This is timely since today was the maiden voyage for our new '09 TXC 250.
First off, you need to see
THIS.
The TXC 250 is my son's bike. It's replacing a Husky CR 125 as his primary Motocross bike because he was begging for a 4 stroke racer and there were no '09 TC (MX) 250's imported this year. Since the TXC is basically a TC with E-start and 6 speeds, we thought it would be a good starter 4 stroke for him. I was too scared of the new motor to wait on a 2010 TC 250.
Prior to buying the CR 125, we had a brief, but horrible experience with an '09 CRF 250R that wouldn't start without super-human effort and wouldn't run even if you eventually got it started. We didn't keep it long enough for him to race. I did get to ride the CRF a few times (the few times it actually stayed running) so I have a feel for the differences between the TXC and the CRF.
TXC Pros:
- Proven, bulletproof engine
- MUCH smoother power delivery
- Ease of starting (even W/O Estart)
- 1000% easier to work on than ANY perimeter frame bike
- Valve adjustments are a snap
TXC Cons:
- Heavier than the Honda
- Forks take some break-in and tweaking to get "right" (for MX)
- Doesn't hit as hard off the bottom as the Honda (CRF 250R)
As today was our first real test for our TXC, I can't comment on how it handles compared to the Honda as it takes about 2 or 3 hours for the forks to break in and for us to get the suspension tweaked. If Cody's lap times were any indication, this will be a competitive bike. One comment he made at the track today was surprising to me. He mentioned how much easier the Husky is to ride hard because of the smoother, more predictable power. He remembered the Honda being too "wild" off the bottom and said the Husky was more controllable because it didn't hit as hard, just predictably and smoothly. He also mentioned the Honda's tendency to bring the front wheel off the ground every time you were least expecting, or wanting it to... not so the Husky.
Now for the really fun part. Since it was so DOGGONE hot today (98 degrees) we were one of only two bikes at the practice track. The other bike was an '09 Kawasaki KX 250 F. Although the Kawi seemed to start OK, it ran like $hit! Decel popping as bad as I think I've ever heard. Partial and full throttle gurgling. Bogs galore after moderate to hard jumps. The Husky???... perfection. Not a single decel pop. No gurgles. No bogs. Just steady, predictable power.
I'm not naive enough to think the TXC will be the most potent MX bike on the track. But Cody is still only a solid "C" rider and a mid pack "B" rider. For his skill level, I think the TXC will be perfect to transition him to four strokes.
One thing you will notice going from the CR to the TXC, the TXC is definitely not as flickable as the 125 in tight stuff. The "roll-on" power and low end lugging will help make up for this since you will not have to use the clutch and work the engine nearly as much. The transition will take some getting used to however, so I would urge you to consider if lightweight tossability is more important than a more "old man friendly" power band.