. Just my opinion. I have nothing against vital mx what so ever, and in fact I do like there reviews.
@@maxencem3873 Moi je suis en 450 mais j ai essaye des 250 et la KTM est pour moi la meilleure(La husky j ai pas essaye)la yam est trop large et les autres manque de puissance...
Maxim Platica How can you say it needs to be on the podium if you have never ridden it? Their new bike isn’t even for sale yet, so how can you call it “fantastic?”
Despite the air forks I really wanted to switch to husky in 2019. 250f and 125. The last generation was the best looking bikes ever made imo. 2019 could possibly be the ugliest bikes ever made. I hope at some point in the future they return to there there original iconic design characteristics. I know it really shouldn’t matter, but I’m pretty disappointed in that department.
Let me guess, the KTM won. Hope I’m wrong; I’m at the start of the video. EDIT: I was pleasant surprised to be wrong. I disagree that the Husky should be in second, I think the Kawasaki should be in second and put the husky in Honda’s spot and move the Honda to Kawasaki’s spot.
Why don't they compare a 125 four stroke to a 125 2 stroke and see how they do... These NASCAR engines are a NON-STOP money pit and KTM/Husqvarna 2 strokes are where it is at.
I've rode both ktm and yz 250 2 strokes and the yz is far better. Dyno statistics aren't everything when your in that yz 250 there's nothing better, except of course a kx 450
@@WishDistance The YZ250 is 15+ YEARS OLD - the DYNO means nothing it is how it performs when it is ridden. KTM/Husqvarna are STEEL framed, far superior to the 'aluminum - VIBRATION'. Plus the KTM has a COUNTER-BALANCED - the YZ250 ANCIENT REHASH - they will drop it in 2020 or 2021....
If you have the money for a 2019 bike you probably have all the gear and no idea especially if your watching this to decide what one to buy.. jesus, and if you do have the money and actually ride please for the love of God just pick the kawi or honda