Electric-Start Motocross: Exploring 250Cc Bikes With A Twist

Motocross bikes are powerful machines, and the 250cc class is no exception. Electric start is a feature that has been added to some 250cc motocross bikes, such as the Honda CRF250R, Yamaha YZ250X, and KTM 250SX. These bikes offer a range of performance updates and features, from new motors to traction control modes. With the growing popularity of electric start in motocross, it will be interesting to see how this feature impacts the market and racetrack performance.

Honda CRF250R

Motocross bikes with electric start are becoming increasingly popular. Honda has always been a maverick in the 250 class, and the Honda CRF250R is no exception. The 2018 CRF250R was designed and developed following the same "Absolute Holeshot" philosophy as the CRF450R, which has become the top-selling 450cc motocross model. The CRF250R shares many of the same performance-focused updates, including a host of updates aimed at achieving maximum power and optimum handling.

The CRF250R is a highly anticipated motocross model that was unveiled in 2017. It features an electric start, making it a convenient and powerful option for riders. The bike was unveiled at a special event with top Honda amateur motocrossers during the AMA Amateur National Motocross Championship.

Lee Edmunds, American Honda's Manager of Motorcycle Marketing Communications, expressed excitement about the new model, stating that it is an "all-new, no-compromise" design. The CRF250R is expected to enjoy similar success in the market and on the racetrack as its predecessor, the CRF450R.

The Honda CRF250R is a testament to Honda's commitment to innovation and performance in the motocross world. With its electric start and performance-focused updates, it offers riders a powerful and convenient option for their racing needs.

Yamaha YZ250X

Motocross bikes with electric start are becoming increasingly popular. Honda, for example, has released an electric-start CRF250R.

The Yamaha YZ250X is a 250 motocross bike with electric start. It was unveiled in 2017, alongside the Honda CRF250R. The YZ250X has a motor, frame and suspension similar to the KTM, including the new WP AER 48 air fork and a new map switch that has traction-control mode as well as a start mode. The YZ250X is a powerful bike, designed for racing.

KTM 250SX

The KTM 250SX is a two-stroke motocross bike with a five-speed gearbox and linkage rear suspension. It has a motor similar to the off-road versions but does not have an electric start. The bike features a counterbalancer shaft and a two-stage mechanical power valve. The 2018 model was the newest two-stroke motocross bike on the market at the time of its release, with KTM having redesigned all of its two-stroke motors within the previous three years.

The Honda CRF250R, on the other hand, does feature an electric start. The 2018 model was unveiled in 2017 and designed following the same “Absolute Holeshot” philosophy as the CRF450R. The CRF250R shares many of the same performance-focused updates as the CRF450R, which is the top-selling 450cc motocross model.

KTM 150XC-W

Motocross bikes with electric start are becoming increasingly popular. Honda has revealed an electric-start 2018 CRF250R, which was unveiled at the AMA Amateur National Motocross Championship at Loretta Lynn’s Ranch. The bike features a host of updates aimed at achieving maximum power and optimum handling.

The KTM 150XC-W is another motocross bike with electric start. It has a kick-start lever for backup and a six-speed, wide-ratio gearbox. The bike was released two years ago and is slowly gaining popularity among fans of the old KTM 200XC-W.

The Yamaha YZ250X is another 250 motocross bike with electric start. It was revealed by Cody Webb in 2025 and features Dunlop MX3S tires and linkage rear suspension.

Electric-start motocross bikes offer several advantages over traditional kick-start bikes. They provide a more convenient and reliable starting method, especially in challenging riding conditions. Additionally, electric start systems can reduce the physical effort required to start the bike, making it more accessible to a wider range of riders.

The KTM 150XC-W, with its electric start and kick-start backup, offers riders the best of both worlds. The six-speed gearbox provides a wide range of gear ratios, allowing riders to tackle various terrain and riding conditions. The bike's design and performance updates make it a competitive option in the motocross world.

Dunlop MX3S tires

The 2018 Honda CRF250R is an electric-start motocross bike. The 2025 Yamaha YZ250X is also electric start, but it is unclear if this is a 250 motocross bike. The KTM 250SX does not have an electric start.

The Dunlop MX3S tires are an excellent choice for soft to medium-terrain. They are descended directly from the 2013 MX World Championship race-winning tires and were developed alongside the Honda and Kawasaki 2013 World Championship MX teams. The MX3S tires offer great traction and steering feel for a wide range of riders with differing riding styles. The staggered middle blocks add side grip and promote light, responsive steering while being less prone to grabbing in ruts. The elimination of the tie-bar design enhances steering feel and promotes stability in muddy conditions. The Dunlop Geomax MX3S tires are the most popular off-road tire Dunlop offers.

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