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Only $10 for all 2026 SX, MX, and SMX series.
Suspension? 06 to present YZ
Power? Current model KTMs
Chasis/Handling? Steel frame RMs, although the aluminum framed ones are damn good too.
That's not to say either the KX or CR aren't any good either, because they are also great bikes. The Hondas had several years of weak engines though.
Obviously any and all of a bikes shortcomings can be mitigated assuming you spend enough money.
There was never an aluminum framed 2 stroke RM in production.
They pulled the head tube back 5mm in 06.
Best resale/quality - 05-07 CR250R. make sure you get an 05+, they pulled the fork lugs in 5mm, and the stock carb is much better than the 02-03.
Best handling/fastest/worst resale/worst parts availability - 06-08 RM250. they'll rip your armss off compltely stock, handle like a mountain bike. hard to find used parts for, and the transmission parts have tripled in price in the last 4 years from the OEMs. they're drying up. Comes with an 18mm shock that costs twice as much as the shock thats on the RMZ., they definitely didn't skimp on that bike.
03+ Kawasaki. feels like the front tire is made out of cement, abrupt motor.
Best overall package/best parts availability - 06+ YZ250
as far as the KTMs go, it's just my personal opinion that those bikes aren't all that. I think they tend to look better than they are because Japan hasn't produced anything in a decade, plus most of the reviews are from people who just dropped 8K on one, so they arent going to tell you it sucks. the motor falls on it's face up top, which is absolutely bizarre for a case reed motor. just beware of any bike that has a dozen "fixes" to make it run with a stock YZ. The RC valve Hondas sort of fit into this category too.
The best 250 two-stroke i've ever ridden in my life was a full deal Watts Performance CR250 with the Ricky 24-0 replica engine work. Zero hit, and it just keeps revving and revving and revving. It's truly a 450 killer. But it's not cheap. If you ever see someone with "Watts Performance" engraved on their cylinder, ask nicely to ride the bike. unreal.
The Shop
DeCal Works Huge Plastic Inventory of UFO and Polisport kits.
Luxon 4-Post Bar Mounts
$189.95 - $239.95
Rides excellent. Corners great. The only option for me plus resale value is great.
I liked the RM's of that era too, but it looks like parts are getting pricey.
Yamaha - to me, are just about the most uncomfortable bikes ever made. Good engines, but the ergos do not fit me at all.
Honda - can you spell gutless? I've ridden a bunch of them and they were all absolute dogs.
In a nutshell, it's all preference, and if you can find a good bike to start with.
Any of the others can be made as good or better for varying amounts of money. Recipes readily available on the inter webs.
*I have an 07 CR250 (That's for sale BTW) with some port work, compression modifications, Boyesen 2 stage reeds, and a Showa Spring fork A-Kit that will blow away ANY stock 2-stroke 250 of any color or year.
That said, if you can afford a new bike/newer bike I'd recommend Yami or KTM, the suzuki is killer as well. I had an 05 KX and it felt like a YZ in many ways but not as good of a package.
Some of this debate is personal preference.
Its cool how they never update it, just keep the same bike.
That being said, I would buy the Honda just because of the resale. IDK why but Honda just feels different and has a collect-ability to it.
There has been no bike which i have really disliked, it all depends on your pricepoint. Buy the bike in the best condition for the money that you have, and be patient.
I picked up a 2006 yz450f with no wear on the cases for 1800 bucks in 2013... the gems are out there.
Pit Row
My favorite was the 2001 em 250 and 2002 yz 250.
for me the KX250 or RM250 were good in that era...later years YZ250 pretty good too, didnt like the KTM250's and never rode a CR250 of that era....actually I might of ridden a friends 03 CR250, rings a bell cant remember what it was like tho after only riding it once.
01- YZ250
05 RM250
06+ YZ250
2002-2004 YZ250
98-99 KX250
05-08 RM250
There are a bunch of great other bikes but I think these are the best. My next choices would be:
Any 1998-2016 YZ250
Any KTM with a link arm
2003-2004 RM250
2000 and up KX250
The CR250 you can probably go back to the late 80's and have a bike that is competitive with modern stuff. The 2002 and up are also great bikes but I don't think the motors are as good as the 2000-2001.
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