Ktm sx250 VS Yamaha yz250

motoxsample810
Edited Date/Time 2/17/2013 6:45am
Let's hear the debate.. I want pics, to videos of drag races, to general opinions. GO!
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Skunk
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Skunk 2/8/2013 3:08pm
2/8/2013 3:08pm
I own a yz have ridden a 2012 Ktm with factory suspension and motor I like my yz better so did the Ktm rider

T-Fish
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T-Fish 2/8/2013 6:55pm
2/8/2013 6:55pm
6-7 year old bike vs 1-2 year old bike.

The KTM wins.
Travis_Hudson 2/8/2013 8:56pm
2/8/2013 8:56pm
I have raced both at different times......the yamaha sure makes up in handling what it lacks in motor........and it doesn't lack a ton.
Digger29
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Digger29 2/8/2013 9:00pm
2/8/2013 9:00pm
Sorry, I love your YZ & it looks trick as hell but there is no comparison between the YZ250 & the 13 250SX. The KTM is easily a much better bike. Ive ridden a number of YZ250s & they are decent bikes with great suspension & weak motors. My RM250 was much better than any YZ250 that I've ridden & that's a much better comparison. The new KTM has around 5 more HP than the YZ & my modified 13 250SX has probably 8+ HP over the YZ250. I've got my suspension all sorted out & it is hands down the best 2 stroke that I've ever ridden.

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pete24
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pete24 2/9/2013 5:19pm
2/9/2013 5:19pm
Digger29 wrote:
Sorry, I love your YZ & it looks trick as hell but there is no comparison between the YZ250 & the 13 250SX. The KTM is...
Sorry, I love your YZ & it looks trick as hell but there is no comparison between the YZ250 & the 13 250SX. The KTM is easily a much better bike. Ive ridden a number of YZ250s & they are decent bikes with great suspension & weak motors. My RM250 was much better than any YZ250 that I've ridden & that's a much better comparison. The new KTM has around 5 more HP than the YZ & my modified 13 250SX has probably 8+ HP over the YZ250. I've got my suspension all sorted out & it is hands down the best 2 stroke that I've ever ridden.
thats funny your pumpkin has 8 more hp than my clam and you still tip over in front of me, well you did pass me but thanks for the position
Tomok
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Tomok 2/9/2013 5:44pm
2/9/2013 5:44pm
Digger29 wrote:
Sorry, I love your YZ & it looks trick as hell but there is no comparison between the YZ250 & the 13 250SX. The KTM is...
Sorry, I love your YZ & it looks trick as hell but there is no comparison between the YZ250 & the 13 250SX. The KTM is easily a much better bike. Ive ridden a number of YZ250s & they are decent bikes with great suspension & weak motors. My RM250 was much better than any YZ250 that I've ridden & that's a much better comparison. The new KTM has around 5 more HP than the YZ & my modified 13 250SX has probably 8+ HP over the YZ250. I've got my suspension all sorted out & it is hands down the best 2 stroke that I've ever ridden.
pete24 wrote:
thats funny your pumpkin has 8 more hp than my clam and you still tip over in front of me, well you did pass me but...
thats funny your pumpkin has 8 more hp than my clam and you still tip over in front of me, well you did pass me but thanks for the position
Laughing
Digger29
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Digger29 2/9/2013 6:46pm
2/9/2013 6:46pm
Digger29 wrote:
Sorry, I love your YZ & it looks trick as hell but there is no comparison between the YZ250 & the 13 250SX. The KTM is...
Sorry, I love your YZ & it looks trick as hell but there is no comparison between the YZ250 & the 13 250SX. The KTM is easily a much better bike. Ive ridden a number of YZ250s & they are decent bikes with great suspension & weak motors. My RM250 was much better than any YZ250 that I've ridden & that's a much better comparison. The new KTM has around 5 more HP than the YZ & my modified 13 250SX has probably 8+ HP over the YZ250. I've got my suspension all sorted out & it is hands down the best 2 stroke that I've ever ridden.
pete24 wrote:
thats funny your pumpkin has 8 more hp than my clam and you still tip over in front of me, well you did pass me but...
thats funny your pumpkin has 8 more hp than my clam and you still tip over in front of me, well you did pass me but thanks for the position
Are you saying that you don't think that my KTM has 8 more HP than a YZ250 or are you making fun of me for tipping over in front of you in that race at MX101 & just giving you the position that I worked so hard for :-)
Digger29
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Digger29 2/9/2013 6:52pm
2/9/2013 6:52pm Edited Date/Time 2/9/2013 6:55pm
My RM250 was way better than any YZ250 that I've ridden. It had kit suspension & was professionally built & was a rocket that was very easy to ride. It took a yr to get it just the way I wanted it. The KTM took a week & half to get sorted out & it is just WAY better than my RM250 was. I would put the YZ250 a very distant 3rd to these 2 bikes.Just my 2 cents though :-)

keeptwostrokesalive 2/9/2013 8:59pm
2/9/2013 8:59pm Edited Date/Time 2/9/2013 8:59pm
Digger29 wrote:
My RM250 was way better than any YZ250 that I've ridden. It had kit suspension & was professionally built & was a rocket that was very...
My RM250 was way better than any YZ250 that I've ridden. It had kit suspension & was professionally built & was a rocket that was very easy to ride. It took a yr to get it just the way I wanted it. The KTM took a week & half to get sorted out & it is just WAY better than my RM250 was. I would put the YZ250 a very distant 3rd to these 2 bikes.Just my 2 cents though :-)

Im pretty sure posting pornographic pictures on this forum is not allowed. Wink
pete24
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pete24 2/10/2013 5:16am
2/10/2013 5:16am
who cares about 8 hp? i got an aluminum tank


Digger29
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Digger29 2/10/2013 6:56am
2/10/2013 6:56am
pete24 wrote:
who cares about 8 hp? i got an aluminum tank [img]http://i1216.photobucket.com/albums/dd372/petec24/100_3784.jpg[/img]
who cares about 8 hp? i got an aluminum tank


I'm not sure I agree with you Pete but I do love your bike! It is the sickest looking YZ250 that I've ever seen & the pics just don't do it justice.
motoxsample810 2/10/2013 1:55pm
2/10/2013 1:55pm
Thanks for all the replies guys. Didn't mean for anyone to get A burr in the butt, or end up with hurt feelings. Just wanted opinions on both bikes. Wasn't meaning to discriminate kawis or zooks either, as I've owned bikes from both companies and never a Honda, Ktm, or Yamaha.

I appreciate the posts. As far as bikes go, just wanted some general thoughts. So this was good. I like them All, I just want to try and clear my mind on what kind of 250 I want when it comes down to getting one.

Shoot, I'm halfway torn between getting a new 250f I'm just worried about over All price. I know this argument could go back as forth back and forth. So I'll keep it short by saying I've never owned a four banger. So I'll stick to my faithful inch singers for the one being until I'm actually ready for a new bike.

Live the pics though. Almost makes it even harder on me. Lol
MXBOY2661
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MXBOY2661 2/10/2013 2:18pm
2/10/2013 2:18pm
i agree with digger, i had a a 06, 09 yz 250, n the yz had a pc motor the 11-13 ktm 250sx motor wise arent comparable. the yam has great suspension, other than that the new ktms are insane! performance wise, brakes, reliability!
mynewcr250
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mynewcr250 2/10/2013 7:44pm
2/10/2013 7:44pm
pete24 wrote:
who cares about 8 hp? i got an aluminum tank [img]http://i1216.photobucket.com/albums/dd372/petec24/100_3784.jpg[/img]
who cares about 8 hp? i got an aluminum tank


das a nice bike
BAMX
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BAMX 2/10/2013 7:45pm
2/10/2013 7:45pm
I rode the KTM today and it is insane good. Even with non setup stock suspension, it is the best 250 that I have ridden.
pdub187
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pdub187 2/10/2013 8:46pm
2/10/2013 8:46pm
My money will be going on a 250sx. The engine is so much stronger than the yz.
IceMan446
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IceMan446 2/11/2013 9:20am
2/11/2013 9:20am
Considering there are a handful of riders here who can ride a YZ250 to its full potential, more HP doesnt mean much.

Go with the bike you feel the most comfortable on. If you have the chance to ride both that would be the best gauge.

You will find a ton of KTM lovers and a ton of YZ lovers. Just depends on what you like and what suits you best.

Two great bikes and the reliability of the KTM is getting closer to the YZ.
Travis_Hudson 2/11/2013 9:51am
2/11/2013 9:51am
IceMan446 wrote:
Considering there are a handful of riders here who can ride a YZ250 to its full potential, more HP doesnt mean much. Go with the bike...
Considering there are a handful of riders here who can ride a YZ250 to its full potential, more HP doesnt mean much.

Go with the bike you feel the most comfortable on. If you have the chance to ride both that would be the best gauge.

You will find a ton of KTM lovers and a ton of YZ lovers. Just depends on what you like and what suits you best.

Two great bikes and the reliability of the KTM is getting closer to the YZ.
There my friends is the winner of the debate. Smile

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Kryan5
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Kryan5 2/11/2013 1:13pm
2/11/2013 1:13pm Edited Date/Time 2/11/2013 1:16pm
Recently (past 6 months) I have rode a 2005 KX250, 2009 YZ250, and 2013 KTM 250SX. My preference would be 1st=KTM, 2nd= KX, 3rd= YZ. I hate to say i like my KTM better than the KX too cuz that bike is my baby. YZ is def last on my list. I feel like I perched up high and the bars are low. The whole feel of the bike just didn't do it for me. I have only one complaint about my KTM and that is that when I am banging threw the gears i feel like it doesn't want to shift sometimes. Other than that the ergos are nice, the power is great, and the clutch is friggin awesome!

PS. Pete that bike sure is easy on the eyes!
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FGR01 2/11/2013 5:08pm
2/11/2013 5:08pm
Might want to factor in price as well. Since the YZ hasn't changed since 2006 you can find killer deals on a 2006 or 2007 that is basically the same as the 2013 (even better some would say since the older bike has the higher compression head and shorter muffler). I picked up my 2006 YZ for 2,200 bucks back in 2011 and it is very low hour, excellent condition. What kind of KTM 250 can you get for that money?
Digger29
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Digger29 2/12/2013 7:15am
2/12/2013 7:15am
Kryan5 wrote:
Recently (past 6 months) I have rode a 2005 KX250, 2009 YZ250, and 2013 KTM 250SX. My preference would be 1st=KTM, 2nd= KX, 3rd= YZ. I...
Recently (past 6 months) I have rode a 2005 KX250, 2009 YZ250, and 2013 KTM 250SX. My preference would be 1st=KTM, 2nd= KX, 3rd= YZ. I hate to say i like my KTM better than the KX too cuz that bike is my baby. YZ is def last on my list. I feel like I perched up high and the bars are low. The whole feel of the bike just didn't do it for me. I have only one complaint about my KTM and that is that when I am banging threw the gears i feel like it doesn't want to shift sometimes. Other than that the ergos are nice, the power is great, and the clutch is friggin awesome!

PS. Pete that bike sure is easy on the eyes!
On the shifting issue Kyran, what are you running for tranny oil? It makes a huge difference.
Digger29
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Digger29 2/12/2013 7:24am
2/12/2013 7:24am
IceMan446 wrote:
Considering there are a handful of riders here who can ride a YZ250 to its full potential, more HP doesnt mean much. Go with the bike...
Considering there are a handful of riders here who can ride a YZ250 to its full potential, more HP doesnt mean much.

Go with the bike you feel the most comfortable on. If you have the chance to ride both that would be the best gauge.

You will find a ton of KTM lovers and a ton of YZ lovers. Just depends on what you like and what suits you best.

Two great bikes and the reliability of the KTM is getting closer to the YZ.
I do agree with this but only to a point. I know that speed & HP are all relivent but here in New England we have sand track tracks with huge hills & other tracks with big uphills or long starts & you need HP on these types of tracks or you're never going to get a strart or you're going to have a 450 ride right by you going up a long uphill. Our dirt is very soft here & you need some extra ponies if you want to run up front on a 2 stroke. You just have to level the playing field is all :-)
Kryan5
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Kryan5 2/12/2013 7:25am
2/12/2013 7:25am
Kryan5 wrote:
Recently (past 6 months) I have rode a 2005 KX250, 2009 YZ250, and 2013 KTM 250SX. My preference would be 1st=KTM, 2nd= KX, 3rd= YZ. I...
Recently (past 6 months) I have rode a 2005 KX250, 2009 YZ250, and 2013 KTM 250SX. My preference would be 1st=KTM, 2nd= KX, 3rd= YZ. I hate to say i like my KTM better than the KX too cuz that bike is my baby. YZ is def last on my list. I feel like I perched up high and the bars are low. The whole feel of the bike just didn't do it for me. I have only one complaint about my KTM and that is that when I am banging threw the gears i feel like it doesn't want to shift sometimes. Other than that the ergos are nice, the power is great, and the clutch is friggin awesome!

PS. Pete that bike sure is easy on the eyes!
Digger29 wrote:
On the shifting issue Kyran, what are you running for tranny oil? It makes a huge difference.
Silkolene.
Digger29
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Digger29 2/12/2013 7:31am
2/12/2013 7:31am Edited Date/Time 2/12/2013 7:33am
I didn't care for the shifting when it was new but after a cpl of rides & switching to a 50/50 mix of 5 weight motor oil & ATF my bike shifts very smooth. I haven't missed a gear on it yet either. I switched to the 280lb bellville washer also. It didn't help with the shifting but you'll notice how good the bike hooks up though. It feel much more positive & has that locked in feel when exiting a turn. It's a very very good $30 investment.
victor16
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victor16 2/12/2013 8:01am
2/12/2013 8:01am
Digger29 wrote:
I didn't care for the shifting when it was new but after a cpl of rides & switching to a 50/50 mix of 5 weight motor...
I didn't care for the shifting when it was new but after a cpl of rides & switching to a 50/50 mix of 5 weight motor oil & ATF my bike shifts very smooth. I haven't missed a gear on it yet either. I switched to the 280lb bellville washer also. It didn't help with the shifting but you'll notice how good the bike hooks up though. It feel much more positive & has that locked in feel when exiting a turn. It's a very very good $30 investment.
Digger... what type of ATF are you using right now? I mean, what brand? I thought that using conventional car ATF was not good for the type of clutch that we use. I used to use Bell Ray - gear saver 80w on my YZ and it was really good... However, don't know what could be much better than Bell ray for a 2 stroke trammy???
Digger29
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Digger29 2/12/2013 9:51am
2/12/2013 9:51am
ATF is actually very good for your clutch & bad for the tranny & that's we mix it 50/50 with 5 weight motor oil. I buy 2 gallons & mix them together & change it every 2 rides & it's very cheap this way. I use the Chrysler ATF. My bike shifts like butter & the clutch works awesome. I learned the ATF thing in the 90s from a factory Suzuki mechanic. He said they ran it straight & changed it every ride. I've been using it since 99 & have had great success & no issues at all with it.
victor16
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victor16 2/12/2013 10:03am
2/12/2013 10:03am
Digger29 wrote:
ATF is actually very good for your clutch & bad for the tranny & that's we mix it 50/50 with 5 weight motor oil. I buy...
ATF is actually very good for your clutch & bad for the tranny & that's we mix it 50/50 with 5 weight motor oil. I buy 2 gallons & mix them together & change it every 2 rides & it's very cheap this way. I use the Chrysler ATF. My bike shifts like butter & the clutch works awesome. I learned the ATF thing in the 90s from a factory Suzuki mechanic. He said they ran it straight & changed it every ride. I've been using it since 99 & have had great success & no issues at all with it.
Awesome... thanks. I will give a try.
Digger29
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Digger29 2/12/2013 10:15am
2/12/2013 10:15am
I told the KTM dealer that I planned on running the ATF/5 weight motor combo & the guy who works there was like "perfect but make sure you change often".
mazza159
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mazza159 2/13/2013 10:26pm
2/13/2013 10:26pm
Digger29 wrote:
I didn't care for the shifting when it was new but after a cpl of rides & switching to a 50/50 mix of 5 weight motor...
I didn't care for the shifting when it was new but after a cpl of rides & switching to a 50/50 mix of 5 weight motor oil & ATF my bike shifts very smooth. I haven't missed a gear on it yet either. I switched to the 280lb bellville washer also. It didn't help with the shifting but you'll notice how good the bike hooks up though. It feel much more positive & has that locked in feel when exiting a turn. It's a very very good $30 investment.
Thanks for that, I know what to do when I evently go back to KTM. as shifting gear under power was an issue I had with my ktm250sx. Which i dont have on my current (RM250)
mazza159
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mazza159 2/13/2013 10:42pm
2/13/2013 10:42pm
Cant speak for YZ but currently have brand new RM250 but have had 2x KTM 250 sx (which were newer year than my current rm250's) and here are my pro's and con's for KTM....... Pro's: Breaks, easy clutch, strong motor with lots of botom end (doesnt seem to rev out as fast as RM250 which is good and bad for different reasons) but easly the most powerful. Con's: suspension will need work and can be hard to set up for differnt tracks compard to the RM250, and while the ktm has compartivly less head shake than the rm250 at high speed woops, if you do get into a tank slapper or one of those (aw fuck!!) moments the ktm will through you off, where as the same thing happend on the RM and I rode out of situation's which on the ktm i would have ended up on the ground. Also the ktm does not turn as good as the Rm250 and after 35hours ktm's have trouble changing gear under power (which sum1 has sugested a fix). But all in all once my RM250's clock up too many hours I will be heading back to KTM as you can't buy brand new RM's any more and KTM are the next best bike if not over all the best 250 you can buy.

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