VOLUME 56 ISSUE 49 DECEMBER 10, 2019 P73
CONTENDERS
KTM 250 SX-F
The KTM 250 SX-F comes into our 2020
shootout as the defending champion,
having topped the field last year with
its lightweight performance and top-
level components, most of which remain
unchanged. The KTM gets only light
revisions, including revised valving and
a new piston in the WP Xact fork aimed
at more plush action in the initial stroke.
Updated shock settings complement the
revised fork, and like the 450, the 250
SX-F now comes with two airbox covers,
one vented and one sealed so you can
open up the airflow for improved power.
SUZUKI RM-Z250
After a major overhaul in 2019, which
saw the RM-Z250 receive a new cylinder
head and dual injectors along with
new frame and swingarm to go with
updated KYB suspension, the Suzuki
made big improvements in terms of
overall performance. After an exhaustive
revision, the Suzuki crew opted to ride
into 2020 without any changes. The
Suzuki holds strong among the best
handling bikes in the field, and has a lot
to offer in terms of performance, but is
one of the only bikes in the shootout to
not offer electric start.
YAMAHA YZ250F
Yamaha's YZ250F comes into 2020
wholly unchanged from the 2019
model that was a top contender in our
shootout last year. It was a three-way
fight for the win in 2019, a fight that
the Yamaha just barely lost out on,
collecting third. The carryover 2020 is
still a fantastic package with its class-
leading suspension, electric start, a
powerful motor and onboard Wi-Fi with
the free Power Tuner app. While the YZ
hasn't changed, its primary competitors
have—will that yield different results
this time around?
