P42
2021 250cc FOUR-STROKE MOTOCROSS SHOOTOUT
SHOOTOUT
Yamaha YZ250F ($8299)
Weight (wet): 237 lbs.
Last year's shootout winner is back with a
host of new changes aimed at improving
overall power and precision from the engine
and chassis. A new cylinder head, a wider
intake port, revised frame thicknesses, new
front brake caliper and updated suspension
settings complete the blue bike for '21. In
short, it received the same changes as the
YZ450F just a short year prior. The smaller
of the YZF's also comes equipped with
Yamaha's proprietary Power Tuner App.
The blue crew has abandoned the "if it ain't
broke don't fix it" mentality and is ready to
fire first in this year's shootout.
KTM 250 SX-F ($9299)
Weight (wet): 233 lbs.
The KTM 250 SX-F has been a shootout
contender for the past few years and returns
with its sights set on the top spot. As the
second-lightest bike of the bunch, the SX-F
comes armed with a high-revving engine, a
steel frame, WP Xact air fork and rear shock,
as well as Brembo brakes and a Brembo
hydraulic clutch combination. The KTM
also features a handlebar-mounted map
switch with two unique ECU settings and
the option for traction control. A narrow
rider cockpit, refined technology and a
fast power plant are key attributes for the
Orange Brigade's arsenal.
Honda CRF250R ($7999)
Weight (wet): 237 lbs.
The 2021 Honda CRF250R enters this
gunfight looking eerily similar to the
2020 model. In fact, it is exactly the
same bike! While Honda spent most of
its time doing a ground-up revision on
its 450, the 250 was left with the crumbs
as far as R&D. Dual exhaust systems, a
three-mode map switch, electric start
and Showa suspension highlight the
capabilities of the original red ride. This
is the bike that took Chase Sexton to a
250 East Supercross Championship, can
it be the victor in this year's shootout?
THE STEEDS
