Posts
5960
Joined
8/10/2009
Location
Frig Off
CA
Edited Date/Time
4/29/2017 4:47pm
long story short, I ended up with both of these bikes and only plan to keep one. The Kawi is a new leftover 16 250f with Yosh exhaust, the TM is the new 17 300f.
Going to be a fun day at the track breaking them both in and trying to decide which one is the keeper. I can't help but want to like the TM better, but I'll give the green machine a fair chance to earn it's keep.
Going to be a fun day at the track breaking them both in and trying to decide which one is the keeper. I can't help but want to like the TM better, but I'll give the green machine a fair chance to earn it's keep.
I brought it home, adjusted the pegs, bars, levers, took it for a short spin in my field, it felt great. No regrets.. until shortly after, my TM guy called me back and gave me a number that I was not prepared for.
Picked up the TM on Sunday, thinking I'll just sell the KX and try to break even on it. My fiance has convinced me that I need to ride both before I sell the KX, and she's probably right, as usual, so here we go!
The Shop
That 300 really had my interest as well, would be at the top of my list if I get back into riding once the new family addition gets a bit older.
This is almost my dream shoot out as the KX250f is probably the only 250 I would buy as well having spun some laps on a 15 a while back, couldn't believe the motor in them for a 250, can only imagine the new gen bikes are even better.
Have fun and get back with that report ASAP!
Where are you located?
Instead of telling you to sell both.
That's a win win f'ing win.
Nice.
Also interested in shootout results.
once the ring goes on it will all change
dont listen to him.
Engine: TM hands down. More everywhere, broader and smooth as glass. Even though it's geared way too tall (3rd feels almost like 4th on the Kawi) it pulls just as well off the bottom, with so much more top end. Stick it in 3rd and forget it. Negatives are the stock gearing, going to drop a tooth on the front, and it has a lot of compression braking compared to the Kawi.
Suspension: KX. It absorbs the small chop better and I think it has a bit more bottoming resistance. I didn't make any adjustments, and I'm way out of the weight range for these bikes so this has no bearing on my decision, either bike needs springs and likely valving to make me happy.
Ergos: TM. It's slimmer but still easier to grip with my legs. Both felt good and it was not hard to switch back and forth. They both fit me well.
Handling: TM. Both bikes felt very stable, I felt the TM front end was more planted, predictable and could grab an inside rut easier. Both bikes loved being steered with the rear wheel and ripping outside lines. The TM felt a little more planted flat tracking around flat turns but both were excellent.
Both bikes were grea and exceeded my expectations. I may do round 2 next weekend, but at this point I'm pretty smitten with the TM. It's lighter, faster, has e-start, the brakes are better, and is top notch quality. The only way I'm picking the Kawi was if it outperformed the TM and it doesn't, they were both great and I'd be happy with either of them.
Side note, my one major gripe with the TM is the intake noise. Holy hell, it is ear splitting at times. Going to have to address that somehow, or start riding with ear plugs.
Post a reply to: Judgement day, KX vs TM