DIRT BIKE MAGAZINE’S ’00 QUICK BIKE REVIEWS

Are you looking for honesty? Here is what the Dirt Bike Staff thought about some 2000 test bikes.

2000 HONDA CR250R
The CR is a super effective motocrosser that is aimed more toward the Pro rider than the novice or intermediate. The second generation aluminum frame is more forgiving than the original version, but still the bike can be hard hitting and and rigid. It finished second in the 2000 250 shootout.
TEST BIKE WEIGHT, No Fuel: 223 lb.
PEAK HORSEPOWER: 44.7 hp @ 8500 rpm

2000 KAWASAKI KX250
Long a favorite in the engine department, the 2000 KX250 is a gentle powerhouse. Kawasaki is guilty of letting down its guard and letting the rest of the bike become dated. The suspension is ridiculously soft at both ends. It finished fourth in the 2000 250 shootout.
TEST BIKE WEIGHT, NO FUEL: 230 lb.
PEAK HORSEPOWER: 45.5 @ 7500 rpm

2000 KTM 250SX
Something went terribly wrong with KTM?s new 250 cylinder. It lost considerable horsepower for 2000. Engine tuners know how to fix it, though. The no-link suspension still needs development. It finished fifth in our 2000 shootout.
TEST BIKE WEIGHT, NO FUEL: 225 lb.
PEAK HORSEPOWER: 39.7 hp @ 7700 rpm

2000 SUZUKI RM250
The 2000 RM is the last RM before a complete redesign in 2001. Even so, some riders prefer its high-revving power to that of the newer model. The bike feels like a big 125, but lacks stability. It finished third in the 2000 250 shootout.
TEST BIKE WEIGHT: 233 lb.
PEAK HORSEPOWER: 42.4 hp @ 7400 rpm

2000 YAMAHA YZ125
Yamaha continues its long-standing domination of the 125 class. The Yamaha is fast and easy to ride. It?s a complete package, lacking in no particular area. It won the 2000 125 shootout.
TEST BIKE WEIGHT: 209 lb.
PEAK HORSEPOWER: 33.2 hp @ 11,000 rpm

2000 YAMAHA YZ250
It might not have the most horsepower or the lightest weight, but the 2000 Yamaha is a effective motocrosser across the board, for novices and pros. Its smooth power and excellent suspension make it easy to ride fast. It won the 2000 250 shootout.
TEST BIKE WEIGHT: 227 lb.
PEAK HORSEPOWER: 43.7 hp @ 7300 rpm

2000 HONDA XR400R
This bike might seem dated, but it has a place in the market. It?s simple, reliable, air-cooled, comfortable and has enough power to get the job done. It isn?t fast or light enough to be a race bike, but in really tough enduros where survival is most important, it?s still competitive.
TEST BIKE WEIGHT: 265 lb.
PEAK HORSEPOWER: 30.1

2000 HUSABERG 400FE
This is an exotic motorcycle, not really meant for mass consumption. It?s very light and very fast, but seeps oil and is prone to oddball mechanical trouble. It?s sold with or without electric starting. There aren?t many around; Husaberg only makes about 1000 bikes a year, worldwide.
TEST BIKE WEIGHT: 240 lb.
PEAK HORSEPOWER: 42.0 @ 8100 rpm

2000 KTM 520SX
Who would have guessed? Not only is the KTM 520 SX lighter and more powerful than a Yamaha YZ426, but it?s just as civilized. The only thing that keeps the KTM 520 from beating the all-conquering Yamaha is suspension and handling. Tested in the April 2000 issue.
TEST BIKE WEIGHT: 240 lb.
PEAK HORSEPOWER: 53 hp @ 8000 rpm

2000 KTM 520 EXC
The 520 EXC is the best large-bore enduro bike you can buy, especially for tight trails. The six-speed gearbox and electric starter set it apart from the motocross version. Even with the starter motor and the battery, it?s one of the lightest four-strokes you can buy. Tested in the April 2000 issue
TEST BIKE WEIGHT: 257 lb.

2000 KTM 400EXC
KTM rocked the world with this one. It?s like a civilized Husaberg; fast and light but clean and reliable. All the EXC models have electric starting and six-speed transmissions. It won our 2000 400cc four-stroke shootout.
TEST BIKE WEIGHT: 257 lb.
PEAK HORSEPOWER: 39.1 @ 7200 rpm

2000 SUZUKI DRZ400
Pick your pleasure: electric start or kick-start. Suzuki?s DRZ has an outstanding motor in stock configuration–you don?t even need a pipe. Think of it as an XR400 for the 21st century. As a race platform, it?s a little soft and fluffy, but can get the job done.
TEST BIKE WEIGHT, ELECTRIC START MODEL: 277 lb.
TEST BIKE WEIGHT, KICK START MODEL: 268 lb.
PEAK HORSEPOWER: 38.4 @ 9800 rpm

2000 YAMAHA WR400F
Yamaha?s four-stroke MX bike is outstanding; everyone knows that. The off-road version is just as capable, but some riders feel it?s a handful on tight trails. Stock, the throttle stop and muffler plug have to be removed before the bike makes YZ-like power.
TEST BIKE WEIGHT: 265 lb.
PEAK HORSEPOWER: 43.5 hp @ 8900 rpm

2000 VOR 400E
If you thought that Husabergs were exotic, this one will blow your mind. The VOR is a limited quantity Italian bike that was originally born in the minds of the Vertematti Brothers. It?s a big motorcycle, but appealing in a hand-built sort of way. Power is decent but the suspension isn?t.
TEST BIKE WEIGHT: 258 lb.
PEAK HORSEPOWER: 40.3 @ 8000 rpm

2000 VOR 503
This is a very big motorcycle, but if you get past that, the engine has great power characteristics. The backwards kickstarter, gear-driven cam and bolt-together frame set it apart. Tested in the May 2000 issue.
TEST BIKE WEIGHT: 250 lb.
PEAK HORSEPOWER: 50.0 @ 9000 rpm

2000 HUSQVARNA 410 TE
This is just like the grand old 610 Husky, but with less power. That makes it easier to manage, but it?s certainly no easier to start. The bike is a little outdated, but the workmanship and overall quality of construction are good.
TEST BIKE WEIGHT: 260 lb.
PEAK HORSEPOWER: 37.2 @ 7700 rpm