3/18/2018 4:15 AM
Edited Date/Time: 3/18/2018 4:19 AM
What are you coming off of? I've had a 2014, 15, 16 YZ250F, all were great bikes as far as the suspension, power, reliability and build quality. The one complaint I had was what you mentioned the cockpit can feel bulky, but you get used to it too. I had a 16 KTM 150 SX which I hated, the power delivery was unpredictable, the suspension garbage, but it was super light and turned fairly well,the build quality was questionable (cue the fan boys and pitchforks). My last bike was my first Honda a 16 CRF250R and by far my favorite, amazing handling (suspension was not quite as good as the Yami KYB stuff, but it was air forks...), great cockpit, solid build quality and reliability. If I get back from this deployment and buy a new bike (though with grad school on the horizon doubtful) I would be buying an 18 CRF250R. All the bikes you mentioned you can't really go wrong with. The AER48 seems to be better than the 4CS crap I had on my 16 and I have yet to hear anyone complain about the new CRF, I think the bottom end critique would be hardly noticeable for any of us here. Keep in mind the YZ will be getting an update in 2019 so that will affect your resale a bit later, but I see some crazy deals on new ones right now. Pick whichever one you like best.
"Asking this question here is analogous to going to a KrispyKreme store and asking the patrons if you should have a doughnut."-NotCore