2022 Honda CRF250R vs 2021 KTM 350XCF Kailub Russell: 1-lap Back to Back Woods Loop

Back to back comparison lap on a woods loop with my 2022 Honda CRF250R and 2021 KTM 350XCF Kailub Russell Edition. Riding bikes back to back really makes the the differences stand out. Thoughts on each....

'22 CRF250R Lap Time: 2:40.42
Almost 125 2-stroke like agility and fun to ride character. The CRF is light and feels light especially in the the corners which makes for less work on the tight trails. The engine is free revving with little engine braking and now has decent low to mid power and strong mid to top power. The moto focused "R" Showa suspension has a firm overall feel even with the clickers opneed up a lot that feels better the faster you go. The RX suspension setting would work much better on the trails. The front brake is strong and progressive. Ergos have that "just feel right" Honda feel though the seat is a thin and hard.

'21 350XCF Lap Time: 2:38.85
KTM/Husky 350's have been my favorite combination or power/weight/handling in a 4-stroke off road bike and this Kailub Russell edition is my favorite to date. This bike has a few upgrades including WP Pro Components suspension, Akrapovic full exhaust, and myKTM EFI connectivity unit. First thing I noticed was the increased engine vibration. Next up was the extra torque from low to mid RPM. The bigger 350 engine also has more engine braking (even though I minimized engine braking in the myKTM app) and inertia feel that is noticeable in the corners. The WP Pro Components suspension is next level with plush and controlled motion. I have spent some time on a '22 Husky FC450 and '22 FC350 and for me the 10mm lower suspension setting noticeably improves cornering. Wish my KTM had the 10mm lower setting.

The CRF250R's impressive cornering, lightweight, and agile handling really stood out to me in this comparison. Less work in the woods. With a little plusher suspension setting (CRF250RX) the CRF might have matched or beat the 350XCF lap time. More back to back comparisons soon!

Here is a link to my '22 CRF250R and '22 YZ250F 1-lap back to back on a an old school GP track.... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lo7I4g_7CDM

Видео 2022 Honda CRF250R vs 2021 KTM 350XCF Kailub Russell: 1-lap Back to Back Woods Loop канала mxengineer1