What 250F for beginner

If I were starting with a new bike. I'd be looking at a few aspects, especially when reading bike tests.

From a riding standpoint. 

Handling and suspension. The 2 best things a beginner can get right to start with.

From a purchasing standpoint. 

Pick a preferred colour if you're not too fussy about what bike, as they are all very good bikes.

I would be looking at support from the dealer (how close are they, and do they stock plenty of bikes/parts)

I would also be looking at runout models to get the best deal you can. No point in buying the latest and greatest/most expensive/fastest, as it doesn't matter too much at this point. 

If I were in your position, I'd be looking at a Honda (great all-around bike) or Gasgas (best deals around, potentially).

Then it would be any other bike. I did not mention the Suzuki just because of how little resale value they have in a few years.

Rmz250. Easiest to ride power, strong low to mid roll on. It’s the easiest power to “keep up” with mentally. It makes sense to your brain the easiest.  Some others are faster on the top end, but you won’t be riding there for some time due to being new .

I would look at a new KX250. From all accounts they handle really well, aren't the most powerful stock, and are going for pretty cheap the last I checked. 

I liked my 2020 KX250, so I am a little bias, though. 

This…………24,25,26 KX would be hard to beat for a mere mortal.

If buying used, Honda 22-24, 250 with 23.5 triple clamp sprung exactly to rider level/weight is not a bad bet either.  

Can’t go wrong with either of those. I would check the local dealers and see what best deal you could get.

I would just get whatever you can get the best deal on, or literally whichever bike you think looks the best if price isn't a consideration. I wouldn't worry too much about local dealer support, etc. They probably wouldn't give you a discount on parts anyway, and you can always order anything you need online. 

Grab an RMZ if you don't mind kicking. 

The 2022+ Honda, only 250F I've ever ridden that I liked.  Why? Because it's the only one that feels like a 125.

I don't think you mentioned wether you will be buying used or brand new. But when you enter the sport the bike characteristics doesn't really matter that much, just get the freshest possible bike with the least amount of potential issues.

If you want to buy brand new, buy the cheapest one you can find. It will most likely be a RM-Z or a KX. I would go with the KX.

If you're buying used, get one with low hours.

For me, the Honda has made it easier to maintain proper technique and form because it turns so well and the ergonomics are perfect. The Yamaha (at least my 2020) was super stable and had a ton of torque, but I never felt great on it. 

As a beginner, steer clear of anything with an air fork, it's just an extra daily maintenance step.

After that which is your closest brand in your area, that's the one I'd pick.

Just a heads up you should be under 7500 for a rmz or kawi out the door. If it’s way over there you’re getting hosed.

In your case i think all would be ok but i'd lean towards CR/YZ...............but also consider local dealer and their service / support. Some dealers are better or more focused on off road so know the sport and it's needs (and typically stock the right spares)

What ever you can get the best deal on

My vote would be the RMZ or KX. Price and rideability 

What brands does the dealer closest to you carry? Hard to go wrong with any bike, especially as a beginner. Zook or Kawi are the best bang for your buck imo. 

Yamaha or Honda for reliability. Kawasaki or Suzuki for the lowest initial cost. KTM/Husqvarna/GasGas if you like the idea of a steel frame, although who knows what's going on with that brand group... you might see problems getting parts someday. (At least it's more likely than with the big 4 Japanese brands.)

You seem to like the Honda brand and those are great bikes. I'd recommend one of those just for the brand familiarity. 

Yamaha has had the worst reliability since like 21 or so.

Suzuki is the most reliable at this point with Ktm and Honda right there.

It’s funny- Yamaha and Honda have had some spotty years in the last 10-15 years

And Suzuki has been rock solid the last 10-15 years

 Suzuki had a bad time in 04-06 and it’s reputation still repeats that 

Meanwhile Yamaha had amazing reliability with the 5 valve head 4 strokes, ever since the swap to 4 valve head engines they’ve been no better than any other brand, but their reputation carries onward from the reliable 5 valve head days which ended in 2010 and 2014.

So interesting to follow the mag made up bologna and how perception carries on or off.

I haven't had a new 250F since 2016. Back then the Yamaha was amazing. Strongest engine off of the bottom(new riders do not rev the bike), great stock suspension, very predictable chassis. I'm sure things have changed in ~10 years though!

I would say stay close to your most local dealership and snag you up a new KX. They look great, handle good, the power is very broad, and reliable. 

What more could you want…

Oh, they have killer deals going on right now!

suzuki is hard no only because of lack of start button. you want this, it is non-negotiable in my mind. got an acquaintance just picked up a 250FX and is working through rideability, (too stiff but satisfied with features and performance) personally Id go honda or austrian

I would probably lean toward the Honda too. It just seems a little smaller and thinner.

Height and current weight?

I started riding again after taking like 8 years off. My last bike was a 16 yz250f after having a 13 rmz250 before that. I bought a 25 yz250f from Delmarva Powersports. Great place to buy from if you're within a few hours....no bs fees. The 25 with the stock map felt quite a bit more mild on the low end compared to the 16 I had making it pretty easy to ride. The stock suspension is great on the yamaha too.

there is no bad bike in 2025. I personally wont buy KTM group bikes. Honda, Kawasaki, Yamaha, and Suzuki all make a 250F that you would be happy on.

You have it down to 2 excellent choices 
Personally I really like the YZ250F but the Honda is excellent as well 

For sure, perception is reality. I was going on my experience with Yamahas, but of course I ride a 2-stroke. Stone cold reliable for 18 years on my old YZ250 and so far no problems with my '24. Also, don't confuse the engine failures that the race team has been having with the brand's reliability for showroom models. That said, I don't have any idea how unreliable the 4-valve thumpers are, as I've never owned one. 

Suzukis are great bikes. If you saw the attention to testing they give, you'd be impressed. (I was fortunate enough to visit their testing facility in Ryuyo near Hammamatsu, Japan. It was an eye-opener!)

Local dealer support is good to have.  I'm in a larger city so I have that with any brand.

Since you're buying new, and already spending a nice chunk of cash, I suggest that outside of a crazy deal that you can't pass up, get your favorite bike.  Whatever bike that is, it might cost you 5% more, or 5% less than the others, but on a $8-10k purchase, isn't $500 one way or the other worth riding the bike that you really want?