I could not notice any significant weight distribution difference from other 250F's. The bike feels similar to the current Honda CRF250R in terms of lightweight feel and slim ergonomics. The engine looks very similar to a KTM 250SXF. Seat height did not stand out to me as low or high - just similar to the Honda CRF250R. I will be riding this bike at a track soon.

Yes I have been riding at the Cliff for years! What a great facility!

That is a great question! My 2025 CRF450R should arrive in a few weeks then I can do some back to back rides with my 25 350XCF. Austrian 350's have been my favorite overall combination Power/Weight/Handling in a 4-stroke dirt bike. The 25 KTM chassis updates are noticeable and the latest engine mapping is spot on and with the Connectivity Unit Offroad (CUO) you can reduce engine braking and dial up (a little) or dial back (a lot) the engine power and character. I'd give the edge to the 350XCF however that new CRF chassis is very good - just need to get it back to Ohio on some dry choppy hard pack dirt.

No. My 24 300RE runs very clean and smooth. I've experienced temperatures from 22F to 90F though the elevation change in Ohio is not so much! I am running stock jetting at 50:1 mix ratio.

I am also not a fan of the muffin top fuel tank on the RX models but the perimeter aluminum frame limits layout space available for extra fuel capacity. I did not feel the chassis on my 23 Honda CRF450 Works Edition needed to be stiffer. However I can understand Honda's direction of making the steering stem, lower triple clamp, upper fork tube, and front axle clamping all are more rigid - to keep them working in unison. I still need to ride the 25 CRF450R in dry hard pack choppy terrain but the part of the GNCC loop I rode at Ironman was encouraging as the bike felt very good! I hope to ride a 25 CRF250R soon and have heard the revised air cleaner intake and exhaust changes does liven up the low to mid throttle response and overall feel of the engine.

@@mxengineer1 Yeah it's always been an issue, i used to put the R tank on the X's in the 2004-2007 model range. I'd rather carry an extra litre and have sexy ergo's. Look forward to the hard pack review. Keep up the good work.

@@Superdisco199 Thanks!

Full Power Captain!💪

B-Soul bought on Amazon.

I did not feel my 23 Honda CRF450 Works Edition needed to be stiffer. However I can understand Honda's direction of making the steering stem, lower triple clamp, upper fork tube, and front axle clamping all are more rigid - to keep them working in unison. I still need to ride the bike in dry hard pack choppy terrain but the part of the GNCC loop I rode was very encouraging as the bike felt very good!

Thanks for the kind words! Yes my KZbin channel activity provided the opportunity for myself and my son to participate in the 2025 CRF450R intro ride at Ironman. The rain limited the ride time at the intro. My own 2025 CRF450R should show up soon and then I will have a much better understanding of how it stacks up against my 24.5 KTM 450 Factory Editon and 2025 KTM 350XCF. For now Austrian 350's are my favorite combination of Power/Weight/Handling in a 4-stroke dirt bike. Maybe the 25 CRF450R can become my new favorite?

@@mxengineer1 that is fantastic. I really think guys like yourself are what the industry need more than the paid media guys who no longer offer transparency and reviews. Keep up the great work

I could feel the slightly smoother and more refined feel of the 23 CRF450WE vs the base 23 CRF450R. This new 2025 CRF450R engine is so smooth and refined feeling. I think it is a combination of engine mapping, new air box layout, revised headpipe. Finally there are updated clutch dampers which help smooth the on/off transition. I wonder how much better the Works Edition CRF450R will be? I plan on finding out in November when the Works Edition arrives.

That is a great question! Both are very easy to ride 450F moto engines. The 2025 CRF450R engine is perhaps a little more playful/responsive. My 2025 CRF450R should arrive soon then I will do lots of back to back rides. My feeling from the introduction ride is on the 2025 CRF450R builds low to mid power a little more quickly than my 24.5 KTM 450FE. The vibration level on the 25 CRF450R is a little lower too. My 24.5 KTM 450FE has the stock throttle cam and non-vented airbox cover - the aggressive throttle cam and vented airbox cover will liven up the 450FE along with dialing up throttle response with the CUO.

Thank you!

Although I don't know about the 450, I bought a '25 250r...and it's unbeleivable how much better it is than my '22 CRF250r. If the 450 is the same leap forward, it'll be night and day better than the old generation. Stability and compliance were the biggest improvements. (I had an 08 crf450 as well )

My 2025 CRF450R should be here soon then moto and off road riding on dry hard pack choppy to see if it really is that much better. I did ride a stock 2022 CRF450R last Sunday to remind me again of how the current model works. I'll post video soon.

Yes looking forward to getting my 2025 CRF450R soon and riding it on the track and trails. The fluidity of the power is very good - Honda spent a lot of time on EFI mapping and it shows.

While there is no app there are (12) maps available any time - no need a phone.

Thanks! Anxiously awaiting my new 25 CRF450R to show up soon for some back to back rides and woods riding too!

I think Map 2 with any levels of TC engaged will be make for a smooth easy to ride CRF450R. Map 2 with TC at #3 is like a CRF350R so like have (2) bikes in one!

Besides being fun wheelies are a great way to check the linearity of power!💪

You know it!!!

ICE + Electric...great combination!

The Showa suspension (mostly the forks) are very plush and absorbing - perhaps there is something to the new mid valve and reduced spring rate on the pressure spring - whatever it is the forks felt really good with no mid stroke harshness. I think some of the fast magazine guys will say the forks felt soft but the jumps at Ironman are HUGE and the landings harsh so that may have made the forks feel softer. I give Honda credit for continually developing and changing the CRF's to make them better!

@@mxengineer1 I pick up a 2022 crf250r last year and valved the suspension up for off road. that is the funnest bike I had in a long time

Thanks! The 25 CRF450R engine/mapping with the updated clutch dampers and intake has an velvety smooth throttle response and excellent throttle hand to rear wheel connectivity. The RX versions should be even better with smoother EFI mapping and suspension settings. However I was very impressed with how well the 25 CRF450R worked on the trails. Here is a video demonstrating the mapping options.... kzbin.info/www/bejne/kGbHY4JqmdCtqq8

Yes!!!

Congratulations on your new Honda! Ride Red!

Yes the woods ride exceeded my expectations in both the rideability of the engine (especially at low RPM's) and the bump absorption of the suspension and chassis

The Stark is such a different riding experience! Has to be ridden to understand. I can set it to 10hp and let anyone that can ride a bicycle ride the Stark around. No heat, no noise, no clutch, no gas...just turn the throttle to go and use the brakes to stop. Then I can set it to 55~60 hp and enjoy the brutal and effortless acceleration and amazing cornering. I will always have gas bikes in the garage but and an electric one too. Thanks for watching!

Ha! Yes easy to like the Austrian 2-strokes...lightweight, agile, smooth fun power, no engine braking....totally understand!

Hopefully soon! I will post an initial ride review of the 2025 CRF450R late tomorrow on Thumpertalk.

Here is my first ride on the 25 CRF450R at Ironman... kzbin.info/www/bejne/b4OnmIuJhrl8mKs And playing with the mapping options on the 25 CRF450R and dialing it back to feel like a CRF350R 😎 kzbin.info/www/bejne/kGbHY4JqmdCtqq8

Yes having a clutch is helpful - especially for off road riding though I find simply having the power dialed up is all I need. Have you ridden a Varg yet?

@@mxengineer1 I've not.

They definitely could add a slipper controlled via a "clutch" lever. To me just as a safety. I grab my clutch often to help keep the bike in control whether it be in the air or on the ground.

Millville is an iconic track! The downdraft intakes on the YZ250/450F are such a fundamental design advantage when it comes to making power and quick engine response. I really like the design concept. Deegs (like Jett) is a generational talent and so fun to watch these guys ride and race.

Beta has really dialed in the stock jetting on the 250 and 300 2-strokes. Now the 250RR base has oil injection so no mixing gas/oil - that is nice! The Race Editions require gas/oil mix. I ride mostly in central Ohio and sometimes Pennsylvania with elevations from 500~2500 feet so not big variation and the stock jetting works fine for me with slight turn of the air screw in low of high temperatures. Suspension wise pay the extra money for the Race Edition - the KYB components are worth it and you can add the oil injection kit on a Race Edition bike if you don't want to mix gas/oil. Beta Rideability!

@@mxengineer1 oh wow thanks so much thats really helpful, didnt know you could add an injection kit after thats changed my game masivley, I'm in the UK so I would say the temperature range is quite alot from very cold to fairly warm. Thanks man!

@@yzniinja I've ridden my 24 Beta 300RE from about 22F to 90F with stock jetting. Richen the air screw for below 50F and lean it a bit for above 80F. Works well over a surprisingly big temperature range. Beta knows how to make 2-strokes run clean with a simple carb and mechanical power valve!

@@mxengineer1 i like what I'm hearing! off to look at few this weekend :)

Yes MSRP for the base 2025 KTM 350XCF is 11,999 plus $650 freight + set up....I MSRP on my '21 KTM 350XCF Kailub Russell Edition was $11,599 and it came with all the cool Factory Edition parts. These bikes are EXPENSIVE!!! I want a new 2025 KTM 350XCF Factory Edition but usually KTM introduces them at the Ironman GNCC race in October and I did not want to miss the whole summer of riding the new 25 350XCF so I bought the base model. It works so well I am not sure I will get the Factory Edition this fall if KTM introduces one.

KickIn Roost is a fun track! Hope to see you soon at any of the Ohio tracks - feel free to stop by and say hello!

The 350SXF/XCF make 54hp at the rear wheel (according to MXA) and rev to 13,000 rpm so the engine is not so happy at super low RPM's on the trail. However if I cover the clutch my 25 350XCF has better stall resistance at low RPM than my 21 KTM 350XCF Kailub Russell edition. Here is a low speed ride on my 25 350XCF.... kzbin.info/www/bejne/eWKnZaKcrJh9ba8

Yes sadly the classic Sportster is no longer produced. What a fun to ride and iconic bike - keep yours forever!

I rode a 23 KTM 250SXF and 350SXF with VORTEX ignitions. For the 350...the 24/25 OEM engine map is very much improved and runs crisp and clean off the showroom floor. The $190 CUO unit can dial it back a lot or dial it up a little and changes the engine character noticeably and at only $190 (or $250 for the complete unit including LITPRO GPS) is a much better "bang for the buck" compared to the $1000 VORTEX based on my experience.

Here is a back to back ride on the 23 KTM 450 FE and 23 YZ450F - ergo wise represent the current bikes. The new YZ layout is better for taller riders however the YZ has a tall seat height and I can notice that in corners. KTM feels good for my 6'2" 190 body though perhaps slightly tighter ergo's overall compared to the YZ. The Yamaha seat is hard and rounded which is polarizing for some riders and has been noted in magazine reviews. I am not a big leg gripper rider so both feel similar to me though the Yamaha has a little wider feel as I stand and move back on the bike (the side shrouds stick out farther on the YZ). Engine power - not sure which model you are asking about....250F or 450F. The Yamaha downdraft intake 250/450F's both have 2-stroke like snappy throttle response with less vibration than the same KTM models and both are loud enough to require ear plugs. KTM 250/450F engines rev a little slower (especially the 450) compared to the YZ but make more power mid to high RPM. Back to back 450's... kzbin.info/www/bejne/hKOaYp6Iptdkf7c

@@mxengineer1 Thanks for taking the time and in depth comments and analysis! I will watch the video. I appreciate all the work put into them. I think end of the day that I need to ride them to compare.

@@user-lv3py5vm6i Yes riding them for yourself will be the best comparison!

So many choices! 24 YZ450FX is a BEAST!!! Even dialed back that engine is still super responsive and strong. The chassis is firm and reactive - a little busy at speed but that quickness is good on the trails. YZ450FX will laugh at the hills. Here is a better YZ450F dialed back video... kzbin.info/www/bejne/g6Sto6eGpJxjrsk 25 YZ250FX might be the sleeper choice. The new chassis feels really good on the 250F with improved ergos and more agility. If you are used to riding a 300 smoker any 250F will have just enough power most of the time and perhaps lack enough power some of the time - just have to keep it pinned and revving. The YZ250F engine runs has the best partial throttle low to mid roll on torque feel of the 250F's. I rode a 24 TC250 and liked the lower suspension, total lack of vibration, and power was stronger than expected after coming on my 23 TX300. Smooth, fast, and fun... kzbin.info/www/bejne/lYe3m2tveNKSg7c For me an Austrian 300 TBI smoker (KTM 300XC/Husky TX300/Gas Gas EX300) is hard to beat as a Do-it-All 2-stroke. For 24 model year the new WP spring cartridge fork works great. All of those bikes have rebates now (TX300 is $1500). If you are a picky rider I would spend the extra money on a 25 model of the Austrian bike with the updated frame. The improved bump compliance and tire contact patch feel is noticeable. Let me know what you buy!

That is a super COOL street bike and with full termi exhaust would sound (and look) amazing!

The range really depends on the rider weight and terrain (more hills = less range). However what I found in real world riding the LT+ is I often turn the power assist off during the ride - sometimes wind is at my back or slightly downhill etc. That kind of riding really extends to range. Battery life is a great question. The LT+ in the video now belongs to my brother and he has put many miles and re-charges on the battery with no issues to date.

I think flameout at low engine RPM is similar between a 250XCF and 350XCF. My 2025 350XCF low engine RPM running is fairly smooth and better than my 2021 KTM 350XCF Kailub Russell edition. Rekluse autoclutch will fix the issue but that is a lot of money.

Yes this bike's modded engine easily pulls 3rd gear now. The stock 24 YZ250 lost a tick of that low to mid torque response at the initial turn of the throttle.

I really enjoy e-MTB's! I currently have a 21 Tazer MX Pro (Shimano EP8 motor 500Wh battery), Trek Rail 9.7 Gen 2 (Bosch motor with 625Wh battery), and 22 Specialized Kenevo Expert (700Wh battery). The Tazer is the most moto feeling bike with 170mm travel dual crown Ohlins forks and 155mm Ohlins shock - very good suspension though the forks limit turning radius. Shimano motor has some gear rattle noise though is strong and responsive. 500Wh battery can be limiting on longer rides (not an issue for my 1~2 hour usual rides). Trek has free rolling feel with 29" wheels and Bosch motor is powerful. Base Rockshox suspension works great and is plush and absorbing. 625Wh battery has plenty of range. Kenevo has 27.5" wheels with 180mm of plush bump eating suspension. My son calls the Kenevo a cheat code for downhill runs. Brose motor is super quiet and full tunable with Mission Control app. So many amazing deals and huge discounts out there now however buy the bike that feels the best to you. I've not ridden the latest Moro 5 or 7 but see $2500 discounts. I think the latest Yamaha motors are really good though the geometry on the Moro's seems a bit off (steep head angle and laid back seat posts - both are not the latest trend in e-MTB's). My personal preference is Kenevo, Rail, Tazer. Let me know what you buy!

@@mxengineer1 Thank you for your response. I am a (50-year old) dirt biker that is just starting to learn about E-MTBs. Appreciate your time. Thank you for making great videos.

@@davidb9017 Glad you enjoy the channel! E-MTB's are FUN!!!

Just got a Tazer MX pro, what a weapon at a mega price. The Stark is impressive tech, but I love my old 2/. Great channel 🤙🏻

@@hightower005 Glad you like the channel! Tazer MX Pro MSRP was $7999 when I bought mine (3) years ago now $4999(!!). Fantastic deal for a great bike!