Our 2021 250F Motocross Shootout pits five bikes to see if any can topple the KTM from its throne.

AlthoughDirt Rider’s 2021 450 Motocross Shootout took place approximately a month and a half later than usual due to a few bikes becoming available at a later time in light of the COVID-19 pandemic, the 2021 250 Four-Stroke Motocross Shootout transpired around the same time as it has in recent years. For the smaller-displacement motocross bike comparison test the same manufacturers were present: Honda, Husqvarna, Kawasaki, KTM, and Yamaha.

The GasGas MC 250F and Suzuki RM-Z250 weren’t available when we scheduled the shootout. We will review each of those bikes when we take delivery of them, so stay tuned to the site for our first-ever test of a GasGas motocross bike along with the returning RM-Z250. With that, we rounded up the five competing motorcycles—the Honda CRF250R, Husqvarna FC 250, Kawasaki KX250, KTM 250 SX-F, and Yamaha YZ250F—and brought them to our shop to gather hard empirical numbers.

After applying DeCal Works preprinted number plate backgrounds on each machine, we then mounted Dunlop D404 street tires on the rear wheels for runs on the Dirt Rider dyno. Dunlop provided us with its excellent Geomax MX33 soft-to-intermediate-terrain tires for the comparison test, which ensured that traction was not a variable from one bike to another. The final shop tasks included weighing each motorcycle with a full tank of fuel on our automotive scales and then measuring the seat heights.

The on-track portion of the 250F motocross bike comparison test took place at various tracks in Southern California. The first two days were spent at Fox Raceway gathering static and action shots of the bikes. After our cameras were loaded with photos and video footage, we turned our full attention to testing. Cahuilla Creek MX served as the location for our initial dedicated test day. The Anza, California, track sits at an elevation of approximately 3,500 feet and features rolling hills and soil that consists mostly of decomposed granite along with some hard-packed areas.ADVERTISEMENT

Glen Helen Raceway was selected as the grounds for the final test day. The national-level track features several steep uphills and downhills, high-speed straightaways, and plenty of corners. Its deeply tilled soil allows for the formation of deep ruts and becomes hard-packed in certain areas as the day wears on.

Each manufacturer was present at Glen Helen to make any necessary adjustments to their respective bikes for each rider. The test team consisted of five riders ranging in ages from 22 to 50, abilities from novice to AMA pro, and weights from 125 to 175 pounds. Read on to find out how the five bikes finished when the dust settled and the results were tallied.

Bike	Weight, Full Tank (lb.)	Fuel   Capacity (gal.)	Seat   Height (in.)	MSRP
CRF250R	237	1.6	37.2	$7,999
FC 250	233	1.8	36.9	$9,399
KX250	238	1.6	37.0	$8,299
250 SX-F	232	1.8	37.2	$9,299
YZ250F	235	1.6	37.0	$8,299

Best Motocross Bike Winner—2021 Yamaha YZ250F

Best Motocross Bike 2nd Place—2021 KTM 250 SX-F

Best Motocross Bike 3rd Place—2021 Husqvarna FC 250

Best Motocross Bike 4th Place—2021 Kawasaki KX250

Best Motocross Bike 5th Place—2021 Honda CRF250R