Cycle News is a weekly magazine that covers all aspects of motorcycling including Supercross, Motocross and MotoGP as well as new motorcycles
Issue link: https://magazine.cyclenews.com/i/1443963
CORNER CORNER... CORNER... CORNER I N THIS I N THIS I N THIS I N THIS I N THIS I N THIS I N THIS I N THIS I N THIS I N THIS I N THIS I N THIS I N THIS I N THIS I N THIS I N THIS I N THIS I N THIS I N THIS I N THIS I N THIS SHOOTOUT I 2022 250cc FOUR-STROKE MOTOCROSS SHOOTOUT P74 2022 YAMAHA YZ250F ($8499) Wet weight: 235 lbs. If it ain't broke, don't fix it. That seems to be the motto with the current 250 offering from Yamaha. The YZ250F is deep in its model cycle. The current generation YZ250F debuted in 2019, and it is by far the most dominant 250F on the pro-racing scene as of late. Minor changes are seen on the '22 version, including a new rear-wheel setup—a wider 2.15-inch-wide rear wheel with a three-cross-spoke pattern and a 110-width Dunlop MX33 rear tire to match. As usual, updated suspension settings and graphics have been added, too. The blue crew has placed first in our shootouts for two years running and looks for an elusive three-peat in 2022. 2022 HUSQVARNA FC 250 ($9499) Wet weight: 234 lbs. The Husqvarna FC 250 is one of the three Austrian-built/KTM-owned motorcycles in this comparison. It's the most premium option of the three and of the entire 250F market, for that matter. Before you call it a "white KTM," think of it like General Motors. GM sells Cadillac, GMC and Chevy. All are virtually the same brands but with different trims. You could look at it as Husqvarna being the Cadillac, KTM the GMC and GasGas the Chevy. The Husky is the most expensive 250F in the field at $9499 and comes with features that match its price tag. A steel frame, carbon-composite subframe, Brembo brakes, and the two-map traction control switch all come standard. For '22, the Husky gets new graphics and a new Brembo (formerly Magura) hydraulic clutch assembly. 2022 KTM 250 SX-F ($9399) Wet weight: 232 lbs. For '22, the KTM 250 SX-F sees no significant changes from 2021. It continues to ride on a steel frame and WP suspension—air fork up front and spring shock in the rear. Selectable mapping, traction control, Brembo brakes and a Brembo hydraulic clutch system add to the list of premium components once again found on the KTM. It matches the lightest bike in the class (tied with the GasGas and Honda at 232 pounds) but is the second heaviest on the wallet ($9399 and just $100 less than the Husqvarna). The Orange Brigade hopes the "you get what you pay for" shtick gets them to the top step this year. CORNER CORNER CORNER CORNER CORNER... IN THIS