YZ250F (MY2019)

The YZ250F from this generation sets the bar for low-end grunt among 250 cc motocrossers. Yamaha's reversed-cylinder four-stroke makes 42 hp at 13,000 rpm and 19 lb-ft at 10,000 rpm. The spec sheet doesn't tell the real story, though. This engine pulls hard right off idle and keeps charging through the midrange, and that's exactly what you want out of a tight corner with a jump right after it. The rest of the package is the KYB Speed Sensitive System coil-spring fork and a matching shock. It's a proven mechanical setup that stays plush and resists bottoming straight out of the crate.

On the track, the chassis balances straight-line stability against precise cornering and tells you clearly what the rear tire is doing. That torque makes it forgiving for a newer racer and still gives a fast rider the drive to clear jumps that come up right away. Both ends are fully adjustable. The standard Power Tuner app connects to the bike over Wi-Fi, so you can change fuel delivery in the pits from your phone. The caveat is the one every race 250F carries: hard use wears the valve clearances, the piston and rings, and the suspension itself. When you buy one, set money aside for maintenance too.