Talk me in or out of buying a 2 stroke...,

CR250Rider
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CR250Rider 3/30/2015 7:49pm
3/30/2015 7:49pm
The yz is down about 4-5 hp from a ktm250 smoker. Even moreso vs a 300.
#991
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#991 3/30/2015 7:50pm
3/30/2015 7:50pm Edited Date/Time 4/1/2015 4:14am
#991 wrote:
...
seth505 wrote:
You're not in the USA so I'll interpret for you, it was slang for "lets go ride our 2 stroke dirt bikes".
...
SPYGUY
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SPYGUY 3/30/2015 7:55pm
3/30/2015 7:55pm
Huevos wrote:
I'm confused as to why anyone interested in a two-stroke would buy anything other than a KTM (if they're looking to buy new, that is). Yamaha...
I'm confused as to why anyone interested in a two-stroke would buy anything other than a KTM (if they're looking to buy new, that is). Yamaha has made some minor upgrades in the past 6-7 years, but it's pretty much been untouched for a long time if you can see past the upgraded plastics. KTM is the only brand actively developing their two-stroke line. I'm a Yamaha fan and all, but if it's me looking to buy a brand new two-stroke, I fail to see the incentive to buy anything other than a KTM. As far as which KTM two-stroke to buy, that's a whole other story.
KTM may be actively developing their line, but the YZ125 and YZ250, "outdated" as they may be, still won all of the two stroke shootouts that I read this year.
#991
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#991 3/30/2015 8:01pm
3/30/2015 8:01pm Edited Date/Time 4/1/2015 4:14am
Huevos wrote:
I'm confused as to why anyone interested in a two-stroke would buy anything other than a KTM (if they're looking to buy new, that is). Yamaha...
I'm confused as to why anyone interested in a two-stroke would buy anything other than a KTM (if they're looking to buy new, that is). Yamaha has made some minor upgrades in the past 6-7 years, but it's pretty much been untouched for a long time if you can see past the upgraded plastics. KTM is the only brand actively developing their two-stroke line. I'm a Yamaha fan and all, but if it's me looking to buy a brand new two-stroke, I fail to see the incentive to buy anything other than a KTM. As far as which KTM two-stroke to buy, that's a whole other story.
SPYGUY wrote:
KTM may be actively developing their line, but the YZ125 and YZ250, "outdated" as they may be, still won all of the two stroke shootouts that...
KTM may be actively developing their line, but the YZ125 and YZ250, "outdated" as they may be, still won all of the two stroke shootouts that I read this year.
...

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me_da_racer
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me_da_racer 3/30/2015 8:13pm
3/30/2015 8:13pm Edited Date/Time 3/30/2015 8:17pm
Just go ride a 250 smoker at the track. I had a 450 but just didn't gel with it. So a rode a buddies 250 smoker. I did 5 laps on my 450 and then 5 lap on the smoker with someone timing me. I had never rode a 2 stroke 250. Afterwards I loved the bike and was only a second off with a bike I've never rode. I then sold my 450 and bought his RM250. Still love it. I did have Eric Gorr build a 295kit for it. It is soooo much fun to ride.
phantom 662
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phantom 662 3/30/2015 8:22pm
3/30/2015 8:22pm
I keep thinking about your statement. .." this year I find myself not very interested in riding or racing". I believe this is your true starting point. Be honest with yourself and figure out why. Do ya just need a break, or is there something more to consider? Take a little time and sleep on it. You'll figure it out. Good luck!
DemoDick
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DemoDick 3/30/2015 8:39pm
3/30/2015 8:39pm
#991 wrote:
...
Nowhere did the OP say he wanted to spend the next 4 years in his garage building a weed whacker.

A KTM 300 is a POS? Funny you are the first person I have ever heard say that.
#991
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#991 3/30/2015 8:41pm
3/30/2015 8:41pm Edited Date/Time 4/1/2015 4:15am
#991 wrote:
...
DemoDick wrote:
Nowhere did the OP say he wanted to spend the next 4 years in his garage building a weed whacker. A KTM 300 is a POS...
Nowhere did the OP say he wanted to spend the next 4 years in his garage building a weed whacker.

A KTM 300 is a POS? Funny you are the first person I have ever heard say that.
...
DemoDick
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DemoDick 3/30/2015 8:55pm
3/30/2015 8:55pm
I get ya, but just did not see the OP as wanting to go deep into a custom ride and he looked more like a dude that wanted some grunt.

Each his own.

I loved my xcw, but for the first time in my life got more into MX than trails so I am thinking XC up next.



FI2T
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FI2T 3/30/2015 9:06pm
3/30/2015 9:06pm
I was in the same boat. I've had 3 different 450's and a 500. I am 6'2" 225! I rode a buddies yz and that's all I've had since! I run a 07 yz250 and a 04 ESR yz345 with 09 yz450 suspension! The 450's are great bikes ... for me though I start to miss my 250 and 345 after a few minutes on a 450. So light and just damn fun to ride!
#991
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#991 3/30/2015 9:24pm
3/30/2015 9:24pm Edited Date/Time 4/1/2015 4:15am
DemoDick wrote:
I get ya, but just did not see the OP as wanting to go deep into a custom ride and he looked more like a dude...
I get ya, but just did not see the OP as wanting to go deep into a custom ride and he looked more like a dude that wanted some grunt.

Each his own.

I loved my xcw, but for the first time in my life got more into MX than trails so I am thinking XC up next.



...
mayzo
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mayzo 3/30/2015 11:34pm
3/30/2015 11:34pm
I'm no help, I've got. KTM350, WR250F, HuskyWR125, RM250T and I just bought a KTM200.
Olson
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Olson 3/31/2015 2:40am
3/31/2015 2:40am
Wow. This thread took a turn fast. But I'll give you my input. I recently went through the same thoughts as you. I've been on a 450 for years but didn't have any fun going racing. Decided to call it quits and sold all of my stuff. Before my 450 was on to the next owner I had a CR250R 2004 in my garage. I haven't even ridden it yet but I feel really good about my choice. I now have a bike that wont lose any value. A bike I can go ride and have fun with and costs nothing to maintain.
Suns_PSD
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Suns_PSD 3/31/2015 3:35am
3/31/2015 3:35am
I recently rode the new yz250, I'm not a fan. My memories of that bike from years past held it in higher esteem. It had a narrow powerband, shifted poorly, vibrated excessively, etc...
A 250SX with a 300 kit it's just a much better motorcycle imo.
HenryA
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HenryA 3/31/2015 3:55am
3/31/2015 3:55am
I doubt that it will re-ignite your spark just by switching to a YZ250. Let your 450 sit in the garage for a month or two, if you still don't want to ride it after that time, sell it. Remember that the 450 is a much faster machine and you will probably go a few seconds slower per lap on a YZ250. I've raced on a 125 in a 250f class which is pretty much the same deal and honestly, it sucks.
Crush
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Crush 3/31/2015 4:01am
3/31/2015 4:01am
Suns_PSD wrote:
I recently rode the new yz250, I'm not a fan. My memories of that bike from years past held it in higher esteem. It had a...
I recently rode the new yz250, I'm not a fan. My memories of that bike from years past held it in higher esteem. It had a narrow powerband, shifted poorly, vibrated excessively, etc...
A 250SX with a 300 kit it's just a much better motorcycle imo.
Sun haven't you got a newer 300 than your avatar now?
gsxrcr28
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gsxrcr28 3/31/2015 4:07am
3/31/2015 4:07am
I usually stay out of the 2 stroke vs 4 stroke threads, and I haven't read this whole thread, but for me the 2 stroke is more fun to ride, jmo.
Chadillac661
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Chadillac661 3/31/2015 4:44am
3/31/2015 4:44am
2 stroke = 2 times as much fun and 1/2 the cost to own (worst case scenario)

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IWreckALot
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IWreckALot 3/31/2015 4:58am
3/31/2015 4:58am
I think I might actually be able to relate. I'm 29 and 215lbs at 6'.

I rode a 2008 Yz450 until the end of 2013. I loved that bike. It started first kick every time, and learned how that machine was going to react at all times. It blew up on the last race of 2013 and it was going to cost $1,500 to 2,000 to fix. I scrapped it and started the 2014 season on a 2013 Yz250 2 stroke. Overall I really like the 250 more but there are times that I REALLY miss that low end power. I've recently bought a flywheel weight and some V-Force reeds so I'm going to see how it reacts after those. I recently got to ride a KTM 300 and if I was ready to throw some money into a new bike, that would be my bike of choice. It was an absolute rocket ship and it was super grippy even in some soft silty crap we were riding. I was thoroughly impressed.
nytsmaC
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nytsmaC 3/31/2015 5:18am
3/31/2015 5:18am
Suns_PSD wrote:
I recently rode the new yz250, I'm not a fan. My memories of that bike from years past held it in higher esteem. It had a...
I recently rode the new yz250, I'm not a fan. My memories of that bike from years past held it in higher esteem. It had a narrow powerband, shifted poorly, vibrated excessively, etc...
A 250SX with a 300 kit it's just a much better motorcycle imo.
You're comparing a stock YZ to your 314(?) stroker with a lectron carb and ohlins suspension. The YZ already has great suspension. In all fairness, forless than the price of your shock you could turn that YZ engine into a monster too.
d394
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d394 3/31/2015 5:53am
3/31/2015 5:53am
If you didn't like a 250 smoker in the sand then don't even think about getting one!!!! I've been racing a ktm250sx after spending years on four strokes,and i love the smoker . The thing is arm pump city and takes a lot more work on the track., but if you're an aggressive rider and feel you're in shape go for it.
Darryl916
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Darryl916 3/31/2015 6:18am
3/31/2015 6:18am Edited Date/Time 3/31/2015 6:23am
you're welcome

MXD
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MXD 3/31/2015 6:32am
3/31/2015 6:32am
Maybe I missed it but will you be keeping the 450 or replacing it with the 2 stroke? I have one of each and at the end of every season, they are within a few hours of each other on the hour meter. I practice and race on both equally. I go better on each one at different tracks.

I would echo the comments above about the sand though. That's where my 2 stroke shines. If you hated yours in the sand, I'm not sure it's for you.
Adam43
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Adam43 3/31/2015 7:12am
3/31/2015 7:12am
Huevos wrote:
I'm confused as to why anyone interested in a two-stroke would buy anything other than a KTM (if they're looking to buy new, that is). Yamaha...
I'm confused as to why anyone interested in a two-stroke would buy anything other than a KTM (if they're looking to buy new, that is). Yamaha has made some minor upgrades in the past 6-7 years, but it's pretty much been untouched for a long time if you can see past the upgraded plastics. KTM is the only brand actively developing their two-stroke line. I'm a Yamaha fan and all, but if it's me looking to buy a brand new two-stroke, I fail to see the incentive to buy anything other than a KTM. As far as which KTM two-stroke to buy, that's a whole other story.
Same weight, better suspension, many prefer its handling, abundant cheap replacement parts, HP is easily gained, I don't like orange.
Steve125
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Steve125 3/31/2015 7:31am
3/31/2015 7:31am
Go lift a 4 stroke off a stand... then a 2 stroke right after.
urbanlift707
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urbanlift707 3/31/2015 8:59am
3/31/2015 8:59am
I was getting the two stroke itch for a while, I finally broke down and picked up a 2006 rm250 from lighting here on moto drive. I still have my 2015 rmz450. I used to get so annoyed by all the two stroke nuts tying to tell other people what to ride. Now I see they are just trying to help out fellow Moto brothers! To me there is really no comparison at all, my 250 is so much more fun to ride. I've only ridden the 450 because I feel bad about owning a brand new bike that just sits in the corner. As far as speed, I'm actually faster on the 250. With it being slower you can charge so much harder down straights and into corners. Plus the thing handles sooo good. You just have to be really aggressive, but that is more fun anyways.
TeamGreen
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TeamGreen 3/31/2015 9:10am
3/31/2015 9:10am
DemoDick wrote:
I get ya, but just did not see the OP as wanting to go deep into a custom ride and he looked more like a dude...
I get ya, but just did not see the OP as wanting to go deep into a custom ride and he looked more like a dude that wanted some grunt.

Each his own.

I loved my xcw, but for the first time in my life got more into MX than trails so I am thinking XC up next.



#991 wrote:
...
Your "better knowledge" is behind you, too.

Your comments on the KTM300 are among some of he worst POMMIE Ignorance I've seen.

My daily ride is a nicely prepped & maintained 450SXF; yet, I can honestly say...as someone that gets to ride ALL the current bikes and has done a lot of back-to-back testing...you're absolutely WRONG about the "KTM 300".

So, let's talk 2015:

The KTM300XC IS THE BEST 300 MADE.

I've tested it on an MX track, Hare-n-Hound, Endurocross & Enduro...

It does it all.
It does it Very Well.
It does it for less money.

I'm present at many of the US Endurocross races...I see the Betas. I see how well they work. They're not "Better". They are really good motorcycles.

Go ride these bikes back to back, tear into them & service them. Go get parts for them...

And do it on current bikes.

Then get back to us.



r.sal923
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r.sal923 3/31/2015 10:37am
3/31/2015 10:37am
I am in the same boat right now. I moved away from the city where I could ride 6 days a week and be in good shape to ride a 450 . Now I live, and have to travel 2.5 hrs to ride in spokane. I am thinking the yz250f is the bike to get if you are just a weekend rider. My mind thinks I can ride a bike like I did 5 years ago , but my body will not let me ride a 450 like that anymore. I also have a 07 kx 250 that I ride in the woods, every time I take it to the track I hate it.
peelout
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peelout 3/31/2015 10:56am
3/31/2015 10:56am
don't be a bitch, buy a 2 stroke bro
Suns_PSD
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Suns_PSD 3/31/2015 10:56am
3/31/2015 10:56am
Suns_PSD wrote:
I recently rode the new yz250, I'm not a fan. My memories of that bike from years past held it in higher esteem. It had a...
I recently rode the new yz250, I'm not a fan. My memories of that bike from years past held it in higher esteem. It had a narrow powerband, shifted poorly, vibrated excessively, etc...
A 250SX with a 300 kit it's just a much better motorcycle imo.
nytsmaC wrote:
You're comparing a stock YZ to your 314(?) stroker with a lectron carb and ohlins suspension. The YZ already has great suspension. In all fairness, forless...
You're comparing a stock YZ to your 314(?) stroker with a lectron carb and ohlins suspension. The YZ already has great suspension. In all fairness, forless than the price of your shock you could turn that YZ engine into a monster too.
Crush, yes I ride the bike in my signature now, a 2013 250SX. I'm not married to the 2 stroke idea and as I jet often (I had a particularly bad day this past Sunday related to low Octane fuel, I think) and it gets my mind thinking about FEs.

nytsmaC, I wasn't actually comparing the YZ against my bike per se. I had ridden YZs before and enjoyed them, a lot. The stock 2015 I rode just sucked imo. And all of this SS fork magic that I have heard about (and felt on other YZs) just wasn't there. The '15 YZ450F was a better bike for me by a long shot, but still not something I would buy.

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