22.5 KTM 250 Factory Edition vs 22 CRF250R vs 22 YZ250F Back to Back!

2022.5 KTM 250 Factory Edition vs 2022 Honda CRF250R vs 22 YZ250F comparison time! I rode these bikes back to back on a rough, dry, and choppy Grear MX track. Back to back rides are a great way to get a feel for the characteristics of different bikes. My thoughts on each bike.... 2022 YZ250F: Strengths: Best in class low to mid and partial throttle torque feel feel with 2-stroke like quick throttle response. The YZ250F engine is strong and the power character feels like a 350 or mini 450. The free GYTR Power Tuner app allows for quick changes to the engine power character with a smart phone. I like the Hard Hitting and Keefer Free Feeling maps. KYB sets the bar for plush and controlled suspension that works for a wide range of rider weights, skills, and track conditions. The YZ250F chassis gives up some cornering agility for confidence inspiring stability at speed in the rough sections. Brakes are good and clutch pull effort is light. Weaknesses: Ergos: footpegs feel a little forward and the seat to peg distance is tight for taller riders and the reverse head intake makes the radiator shrouds feel wide. The exhaust and intake noise are both loud. 2022 Honda CRF250R Strengths: Great engine with good low end and strong mid to top power that is quick revving and free feeling with little engine braking. Map 3 is my favorite. The full Yoshimura exhaust on this bike turns up the throttle response with a little stronger mid range and roll on power feeling. Lightweight, quick responding, and agile feeing chassis with excellent cornering. This bike sets the bar for "fun to ride" in the 250F class. Almost 125 2-stroke like agility. Typical Honda "just feels right" ergonomics. Strong front brake with excellent modulation. Weaknesses: The firm chassis combines with too firm suspension setting (mostly the fork) to make the bike feel unplanted and busy at speed especially in dry and hard pack conditions with lots of track feedback felt through the handlebars and footpegs. Seat is thin and hard. 2022.5 KTM 250SXF Factory Edition Strengths: The all new 250SXF engine finally has excellent initial throttle response and a fun/lively mid range that still pulls strong into the higher RPM range. Map 1 pulls smooth and broad while Map 2 gives more hit but feels flatter up top. I use the quick shifter on my street bike all the time but still not used to using it on the 250FE. The new chassis gives up a little cornering quickness and agility for a more planted and less busy feel in the choppy and faster sections - a good trade off. There is also less chassis pitch under braking and acceleration. AER forks feel plush at the top of the stoke and the new hydro bottoming system resists bottoming even with low air pressures. The new rear shock gives good comfort on acceleration chop with good damping control overall. The new radiator shrouds/side panels/ergos feel near Honda perfect and the new foot pegs are mounted very close to the frame which works with the new plastic and really keeps the rider in contact with the sides of the 250FE. Brembo brakes are strong and clutch pull is light. Weaknesses: Some (perhaps most) riders still prefer the feel of spring forks. AER forks take time and effort to find the right clicker and air pressure settings and change during the day as ambient temperature changes. No phone app or myKTM connectivity unit to dial in engine settings. The all new KTM 250 chassis/engine/plastic is heavier (about 6~8 lbs more) than the current model - first time KTM has gained weight with an all new model in a long time. Only 400 made so hard to find and sometimes priced well above MSRP. The Bottom Line: The YZ250F has excellent stock suspension and strong low to mid roll on torque the feel for a 250F. The updated CRF and KTM engines and chassis exaggerate the ergo weaknesses and make the YZ250F feel a little heavy and less agile in the corners The '22 CRF250R is a very fun to ride combination of Power/Weight/Handling in a 250F dirt bike with a great engine and excellent cornering that needs more compliant suspension (and perhaps chassis) especially when riding hard pack and choppy conditions. The KTM 250 Factory Edition has strong power with a fun midrange surge, great cornering vs stability balance, and compliant suspension that is very tunable but does take time and effort to dial in your settings. For today's ride in dry choppy conditions the KTM 250FE wins with a more planted/less busy overall feel with excellent cornering followed closely by the YZ250F with the CRF250 taking 3rd. More back to back rides soon! My 1-month review of the '22 CRF250R.....    • 2022 Honda CRF250R: 1-month Review...Still...   My first ride review on my 22.5 KTM 250 Factory Edition...    • 2022.5 KTM 250SXF Factory Edition First Ri...   My '22 YZ250F review from last fall with my thoughts after riding the '22 CRF250R for a few hours...    • 2022 YZ250F vs 2022 CRF250R....Blue is Bet...