VOLUME ISSUE DECEMBER , P77
2024 Honda CRF250R
$8299
WET WEIGHT: 231 lbs.
The Honda CRF250R is un-
changed again for 2024, mak-
ing it nearly the same as when
this generation was introduced
in 2022. The Honda rides on
Showa suspension and offers
three power modes with launch
control. Pirelli Scorpion tires,
a neutral rounded seat, and a
cable-operated clutch highlight
the Honda's spec sheet. Despite
it being unchanged yet again, the
Honda is now the lightest bike on
our scales of this group at 231
pounds fully fueled. The Honda
didn't get lighter; some of the
others just got heavier.
2024 Yamaha YZ250F
$8899/$9099 (RETRO)
WET WEIGHT: 236 lbs.
The Yamaha YZ250F is arguably the
most anticipated 250F in the class for
2024. It enters a new generation and
now shares the same chassis and slim
bodywork as the YZ450F with virtually
the same proven 250F engine as the
previous generation. The cam chain
was beefed up for added durability,
and the airbox needed to be reworked
to accommodate the new plastics.
Yamaha's Power Tuner App has been
updated with easier-to-use functions.
The YZ-F gained one pound from the
2023 model but is still the second
lightest of the group.
In honor of the YZ's 50th anniver-
sary, Yamaha also offers the YZ250F
in special white retro livery for $200
more than the traditional blue model.
2024 Husqvarna FC 250
$10,299
WET WEIGHT: 237 lbs.
Going for the most "premium" bike in
the class is the 2024 Husqvarna FC
250. It's the third from the Austrians
and the most expensive, by $100, of
the bunch. The extra money gets you
Brembo brakes and clutch, WP sus-
pension, and all the electronics you
could want. Sounds just like the KTM,
right? That's because the KTM and
the Husqvarna are arguably the most
similar they've ever been. The main
differences are the apparent plastics
and graphics, a sealed-off air box, and
a 10mm lowered suspension on the
Husky. The airbox is said to provide a
mellower power character. At the same
time, the lowered suspension drops
the seat height by a difference of 0.8
inches compared to the KTM.
'Zook up at low rpm and encourage the rider to use all
the bike's horses. Plus, how can you not love the sound
of a carbon-tipped PC pipe?! The graphics look good on
the sharp Suzuki bodywork, too.
The bike is still down on horsepower, up on weight,
and, need we say, still comes equipped with a kickstarter.
It's easy to criticize the RM-Z250, especially if you've still
yet to ride one. Aside from the obvious, our testers had
positive things to say about the Suzuki. Our expert riders
praised it for its sharp handling and comfortable rider
cockpit. Its manageable power character also allowed
them to ride the bike to its potential without fear of it
getting out from under them. The only reiterated com-
plaint is the unbalanced chassis and harsh suspension.
With a few mods, the RM-Z can still be competitive, and
we thank whoever signed off on approving the RM Army
editions. Still, it finds itself out of the "official" test and in
the back of the pack. It is, however, the least expensive
of the group, which saves Suzuki die-hards some extra
cash for the much-needed suspension modifications. The
more brands, the better, and as long as Suzuki produces a
250cc motocrosser, you'll find it in our lineup.
