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104
Joined
6/23/2013
Location
Anchorage, AK
US
Edited Date/Time
7/20/2015 8:32am
I somewhat recently started a thread about the pros and cons of the KTM 250 SX and the YZ250. It really provided some extremely helpful information. However, I've been thinking more and more that I may not actually need a 250. Without the ability to test ride the two bikes in the title, I need some more opinions again.
I am 19 years old, 180lbs, and about 5'10". I am a dead-set intermediate level rider that races MX exclusively. One of my biggest appeals towards buying a two stroke is the fun factor, and I think that being forced to ride a bike hard in order to go fast is what can really improve my skills. On another note, here where I live, my local track is not large by any means. It is not even comparable to the tracks in California, or any other true motocross track for that matter. It is about the same size, maybe just a bit larger, than a typical Monster Energy Supercross track. Obviously the layout is totally different, and in terms of track style it is more similar to a motocross track. I'm thinking purely in terms of dimensions.
I am coming off a clapped-out, blown-up 07 YZ250F. I can ride the piss out of it, and have. At the same time, I love riding the piss out of machines. I just love that riding style: aggressive, pinned. Sometime I wonder if I''l actually be able to do that on a 250 two-stroke with it's incredible power. Probably not, especially on relatively small tracks. I wanna hear that bike sing when I ride it.
As for more frequent repairs, well, honestly that doesn't matter to me. It's a two stroke, after all, repairs don't normally take very long. My 250 four-stroke on the other hand sometimes had me out for half the week.
I am set on a two-stroke. So far along, it seems pretty obvious that the 150 might be the better choice, and if it weren't for the fact that I'm coming off of a bigger bike, I wouldn't be asking this question to begin with. That's my biggest gripe: Is it really a good idea to essentially down-grade in terms of CC's? What if it turns out to not have the power that I expected? My Yz250F, after all, had just about every engine mod done to it besides increasing the bore and stroke. It had aftermarket cams, high comp piston, etc.
Whatever bike I choose will most likely be the one I keep for a long time. I plan on buying it new (probably a '15) if I can't get a smoking hot deal on a barely used one.
This one is really making my mind hurt. What do you guys think?
I am 19 years old, 180lbs, and about 5'10". I am a dead-set intermediate level rider that races MX exclusively. One of my biggest appeals towards buying a two stroke is the fun factor, and I think that being forced to ride a bike hard in order to go fast is what can really improve my skills. On another note, here where I live, my local track is not large by any means. It is not even comparable to the tracks in California, or any other true motocross track for that matter. It is about the same size, maybe just a bit larger, than a typical Monster Energy Supercross track. Obviously the layout is totally different, and in terms of track style it is more similar to a motocross track. I'm thinking purely in terms of dimensions.
I am coming off a clapped-out, blown-up 07 YZ250F. I can ride the piss out of it, and have. At the same time, I love riding the piss out of machines. I just love that riding style: aggressive, pinned. Sometime I wonder if I''l actually be able to do that on a 250 two-stroke with it's incredible power. Probably not, especially on relatively small tracks. I wanna hear that bike sing when I ride it.
As for more frequent repairs, well, honestly that doesn't matter to me. It's a two stroke, after all, repairs don't normally take very long. My 250 four-stroke on the other hand sometimes had me out for half the week.
I am set on a two-stroke. So far along, it seems pretty obvious that the 150 might be the better choice, and if it weren't for the fact that I'm coming off of a bigger bike, I wouldn't be asking this question to begin with. That's my biggest gripe: Is it really a good idea to essentially down-grade in terms of CC's? What if it turns out to not have the power that I expected? My Yz250F, after all, had just about every engine mod done to it besides increasing the bore and stroke. It had aftermarket cams, high comp piston, etc.
Whatever bike I choose will most likely be the one I keep for a long time. I plan on buying it new (probably a '15) if I can't get a smoking hot deal on a barely used one.
This one is really making my mind hurt. What do you guys think?
Since your YZF250 is clapped out you will probably find the 150sx wont have as much power and with the 250sx it may be too much with the power and its a bigger/heavier bike, going by your post I think you will probably prefer a 150sx because its much more "chuckable" due to its weight but for fun factor both 150 and 250 will be more enjoyable than a 4 stroke.
I've been debating between both bikes too I'm, 6'1" around 190lbs at the moment planning to cut down to 175-180lbs and I've decided when I get a new bike it will be a 150sx because I miss the days of riding on my 85/125.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uAWvvNCu-gQ
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yN0EIAKZM6I
These 2 vids helped me decide.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uAWvvNCu-gQ
Then watch this video
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f08vpoWEtTI
Or watch the YZ125/YZ250 videos on vitalmx home page. Which sounds more fun? For me it is the 125!!!
The Shop
250SX = FUN
150SX = FUN, FUN, FUN, FUN, FUN, AND MORE FUN.
I ride an 07 CRF 450 on the track and an a YZ250F in the woods now. The one thing I miss when I ride my 450 is that it doesn't mellow when I short shift. It either pulls hard or it stalls.
I think the horsepower deal between the YZ250 and the 250SX is something I can't really feel as a B racer. The only difference I feel between the two is the SX turns a bit tighter in a flat turn but feels like it going to start head shaking in high speed chop. My comment as a YZ rider coming off the 250SX was "it could use a steering damper". All the Yamahas I've ridden I just glide across the chop and it always feels like it's going in the right general direction.
Imo a 250 is easier to ride than a 125/150. The increased power makes it easier to ride and go fast on.
You will adapt to the power of the 250 fast.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CKyoskX4Fb4&list=UUEA24bi0fhP8bJHiFpMsD…
This video may've just steered me away from KTM..no joke. Neither the wheels or the chassis should've bent from the small overshoot at 1:37. I can't believe it would do that as a brand new bike! The stock wheels on my 250 have been through hell and back and they have never bent bad enough that the bike had to be pulled back in for a new chassis.
I really want to like KTM, but in order to do that, I have to have confidence in the parts. That is just ridiculous.
Pit Row
I like it just by watching! Brings back memories of my 85. I should've hopped on yours when it was for sale! Sounds like you got it jetted pretty well too. A 250 is definitely going to be my next purchase!
Oh, and a quick question: After jumping the ant hill and throttling towards the corner before the infield, did you shift down a gear?
The 250 is a monster. It makes just shy of 50 horsepower and will haul anybody's fat ass around the track just fine. It has a wider power band and is easier to keep on the pipe. You do still have to ride it like a two stroke though. The thing hits hard and tires it's rider out. With this bike it is more about controlling the power than trying to get the most out of the motor(like a 150). If you aren't used to two stroke power, you will be blown off the back. However, when you get the hang of it you will be able to turn faster laps than on a 150(an extra ten horses does wonder on long, sandy hills). This bike has the power to stay on top of whoops, sand and mud. It can clear any jump easily. Also, against a field of 250fs this bike is a guaranteed holeshot.
So, in conclusion, if you are a lighter guy looking for a super fun bike and this is all that matters to you, get a 150. If you crave power or frequent the local doughnut shop, the 250 is for you. I am about 6'2 and 160-165 pounds (depends on time of day) and race C and combined B/C classes in Colorado.
Informative post though..
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