Here we are going to take a look at the 10ten 250r and give our views on the good, the bad and the ugly (to be fair there’s not that much ugly). What should be noted is that The 10ten brand has been making quite a name for themselves in the last few years and the 250rx is a somewhat recent offering from the company.
Let’s break it down, but first, let’s introduce the 10ten 250rx motocross bike.
250RX Summary
The 10ten 250rx is a great option for those looking for an affordable and capable enduro bike. It’s got good power and handling, and is suitable for both novice and experienced riders. However, it does have some drawbacks, such as a limited range and relatively high weight. Overall, though, the 10ten 250rx is a great choice for those looking for a capable and affordable enduro bike.
Pros:
- Good power and handling
- Suitable for both novice and experienced riders
- Electric start
- Good value parts are available
- Extremely affordable
Cons:
- Limited range
- Weak battery
- Cheap end switch gear
- Ours needed the carburettor inlet tube adjusting from factory
Motorcycle Frame
The frame is made from chromoly steel which is both lightweight and durable. It’s a good choice of material for a dirt bike as it can take some serious punishment.
The frame comes in a relatively basic-looking black powder-coated finish and its design is quite conventional for a modern dirt bike.
The upside to this is that it won’t be subject to obvious wear and tear such as boot scuffs compared to the more blingy frames from the big Japanese manufacturers.
The downside is that it’s not the most visually appealing frame out there but that’s not what you’re buying this bike for, right? Plus, it is somewhat subjective in fairness. And it’s not like it impacts the overall aesthetics of a great-looking bike.
Engine & Transmission
As the name suggests it is fitted with an air-cooled 250cc 4-stroke engine. And it’s a good one at that. It has decent torque in the lower end and a power curve that instils control. Power is ample for the casual rider, and even enough for a more experienced rider to enjoy out on the trails.
You will definitely be able to lift the front wheel on this bike wherever needed to hop over rocks or logs in your path.
The electric start is a nice touch too and will save you some hassle (and embarrassment) if you’re out on the trails and stall the engine.
Plus, it sounds fantastic. The exhaust sound is not too loud but has a real deep, throaty tone that gives it an air of authority comparative to the Japanese motocross offerings.
As far as induction goes, air and fuel is fed in via a JINKE PE28-5 carburettor which is generally considered to be a quality unit and easy to rebuild when the time comes.
The transmission is a standard layout 5-speed manual gearbox which appears to be good and durable, the gear ratios are widely in line with other manufacturers’ dirt bike gearboxes.
Suspension Geometry
The front forks are inverted and offer 10.2 inches of travel which is great to take the shock out of your shoulders out on the trail.
The rear shock absorber is also adjustable and offers an ample 9.1 inches of travel. This is more than enough to take on any terrain you’re likely to encounter.
The bike soaks up the bumps quite well, but it’s a relatively hard ride compared to a larger enduro-style bike. Although smooth and comfortable ride by competition motocross standards.
You do of course have some good adjustability in the front and rear shock absorbers to fine-tune the bike to your weight and riding style.
The wheels are aluminium rims with stainless steel spokes, 21” front and 18” rear.
Brake System
The front brake is a hydraulic disc with a diameter of 260mm. The rear brake is also a hydraulic disc but with an expected smaller diameter, coming in at 220mm. Both brakes are more than up to the task of slowing down this bike and will give you the confidence to push it hard when needed.
With sufficient tyres, this hydraulic front and rear setup will haul the bike down from speed rapidly, they’re also very easy to modulate.
Design & Aesthetics
This is a good-looking bike, there’s no doubt about that. The design is particularly sharp for its price point and it easily stands alongside much more expensive motorcycles.
The 3M graphics and styling really help it stand out from the crowd. It’s not too in your face but still has enough aggression to look the part.
Tires
These are classic motocross tyres which are aggressively knobbly, and they work well, you will notice on the tyres there is increased tread size near the edges. This maximises cornering traction so you can really lean the bike over, even on looser dirt surfaces and get your foot out when cornering.
Build Quality & Bike Durability
The build quality on this bike is very good for its price point, everything feels solid and well put together with quality fasteners, fixing and bracketry.
All the welds look great and uniform, and the design is clearly well thought through with safety in mind, there are no dangerous sharp edges anywhere.
As for the engine and transmission durability, as a relative newcomer to the dirt bike market, there’s not a wealth of experience when it comes to their durability, however many owners have put a considerable number of hours on their bikes at this point, and with the proper maintenance, they are going strong as you’d expect.
Ride & Handling
The bike rides well, it’s nimble and light so handles well. The suspension is good and soaks up the bumps nicely where necessary. The handling is precise and the bike feels planted on the ground giving great traction out of turns.
Some have mentioned they struggle to raise up the front end but we didn’t have any such issues, I think this can be put down to inexperienced riders, or riders not confident utilising their clutch for such things where necessary.
The power delivery is smooth and the engine has plenty of torque in the lower revs too. It’s not the fastest bike out there but it’s by no means slow, impressive for its price point. The top speed is around 65mph which is more than enough for most casual adult riders.
You probably won’t be winning races but that’s not generally the target market for this type of motorcycle.
Handle Bars & Grips
The handlebars are wide, which can come in very handy on the rough stuff, but also make the bike feel a bit more of a handful over slower speed terrain, requiring larger steering inputs.
There are concerns that the handle bars are possibly a bit too wide, this depends on the rider but we somewhat agree.
However, it does make the bike more stable at high speeds. You can still flick it into corners with ease and the wider bars do give you more leverage.
The only downside is that they can make it feel a bit cumbersome when manoeuvring at slow speeds but that’s something you’ll get used to quickly.
Value for Money
This bike represents incredible value for money when pitted alongside its Japanese rivals.
It’s packed with great features that capture all the best parts of the more common bikes, and it’s built to a high standard.
You’re very unlikely to find a better bike at this price point.
Conclusion
The 10ten 250rx is a great dirt bike choice for those looking for an affordable and capable enduro bike. It’s got good power and handling, is suitable for all riders, and is built to a high standard.
It’s not the fastest bike out there but it’s more than capable of keeping up with the competition, plenty for the more casual rider to enjoy. Plus, it looks great too. If you’re in the market for a new enduro bike, the 10ten 250rx should definitely be on your list.
The only downside we can see is the fact 10ten is a newer brand to the market and with a smaller customer base there’s a bit less aftermarket support available. But if you’re looking for a durable and capable off-road bike, the 10ten 250r is definitely worth considering.
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