2022 250 and 450 Shootout

ML512
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10/19/2021 9:18am Edited Date/Time 11/2/2021 7:31am
Update: Full 250 Shootout : https://www.vitalmx.com/features/2022-Vital-MX-250-Shootout,7613

GASGAS MC 250F In-Depth: https://youtu.be/Yw2nSciZhf8

Honda CRF250R In-Depth
https://youtu.be/i6S_Xcjrni0

Also, we finished all the in-depth videos from 450, they are added below.


Hey Gang, we posted the video from our 450 Shootout last week, but here's the full test from the homepage:

https://www.vitalmx.com/features/2022-Vital-MX-450-Shootout,7557

Got questions? Myself and Klinger have some answers! Any suggestions, etc?

There's also some videos we're releasing that are myself and some of the riders discussing and breaking down each bike if you'd rather listen than read.

Honda CRF450R In-Depth: https://youtu.be/y20_INRFrlc

GASGAS 450MCF In-Depth: https://youtu.be/o7xbgvxbkyY

Yamaha YZ450F In-Depth: https://youtu.be/O8fq91_Pl64

KTM 450 SX-F In-Depth: https://youtu.be/DtufLNEQz_c

Suzuki RM-Z450 In-Depth: https://youtu.be/RDNT5Q_UXbc

Kawasaki KX450 In-Depth: https://youtu.be/TP1TMvD6zIo

Husqvarna FC 450 In-Depth: https://youtu.be/y-bwk8i1Ot0
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ML512
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10/19/2021 10:50am
Any update on testing the KX450SR?
I'll check, but I think that's mid next month.
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AH387
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10/19/2021 11:13am
Good write-up. Very detailed. You guys do a great job of describing how each bike feels, as opposed to just judging it based on a spec-sheet. And I appreciate that.
1
Sandusky26
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10/19/2021 12:39pm
I’m a Suzuki guy.

I can’t read the shootouts.

This is fucked.
9
6

The Shop

GrapeApe
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10/19/2021 12:43pm
Sandusky26 wrote:
I’m a Suzuki guy.

I can’t read the shootouts.

This is fucked.
Can you find someone that can read them to you?
Zycki11
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10/19/2021 12:45pm
Sandusky26 wrote:
I’m a Suzuki guy.

I can’t read the shootouts.

This is fucked.
GrapeApe wrote:
Can you find someone that can read them to you?
Oh damn
4
1
ML512
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10/19/2021 12:45pm
Sandusky26 wrote:
I’m a Suzuki guy.

I can’t read the shootouts.

This is fucked.
I’m somewhat confused by this statement.
1
Sandusky26
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10/19/2021 12:45pm
Sandusky26 wrote:
I’m a Suzuki guy.

I can’t read the shootouts.

This is fucked.
GrapeApe wrote:
Can you find someone that can read them to you?
No one talks to Suzuki guys
Sandusky26
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10/19/2021 12:50pm
I want a recount on the votes.
3
ML512
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10/19/2021 3:17pm
Sandusky26 wrote:
I want a recount on the votes.
While math can be hard, we triple checked.
3
Sandusky26
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10/19/2021 3:36pm
Sandusky26 wrote:
I want a recount on the votes.
ML512 wrote:
While math can be hard, we triple checked.
I’m just messin with ya man.

I’m thinking when my Suzuki gets around 120 hours I’ll be looking for a 22 Honda.

I’m wondering how many hours is a good time to sell, I have 67 now.
2
1
Gillboy67
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10/19/2021 3:59pm
ML512 wrote:
While math can be hard, we triple checked.
LOL ML, As a old kinda fat 6'1" 245 +55 vet B guy I love my 19 zook. I did spend some $ on it. I had Matt at Proven do some head work, added a FMF full exhaust, a PC piston and VP go go juice, a PC link and had Enzo do the bump stix for my fat A##. The bike was easy to make "faster" and handle better. I also put a few Ti bits on her to shed some LBs. WTH is with no E start suzuki??? Grrrrr! All that said totally love how Ya'll do your tests and for the most part agree with the results.
What would be cool is a bike build test on all the 450/250 bikes with a limited budget and see how they all stack up????
I never race a bike (stock) anyways as I need to at least do the suspension and change the bars to my liking and usually at least a slip on. Keep up the great work!!!
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3
10/19/2021 4:04pm
The gap and difference between the bikes, and also the results of the bike tests, seems to be narrowing more and more every year. At this point, maybe besides the yellow bike (which is still good for most riders), you'll have success and fun on any color bike. Pick a color.

Just wondering ML, from a bike tester standpoint, what would you like to see manufacturers change or try to innovate?

I can see maybe the introduction of an air shock on a production bike being a somewhat large change.
3
kpersonius264
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10/19/2021 4:09pm
I have a 20.5 ktm 450 and I am thinking about going to a gas gas next. If I were I were to swap my TD vortex, FMF 4.1, and TD exhaust flange will the engine feel the same, or is there more going on with the engine besides mapping?

Also ML mentioned the swingarm is different (softer) on the husky and gg. I never knew they were different. I'm assuming that means more flex? is that a good thing, bad thing, or just personal preference?
1
ML512
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10/19/2021 5:19pm
I have a 20.5 ktm 450 and I am thinking about going to a gas gas next. If I were I were to swap my TD...
I have a 20.5 ktm 450 and I am thinking about going to a gas gas next. If I were I were to swap my TD vortex, FMF 4.1, and TD exhaust flange will the engine feel the same, or is there more going on with the engine besides mapping?

Also ML mentioned the swingarm is different (softer) on the husky and gg. I never knew they were different. I'm assuming that means more flex? is that a good thing, bad thing, or just personal preference?
Yes, as long as you run whatever airbox cover you ran on the KTM as well.
AH387
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10/19/2021 5:21pm
I personally cringe when I hear "pick a color." The bikes may all be good bikes now a days, but that still doesn't mean it's 1 size fits all. There are so many different characteristics that each bike has, which should be considered, in my opinion. The different way they handle, type of power, suspension, ergos etc all factor in, when I buy a bike. I just think if people know what works best for them, it can make for a much better choice than picking a color or just getting the shootout winner etc.
ML512
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10/19/2021 5:29pm
The gap and difference between the bikes, and also the results of the bike tests, seems to be narrowing more and more every year. At this...
The gap and difference between the bikes, and also the results of the bike tests, seems to be narrowing more and more every year. At this point, maybe besides the yellow bike (which is still good for most riders), you'll have success and fun on any color bike. Pick a color.

Just wondering ML, from a bike tester standpoint, what would you like to see manufacturers change or try to innovate?

I can see maybe the introduction of an air shock on a production bike being a somewhat large change.
This is just my personal opinion....but I think the current technology in these bikes is amazing.

I wouldn't mind seeing an OEM taking an outgoing generation bike, strip it to more basics like the GASGAs. Remove the mapping switches, go to cheaper accessories like bars, suspension, tires, wheels, and other materials...lowering the price of the bike and utilizing those molds for longer periods so the price can be brought down. Say a current gen 450 costs $9,500 MSRP...I'd love to see if they could keep that model around a couple years and bring thee price down to $7,000-8,000 range (I might be a little too hopeful there).

Then bring in the new model by maybe go a little more all out on electronic add ons, aftermarket goodies, performance, etc...which would push the price up a bit of course...to more like $11,000-12,000 but hopefully we do less to these bikes when we get them.

I guess follow more of the Mountain bike market model. Have entry level and performance versions of the models. But by updating the look of the outgoing bike to look. more like the new one, the entry level buyer still feels like they're getting the good stuff but able to afford to step into moto...while the core enthusiast who wants the best and newest has their option as well.
ML512
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10/19/2021 5:30pm
AH387 wrote:
I personally cringe when I hear "pick a color." The bikes may all be good bikes now a days, but that still doesn't mean it's 1...
I personally cringe when I hear "pick a color." The bikes may all be good bikes now a days, but that still doesn't mean it's 1 size fits all. There are so many different characteristics that each bike has, which should be considered, in my opinion. The different way they handle, type of power, suspension, ergos etc all factor in, when I buy a bike. I just think if people know what works best for them, it can make for a much better choice than picking a color or just getting the shootout winner etc.
That's why I say Shootouts are still important. Yes, all these bikes are really good these days but certain characteristics suit some riders more than others. All the bikes are good but there's definitely a bike on the market that is better for rider A than rider B.
4
kpersonius264
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10/19/2021 5:35pm
I have a 20.5 ktm 450 and I am thinking about going to a gas gas next. If I were I were to swap my TD...
I have a 20.5 ktm 450 and I am thinking about going to a gas gas next. If I were I were to swap my TD vortex, FMF 4.1, and TD exhaust flange will the engine feel the same, or is there more going on with the engine besides mapping?

Also ML mentioned the swingarm is different (softer) on the husky and gg. I never knew they were different. I'm assuming that means more flex? is that a good thing, bad thing, or just personal preference?
ML512 wrote:
Yes, as long as you run whatever airbox cover you ran on the KTM as well.
oh yes that's right! I'm running a vented cover with a 2 stoke filter cage. The salesmen was looking at me funny when I ripped off the airbox cover off the gas gas and started walking over to the ktm with it.
JamesReed
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10/19/2021 6:31pm
AH387 wrote:
I personally cringe when I hear "pick a color." The bikes may all be good bikes now a days, but that still doesn't mean it's 1...
I personally cringe when I hear "pick a color." The bikes may all be good bikes now a days, but that still doesn't mean it's 1 size fits all. There are so many different characteristics that each bike has, which should be considered, in my opinion. The different way they handle, type of power, suspension, ergos etc all factor in, when I buy a bike. I just think if people know what works best for them, it can make for a much better choice than picking a color or just getting the shootout winner etc.
+1
All things being pretty similar, ergonomics is so important for the average rider. Also build quality is super important if you keep your bikes for a long time.
2
ML512
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10/21/2021 8:00pm
Bump, added Yamaha In-Depth video...KTM goes live on Saturday, followed by Kawasaki.
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Timo
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10/21/2021 8:14pm
#bluecrew
I've been saying it for 3 years now that this is the best 450 on the market! For 2023 Yamaha's goal should be from RV, "don't fuck it up". Also please keep the lower seat, tall fuckers can buy a tall seat. I like buying a bike that I can touch the ground with both feet at the same time.
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soggy
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10/21/2021 8:28pm
Sandusky26 wrote:
I want a recount on the votes.
ML512 wrote:
While math can be hard, we triple checked.
Sandusky26 wrote:
I’m just messin with ya man. I’m thinking when my Suzuki gets around 120 hours I’ll be looking for a 22 Honda. I’m wondering how many...
I’m just messin with ya man.

I’m thinking when my Suzuki gets around 120 hours I’ll be looking for a 22 Honda.

I’m wondering how many hours is a good time to sell, I have 67 now.
It’s a Suzuki it’s never a good time to sell
3
ML512
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11/2/2021 7:36am
Bump...250 Shootout video added.

Also, all In-Depth videos from 450 Shootout have been added.
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Johnny Ringo
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11/2/2021 7:46am Edited Date/Time 11/2/2021 7:47am
Having ML back for shootouts πŸ’―
AH387
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11/2/2021 7:54am
Having ML back for shootouts πŸ’―
I agree. Very happy about that.


Good job on the 250 Shootout, guys. Looking forward to the rest of the content on the 250s.
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dancolvin633
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11/2/2021 8:18am
Sandusky26 wrote:
I want a recount on the votes.
ML512 wrote:
While math can be hard, we triple checked.
I’m starting to think my friends don’t know how to test with the poor score of the Kawi πŸ˜‚πŸ˜‚πŸ˜‚πŸ˜‚πŸ˜‚πŸ˜‚πŸ˜‚
ML512
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11/2/2021 8:25am
Sandusky26 wrote:
I want a recount on the votes.
ML512 wrote:
While math can be hard, we triple checked.
I’m starting to think my friends don’t know how to test with the poor score of the Kawi πŸ˜‚πŸ˜‚πŸ˜‚πŸ˜‚πŸ˜‚πŸ˜‚πŸ˜‚
Let me test that full Pc KX250 you got TongueLaughing
11/2/2021 9:56am
So both 250 and 450 tests finish in exact same brand order with nearly the exact tester feedback on every brand...
TeamGreen
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11/2/2021 10:16am
AH387 wrote:
I personally cringe when I hear "pick a color." The bikes may all be good bikes now a days, but that still doesn't mean it's 1...
I personally cringe when I hear "pick a color." The bikes may all be good bikes now a days, but that still doesn't mean it's 1 size fits all. There are so many different characteristics that each bike has, which should be considered, in my opinion. The different way they handle, type of power, suspension, ergos etc all factor in, when I buy a bike. I just think if people know what works best for them, it can make for a much better choice than picking a color or just getting the shootout winner etc.
ML512 wrote:
That's why I say Shootouts are still important. Yes, all these bikes are really good these days but certain characteristics suit some riders more than others...
That's why I say Shootouts are still important. Yes, all these bikes are really good these days but certain characteristics suit some riders more than others. All the bikes are good but there's definitely a bike on the market that is better for rider A than rider B.
Personally, I'd have included the Honda "S". It has it's place AND it's $8,999...which matters to some folks. A well prepped "S" would be a good bike for a lot of riders.

Still, I'm holding out for a "Red '23" that I'll be buying as a '22...if GasGas EVER get's it here!!!

So, Michael...I'm asking...here...for the record:

When is the Factory Edition, Rockstar Edition, TLD Team Edition, KX-SR, CRF-RWE and...yes...even the YZ-F Monster Edition..."Shootout"?

Note: Suzuki ought to saddle up and make a Twisted Tea Edition!!!
1

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