When it comes to dirt bikes, 250cc motorcycles are the best options for beginners and experienced riders alike. Unlike the bigger bikes, 250cc bikes offer a mixture of power and maneuverability without the task of carrying around an overwhelming engine. Small bikes are fun and fabulous, but many riders prefer a bike with a little more grunt. The preference for something light enough with enough power to move and overcome obstacles cannot be understated.
250cc motorcycles also offer easy servicing, access to parts and replacements, and a wide range of aftermarket accessories. With that in mind, here are eight 250cc motorcycles that are true hardcores off the beaten path.
8 Kawasaki KX250F
The Kawasaki KX250cc is a dedicated off-road-only closed course dirt bike. Riders prefer the KX250F because of its high adaptability and customization characteristic. The KX250F is equipped with a fully adjustable rear shock, Showa inverted forks, and has an overall weight of 230lbs. In addition, it comes with a 250cc four-stroke single-cylinder race-developed engine made to supply power at the rider's convenience.
Its steadfast five-speed gearbox promises bolt action reliability for those looking for superb handling and easy ergonomics, packaged in a competition-spec bundle. This beauty is ranked as one of the coolest motorcycles Kawasaki has ever produced.
7 Yamaha YZ250F
The Yamaha YZ250F is one of the most intimidating dirt bikes to ever come from Yamaha. At the very heart of the YZ250F is a powerful four-stroke liquid-cooled, 250cc single-cylinder engine with a superb reverse cylinder head arrangement that produces plenty of power. Joined with a lightweight frame and paired with KYB forks and an adjustable monoshock on the rear, the YZ250F offers exceptional ability in a highly maneuverable chassis.
It comes in a distinctive and approachable Yamaha blue livery color and is a worthy bet for riders wishing to take their dirt riding to the next level.
6 Suzuki RM-Z250
The Suzuki RM-Z250 is historically a fantastic motorcycle that manages to finish up nice and high in competitions. It has excellent handling, exceptional rear-wheel traction, and a chassis that flourishes in tight turns over hard ground. It is equipped with a decent enough 249cc four-stroke engine with inverted forks, an adjustable rear shock, and an overall weight of 234 lbs.
The RM-Z250's best feature is its customization characteristics. It is for riders ready to go total nerd, get their hands dirty, enjoy fiddling around components, and fine-tuning the smaller aspects of a bike.
5 Husqvarna TE250i
The Husqvarna TE250i is a bike that is made for the dirt. It is light, and its graceful handlebars enable it to change directions instantly with minimal effort. Its 250cc engine boasts a set of modern fuel injectors located at the transfer ports that produce a maximum of 50 horsepower with smooth power delivery.
Its upgraded suspension, in the form of an Xplor fork up front and a DCC shock at the rear suspension, is designed for dirt riding and hard landings. It's a highly maneuverable 250cc dirt bike that offers the best of traction and comfort.
4 Yamaha WR250F
The WR250F is as practical as dirt bikes come. It is a tamer version of the aggressive Yamaha YZ250F and offers more manageable and controlled power. It is fitted with a soft suspension, low noise and minimal exhaust emissions, and all the road-legal components required in a dirt bike. The engine is a reversed cylinder head, 250cc four-stroke single-cylinder unit with a revised air intake, a tweaked frame, and adjusted stability.
Featuring a compact starter motor system battery, WR250F riders enjoy a broad spread of useable thrust with excellent high-rpm power, all available with the convenient push of a button.
3 KTM 250 XC
The KTM 250 XC is one of the best 250cc dirt bikes on the market. This rare gem pretty much does whatever off-road job is required of it. The 250 XC is powered by a potent 250cc two-stroke engine, mated to a nimble chassis, fully tunable with power valve adjustments.
It comes equipped with a cool WP AER 48 air fork up front and a rear linkage suspension, allowing for smooth handling and a fantastic ride experience. A powerful two-stroke engine and an overall weight of 236lbs when fully fueled make this bike a reliable off-road weapon.
2 Honda CRF250X
The Honda CRF450X is a high-performance trail machine built to win. It boasts a compact Unicam 250cc single-cylinder engine at its heart that cranks out 29 horsepower. It brings the carburetor into action rather than evolve into fuel injection, allowing for smooth power delivery rather than a jumpy delivery.
It has a great suspension and amazing Nissin units in its braking system. In addition, the CRF250RX is equipped with an effortless electric starter. Convenient and lightweight, it's a massive deal if the need to restart a stalled bike in the heat of battle arises.
1 KTM 250 SX
The KTM 250 SX is a dirt bike for real enthusiasts — it offers incredible power to weight ratio, credited to the engine's two-stroke nature and the lightweight chassis. A 250cc two-stroke engine powers the bike. Its competent chassis makes the 250 SX as nimble as it should be.
KTM 250 SX comes equipped with a narrow body and excellent parts, elevating it to the next level. The most significant of these additions include the robust suspension system from WP Suspension, which transforms this machine into a bike more at home in enduro competitions.