2021 250 SML Shootout

It’s an exciting time to be a motocross rider and racer, as technology has advanced so far these days that there truly is no motorcycle that cannot win in bone-stock condition. In the early days of our sport, riders raced converted street and trail bikes with headlights removed, swingarms cut, and shock angles relocated. Even in the more recent glory years of the modern two-stroke, bikes needed to be heavily modified to be raced in the upper classes competitively. Well no more! The modern 250cc four-stroke motocross bike pumps out plenty of easy to use power, has adjustability that we could only dream of a decade ago, and is suspended better, and has superior handling characteristics than bikes made even five years ago.
This year, we’ve been logging laps on the crop of 2021 250s since as early as the first week of September and although we already had a good idea of how the five machines stacked up against one another, we gathered for one final day of comparison testing at Cahuilla Creek Motocross in Anza, California. Yes, the Suzuki RM-Z250 and Gas Gas MX 250 are absent, but neither bike has arrived on US shores as of yet, and we decided to move forward as readers are anxious to see how the available machines compare. For this year’s final day of testing, we gathered the same panel of test riders from 2020 - plus long-time test rider Mike Sleeter - and invited the manufacturers to attend and help set us their machines ideally for each test rider. Maxxis ST tires were installed on all the machines to ensure consistent traction and eliminate tire discrepancies from the influencing factors, while we used AMSOIL lubricants to keep all of the bikes running smoothly. As always, Jared Hicks at Backyard Design supplied numberplate backgrounds for all of the bikes, and they fit perfectly and stayed adhered through all of the abuse.
So, how did the bikes compare? Much of the finishing order was predictable, but there were a couple of big surprises! Press play to see what our panel of six thought of the 2021 machines.

[@alexandrakingi8502]

Pat just always seems to know what he's talking about 💯👌

[@jonathangoglin4047]

I will always be a loyal kawasaki rider. Grew up on them and have never been disappointed. Plus I support my local dealer which is a kawasaki dealer. I honestly watch these just to see how my preferred brand is doing against the competition. Holding up well so far 👍✊🔥

[@brandonfoley8070]

Still a big Yamaha guy, 2nd choice would be Honda

[@andreasstefanou5898]

SML is becoming one of my favorite magazines.

[@4syth]

YZ250F. Got my first one new in 2014, I've upgraded every 3 years since, just ordered my 2022 YZ. I used to ride Honda, but for me Yamaha just fits perfectly.

[@max315x]

Awesome content thankyou

[@amacoutdoors2076]

Yeah I had a feeling that new KX was gonna be great

[@jarrodhutton8776]

This is all very nice to hear and watch. But I feel like it’s all the same tracks and the same conditions every time. And so none of this really applies to us here is southern UK. Need this to happen in real deep nasty conditions. The kid talks about bumps. Not a bump on that track. Give these guys these bikes in conditions where it’s really rough and I’d love to hear what they say about the bikes. FYI not a KTM guy at all, not ranting. Lol but again thanks for the content I love it. 🤙🤙🤙

[@motokulture4544]

That’s my man Don go Blue!!!!

[@JohnHowerton137]

A lot of Mitch in that KX250. That would be the only machine I’d be interested in leaving Austria for.

[@knolysjohnson7244]

Lets go!!

[@tajjson]

Swapmoto is seriously my favorite dirt bike channel

[@recambiosmotoshop300]

💚 2021 Kawasaki KX 250.

[@joelaliberte8006]

I love Yamaha I just can't get over heavy / wide feel. As soon as Yamaha figures this out I would love to buy one!!

[@yafem5109]

When do The Suzuki and gasgas rew com out

[@HNTRTV]

you guys should consider doing a beginner level shootout, since 75% of the consumers fall in that category

[@leeham273]

Just picked up a 21 YZ250F. Thing is fuckin sick, light years ahead my 19 CRF250R

[@Denita6969]

You guys talked to the Suzuki guys , you mean they have people there, that you still can talk too.

[@joao55mx32]

Kawi is the best!!

[@ggmotorcross4294]

Gas Gas