Our Favorite 250 Of The Year Revealed! | 2023 SML 250 Shootout

The dust has finally settled on our 2023 250 Shootout, and to be honest, there were no huge surprises, even though there were plenty of updates and refinements made to the new machines. With plenty of time logged on each of the machines, we converged on Perris Raceway - the oldest motocross racetrack in Southern California - for a day of back-to-back comparison testing between the Gas Gas MC 250, Honda CRF250R, Husqvarna FC 250, Kawasaki KX250, KTM 250 SX-F, and Yamaha YZ250F.
We chose Perris Raceway as our arena for the final day of testing as it is a favorite among our staff and test riders, and with its tight, entertaining layout, it is the perfect place for the best 250cc machine to shine. Technicians from each of the manufacturers were invited to attend so that they could help set up their machines ideally for each test rider. Speaking of test riders, we assembled a panel of six riders of different ages, heights, weights, and abilities, so that we could find the most comprehensive range of opinions.

[@topher804]

Swap always coming through with the content, thanks guys 🤘

[@forevr2wheels]

What about a TM? Can’t get your hands on one or not enough produced to test?

[@mxracer158]

Thanks for posting Swap. I'm sorry if I missed it but did you guys ride multiple tracks or was it just the one? I've ridden the 23 YZ 250 and hated the weak brakes, loved the SSS Suspension and hated the noise. Again, to each their own and I was curious about the test conditions. Thanks again for posting, I know this takes work.

[@Davido50]

Go KTM . You won't be sorry! Jap bikes aren't top shelf anymore. It's come full circle in MX. Remember the Europeans started this! They now own it again. Triumph on its way. Copy of KTM of course. -Ohio

[@johnb2019]

What did the suzuki place?

[@Davido50]

I pick KTM. Owned all brands pretty much. KTM has changed the game. All the bikes are good! KTM has most usable HP. In a 250cc bike that's huge. Ultra reliable (If well maintained like any other machine). Yamaha is def a great bike.👍🏻 These 2 should be top choices. Kawasaki has reliability issues (still). Honda isn't well sorted out at all. Choose wisely! Enjoy. 💯 #KTM #Maxima

[@BennyBen9]

Do any of you test riders use the clutch to change gear under load ??

[@Davido50]

Probably not. They don't own em tho! If ya have newer KTM you don't need to use clutch under hard power. I go KTM. Can't beat technology/power/durability/features. Choose wisely! Expensive bikes. 💯 -Ohio

[@jpesicka999]

Gonna be a new yellow bike at the 2024 shootout.

[@racingjunk7024]

I don’t ride yellow but hope so .

[@kruse1105]

Maybe a brown one also ? TRIUMPH ?

[@jpesicka999]

@@kruse1105 i thought it was gonna be black and gold. Doo doo brown would be cool though.

[@Davido50]

Would love that! Love Suzuki. Though i ride KTM nowadays 💯 -Ohio

[@KyleMicena]

Where's the TM ?

[@lmtada]

Which bike will I get 200hrs without top end replacement? Assuming normal maintenance (oil change every 6-8/hrs), average Mx vet rider.

[@Runk3lsmcdougal]

Certainly not a Kawasaki

[@promx96]

yamaha and ktm

[@taylorshytle]

KTM 100%

[@scottjohnson865]

definitely not the yamaha ! no bike should be going 200 hrs without some engine maintenance.

[@JasonNaughton]

My 15 yz250f had almost 300. Routine oil changes, chain tensioner and only one valve adjustment needed. Def yamaha for durability.

[@cpellett20]

Why was the Suzuki not included?

[@30pitchcleaver]

You know what Yamaha say's, "If it aint broke - don't fix-it".

[@leadhead7338]

Team Green ALWAYS! ....Video hasnt started yet but seeing your sponsor this year i think i know where this is going?...EDIT; @2:44...I called that S#it!🤣but hey what ever pays the bills!

[@lmtada]

Not sure how you are underpowered at 42+ Hp. Jean Micheal Bayle 250, Supercross, 500 champ 1981), works cr250 was 46hp.

[@rengdengdeng8831]

What kinda dogshit comparison is that

[@fordboy85]

Which would you say is best for a tall rider?

[@MrMiguelgimenez]

I am 6 foot tall (1,83cm) and I had to put a tall seat in the yamaha, after that it was amazing

[@drtschker3072]

LOTW!!! Where we at?!! Let's Go!!!

[@oldtimerv7]

park a van behind Pat

[@mxer652]

I want to know how much Yamaha is paying these guys to talk the bike up. My 21 YZ250f doesn't hold a candle to my 22.5 Rockstar Edition. It's not even close. Let's not even get started on the gearboxes and timing chains.

[@oldtimerv7]

negative fill

[@JasonNaughton]

No surprise... Dude picks ktm every single shootout regardless of the size. Def biased. Not saying ktm is a bad bike.

[@MichaelAllen731]

all these guys imo biased..

[@MichaelHayward-ym8ht]

And the winner is the 2023 RMZ 250

[@jpesicka999]

2024 will improve

[@chrisvillarreal2752]

Kawasaki using 08 crf frames lol