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/956070
2018 250CC DUAL-SPORT SHOOTOUT SHOOTOUT P126 over too far). The Kawasaki's is low, as well, but the Yamaha's is downright high for an entry-level motorcycle at 36.6 inches. But for taller riders, of course, that might not be an issue. The differences between these bikes on the pavement are min- ute, but the Yamaha has the slight edge just because it has a bit more get-up-and-go. If you're more worried about slowing down safely than going fast, the CRF250L is the only bike here that offers ABS—for an additional $300. (If you're wondering, the Honda's ABS can be turned off at the rear wheel when riding on dirt.) The Honda holds the most fuel, but not by much. Capacity for the Honda is 2.1 gallons and 2.0 gallons for both the Kawasa- ki and Yamaha. But, hey, every ounce counts, in our opinion. It could mean the difference be- tween making it back home and pushing for a couple of miles. The Kawasaki is the only bike that drives its odometer with the front wheel; the Yamaha and Honda do so via their transmis- sions. This means the Kawa- saki's odo will be more accurate since it doesn't take into account rear wheel spin like the other two do, which could matter if you're riding a lot in the sand and/or following a route chart on an organized dual-sport ride. All three bikes have electric starting, which is pretty much a given these days, and all three bikes have six-speed manual transmissions. The Yamaha is the lightest at 295 pounds, followed by the Kawasaki at 298 and the Honda at 317. Basically, they're all heavy and you feel it on the trail but not so much on the pavement. Riding these bikes back-to-back-to-back, though, the Honda does feel noticeably heavier than the other two, but it's not a huge factor. >>WINNER OR LOSER? There really isn't either one in this bunch. It just depends which bike fits your needs and skill level best, really. There are a lot of variables. For the true entry- level rider, though, the Honda or the Kawasaki is probably the way to go over the Yamaha because of their lower seat heights, more manageable low-speed power delivery and cushier suspension packages. Performance-wise between the Honda and Ka- wasaki, we lean in favor of the Kawasaki because of its lighter weight and better—and more adjustable—suspension, but it's hard not to overlook the Honda's lower seat height, lower price tag and optional ABS (which pushes its price over the Kawa- saki's, but you are getting a pret- ty darned good feature in return). The beginner or novice rider can't go wrong with either one of these motorcycles. Here's where color or your favorite dealership might be your deciding factor. The larger and/or more experienced rider will like the Yamaha best, without question, because it will fit their longer arms and legs better, and they will appreciate the WR's more capable suspension and more powerful engine over the other two bikes. The Yamaha also might be the best option for the