VOL. 55 ISSUE 11 MARCH 20, 2018 P125
Of the three engines, the
Honda's and Kawasaki's are most
comparable. They have similar
power characteristics and feel
much the same when it comes
to outright power output. The
difference between these two is
negligible.
Smooth, precise and predict-
able low-rpm throttle response is
critical for riders new to motorcy-
cling, and all three bikes have just
that—excellent throttle response.
The KLX's fuel-injection is a
major improvement over the previ-
ous carbureted KLX. Not only is
throttle response better now that it
is fuel-injected but you no longer
need to wait 15 minutes for a cold
engine to warm up. That drove us
nuts with the previous KLX.
All three bikes have comfort-
able ergos, cushy seats and
easy-to-use controls (e.g. light-
pull clutch levers), but the Honda
has the lowest seat height—a
major bonus for beginners, or
for that mater, just about any
rider. This is where the Honda
really shines and makes up for its
shorter wheel travel. The CRF's
seat height is a good half-inch
lower than the KLX's and a full
two inches lower than the WR's.
This is could be a deal-changer
for some—mainly beginners and
novices—who would just as soon
sacrifice some suspension per-
formance for being able to solidly
and confidently plant both feet on
the ground, (or at least one foot
without having to lean the bike
YAMAHA WR250R
•Powerful engine
•High-quality suspension
•Tall seat height
•Revvy engine
KAWASAKI KLX250
•Easy to ride
•Adjustable suspension
•Multiple color options
•Fork lacks rebound-
damping adjustment
HONDA CRF250L
•Low seat height
•Optional ABS
•Low MSRP
•Lacks suspension
adjustments
•Springy rear suspension
UPS & DOWNS
