2021 YZ250F vs 2022 Crf250r

Collin_Palotto
Hey guys, looking for people who have made the switch from yamaha to the new crf250 and their opinions. I currently have a 21 yz250f with 20 hours on it. the last 3 bikes I have owned have all been yamaha 250s but I am leaning towards switching it up.
|
Show871
Profile picture for user Show871
Posts
127
Joined
12/31/2010
Location
Mountains, CO, USA
Show871 7/7/2022 12:50pm
7/7/2022 12:50pm
Would not consider this until riding the new crf. Its going to be your personal preference.

I have rode both the 2021 yzf and 22 crf same track same day and greatly prefer the yamaha.
2
3
Leeham
Profile picture for user Leeham
Posts
1159
Joined
10/29/2018
Location
Rochester, WA, USA
Leeham 7/8/2022 12:23am
7/8/2022 12:23am
I rode a 22 Honda 250. It was good but the engine revs a little slower than the Yamaha. Chassis feel is much more rigid and has more feedback. Turns good but fast bumpy sections it gets busy on the front. If I were to change from my Yamaha 250, it would be a 23 KTM over the Honda. Revs a bit faster than the Yamaha, turns good, and comfortable chassis feel. However forks (in my opinion obviously) are not good.

I like the Yamaha for its chassis feel and stability through some gnarly sections. Don't have to clutch it at all really, has okay over rev, and turns good enough for me.
4
3
AH387
Profile picture for user AH387
Posts
1662
Joined
8/29/2019
Location
Bridgeville, PA, USA
AH387 7/8/2022 5:40am
7/8/2022 5:40am Edited Date/Time 7/8/2022 8:24am
Leeham wrote:
I rode a 22 Honda 250. It was good but the engine revs a little slower than the Yamaha. Chassis feel is much more rigid and...
I rode a 22 Honda 250. It was good but the engine revs a little slower than the Yamaha. Chassis feel is much more rigid and has more feedback. Turns good but fast bumpy sections it gets busy on the front. If I were to change from my Yamaha 250, it would be a 23 KTM over the Honda. Revs a bit faster than the Yamaha, turns good, and comfortable chassis feel. However forks (in my opinion obviously) are not good.

I like the Yamaha for its chassis feel and stability through some gnarly sections. Don't have to clutch it at all really, has okay over rev, and turns good enough for me.
Curious if you have ridden the '23 KTM yet? Also, when you say it revs faster than the Yam, do you mean further or faster? I can imagine it revs further, but faster (as in through the rpm curve so quickly) almost seems impossible lol. I feel like there is no bike that revs as quickly as the Yamaha, which I love, but it's also part of why it sort taps the limiter so quickly and feels as if it runs out of steam up top. I know the Honda now has an engine character that is more similar to Yamaha and it sounded as if the '23 KTM was going that route too (as opposed to that long-geared, slower rev feel of the prior bikes.) So I was just curious, but I agree with what you are saying.

I haven't ridden the newest Honda but it seems like if you want effortless cornering and a light-feeling bike then it's great. It might be a bit tougher to set-up from track to track, as a trade-off. If you want a more neutral chassis that is not finicky with set-up then the Yamaha is perfect. I personally couldn't switch from a Yamaha right now but for some riders with different priorities, I can see either the Honda or '23 KTM being a solid choice.
1
fourfourone
Profile picture for user fourfourone
Posts
3045
Joined
10/14/2017
Location
86oh, CT, USA
fourfourone 7/8/2022 6:54am
7/8/2022 6:54am Edited Date/Time 7/8/2022 6:56am
I have about an hour ride time on each bike. 100% stock. 180 pounds slow B guy.


CR handles better but is more difficult to set up. Drops into corners easier and seems to hold the turn better.
YZ has better straight line stability through the chop and rough stuff. Suspension is easier to set up on the YZ and really doesn't need much change track to track while the honda is more finicky. The YZ feels heavier but I think that's why it feels so damn stable. Honda feels lighter and more nimble but more nervous at high speed. The honda deff has a more rigid feel.

Power feels similar in the midrange. I'm not fast enough to ride either bike on the rev limiter so I can't say much about the power way up top but both feel similar in the mid range power.

I ended up with the Honda and glad I did. You really can't go wrong with either bike. The tipping point that made me choose the Honda was the rider triangle and ergos. I'm 5'10" and when I sat on the Honda for the first time it just fit like a glove. I'm not that tall but the YZ felt a bit more cramped. Side by Side the honda looks a bit smaller physically but the cockpit feels bigger when sitting on the bike. The thinness of the Honda was also a huge plus. The YZ feels super wide after sitting on the Honda.

I honestly could roll the dice and happily ride either bike.
1

The Shop

See All »
sandtrack315
Profile picture for user sandtrack315
Posts
2841
Joined
7/19/2013
Location
Philadelphia, PA, USA
sandtrack315 7/8/2022 7:16am
7/8/2022 7:16am
fourfourone wrote:
I have about an hour ride time on each bike. 100% stock. 180 pounds slow B guy. CR handles better but is more difficult to set...
I have about an hour ride time on each bike. 100% stock. 180 pounds slow B guy.


CR handles better but is more difficult to set up. Drops into corners easier and seems to hold the turn better.
YZ has better straight line stability through the chop and rough stuff. Suspension is easier to set up on the YZ and really doesn't need much change track to track while the honda is more finicky. The YZ feels heavier but I think that's why it feels so damn stable. Honda feels lighter and more nimble but more nervous at high speed. The honda deff has a more rigid feel.

Power feels similar in the midrange. I'm not fast enough to ride either bike on the rev limiter so I can't say much about the power way up top but both feel similar in the mid range power.

I ended up with the Honda and glad I did. You really can't go wrong with either bike. The tipping point that made me choose the Honda was the rider triangle and ergos. I'm 5'10" and when I sat on the Honda for the first time it just fit like a glove. I'm not that tall but the YZ felt a bit more cramped. Side by Side the honda looks a bit smaller physically but the cockpit feels bigger when sitting on the bike. The thinness of the Honda was also a huge plus. The YZ feels super wide after sitting on the Honda.

I honestly could roll the dice and happily ride either bike.
This is spot on, I would just emphasize that the Honda's nice roll on power / connectedness makes it super nice in the turns. My technique is much better on the Honda, I almost never have to use the clutch, and my body positioning is much better, because of the ergos on the Honda (I am 6'1, 160 pounds).

Stiffer shock and fork springs and an FC revalve got the Honda close to the Yamaha for me stability and comfort wise.
Collin_Palotto 7/8/2022 7:20am
7/8/2022 7:20am
fourfourone wrote:
I have about an hour ride time on each bike. 100% stock. 180 pounds slow B guy. CR handles better but is more difficult to set...
I have about an hour ride time on each bike. 100% stock. 180 pounds slow B guy.


CR handles better but is more difficult to set up. Drops into corners easier and seems to hold the turn better.
YZ has better straight line stability through the chop and rough stuff. Suspension is easier to set up on the YZ and really doesn't need much change track to track while the honda is more finicky. The YZ feels heavier but I think that's why it feels so damn stable. Honda feels lighter and more nimble but more nervous at high speed. The honda deff has a more rigid feel.

Power feels similar in the midrange. I'm not fast enough to ride either bike on the rev limiter so I can't say much about the power way up top but both feel similar in the mid range power.

I ended up with the Honda and glad I did. You really can't go wrong with either bike. The tipping point that made me choose the Honda was the rider triangle and ergos. I'm 5'10" and when I sat on the Honda for the first time it just fit like a glove. I'm not that tall but the YZ felt a bit more cramped. Side by Side the honda looks a bit smaller physically but the cockpit feels bigger when sitting on the bike. The thinness of the Honda was also a huge plus. The YZ feels super wide after sitting on the Honda.

I honestly could roll the dice and happily ride either bike.
sandtrack315 wrote:
This is spot on, I would just emphasize that the Honda's nice roll on power / connectedness makes it super nice in the turns. My technique...
This is spot on, I would just emphasize that the Honda's nice roll on power / connectedness makes it super nice in the turns. My technique is much better on the Honda, I almost never have to use the clutch, and my body positioning is much better, because of the ergos on the Honda (I am 6'1, 160 pounds).

Stiffer shock and fork springs and an FC revalve got the Honda close to the Yamaha for me stability and comfort wise.
Me being a smaller guy, 5'6" and about 150lbs I have found comfort in the YZ ergos. I am around a local C/B guy, was the stock showa stuff that soft?
fourfourone
Profile picture for user fourfourone
Posts
3045
Joined
10/14/2017
Location
86oh, CT, USA
fourfourone 7/8/2022 7:31am
7/8/2022 7:31am
fourfourone wrote:
I have about an hour ride time on each bike. 100% stock. 180 pounds slow B guy. CR handles better but is more difficult to set...
I have about an hour ride time on each bike. 100% stock. 180 pounds slow B guy.


CR handles better but is more difficult to set up. Drops into corners easier and seems to hold the turn better.
YZ has better straight line stability through the chop and rough stuff. Suspension is easier to set up on the YZ and really doesn't need much change track to track while the honda is more finicky. The YZ feels heavier but I think that's why it feels so damn stable. Honda feels lighter and more nimble but more nervous at high speed. The honda deff has a more rigid feel.

Power feels similar in the midrange. I'm not fast enough to ride either bike on the rev limiter so I can't say much about the power way up top but both feel similar in the mid range power.

I ended up with the Honda and glad I did. You really can't go wrong with either bike. The tipping point that made me choose the Honda was the rider triangle and ergos. I'm 5'10" and when I sat on the Honda for the first time it just fit like a glove. I'm not that tall but the YZ felt a bit more cramped. Side by Side the honda looks a bit smaller physically but the cockpit feels bigger when sitting on the bike. The thinness of the Honda was also a huge plus. The YZ feels super wide after sitting on the Honda.

I honestly could roll the dice and happily ride either bike.
sandtrack315 wrote:
This is spot on, I would just emphasize that the Honda's nice roll on power / connectedness makes it super nice in the turns. My technique...
This is spot on, I would just emphasize that the Honda's nice roll on power / connectedness makes it super nice in the turns. My technique is much better on the Honda, I almost never have to use the clutch, and my body positioning is much better, because of the ergos on the Honda (I am 6'1, 160 pounds).

Stiffer shock and fork springs and an FC revalve got the Honda close to the Yamaha for me stability and comfort wise.
Collin_Palotto wrote:
Me being a smaller guy, 5'6" and about 150lbs I have found comfort in the YZ ergos. I am around a local C/B guy, was the...
Me being a smaller guy, 5'6" and about 150lbs I have found comfort in the YZ ergos. I am around a local C/B guy, was the stock showa stuff that soft?
Being that small I really think you will like the slim light feeling of the CR.
1
fourfourone
Profile picture for user fourfourone
Posts
3045
Joined
10/14/2017
Location
86oh, CT, USA
fourfourone 7/8/2022 7:38am
7/8/2022 7:38am
fourfourone wrote:
I have about an hour ride time on each bike. 100% stock. 180 pounds slow B guy. CR handles better but is more difficult to set...
I have about an hour ride time on each bike. 100% stock. 180 pounds slow B guy.


CR handles better but is more difficult to set up. Drops into corners easier and seems to hold the turn better.
YZ has better straight line stability through the chop and rough stuff. Suspension is easier to set up on the YZ and really doesn't need much change track to track while the honda is more finicky. The YZ feels heavier but I think that's why it feels so damn stable. Honda feels lighter and more nimble but more nervous at high speed. The honda deff has a more rigid feel.

Power feels similar in the midrange. I'm not fast enough to ride either bike on the rev limiter so I can't say much about the power way up top but both feel similar in the mid range power.

I ended up with the Honda and glad I did. You really can't go wrong with either bike. The tipping point that made me choose the Honda was the rider triangle and ergos. I'm 5'10" and when I sat on the Honda for the first time it just fit like a glove. I'm not that tall but the YZ felt a bit more cramped. Side by Side the honda looks a bit smaller physically but the cockpit feels bigger when sitting on the bike. The thinness of the Honda was also a huge plus. The YZ feels super wide after sitting on the Honda.

I honestly could roll the dice and happily ride either bike.
sandtrack315 wrote:
This is spot on, I would just emphasize that the Honda's nice roll on power / connectedness makes it super nice in the turns. My technique...
This is spot on, I would just emphasize that the Honda's nice roll on power / connectedness makes it super nice in the turns. My technique is much better on the Honda, I almost never have to use the clutch, and my body positioning is much better, because of the ergos on the Honda (I am 6'1, 160 pounds).

Stiffer shock and fork springs and an FC revalve got the Honda close to the Yamaha for me stability and comfort wise.
I agree. Every YZ I have ridden has sort of a light switch feel when it comes to roll on power. My 17 yz450 was the same way. Its not a bad thing but the honda does feel way more connected and smooth coming out of corners.
Leeham
Profile picture for user Leeham
Posts
1159
Joined
10/29/2018
Location
Rochester, WA, USA
Leeham 7/8/2022 8:14am
7/8/2022 8:14am
AH387 wrote:
Curious if you have ridden the '23 KTM yet? Also, when you say it revs faster than the Yam, do you mean further or faster? I...
Curious if you have ridden the '23 KTM yet? Also, when you say it revs faster than the Yam, do you mean further or faster? I can imagine it revs further, but faster (as in through the rpm curve so quickly) almost seems impossible lol. I feel like there is no bike that revs as quickly as the Yamaha, which I love, but it's also part of why it sort taps the limiter so quickly and feels as if it runs out of steam up top. I know the Honda now has an engine character that is more similar to Yamaha and it sounded as if the '23 KTM was going that route too (as opposed to that long-geared, slower rev feel of the prior bikes.) So I was just curious, but I agree with what you are saying.

I haven't ridden the newest Honda but it seems like if you want effortless cornering and a light-feeling bike then it's great. It might be a bit tougher to set-up from track to track, as a trade-off. If you want a more neutral chassis that is not finicky with set-up then the Yamaha is perfect. I personally couldn't switch from a Yamaha right now but for some riders with different priorities, I can see either the Honda or '23 KTM being a solid choice.
Yeah, I rode the 22.5 KTM 250 FE. It revs fast and its hard to find the limiter honestly. Riding it, there was a couple times I almost got whiskey throttle. But its throttle pull is extremely light. Also its fucking loud haha. Never thought there would be a bike as loud or even louder than my Yamaha.

Bike wasnt setup for me, sag was set for a 180 lb rider and I am 155. So fork felt like shit to me, perhaps would feel better if I had the proper sag.
1
1
AH387
Profile picture for user AH387
Posts
1662
Joined
8/29/2019
Location
Bridgeville, PA, USA
AH387 7/8/2022 8:28am
7/8/2022 8:28am
Leeham wrote:
Yeah, I rode the 22.5 KTM 250 FE. It revs fast and its hard to find the limiter honestly. Riding it, there was a couple times...
Yeah, I rode the 22.5 KTM 250 FE. It revs fast and its hard to find the limiter honestly. Riding it, there was a couple times I almost got whiskey throttle. But its throttle pull is extremely light. Also its fucking loud haha. Never thought there would be a bike as loud or even louder than my Yamaha.

Bike wasnt setup for me, sag was set for a 180 lb rider and I am 155. So fork felt like shit to me, perhaps would feel better if I had the proper sag.
Awesome. Thanks for the response. Ya, the new KTM 250 for sure would be on my short list (along with the Honda) if I decide to try something else. I like that those bikes went away from top end only power. Where I ride, having that response and quick rev makes it so much easier to ride. I feel like those 3 bikes all cater to the same type of rider as far as motor and then it's up to the rider to choose his/her preferences on the other stuff (chassis, suspension etc) as to which bike is best for them.
Leeham
Profile picture for user Leeham
Posts
1159
Joined
10/29/2018
Location
Rochester, WA, USA
Leeham 7/8/2022 8:32am
7/8/2022 8:32am
AH387 wrote:
Awesome. Thanks for the response. Ya, the new KTM 250 for sure would be on my short list (along with the Honda) if I decide to...
Awesome. Thanks for the response. Ya, the new KTM 250 for sure would be on my short list (along with the Honda) if I decide to try something else. I like that those bikes went away from top end only power. Where I ride, having that response and quick rev makes it so much easier to ride. I feel like those 3 bikes all cater to the same type of rider as far as motor and then it's up to the rider to choose his/her preferences on the other stuff (chassis, suspension etc) as to which bike is best for them.
Yeah, id probably only get the KTM if they change the Yamaha in 24 to something I dont like. Never felt more comfortable on this blue machine.
1
1
AH387
Profile picture for user AH387
Posts
1662
Joined
8/29/2019
Location
Bridgeville, PA, USA
AH387 7/8/2022 8:36am
7/8/2022 8:36am
Leeham wrote:
Yeah, id probably only get the KTM if they change the Yamaha in 24 to something I dont like. Never felt more comfortable on this blue...
Yeah, id probably only get the KTM if they change the Yamaha in 24 to something I dont like. Never felt more comfortable on this blue machine.
Pretty much how I feel also. I am so happy with my current YZ250F that they already have my money on my next bike unless they mess it up on the next generation lol.
Collin_Palotto 7/8/2022 8:37am
7/8/2022 8:37am
AH387 wrote:
Awesome. Thanks for the response. Ya, the new KTM 250 for sure would be on my short list (along with the Honda) if I decide to...
Awesome. Thanks for the response. Ya, the new KTM 250 for sure would be on my short list (along with the Honda) if I decide to try something else. I like that those bikes went away from top end only power. Where I ride, having that response and quick rev makes it so much easier to ride. I feel like those 3 bikes all cater to the same type of rider as far as motor and then it's up to the rider to choose his/her preferences on the other stuff (chassis, suspension etc) as to which bike is best for them.
Leeham wrote:
Yeah, id probably only get the KTM if they change the Yamaha in 24 to something I dont like. Never felt more comfortable on this blue...
Yeah, id probably only get the KTM if they change the Yamaha in 24 to something I dont like. Never felt more comfortable on this blue machine.
I would be interested in a ktm, but I just cant get over the price of them. I shopped around a little before I picked up my 21 yz and couldn't find anything cheaper than 10k out the door
Leeham
Profile picture for user Leeham
Posts
1159
Joined
10/29/2018
Location
Rochester, WA, USA
Leeham 7/8/2022 9:03am
7/8/2022 9:03am
Collin_Palotto wrote:
I would be interested in a ktm, but I just cant get over the price of them. I shopped around a little before I picked up...
I would be interested in a ktm, but I just cant get over the price of them. I shopped around a little before I picked up my 21 yz and couldn't find anything cheaper than 10k out the door
Yeah, the KTM is like what, $1200 more MSRP? For me in WA im looking at $11k OTD due to sales tax here in WA. Plus I would most definitely dump money into the forks. Thats at least another $2k for me. $13k at least to be happy lol
Collin_Palotto 7/8/2022 9:23am
7/8/2022 9:23am
Collin_Palotto wrote:
I would be interested in a ktm, but I just cant get over the price of them. I shopped around a little before I picked up...
I would be interested in a ktm, but I just cant get over the price of them. I shopped around a little before I picked up my 21 yz and couldn't find anything cheaper than 10k out the door
Leeham wrote:
Yeah, the KTM is like what, $1200 more MSRP? For me in WA im looking at $11k OTD due to sales tax here in WA. Plus...
Yeah, the KTM is like what, $1200 more MSRP? For me in WA im looking at $11k OTD due to sales tax here in WA. Plus I would most definitely dump money into the forks. Thats at least another $2k for me. $13k at least to be happy lol
Yep, I got my yz for 7800 OTD. Its just hard to spend that much just to get the thing.
Leeham
Profile picture for user Leeham
Posts
1159
Joined
10/29/2018
Location
Rochester, WA, USA
Leeham 7/8/2022 9:30am
7/8/2022 9:30am
Collin_Palotto wrote:
Yep, I got my yz for 7800 OTD. Its just hard to spend that much just to get the thing.
You got the bike for less than MSRP in this market? Fuck me bro thats legit
Collin_Palotto 7/8/2022 9:33am
7/8/2022 9:33am
Collin_Palotto wrote:
Yep, I got my yz for 7800 OTD. Its just hard to spend that much just to get the thing.
Leeham wrote:
You got the bike for less than MSRP in this market? Fuck me bro thats legit
It was a unique deal. Some dude bought it put .08 hours on it then traded it back into the dealership. I just happened to call that day and jumped on it. I was looking at 2022 crfs at the same time but i was getting quoted 9300ish out the door.
1
Moto520
Profile picture for user Moto520
Posts
3636
Joined
2/4/2013
Location
Schaumburg, IL, USA
Moto520 7/8/2022 9:40am
7/8/2022 9:40am
It depends on what type of tracks you ride. The honda is great for tight, stadium style tracks. The yamaha is not quite as nimble but makes up for it in other aspects.

What type of tracks do you ride? Are you racing or just trying to have fun? Are fast laptimes the main goal with getting the new bike?

Pit Row

See All »
Collin_Palotto 7/8/2022 9:51am
7/8/2022 9:51am
Moto520 wrote:
It depends on what type of tracks you ride. The honda is great for tight, stadium style tracks. The yamaha is not quite as nimble but...
It depends on what type of tracks you ride. The honda is great for tight, stadium style tracks. The yamaha is not quite as nimble but makes up for it in other aspects.

What type of tracks do you ride? Are you racing or just trying to have fun? Are fast laptimes the main goal with getting the new bike?
Im in upstate NY so its mainly deeper/rutted tracks. I have stepped back from racing and mainly just go out and ride the local tracks on practice days and race here and there. Main goal was just to possible look into trying something different and the Crf looked like a option as I was looking at them prior. I really enjoy my yz just looking to possible try something different as I have been on those since 2016.
Moto520
Profile picture for user Moto520
Posts
3636
Joined
2/4/2013
Location
Schaumburg, IL, USA
Moto520 7/8/2022 11:42am
7/8/2022 11:42am
Moto520 wrote:
It depends on what type of tracks you ride. The honda is great for tight, stadium style tracks. The yamaha is not quite as nimble but...
It depends on what type of tracks you ride. The honda is great for tight, stadium style tracks. The yamaha is not quite as nimble but makes up for it in other aspects.

What type of tracks do you ride? Are you racing or just trying to have fun? Are fast laptimes the main goal with getting the new bike?
Collin_Palotto wrote:
Im in upstate NY so its mainly deeper/rutted tracks. I have stepped back from racing and mainly just go out and ride the local tracks on...
Im in upstate NY so its mainly deeper/rutted tracks. I have stepped back from racing and mainly just go out and ride the local tracks on practice days and race here and there. Main goal was just to possible look into trying something different and the Crf looked like a option as I was looking at them prior. I really enjoy my yz just looking to possible try something different as I have been on those since 2016.
Perfect reason to go with the CRF250R....couldn't think of a better reason actually...
fourfourone
Profile picture for user fourfourone
Posts
3045
Joined
10/14/2017
Location
86oh, CT, USA
fourfourone 7/8/2022 12:17pm
7/8/2022 12:17pm
You will love how easy the CR drops right into a deep rutted corner.
1

Post a reply to: 2021 YZ250F vs 2022 Crf250r