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/1512679
SHOOTOUT I 2024 250CC FOUR-STROKE MOTOCROSS SHOOTOUT P76 2024 KTM 250 SX-F $10,199 WET WEIGHT: 237 lbs. The KTM SX-F lineup received genera- tional changes a year ago but comes into 2024 virtually unchanged. Last year, we saw an all-new frame, engine and bodywork adorning the flagship Austrian 250, all aimed at centralizing overall mass. Their "Ready To Race" mantra rings true in the opened airbox and an electronics suite complete with mapping switch- es, traction control and quick shift capabilities. The KTM is no longer the lightest bike in the class. However, its Brembo clutch, brake system and WP Xact suspension components are still considered premium features. Its price tag falls between its Husqvarna and GasGas relatives. 2024 GasGas MC250F $9399 WET WEIGHT: 240 lbs. The GasGas MC 250F is one of two all-new bikes for the 2024 model year. While it is "all-new" for the GasGas brand, these changes are the same one's consumers saw one year ago on the KTM and Husqvarna machines. A new frame, engine, swingarm and plastic bring the Gas- Gas up to par with the other Austrian bikes. These updates also packed a few extra pounds, tipping our scales at 240 pounds. The GasGas's sus- pension offers a softer "Euro-spec" setting along with Braketec brakes and a Braketec clutch. Since it lacks the mapping switch and trac- tion control and comes with silver wheels, it is the least expensive of the three Austrian models. 2024 Kawasaki KX250 $8799 WET WEIGHT: 239 lbs. You won't miss the 2024 Kawasa- ki's KX250 on track with its bright lime green coloring, which it gets more of in 2024. And that's about it. The green machine received a heavy mid-generation revamp in 2023, focusing on low-to-mid- range power. This was achieved via a longer exhaust header, a straighter downdraft intake, and a repositioned dual fuel injector sys- tem. A hydraulic clutch and three different programmable couplers come standard. Kawasaki's ErgoFit system allows riders to reposition their handlebars and footpegs if desired. 2024 Suzuki RM-Z 250 $8099 / WET WEIGHT: 233.7 LBS. (CLAIMED) Even though the Suzuki RM-Z 250 is virtually unchanged again for 2024, we still brought our test bike to the shootout. What's cool about this year's version is the new RM Army Edition. If you buy a Suzuki before the end of the year, you'll receive a full Pro Circuit Ti-6 Pro header and muffler, a pre-programmed map to match the exhaust, and a complete team-issue graphics kit for no extra cost. So, in our eyes, this is technically a stock 2024 RM-Z250. Even with these upgrades, the bike still feels like years prior. The updated map and exhaust system certainly wake the The recruits H H H The recruits The recruits The recruits The recruits H H H