Posts
41
Joined
5/4/2011
Location
Jacksonville, FL
US
Edited Date/Time
2/22/2016 11:49am
Hey all!
Just some background..
I'm 44, very experienced rider, just not in MX. Most of my background is roadracing, with some supermoto.
I've ridden MX on/off (mostly off) for the last few years. All on 450's. Basically I'd buy 450, ride it a few times. Sell it. Couple years later buy another..so on. This time I'm giving it a go and want to stay with it. Only now it's on a 2013 KTM 250sx.
Doing what I can to slow it down (fww, green spring, 14t ds, etc.) and reduce the hit as not to encourage whiskey throttle and another trip to the ER. Just until I get use to it, then reverse the mods.
My question is how do I need to alter my riding from a 4-stroke to 2-stroke? Such as approaching jumps, mid-flight, landings, berms, etc.? I haven't been able to find any useful tutorials or YouTube vids to base instruction off of, or provide much guidance.
Can anyone point me in the right direction?
Thanks!
Jon
Just some background..
I'm 44, very experienced rider, just not in MX. Most of my background is roadracing, with some supermoto.
I've ridden MX on/off (mostly off) for the last few years. All on 450's. Basically I'd buy 450, ride it a few times. Sell it. Couple years later buy another..so on. This time I'm giving it a go and want to stay with it. Only now it's on a 2013 KTM 250sx.
Doing what I can to slow it down (fww, green spring, 14t ds, etc.) and reduce the hit as not to encourage whiskey throttle and another trip to the ER. Just until I get use to it, then reverse the mods.
My question is how do I need to alter my riding from a 4-stroke to 2-stroke? Such as approaching jumps, mid-flight, landings, berms, etc.? I haven't been able to find any useful tutorials or YouTube vids to base instruction off of, or provide much guidance.
Can anyone point me in the right direction?
Thanks!
Jon
Pick smoother lines to avoid hard on the brakes/ hard on the throttle.
Get them crappy forks set up.
2strokes feel safer while jumping IMO due to less engine weight.
The real key to figuring out how to ride your new bike, is to ride your new bike as much as possible.
BTW my dad (a KTM mechanic/old pro wrench) runs the red spring in every 250 he sets up. That spring and turning out some screw makes for a smooth hit with loads of power. Sorry I can't elaborate further, I ride a 150 lol
Lot's of cut and thrust and clutch. I think it is a significant difference between 2 and 4 strokes but others can certainly correct me. So I figured watching those videos will help. Like I said they are called RAW, I think Transworld puts them on at PALA
The Shop
Ya goota learn to jump lugging the bike first.. which two strokes do really good... better than alot of people admit... then the jumping under power will get easier and easier..
Jumping is jumping, 2 or 4 stroke. Line choice is crucial. Unlike a 450 that works for you, the 2 stroke makes you do the work. Smooth lines, keeping the bike in power, and really coasting and keeping momentum in turns will make your exit much smoother when you transition onto the throttle. Remember to keep your elbows out and squeeze the tank with your knees. The more seat time you clock the more you will figure out what works and what doesn't.
Riding a 2 stroke is like surfing or snowboarding on powder where a 4 stroke is just like riding a bobsled.
You will have to shift, use your clutch, use your brakes and actually develop skill and technique. Long gone are the days of keeping it in third and farting around the track fucking up every corner.
First off, thank you all for your input and insight! I've read, re-read, and read again all of your comments.
Some may not agree with this, but these are the mods I performed on it, and I'll let you know what it's like to ride it.
~11oz flywheel weight
~Added a tooth on the cs sprocket
~Throttle cam (woods)
~Green spring all the way in.
~Disconnected ignition wire.
This bike is ridiculously easy to ride! It has the engine characteristics of a 250f. Very linear power band, and predictable. Basically like a 150cc 2 stroke in a heavier bike, with no hit.
Thus far, the bike has taught me all about momentum and corner speed. Clearing jumps where a 4 stroke would glide over, I really have to keep the momentum up there to clear. The same with corners, especially sandy (common here in Florida), have to really haul the mail into the corner to keep the steam going.
Don't get me wrong, it's got plenty of power (at least for me), but no risk of whiskey throttle, at all. And not intimidating to ride. It's just plain fun!
Now that I'm getting more comfortable with it, I'll start undoing some mods. One at a time. That's the great part, nothing I did was permanent.
The moral of the story is that this KTM 250sx is teaching me how to ride properly!
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