Which Is the BEST 2025 250? | SML 250 Shootout

[@MX-CO]

I wanna see a special edition 250f shootout for the brands that don't have a special edition, include them, and add the equivalent of the price difference to the others

[@mikehudgens7007]

I am buying a new 250 for 2025 and looks like my choice will be Green !!! Triumph would be nice but I am concerned with parts etc - and the yamaha is way too loud - great test !!!!

[@HPRaceDevelopment]

funny - yamaha signs off and triumph makes power to the limiter. Ride impressions are always backwards. Pulls long wont hit limiter = slower near limiter. Pulls to limiter fast = more power near limiter.

[@amikhael5135]

i think this shootout is all BS....dyno power curve of YZF and triumph are far from being the best !

[@HPRaceDevelopment]

@@amikhael5135 ferry nailed it imho. The actual difference first to last in power is very small.

[@connerburger8170]

im not sure what yz they rode lmao but every stock yz250 ive rode has been so dang slow lol

[@Mockle07]

@@amikhael5135 lol let me guess… Honda or Kawasaki guy? Newsflash, consumers and media all round the world rate the Yamaha highly and dyno curves rarely mean shit when it comes to ride feel.

[@amikhael5135]

@@Mockle07 how do you know ? Sorry buddy but my last bike was a 1991. 🤣. I could agree with you about the curve as power "feeling" depend also a lot of transmission. You are right i never said that they rate it as a bad bike ! I only say that swap (same last years and same for the 450) rated it as a bike well above the other almost in another class. This for me feel a little bit biased like a so famous fantastic vaccine....🤐

[@Scrubdaddy135]

Chase is getting to good at talking 🥳🔥 This was a great video Swap❤️👍🏽

[@JKrause616]

SCRUB DADDY!!! How's the recovery going? Hope you're feeling better.

[@jeremiecurtis2343]

He is has the voice 🙏🏼

[@brennan5220]

No surprise! Yz250f rules this class!!

[@josephelefante9617]

love these non bias shoot outs. Great info

[@ollie_kdc8915]

The boss needs his free yamaha each year..

[@amikhael5135]

interesting ....i conclude the opposite. Why do you think it is NB ?

[@stephenadams5223]

Bro this is paid advertising. The highest bidder wins the shootout each year. Moto is pure politics nowadays

[@Mockle07]

@@stephenadams5223 So Yamaha simply buy test wins around the world? 🤦🏼‍♂️😂 Let me guess, when your favourite brand wins, it’s because it’s the best though… yeah? 🙄

[@stephenadams5223]

@@Mockle07 yes exactly. theres not that many major moto review channels, so its not as hard as youd thing. Especially for a multibillion dollar corporation like yamaha. The investment costs to buy them out is far less than the return they receive in sales.

[@G10yamaha]

I have the YZ250f, I went on a Triumph test day and I, selling up! Best bike I’ve rode by far❤

[@loneventhorizon]

Always been looking forward to the new years bikes since about 1992. Reading Dirtbike mag and Transworld Motocross mag. Today I have a Suzuki, I love Kawasaki, I'm a massive Lawrence fan, but the Yamahas have always stood out as amazing bikes. Always innovating. Brakes have always been awesome. Always awesome power. Always a great all round bike. Even when they tried crazy things like a reversed cylinder head, or the 4 speed trans, they were still badass.

[@Crfracer74]

Awesome shootout and info. Rider skill levels would be a good addition.

[@phil9634]

Great editing guys!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@EVH-s5h]

Triumph really surprised people .

[@wernerxldata]

Not really surprised to be honest, they started witj a great engine and had enough examples for building a chassis. They build quality stuff and have a lot of racing experience in general.

[@chrisf1128]

Awesome review, thanks guys 🔥

[@Moto619films]

Did they make an ECU updates to that Yamaha cuz I had a 24 and it was a dog I tried every map there was out there.. slow!

[@moto-mark988]

I have a 25, I added a Twin Air Power Flow kit, & FMF 4.1 slip on, and when I run the aggressive map, It's got a pretty good hit. It wears me out.

[@Moto619films]

Good to know​@@moto-mark988

[@amikhael5135]

come on.....swap said last year it was a beast ! 😄

[@curtiscollins2174]

Well done gentlemen men. Price pretty important to the consumer being me..

[@StayTunedMoto]

Gotta take out the backfire screens and run VP add Hinson clutches. Different end result. 😂😂

[@NateDogMXtv]

The results are much different than the other shootouts this year. Everyone can have their own opinions, but I believe Pat Foster is influencing the other test riders. When has he ever not liked the Yz? Would like to see test riders only vote on bikes they don't currently own or are brand loyal to.

[@sdb92]

Hey Don, thanks for all your shootouts. They have always helped me pick a bike. With that being said, l was wondering for next year’s shootout, if you could include the RM-Z250 (which will probably still be the same), but under this condition. So, we all know the bike hasn’t had any major update since 2019. Now, since SUZUKIs can be bought usually at a cheaper price (whatever that may be, $2K-3K), why not use that difference in price compare to the most expensive 250 -excluding factory editions, and use that money to mod it up (suspension, motor) that way you could compare the modded RM-Z250 to the current bikes from all manufacturers. I’m a HONDA and YAMAHA rider, but I always wanted to own a SUZUKI for its handling prowess. Anyway, just a thought..

[@channel1_channel]

It's a pity Suzuki dropped off the development wagon years ago. I don't blame them for not testing the RMZ250.

[@sdb92]

@@channel1_channel Of course, dude! But, there still are many SUZUKI fans. So, it looks like you missed my point…

[@nathandowns369]

Red dog still rips!

[@anthonysammarco2924]

I wish some of these test videos had like one rider that just starting out. Or like a just a very novice new rider . Kind of the like if your just starting out what they liked best

[@sambixby2757]

which bike had the least amount of engine brake?

[@goneridingparts]

I'm a big yamaha guy, but the 25 yz250f has no bottom end, not sure why they say it does. ??

[@sambrowning315]

Great review Yamaha questions, Did you think the mapping had changed out the box compared to the 2024? Yamaha hasn’t said anything has changed but…. For the suspension changes, what were the thoughts of the changes compared to the 2024?

[@CSWJ_10]

I have a 2025 and I have ridden a 24 , the maps out the box feel more torquey. When I ride the bike it’s always revved out no matter the gear. The suspension feels more plush and response a bit better too. The foot peg mounts are also a little more out so you aren’t standing on the mounts like last years bike.

[@davidgrunklee8407]

What map/maps did you guys run on the yam for this test?

[@SonnyShade]

Ive yet to ride a ktm but i hear good things about em.

[@jpp2422]

Man - no real Honda love - I’m surprised!

[@EVH-s5h]

Engine will be stronger next year , thats whats holding it back.

[@joelballard4955]

I love the comments on how powerful the Yamaha is even though it’s down 2-3 horsepower from the KTM. lol. It’s just gearing. Go up 2 teeth on the rear with the KTM and it’s the same “feel” as the Yamaha.

[@seangavingregory4367]

WOW- Triumph has good bottom end?

[@swapmotolive.]

New mapping on the 2025 bike makes a significant difference

[@seangavingregory4367]

@@swapmotolive. -So you tested a 2025? I thought they were not yet available, and everyone was using the 2024 no?

[@swapmotolive.]

The 2025 came in a week before our day at Fox

[@seangavingregory4367]

@@swapmotolive. - oh sheeeet... I gotcha.

[@manuelgiglifano1533]

Good news, are then available soon, or at least will be this map available for 2024 bikes?( l assume having a get ecu not a big deal)

[@ed11.]

Triumph 💪🏻💪🏻💪🏻🤘🏻🤘🏻🤘🏻

[@nikevdf7938]

How about lap times?!

[@rfair123]

Exactly. Funny how they never mention that.

[@chillon2922X]

Hmm, yamaha lost lots low end for 2025 but got good low end? How are those bikes compared to those from1,2 years?

[@MXStreet_22]

Great analysis. How about those Triumph number decals though 😂

[@swapmotolive.]

Are you talking color or numbers? 😂😂😂

[@44sammy4]

Fuck yes red dog love it please keep timmy for more shootouts and content

[@SteffsGarage]

Man Suzuki didn't even submit a bike

[@stevesmith756]

They don’t deserve to be in it. They’ve given up on MX

[@gw4717]

There is no freaking way all those bikes beat the Husqvarna fc 250 crazy I've rode all these bikes and that Husqvarna fc 250 is way better

[@casey3235]

the honda would be dope with a cr5 motor in it

[@E63s_Scott]

I’m still trying to wrap my head around the ‘bottom end’ on these yams is down on the dynos than a lot of other bikes so it can only be about feel and sound, it ain’t actually hitting harder if it’s like 3/4fltb down on the Austrians and triumph off the bottom and all the way up, I rode a 23 with the full ti fmf and hard hitting map it felt so flat and did not pull high what the F, was crazy loud I’ll agree that was before the thicker cam chain taking more edge off, I rode the triumphs 3 times and it revs to the noon it has more rpm and more power than the rest at the top very similar to the ktm how can you possible say it signs of are you crazy. delusional some of these testers

[@JimG1964]

I wonder if its more around the gearing that makes yamaha feel like it delivers a ton of power down low. I know on my older yamaha yzf the gearing is so low that 1st is almost unusable and 2/3 are similar and have a lot of overlap. If I'm coming out of tight corner in second and hit a jump into a straight you might as well shift to 4 as the gears run out so fast. Its nice if you pick the wrong gear but the bike seems hyper torquey. I'm not an expert for sure but just my thoughts on it. I would like to ride a ktm and see how long the gears carry. Always shifting my yamaha.

[@manuelgiglifano1533]

Think you got it, and il would explain why they say yamaha third gear is short, anyway on a sxf 250 2020 l put a 13 / 50, and,at least for an average European track, not pala or fox style, it was the best mode you can get, way better than exhaust and vortex, simply it was perfect ready to go in and out. Other thing l cannot get it, those 3 hp on top ktm got more than the other are almost irrelevant in any track but those fox/pala / GH style where you can really get flat out, and where for them yamaha engine shine…..really cannot get it

[@moto3463]

Triumph and Yamaha gotta be the best.

[@jay1871]

These shootouts feel like it’s gotten to the point of power being the primary factor and that’s annoying. We know the aren’t 450’s!

[@jonathandeemer257]

Guy's the music is so loud you can barely hear the guys talking

[@phil9634]

Also can u guys teach the dude how to say yaamaha right

[@KlintonSilvey]

Yammerhar!

[@SonnyShade]

I have a 22 yz250f and its a beast, buddy of mine has the 22 kx tho, and it fuckin rips, yz suspension is better tho

[@singletrack4614]

Thank you for not including the RMZ 250.

[@michaelbongiorno1506]

whats wrong with it? genuinely curious

[@jordanthomas7043]

Waste of resources, everyone already knows the outcome of the out dated banana bike ​@@michaelbongiorno1506

[@NathanRoberts-d4o]

@@michaelbongiorno1506there’s no point in having it, it’s been the same since 2018

[@trueno448]

Same performance, no change since 2018

[@stevesmith756]

Really about 2014

[@mikeherrmann5360]

Is Suzuki done. They shoulda hired Bob Hannah To get them outta this slump again

[@Ddoo614]

No Suzuki in line- up? Disrespect Or just not worthy?

[@channel1_channel]

No development for years. Pity. C'mon Suzuki Japan.

[@stevesmith756]

They’ve given up on MX they don’t deserve crap

[@dougalmorice4574]

Damn Timmy still rips

[@yansurfer]

hein yamaha low end sucks this year makes me wonder if they pay them?

[@AllenCampbell-ug1uk]

So, yet again! Another shoot-out without Suzuki. Crazy, why can't anyone be honest that Suzuki is a reliable machine. And they are trying to keep an authentic ride for cheap. Meanwhile, if Suzuki brought the RM 250 stroke back, everyone would be excited to have one.

[@swapmotolive.]

Hey Allen, the RMZ250 is great. We like it! But as delivered it would have been eighth. We’d rather feature it on its own and highlight how good it can be with some well-targeted mods than point out the fact that it comes with ridiculously over-sprung forks and is out-powered by every other machine. Get it?

[@AllenCampbell-ug1uk]

​@@swapmotolive.Thank you, for the response. And being honest.

[@7thirtyseven]

Suzuki, so reliable it didn't even show up.

[@LeeTillbury]

I appreciate you're a Suzuki fan boy but you need to accept that they aren't trying to keep a cheap authentic reliable machine. They don't care about you. Pick another manufacturer that does my dude!😂

[@foreLeftFCH3]

@@7thirtyseven Yes reliably slow.

[@christophervillarreal8565]

Too bad those Yamaha don’t last longer than 30 - 40 hours without needing a engine rebuild. Just this week buddy of mine had his crank lock up at 32hrs and the guy helping us pull the motor off had his brand new yz250f nuke on him with only 18hrs on it. Stupid power for a 250 but at a reliability cost not to mention it sounds like absolute shit.

[@matiasmaldonado510]

Wow that's amazing to hear, yamahas are the most reliable bikes normally, that's a really bad luck I guess, I have a 2021 yamaha 250 with 270 hours on it, and I have never had any issues at all, I haven't even check the valve clearance and the thing runs like the first day.

[@christophervillarreal8565]

@@matiasmaldonado510 I mean if you’re that slow you haven’t changed the top end on it in 270 hours then just sell the bike and ride a stationary Jesus

[@matiasmaldonado510]

@christophervillarreal8565 lol 😆 😂 I would buy a stationary bike, but how can I ride it on the track and on the mountains, since you're giving me advice I'm sure you know how to do it, what's your secret?

[@christophervillarreal8565]

@@matiasmaldonado510 no point in going out to the track and to the mountains if you can’t go fast enough to justify it might as well stay at home and peddle the stationary 😂 if you let a bike idle and nothing else I’m sure it will make it to 200 hours without a top end change which is basically what you’ve been doing 😂

[@matiasmaldonado510]

@@christophervillarreal8565 😂🤣😂

[@shadowkick2852]

Where is Suzuki??!!!

[@kurtheidelbach]

People didn't waste their time testing them because they haven't made any changes and have been last many many years straight.

[@michellatour150]

Stuck in 2019

[@Chafa85]

Stop putting the bike sounds over the top of the people speaking

[@BlackSeasGold]

Rmz is the best.

[@NathanRoberts-d4o]

RMZ was one of the best 20 years ago, not anymore

[@BlackSeasGold]

@@NathanRoberts-d4ostill one of the best. Doesn’t need all the tech crap. Has good suspension good ergos and handling is great.

[@NathanRoberts-d4o]

@@BlackSeasGoldI think the tech stuff is needed for the four strokes. But for the 2 strokes it’s not. I mean a YZ250 is only down 3 horsepower from the KTM. Companies are trying to make 2 strokes less relevant by putting most of their R&D into 4 strokes. Suzuki is gonna only get further behind on the 4 strokes, but the YZ 2 strokes wont, even though engine wise they’ve gone unchanged a lot longer than Suzuki has. It’s not a bad bike, it’s just gonna get further and further behind the competition every year

[@BlackSeasGold]

@@NathanRoberts-d4o with a better frame. Get a deal on an rmz throw an ecu with twisted maps a pc pipe and some T4 and it’s a really good bike.

[@Dylan-180]

blu cru

[@Dano78-o5t]

Wow, I wonder who paid them more money to make this video Yamaha or triumph? I feel like this is a real poor review on the new 2025 250 bikes. Noticed that they did not give any specs on the new bikes of how much horsepower or how much torque they were producing…. This seem like it was more an advertisement for Yamaha and triumph then reviews on all the new bikes for 2025.

[@ian.cognito.ian.cognito]

Ruined a good video by RUSHING YOUR COMMENTARY ON STANDINGS (ENDING)!!!

[@Jone5y]

This is so bias not a real review just a paid promotion

[@EVH-s5h]

I can tell your favorite bike didn't place well . Swap moto picked Kawasaki and KTM the most over the years , bet you didn't know that .

[@diyjeff1838]

Deeerrrrpppppp

[@Jone5y]

@@EVH-s5h every year Yamaha are up top last even though the bike Boggs out at standard. Who wants to buy a brand new bike to drill holes into the air box😂

[@NathanRoberts-d4o]

@@Jone5yI know right! Why would you wanna buy a Yamaha and drill a couple holes in it, when you can spend more money for a KTM that’s worse, no drilling required on the KTM. That’s how you sound like right now. You act like people don’t have drills

[@Astoncolquhoun]

Great some more yz glazers. Jk😂

[@orange1666]

That graded supercross style track is no real test for MX suspension and the lack of real lap times for critical comparison is a very poor show - real data is far more important than opinions , a real test should have Dyno runs , lap times on a selection of tracks - these guys just waffle on with little real info to inform buyers of the things they need to know

[@JimG1964]

I agree. If you watch the 3 250 shootouts that are out, the comments from the various shootouts completely contradict each other. One shootout says the ktm power delivery is boring and the other says it's the best and so on. Without data, the shootouts are really just somebodies opinion of how the bike felt to them that day. Also, I think the ability of the guys to dial in the bike for each rider plays a huge role. Finally, the test bikes vary widely as well. Some of the bikes appeared to have mapping issues that other shootouts didn't even mention.