2025 Vital MX 250 Shootout

[@vitalmx]

This feature is only live on KZbin at the moment and will launch tomorrow on our website with a full article as well. Check back tomorrow on our site or for the link in this pinned comment. Thanks for watching!

[@daneunderwood8683]

dude that track is smoother then the freshly paved road i live on

[@vitalmx]

We only film part of our test days. Most of the filming is done early in the morning then we test late into the day until each track closes. We usually beg the track owners to let us keep going after they kick the public off and close up.

[@kolewetherell5152]

Hey Vital, I know budget is a thing.. But I would love to see a "modded" shootout. Do what you guys feel each bike needs to be its best self, within reason. (we all know you could do clamps, wheels, engine mods etc...) Set a budget of 4-5K, spread that across each bike with a pipe, suspension, grips, ECU tune, some fuel, random mods like the KX airbox, GasGas getting the map switch, KTM a spring conversion maybe... etc. This would be a great way to see what the best bike is at its peak and within reason for us normal folks when tailoring a bike to ourselves. Curious to know perhaps the KX,CRF or KTM gains 20% improvement while the YZ only gains 10% and shifts the results, or maybe the YZ just blows the doors off everyone even more... This would totally influence my decision on purchasing. Personally, outside of general engine or chassis character I dont read into a stock bike shootout as you can usually tailer a bike to suit your needs as long as the base doesnt have any glaring flaws that go against your riding style. Thanks for all you do ML and Crew.

[@chillon2922X]

That would be a real life thing.

[@mikeking7388]

Michael really digs into the specs offered by these manufacturers. It’s so cool.

[@SteveSteeleSoundSymphony]

The Suzuki RMZ is still worth considering. Reliability, rideability, cornering, and price are assets many riders still covet.

[@take5th]

KX sounds like a good vet bike.

[@E63s_Scott]

Im finding it hard to believe ktm got beat by both husky and gas gas I’ve owned all 3, but in new gen a fc350 and ec300 the gas gas doesn’t even have brembos man, they are severely hampered for a customer. No mapping too, And the price difference ain’t even worth the loss. the brake tech pads and clutch last 1/3 of the brembos most fork out more money and swap to the brembo caliper. I rode a 24 250sxf and the new triumph back to back at 2 different tracks and the engines where extremely close the triumph a little more free feeling maybe down to the crazy long enduro style gearing could do the whole track in 2nd even some decent jumps, great bike especially for a 1st year

[@CharlesDeLorenzo]

Especially considering the Husky and GasGas finished last and second to last in the other 250 shoot out.

[@rogopenshaw7346]

And you’re entitled to your opinion just like these test riders. I was happy to finally see a shootout with results that were unexpected. There’s not a bad bike on the market from the main manufacturers these days, it’s all personal preference. To slam a bike just because of its brand of brakes is a bit silly.

[@yukonjon5964]

so all the bikes are junk, but the YZF is not so bad. ok then. every shootout needs to start by saying who their target audience is. for example... "the advice we are about to give you assumes you are racing moto and run in the A class. the rest of you should just buy the color you grew up liking, or go with whatever dealership seems best in your area."

[@andrewcarter215]

So enthusiasts cant enjoy learning what the pros think?

[@LilLefty27]

I love these videos, but as Michael said in the beginning: "finding what's best for YOU", I'd still heavily consider a Suzuki. Riding maybe twice a month at your generic B/C class pace, I'm going yellow IF the price is right. Lower cost to entry and the bike is plenty capable and reliable. Sounds good to me.

[@vitalmx]

The right bike makes for the best time. - ML 😆

[@jpesicka492]

And just remember if it was included it would be 8th place. (Last). Doesn’t mean you couldn’t improve it. It’s still under par.

[@logancieless6936]

Here in PA the cheapest bikes are Kawi’s. I’ve picked up bikes for $5500-$6000 so it dosent make sense to pick a Suzuki for $6000-$6500 but like you are implying, the average joe may not be able to really know a difference from yellow to any other color

[@jdavishornet]

Kick start 4 stroke. Did that. Not again.

[@noneofyourbusiness5910]

@@logancieless6936 exactly just buy last year's new model

[@Joshmcbride732]

never seen so many loose riding styles giving there opinions on bikes. lol these results are wild...

[@anthonycavalliotis8736]

Don't Stress out with the KTM Air fork. You will adapt to it in no time.

[@jackmurdock5723]

It’s so nice to see an unbiased shootout that isn’t on KTM’s payroll as MXA has always been.

[@scottpeters8640]

I just watched the MXA shootout and they gave the Austrian brands a 1-2-3 sweep. They have been KTM fanbois for a lot of years now.

[@thefridaynetwork]

-rep. Didn't include Amazon's RFN250.

[@petersenrodsandhobbies821]

It is too good! The industry pays too much to lose to the best 250 on the free market! /s

[@epaquatics5689]

because they know it would smoke all the japanese and austrian bikes 🥱

[@Jaxson_riley]

Bro it’s AWFUL lol

[@Mcfc2Rich]

Next day delivery tho ​@@Jaxson_riley

[@44sammy4]

Nice work guys

[@leadfingers]

did a few laps on the YZ it was fire

[@scotto_123]

Makes less hp than euro bikes Don’t know the fire your talking about

[@MartinezHQ]

I want to do this for a living ❤❤❤

[@G10yamaha]

Triumph by far best bike, blows my yam out the water

[@seangavingregory4367]

what year is your Yammy? Just curious...

[@michaeltrower6792]

Honda Kawasaki Yamaha Ktm Gas gas Husqvarna Suzuki

[@SteveMoto622]

Wow Gas Gas strong 2nd minus the Bells and whistles 😎

[@da5863]

It’s interesting how internal gear ratios influence rider impression. The Austrian bikes are the most powerful bikes here in both HP/TQ, followed by the Kawasaki. From this video you’d think the Triump or the Yamaha is

[@maverick2242]

Fantic rebadged Yamaha 😂(NOT) Didn't fill me with confidence on the test results! Why are tests so opinion based, opinions don't help buyers! I miss the old days when each area would be broken down simple scoring, then tallied. I didn't always buy the shootout winner as could make my own mind up even when I was a kid, paid for all my own bikes, mowing lawns, milk runs and paper rounds, made my own choices. 83, I bought 2 bikes new with my money, first new bikes I owned, YZ125K and an IT175K for road legal access, get to my after school job, wheelie up the streets and hot the dirt afterwards! The YZ was 3rd in class that year, still loved that bike and did well on it. We can get Fantics here and bit more than just a plastics change, but what ever, for example on the 2t they have e start and fuel injection on the YZ250X platform as a 300cc! Go figure. Very weird results with the Austrians and opposite of every other test I have seen, esp the front fork and engine, the Husky we know on the dyno even in t he450 has the most peak power, also weirds me out that. 🤣

[@JamaaliWatson]

🔥🔥

[@tolandbrosracing2282]

Honda is way better than 5th

[@ZachMat817]

Agreed, I switched from a 2024 YZ250F to my 2025 CRF250R, a far better bike imho, only thing lacking is suspension compared to yamaha but barely.

[@tolandbrosracing2282]

@ yeah the suspension is tricky

[@quadcityracing]

@@ZachMat817I’d try Enzo for suspension

[@ZachMat817]

@@quadcityracing I actually dont mind the stock setup.

[@intelligence8883]

I really hope Triumph comes out with a good 450 enduro

[@youtubeaccount9058]

This year the Triump arrived, next year Ducati????

[@amikhael5135]

Not sure to understand....yzf engine is not in par with the best, chassis is unbalanced, but it has setting for everyone and win the shootout ??

[@youtubeaccount9058]

That's funny in the KTM family their budget sub-brand did the best. But how can I live without my rims painted black!!?!

[@richearthone]

KTM along with Gagas belong to: "PIERER Mobility AG is the holding company of KTM AG, a leading European motorcycle manufacturer. With a focus on the premium segment, we unite the brands KTM, GASGAS, Husqvarna and MV Agusta under one roof"

[@JimG1964]

Yeah why couldn't they balance the ktm suspension and how did the husqvarna have the most powerful feeling engine lol.

[@matthewjenkins6388]

we need the same for enduro bikes

[@christerstefansson3249]

Dirbike magazine

[@Joe-pb3lx]

10:52 front wheel looks crooked?.....top of tire looks like its leaning to the right if you were sitting on the bike

[@sambixby2757]

which bike had the least amount of engine brake?

[@beltranalonsomoreno1826]

A bike is a bike bro... I think that those details only count on a (pro meaning)

[@LBrawn]

it's dificult to take this seriously

[@paulrash8861]

I bought a yamada on temu

[@MichaelWirth-n8j]

Hey ML, can you compare enginebraking on the Honda vs. Yamaha?

[@nickhowser7262]

I want to see what the Honda 250 WE is like compared to the other bikes

[@expandingedge7562]

100%

[@jdavishornet]

There are quite a few tests and just about all testers love it and say it’s race ready out of the box.

[@mikeking7388]

They should test the best the manufacturers have to offer. Maybe that will spring the others to do the same?

[@jeffmadsen6626]

Friend just got his, low/mid pull is impressive. Said it’s the best Honda he’s ever been on, plants more solid in corners vs his 24 and easier to trust the front in flat dry conditions

[@LostSoulsmusic22]

The WE is a monster compared to any of these. It's legit a race bike for $2300 over the 250r.

[@seangavingregory4367]

Oh shit here we go…

[@steibz3262]

I pick the Suzuki!

[@brennanbarnwell4948]

YZ is the 250f King!

[@busby905]

Dry weights ?

[@churchofbrap876]

Daaarrrkkk

[@GRAAmusic]

Maybe test the engine on a racefuel and standard fuel

[@JimG1964]

How does gas gas get 2nd? I don't know about this shootout lol. If you read the individual reviews something doesn't add up. Ah well, in the end not sure there is much value in a day of testing on one track. Dirt Bike testing should be somewhat scientific imho.

[@NathanRoberts-d4o]

I think MXA makes the best shootouts, they are more specific and more entertaining and get you hyped up

[@JimG1964]

@@NathanRoberts-d4o yeah I appreciate that they do it but I'm not sure on this one lol. It just doesn't seem to match up with the individual reviews of the bikes that I've read so far. KTM so far down the list is a bit of shocker imho. I guess it comes down to what the test riders like.

[@brad2233]

Quick results : 1) Yamaha 2) Gas Gas 3) Suzuki 4) Triumph 5) Husky 6) KTM 7) Honda 8) KX

[@sdb92]

HONDA & SUZUKI! 🤙🏻

[@buffmuff6153]

The question is, if you buy a new suzuki at a deal(7000) and you put 3000 dollars worth of upgrades, would the suzuki ve better than its competition? Because thats what it really comes down to.

[@jpesicka492]

Define better. More power? No. Better suspension? No. And it still has a kickstart. It handles great though. The real question is are you going to be $10K deep in a Suzuki and realize it’s still under par or you have a crash and then struggle to start the bike mid-race and realize you’re $10K deep into a Suzuki that you can only sell for $5K and that you made a mistake. If you’re buying a Suzuki get one that’s been sitting for a while and get a deeper discount. I wouldn’t pay over $6K. $7K is good if you get a 2025 with a PC pipe, ecu coupler and graphics kit, but you will need to drop more $ to get the suspension done immediately. Now you’re up to $8K+ and it still might not be what you want.

[@tomvanheeswijk5560]

I have a new 2024 yz250f , I also had a new rmz250 2022 . I think the RMZ is better , except for the suspension.

[@MichaelAMyers1957]

​@jpesicka492 that goes for any bike other than the kickstart.. 2019 i bought a 2019 kx450 for 6500 out the door. Hated that bike. Sold it then I spent 12.5k after taxes and title fee for a 2020 ktm 450. about 15 hours in, I realized I made a huge mistake. That mistake angered me enough to where I sold that ktm dirt cheap for 5500 in beginning of 2022 and didn't ride for a full year. Bought a 2023 rmz250 and started riding again. If i could go back in time, id bought the Suzuki in 2020 instead of the ktm. I use to race a 2015 yz450 and a 2018 crf450 and really liked both of those. Kawi and ktm are bottom of the barrel trash to me .

[@aivorebane3050]

Sure! Sometimes journalists say: but if you put the same amount of money into a more powerful engine, it would be even more powerful. Actually, that's not really the case. Some don't get much more out of it and it's possible that the result is worse. The RMZ250 engine is very tunable and a skilled man will get good results. The suspension only needs a little adjustment. Big savings compared to Austrian brands where you need at least 2-3K investment for the same.

[@mikeandries5066]

What is a good trail bike for a slightly experienced 12-13 year old?

[@odinschulte4759]

Kawasaki KLX140

[@dimassamid2075]

do the 85's too please 😢

[@jimm2353]

No YZ 250 2 stroke ?

[@joelballard4955]

Post laptimes from each level of rider on each bike. I bet the laptimes would be shocking to what each rider thinks verses what actually happens. And then bring a x factory bike like a 4 year old 250f, and see what each rider does on that bike in time compared to the new one. Shocking. It will 100% be shocking. I bet I run the exact same times on all the bikes.

[@Superdisco199]

The Triumph is great because it's new, although next year it will be roasted as a complete POS. The Suzuki hasn't changed in years so therefore has to be so bad that you can't even include it. The gas gas is 2nd, even though it's a ktm which scored as bad as the honda, which is terrible for *vague reason*. Thanks for your valuable contribution.

[@rogopenshaw7346]

😢😢. It’s their opinion. Go test them yourself and make up your own mind. Or better yet, don’t watch the video or go make your own.

[@317films5]

Wow no suzuki 250?

[@scaredyet]

Stay off the donuts my man

[@aivorebane3050]

So, ... Suzuki RMZ250 is the best bike ? According to the logic of this test, this is what it turns out to be.

[@josecaldeira434]

This Suzuki RMZ ?????????????????😮

[@AngryyBeaverr]

Team orange ☢️

[@keigreentroy43]

I kind of like husky this year

[@rar4427]

Can’t help but notice the marketing💰being spent by Triumph and the bias. In the 450 shootout ML says they didn’t bother waiting for the revised Beta 450 because it’s a new bike and it would automatically get a low score, yet no issue ranking the “new kid on the block”, Triumph, in 4th. 🤔 Just wait for Triumph’s 450 in next year’s shootout. I bet it does well. When you have an ambassador like RC and 💰, you are golden.

[@vitalmx]

@@rar4427 beta didn’t put in a bike into anyone’s 450 shootout. Also, Beta is an advertiser at Vital MX but Triumph is not.

[@rar4427]

@ My point being, everyone knows new model year Beta’s are released in December. To discount the bike or say it would have scored low because it’s a new bike seems assumptious, or a bit biased. It sounds like you’re saying it sucks. Beta is a small manufacturer with a factory suspercross team. They don’t have the budget for top level riders, BB did really well on it last season. It’s a second year production bike with changes to ECU, gearing, suspension, among other things. It would be nice to include all bikes. I bet we’ll see Triumph and Ducati in shootouts when they are released.

[@quadcityracing]

GasGas 2nd, KX last 😆wondering if these results are now questionable cause of KTM’s recent business woes.

[@barnescycle]

1st Suzuki 2nd Yamaha 3rd Gas Gas 4th HUSQVARNA 5th Triumph 6th Honda 7th Kawasaki

[@Jaxson_riley]

I’d say Yamaha, Honda, Kawasaki, Suzuki, Husqvarna, GasGas, KTM, then triumph lol

[@marcozuffada]

the article for the 450 shootout?!?🙄🤔

[@AutospeciLvAkumulatori]

Strange! I own a kx250 2025 and yz250f 2024 and kx power is not far behind a yamaha. Very usable powerband! Front Showa fork needs a 5.2 N springs and Ipone 7w fork oil. Overall kx chassis is far better than yz with updated fork.

[@jake981]

Yeah, this test to me just seems really off and some of the data seems wrong. I've never heard of a KTM air fork being divey and usually people say they run high in the stroke which is the opposite as to what they're saying here. It just seems weird. LOL. These tests are also less useful because they run the tests on rented and perfectly groomed tracks which is probably why that KX got hit so hard. If the tracks rough, the lack of power won't matter as much and that wonderful and comfy KX chassis would shine, especially against the air forks on all of the Austrian bikes. Haha. They're tripping this year! I think MXA's test is much more accurate this year.

[@amikhael5135]

interesting....can you say more about the KX chassis vs yzf ? which bike is more agile and corner better for you ?

[@michaeltrower6792]

Someone has to be last if the Suzuki is not there lol I think the shootouts are biased though

[@jake981]

@@amikhael5135 I haven't ridden the new YZ chassis but I owned the older 22 chassis and it was great. I think I prefer the KX more though but that's because it has Honda ergo's and is very comfortable and planted that also turns well. I do hear that the YZ turns better now. I think both are great bikes but I prefer the KX. The YZ is better known for reliability and resell too though. I personally ride the KTM group bike 350 & 450's and I just put some KYB forks on them and they're amazing bikes!

[@Jaxson_riley]

This seemed like a very biased take on the bikes honestly. Kawasaki has never had a bad bike, and idk why thy didn’t bother putting Suzuki on it cause they’re very underrated

[@kylelangworthy9641]

I've kind of a weird question I've not heard anyone ask you know times have changed technique has changed The bikes have gotten better what place guy nowadays is the speed that Ricky and bubba were you know what I'm saying obviously first podium guys are way faster than they were back in the day I would assume so what place guy nowadays is the speed of the first place guys back then if you know what I mean lol

[@meghanlovely7567]

Stop giving Inputs out west come to the East Coast. I guarantee everything will change and you’d be surprised

[@dylanp9211]

That's what I say hit ironman or budds creek or Millville for testing it's always gotta be the same 2 California tracks for 15 years now that's the oldest most boring part to me they're tracks are boring imo besides Glenn helen it's a classic but still tires of it. Ironman man is an awesome or any Eastcoast track wish we still had kenworthys ohio or binghamton new york.

[@karlosmoreno3821]

What do the different numbers on the bikes mean?

[@vitalmx]

Nothing.

[@russcarey9034]

No Suzuki????

[@shadowkick2852]

Where's Suzuki?!

[@stevesmith756]

Dead

[@mrbeansman]

the suzuki in the background 7:04 smh 🤦‍♂️

[@adrianogomes2156]

suzuki?

[@MichaelAMyers1957]

Folks cry about suzuki not doing updates. Folks then cry about updates that get done to other bikes. Theres no win for manufacturers. Folks will always whine about something.

[@stevesmith756]

Never cried about my magic button E start. Best thing since sliced bread

[@rogopenshaw7346]

Don’t you love all the brand snobs and whiners though. I bet most of them can’t even truly ride a bike to its full potential. If they could we might see them on tv

[@MichaelAMyers1957]

@rogopenshaw7346 it just doesn't make sense to me. I haven't rode any newer 2024/2025 models yet. But I've rode and raced 2015-2023 models from honda, yamaha, kawi, ktm, husqvarna, suzuki. So damn near every brand besides gasgas triumph, tm. Unless you're unfortunate and get a lemon, or don't maintain the bike, There's no bad bike these days. Every single bike is good enough to win on. And if you can't win, it's your own fault. Get better.

[@NickW90]

Do you find that fxr gear fits well for a thicker guy?

[@UnsungThermidor]

Im a bigger guy to and FXR gear was always really good for me. Especially their Helium stuff but the new cool colors dont come in 42 pant sizes for me. Some of their other gear has bigger sizes. Im currently running and liking Fly Patrol gear.

[@jaycordeiro5057]

Is there a reason the Stark Varg isn’t included in 250/450 shootouts? Would be nice to know how it compares.

[@jgs1703]

Yes there is a reason.

[@noneofyourbusiness5910]

It's garbage

[@LBrawn]

go ride your dildo

[@LostSoulsmusic22]

It's not really in a class of bike. You can't race it in the 250 or 450 class.

[@gonzaloverduzco8328]

Track?

[@vitalmx]

@@gonzaloverduzco8328 cahuilla, Fox and Glen Helen

[@nroderick197]

where's the rmz250??!

[@stevesmith756]

Died off with the dinosaurs. They don’t deserve to be rated after giving up on MX

[@eddiecruz5591]

Finally they didn't even invite the suckuki😂

[@LostSoulsmusic22]

Works edition honda crf250r is barely more expensive than all these bikes and it seems like a very obvious pick. Tge amout of racing bike upgrade on that bike for $2300 is amazing.

[@jdavishornet]

But it’s not readily available.

[@LostSoulsmusic22]

@jdavishornet yeah I've found out how hard it is to get now. Sucks.

[@jdavishornet]

@@LostSoulsmusic22luckily I have a good friend who has a Honda Yamaha dealership. Ny Honda Yamaha. Great place. Great people.

[@bumassnolan]

albeit albeit albeit

[@kylelangworthy9641]

I love the kawi but that is the ugliest biggest stock muffler I've seen it in a while

[@brianheroux]

So confused and frustrated... I'm in the market for a newer bike and looking at a 2025. One outlet ranks a bike high and another outlet ranks it low. The SWL crew ranks the Kawi and KTM high, but they are low on this shootout. Interested to see what the MXA shootout says.

[@TheCnelson3]

Highly suggest riding one if you can. I have the new kx450 and it was a turd until you put a pipe on it. Not sure why but Kawi really chokes the exhaust. Chassis is best I’ve had yet.

[@jdavishornet]

Get the crf250rwe. Best 250 there is.

[@JimG1964]

The ktm ranking seems odd. From what I've read the ktm mapping was a lot better this year and the chassis as well. On the dyno it produces a lot of power. It also seems strange to me that the air forks on the gas gas and husky were great but they couldn't keep from blowing through the forks on the ktm - especially with that smooth track.

[@brianheroux]

@@jdavishornet I’ve heard as much. Called around to find one but no dealerships near me were slotted for any.

[@brianheroux]

@@TheCnelson3 Appreciate the input. A compliant, good turning chassis is the top of my needs list.

[@KingFriday274]

Without even watching, I'm assuming suzuki wins.

[@bmotomo421]

The logic of leaving a brand based on change or no change is severely flawed. That logic assumes change, in and of itself is always better. However, we all know, especially with motocross bikes, quite often it's not. Not to mention, we've all brands qualify for main events at the highest levels. What would make more sense if you feel you're short on time or just too lazy to include all brands would be to test just one color of the KTM. Let's face it, there's not a dime of difference between the KTM, Husqvarna, and GasGas. In my opinion, leaving any brand with a current year model bike is extremely shot-sighted. Especially when we're talking about a brand with such a long history in motocross and supercross. There's truly no excuse for it. So please, stop embarrassing yourself by trying to make one.

[@NZCycletherapy]

Pronounced Hooskvarna (no ‘a’), Swedish 😉

[@sideast]

Suzuki RM 250f no longer relevant - Ouch !

[@Tartsky134]

Man, this dude is so mono-tone and unenthusiastic in all the podcasts. By far some of the best information in the Vital KZbin vids but gosh damn are they boring to listen to. No excitement. No energy. Like a boring NPR podcast. Again, great data and information but dang, be pumped up a bit from time to time.

[@youtubeaccount9058]

Agreed, wet blanket! With a new make entering the fray this year (Triumph) that's a big deal, it doesn't happen often.

[@nickg0411]

suzuki would have won..... in 2007

[@JulioCesar-h3p]

Oi bom dia

[@michaeljohnson7892]

But hasn’t SUZUKIbeen the winning bike in. SUPERCROSS ???

[@davidgrunklee8407]

Re: kaw=muffler

[@Mostmusicclips]

no Suzuki no motocross

[@lawrencemacdonald-yz4vn]

Honda best dont listen to these clowns😂

[@jkell411]

"Well proceived" I think he is just trolling us at this point...

[@HPRaceDevelopment]

Ha triumph weaker than ktm

[@vitalmx]

HA, what are we laughing at?

[@HPRaceDevelopment]

@ Where to begin…I’ll leave it in this instance the influence of final gear ratio (not sprocket ratio) on rider impression.

[@ปลายฝน-ภ1ช]

No suzuki