250F Enduro Shootout : Sherco vs GASGAS vs Husqvarna vs Yamaha
Hands down during all my years of off-road riding, I have had more fun riding a 250F off-road than any other capacity enduro bike. The combination of using every ounce of horsepower they have on offer, while throwing it around and feeling in total control as I get lines that bigger capacity bikes can only dream of is a pretty amazing feeling. As a young racer I spent quite a few years racing 250Fs between trees and loved every second on them. Looking back I can see all the good lessons I learned about maximising corner speed and carrying momentum came during my time of riding 250Fs.
They may be slightly down on torque and overall horsepower compared to a lot of the enduro bikes setting all the sales records but don’t let that convince you that a 250F is not capable of big things. Put the right rider on one and they are more than capable. It was not that long ago that Daniel Milner won the Australian Four Day Enduro outright riding one. I honestly think a lot of riders and racers I see on 450s and bigger would benefit from stepping down to a 250F. Not only would they have more fun, they would be in control a lot more of the time.
The last enduro bike launch I attended was for the 2020 Husqvarna range in Finland and all of the European press and journalists headed straight for the 250F, not one headed towards the 501. However the other two Australians that were there, headed straight to the 501. I don’t see this Aussie mentality of more power is better changing any time soon, but maybe with the crazy rise in fuel prices, Australians might start looking at the more economical 250F.
The majority of the 250F enduro bikes I cross paths with are on off-road race tracks or trail rides, so the test location we chose was nestled in the Blue Mountains and had a mix of off-road special test loops that are currently rough and gnarly from all the rain and AORC racers training on them. The test fleet we did get our hands on comprised of the Yamaha WR250F, GASGAS EC250F, Sherco 250 SEF Factory and a Husqvarna FE 250. With 250F enduro bikes having owners that range from featherweight junior riders up to riders on the other end of the scale, ADB arranged a good variety of test riders.
Tale of the tape
SHERCO 250 SEF Factory
It only takes one glance at the 250 SEF Factory to see it has all the fruit straight off the showroom floor. An Akrapovic full exhaust system, thermo fan, radiator expansion tank and KYB closed cartridge fork are just some of the highlights of this bike. All these quality parts also come at a cost, as the Sherco has the heftiest price tag of $15,299. On our test loop this is what I thought about the Sherco.
Young Jett loved it “if I rev it like my 125cc it’s so fast”.
Initially I was a bit disappointed as the bottom end power is quite weak, however if I kept the throttle open and let it build revs it really came alive in the mid to top end. The amount of top end power is quite impressive it’s just that the effort it requires to always keep it there is too much for my liking. Young Jett loved it “if I rev it like my 125cc it’s so fast”.
The feel I got from the KYB suspension is nothing but impressive, the harder I pushed the smoother it made the ground feel. I would have no issue taking this suspension as it is to a National race. Handling and ergonomics are where I find this bike very different to everything else.
The Sherco differed most of all the models, offering its own aggressive traits and characteristics, but in its own effective style.
It has a very slim feeling the whole way from front to back that took some getting used to and the way it steered was a little lazy for me, which made tight twisty tracks hard work. Braking wise, both of the Brembo brakes were everything I expect from quality brakes. In my opinion this bike looks like a race bike and it performs just like a race bike as well and the faster I rode it the better everything worked. Ultimately the weak bottom end power was the thing that held this bike back the most for me.
Sherco 250 SEF FACTORY
ENGINE
Type Single-cylinder, four-stroke, DOHC
Displacement 248.43cc
Bore & STROKE 76mm x 52.20mm
Cooling Liquid system with forced circulation
Compression ratio NA
Fuel metering Synerject digital electronic fuel injection
Tank capacity 9.7 litres
Transmission Six-speed sequential gearbox
Clutch Hydraulic, multi-disc in oil bath
DIMENSIONS
Wheelbase 1480mm
Seat height 950mm
Ground clearance 355mm
Claimed Weight NA
SUSPENSION
FRONT 48mm KYB closed-cartridge
REAR KYB Monoshock
BRAKES
Front Brembo 260mm disc
Rear Brembo 220mm disc
RUNNING GEAR
Handlebar NA
Front tyre Pirelli Extra X 80/100-21
Rear tyre Pirelli XC Mid/Soft 110/100-18
PRICE & CONTACTS
RRP $15,299
BROWSER Sherco.com.au
BLOWER 03 83631600
Warranty 6 months
GASGAS EC250F
The GASGAS EC250F is the newest model on the 250F block, it has the smallest price tag of $13,515 and that alone will be appealing to customers. The catch is you are buying a bit of a blank canvas as it comes without off-road essentials like hand guards or engine skid plate protection. Our test loop left me with these impressions.
The bottom end to mid-range is where this engine is best, as it builds silky smooth power and makes finding traction easy. Even 100kg ADB Mitch said “it was impressive how I could lug around in third gear with no worries“. The top end flattened off quite quick but this didn’t bother me as I am happy not revving an engine much.
It has the smallest price tag of $13,515 and that alone will be appealing to customers
At race pace the WP fork on the Gasser is just too soft for big bumps or hits, although it has great compliance over everything small thanks too its super soft feel. The WP rear shock is also very soft however the larger bumps do not push it to the limit. Ergonomics on this bike are great for a rider of my height as the handlebars are on the low side and the soft suspension gives it a low seat height feeling even though the spec sheet has it as the tallest of the pack.
The shock felt comfortable in ruts and going over logs but when I was at high speed it felt a little unstable.
I like the Braktec rear brake and clutch a lot as both have great feeling and feedback delivering what I needed from them to pull the bike up or get moving in a hurry. My only gripe is the Braktec front brake could do with a bit more braking power, as a lot of the time I had to use two fingers instead of my normal one. This package is very forgiving and easy to ride, so it comes as no surprise that young Mitch said “this would easily be my bike of choice to have for trail riding”.
GASGAS EC250F
ENGINE
Type Single-cylinder, four-stroke
Displacement 249.9
Bore & STROKE 78mm x 52.3mm
Cooling Liquid cooled
Compression ratio 13.8:1
Fuel metering Keihin EMS
Tank capacity 8.5 litres
Transmission 6-speed
Clutch DDS wet multi-disc clutch, Braktec hydraulics
DIMENSIONS
Wheelbase NA
Seat height 960mm
Ground clearance 360mm
Claimed Weight 105.6kg
SUSPENSION
FRONT WP XPLOR-USD 48mm
REAR WP XACT Monoshock with linkage
BRAKES
Front Braktec 260mm Disc
Rear Braktec 220mm Disc
RUNNING GEAR
Handlebar Neken
Front tyre Maxxis Enduro 90/90-21
Rear tyre Maxxis Enduro 140/80-18
PRICE & CONTACTS
RRP $13,515
BROWSER gasgas.com
BLOWER 1800 644 771
Warranty 1 month
HUSQVARNA FE 250
I like the direction Husqvarna went with the look of this model, the silver frame, clean white plastics and minimalist graphics look classy. Gadget wise, the map switch with traction control and fork preload adjusters is what sets this bike apart from the rest. On the track this is what I experienced.
I rode the Husqvarna after the GASGAS and my first impression was “it’s exactly the same as the Gasser engine” but that soon changed with the press of the map switch. I switched to map two and instantly got a much livelier feeling from the engine, the bottom to mid power improved and the top end power quite a lot. After testing all the mapping options my favourite setting was map two with TC on as this gave me the best combination of strong power and traction.
Gadget wise, the map switch with traction control and fork preload adjusters is what sets this bike apart from the rest
With the suspension both ends worked in harmony together, from small to medium obstacles, this package was the standout with its ability to soak up everything so smoothly. Young Mitch felt this, saying “this suspension I felt was most comfortable to just jump on and go quick “. My only complaint with the suspension is with the WP fork, as even after adjusting both preload adjusters to +6 to help it hold up, it still was a bit soft at race pace on big impacts.
If you’re after predictability and a ‘safe’ feeling when riding, you can’t look past the FE 250
Ergonomics are quite roomy as the Pro Taper handlebar is reasonably tall. I did find this seat the comfiest of the group as it was soft but not too soft. The Braktec clutch and brakes felt pretty much the same as the GASGAS Braktec equipment. The rear brake and clutch performance was great however the front Braktec brake was too underpowered on heavy braking for my liking. Apart from the Fork and front brake slightly holding this bike back on a race track, this is a very impressive package.
HUSQVARNA FE 250
ENGINE
Type single cylinder, four stroke
Displacement 249.9
Bore & STROKE 78mm x 52.3mm
Cooling liquid cooled
Compression ratio 13.8:1
Fuel metering Keihin EMS
Tank capacity 9 litres
Transmission 6-speed
Clutch DDS wet multi-disc clutch, Braktec hydraulics
DIMENSIONS
Wheelbase NA
Seat height 950mm
Ground clearance 360mm
Claimed Weight 106kg without fuel
SUSPENSION
FRONT WP XPLOR-USD 48mm
REAR WP XACT Monoshock with linkage
BRAKES
Front 260mm disc Braktec
Rear 220mm disc Braktec
RUNNING GEAR
Handlebar Pro Taper
Front tyre Michelin Enduro 90/90-21
Rear tyre Michelin Enduro 140/80-18
PRICE & CONTACTS
RRP $15,070
BROWSER husqvarna-motorcycles.com/au
BLOWER 1800 644 771
Warranty 1 month
YAMAHA WR250F
Every time I look at a WR250F I am reminded of how high they raised the bar in 2001 with the introduction of this model. This new WR looks tougher than ever and continues to stay ahead of the competition thanks to smartphone tuning via the Yamaha power tune app. Here is what I thought of it on the track.
I opted for the MX aggressive mapping and it did not disappoint, this thing is so strong all the way from the bottom right through to the rev limiter. On a race track this was easily the best engine for me. On paper the cable operated clutch may seem dated, but the action is super light and it works great.
I opted for the MX aggressive mapping and it did not disappoint
I like what both ends of the KYB suspension have going on, as the faster I went the less I felt any bumps, and even on all the small bumps both ends provided great traction and stability. When it comes to ergonomics, this bike has the most curves. I did not mind this at all as it had me knowing exactly where my body position was on the bike. I also like how the seat profile makes me feel like I am sitting into the bike and not on top of it.
The front end felt good, but the rear shock was a bit stiff for my weight
The brakes at either end are more than up to the task of pulling up this powerful engine and the front brake was easily my favourite of the group. With the use of just one finger I could get any desired braking power I wanted. This is one racy 250F that still has features that set it above the competition. If the shootout results were solely up to me this Yamaha would have taken the win by a whisker over the Husqvarna.
YAMAHA WR250F
ENGINE
Type Four stroke, DOHC, 4-valve
Displacement 250cc
Bore & STROKE 77mm x 53.6mm
Cooling liquid cooled
Compression ratio 13.8:1
Fuel metering Fuel injection
Tank capacity 7.9 litres
Transmission constant mesh 6-speed
Clutch Wet, multiple-disc, cable operated
DIMENSIONS
Wheelbase 1480mm
Seat height 955mm
Ground clearance 320mm
Claimed Weight 115kg wet with all fluids full
SUSPENSION
FRONT 48mm KYB twin chamber speed sensitive
REAR KYB fully adjustable link type
BRAKES
Front 270mm Nissin disc
Rear 245mm Nissin disc
RUNNING GEAR
Handlebar NA
Front tyre Dunlop Geomax EN91 90/90-21
Rear tyre Dunlop Geomax EN91 140/80-18
PRICE & CONTACTS
RRP $14,949 Ride away
BROWSER Yamaha-motor.com.au
BLOWER 02 97570011
Warranty Three months parts only
WINNER!
This is one very fun and impressive group of small bore four strokes but there can only be one winner. After tallying up all the test riders’ scorecards, the Husqvarna FE250 took top honours. If I take my hat off from being the pro race tester at this shootout, it makes 100%, sense to me that the FE250 won. Young Mitch’s comment of “the Husky just did everything well and was very easy to feel comfortable on from the moment I first threw a leg over it” basically sums it up.
Husqvarna have done well at producing the FE 250 with enough bells and whistles to keep 90% of riders happy. Things like the handlebar mounted map switch that gives riders the choice of four different power settings on the fly. It allows a rider to press a button and adjust the engine in the direction they prefer.
The WP XPLOR forks have preload adjusters that can be adjusted in a few seconds, to either 0, +3 or +6. These fork preload adjusters are simple, yet very affective at providing riders of all different weights and speeds the kind of feeling they like. All the way down to the Michelin Enduro Comp tyres that provide great grip and feel.
