VOLUME 56 ISSUE 49 DECEMBER 10, 2019 P71
Z250 and Honda CRF250R. Further
complicating our decision-making
process were high winds, fires and
power outages that plagued the South-
ern California fall season. But even
through dust storms, gusting wind and
trashcans tumbling across parking lots,
we ventured from track to track, putting
in the man (and woman!) hours on the
2020 machines with a varied field of test
riders from novice to pro level, ranging
in age from "Shouldn't you be in school
right now?" to "Uuugh… where's the Icy
Hot?"
While our 450 Shootout was an
exercise in splitting hairs to determine
a winner, our 2020 250F Shootout
produced a rather clear victor. Beyond
s
PALMER
ASSESSMENT OF THE 2020
MOTOCROSS FIELD
that, the waters grew murkier and our
task of rating our way through the field
became harder. Many of the strengths
and complaints of each model showed
consistencies, but exactly where they
stood in the ranking as overall packag-
es was far more open to interpretation.
But in the end, it's always open to
interpretation, right? That's exactly why
we've broken it all down in terms of
motor, suspension, handling, ergonom-
ics and power tuning options for each
bike, so you can make your own edu-
cated decision. Also be sure to check
out links to contingency—something
that could definitely play a factor in your
choice to buy a bike, even for a casual
competitor!
