2015 YZ250 vs. 2015 KTM 250SX

Joko
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8/17/2014 1:15pm
How about putting the Eddie Sanders 325cc kit on the yz250 to improve the power? Cheaper than buying a full ohlins suspension kit or revalve on the KTM...
rpoint116
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8/17/2014 1:55pm
I have ridden both. Both EXCELLENT bikes. This is where MXA tests come in. Each one is a little different. The only mods you will ever need are possibly a pipe, reed block, maybe minor suspension work to fit your needs.

One consideration should be how close is a dealer for parts?
steed 2.0
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8/17/2014 3:11pm Edited Date/Time 8/17/2014 3:18pm
bsharkey wrote:
I heard the 15 ktms had big upgrade in suspension. can anyone give us any input on this
JA946 wrote:
Yes, the 4CS fork. The one that I was told, "No one has figured out yet, and just buy a set of Ohlins". Edit: If you...
Yes, the 4CS fork.

The one that I was told, "No one has figured out yet, and just buy a set of Ohlins".

Edit: If you look on thumper talk - all of the trail riders say the WP stuff is primo. Anyone remotely fast in MX say to buy Ohlins and get away from the WP - There's a reason people are putting KYB internals and doing fork swaps on the KTM.

Also, my stance: I want a new FC350 or TC250 baaaaaaadly - but those forks worry me, and the idea of speaking 7-10K on a NEW bike, and then needing to budget 3-4K for Ohlins scares me.
Ohlins cartridge kit cost 1k, KTM's are more weight sensitive than Japs, proper springs is key
I always revalve my suspension Jap or WP, personally prefer Showa forks over KYB or WP
this being said WP shocks are better than stock jap stuff IMO
shanes
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8/17/2014 3:24pm
shanes, that bike is sexy!!! how does it run? what are u coming off of?
it is very impressive power pulls from tick over right through very smooth , i normally ride KTM's SX 250 and SXF350 , i also gave my mate a few session he has 2007 CR 250 same comments power is awesome handling great he didn't want to ride his CR after getting off the TM .
i was surprised how good it was to be honest

The Shop

TX_187
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8/17/2014 5:33pm
MxKing809 wrote:
The hot carb setup is a RM needle and the jetting on my air box below. I'm now running a 175 main but it's basically the...
The hot carb setup is a RM needle and the jetting on my air box below. I'm now running a 175 main but it's basically the highest one your conditions allow you to pull...



Another thing that hasn't been mentioned is the tune-ability of KTM's. I bought an XC head off KTMTalk for my '14 SX, and with a quick head swap and a power valve spring change I can have a absolute woods weapon, then in about 10 minutes turn it back into a fire breathing monster!!
What font did you use on your backgrounds? Looks killer
seth505
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8/17/2014 5:40pm
I do believe the KTM SX-250 cost more than the Yamaha YZ-250. One thing to remember is that KTM parts are always going to cost more...
I do believe the KTM SX-250 cost more than the Yamaha YZ-250. One thing to remember is that KTM parts are always going to cost more then Japanese parts. Just to do a top end normally is double what it will cost to do a top end in a Yamaha.
This is not true. My subframe for 250sx was cheaper than one for my yz, also when I was looking for new bikes I got better deals on a 250sx over a yz believe it or not.

To the OP, my last two 250s were a new yz and then a new 250sx. Here is how I feel, keeping in mind both bikes are great.

motor: ktm
suspension: yamaha
ergos: ktm
brakes: ktm
ease to work on: ktm
hoova
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8/17/2014 6:07pm
I currently have a ktm and will only every buy another one for the reliability of them. My 2013 250 sx has done 156hrs on it original bottom end, top end replaced every 35hrs, clutch fibers/steels and washer replaced 5 hrs ago as a precaution, oil changed every 5 hrs. The jetting is pilot 42, needle NECJ 4th clip, main 165, airscrew to suit weather and 40:1 mix. On the flip side I've seen a YZ 250 obliterate it's self at 37hrs and 3 YZ 450's spin cam gears (and were told that it was impossible and not helped by yamaha)
Hcallz5
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8/17/2014 7:28pm
Just get a Yz for the track and a ktm 200xcw for trails like me :D

But in all seriousness everybody gives the powerplant kudos to KTM just because it makes a couple hp more then the yz on top. But for the average Joe that can't ride the wheels off every bike he throws a leg over, the YZ has a better motor. The power is more spread out. I have the RB head mod on my YZ and my throttle response rivals EFI and it has great power everywhere. Plus if you throw a PC pipe on there it has similar power to the KTM.

The YZ seems to have more support as well, guys change up the timing to move power around. Porting, boring, different pipe combos etc.
seth505
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8/17/2014 10:21pm
Hcallz5 wrote:
Just get a Yz for the track and a ktm 200xcw for trails like me :D But in all seriousness everybody gives the powerplant kudos to...
Just get a Yz for the track and a ktm 200xcw for trails like me :D

But in all seriousness everybody gives the powerplant kudos to KTM just because it makes a couple hp more then the yz on top. But for the average Joe that can't ride the wheels off every bike he throws a leg over, the YZ has a better motor. The power is more spread out. I have the RB head mod on my YZ and my throttle response rivals EFI and it has great power everywhere. Plus if you throw a PC pipe on there it has similar power to the KTM.

The YZ seems to have more support as well, guys change up the timing to move power around. Porting, boring, different pipe combos etc.
Off the showroom floor the KTM signed off earlier than the yz which I didn't like. All it took was new jetting and PC exhaust and it pulls harder/longer. Even off the showroom, the midrange is a monster. Not going by dyno numbers just going by riding both.
8/17/2014 11:24pm
I do believe the KTM SX-250 cost more than the Yamaha YZ-250. One thing to remember is that KTM parts are always going to cost more...
I do believe the KTM SX-250 cost more than the Yamaha YZ-250. One thing to remember is that KTM parts are always going to cost more then Japanese parts. Just to do a top end normally is double what it will cost to do a top end in a Yamaha.
Haha, had this discussion about Honda's vs KTM a while back on this board. KTM parts are the same as Jap parts over here, accept for Honda. They cost even more...
8/17/2014 11:27pm Edited Date/Time 8/17/2014 11:28pm
rpoint116 wrote:
I have ridden both. Both EXCELLENT bikes. This is where MXA tests come in. Each one is a little different. The only mods you will ever...
I have ridden both. Both EXCELLENT bikes. This is where MXA tests come in. Each one is a little different. The only mods you will ever need are possibly a pipe, reed block, maybe minor suspension work to fit your needs.

One consideration should be how close is a dealer for parts?
Bingo, look at your dealer network/parts availability. I'm on my 7th KTM and love them, but if i had a hard time getting parts i'd switch instantly. (i secretly want a TM but parts availability is to shitty)
8/17/2014 11:32pm Edited Date/Time 8/17/2014 11:33pm
shanes wrote:
why not be different :-} my new bike [URL=http://s189.photobucket.com/user/strattonmotorsports/media/Moto%20X/IMG_1997_zps719f0bfb.jpg.html][IMG]http://i189.photobucket.com/albums/z173/strattonmotorsports/Moto%20X/IMG_1997_zps719f0bfb.jpg[/IMG][/URL] [URL=http://s189.photobucket.com/user/strattonmotorsports/media/Moto%20X/IMG_1998_zpsa958f9bf.jpg.html][IMG]http://i189.photobucket.com/albums/z173/strattonmotorsports/Moto%20X/IMG_1998_zpsa958f9bf.jpg[/IMG][/URL]
why not be different :-} my new bike



Exotic porn star right there!


Gibby add a multiquote function for crying out loud... or a quote edit function so i can do it manually...
MxKing809
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8/17/2014 11:43pm
TX_187 wrote:
What font did you use on your backgrounds? Looks killer
Thanks man! I'm not quite sure on the font name, I just gave Bently GFX a vision and they made my graphics set, which is beyond awesome. Give them a buzz and I'm sure they'll help ya with what you need!!! Make sure you tell hem Grant R. sent you!!
race
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8/18/2014 12:08am
Probably a lot cheaper to boost the YZ engine with a pipe, reed and maybe porting than to try to get the KTM's WP suspension to work like the YZ's Kayaba SSS. At this point in time the YZ250 is a pretty bullet-proof bike.

MXA link where they make some comparisons - http://motocrossactionmag.com/bike-tests/2014-test-ride-yamaha-yz250-tw…



689
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8/18/2014 12:12am
The Yamaha suspension stock is unbalanced. When re-valved and with the correct springs it is awesome, but in stock form I have no idea how these magazines can honestly say its awesome.
bd
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8/18/2014 1:27am Edited Date/Time 8/18/2014 8:56pm
I cannot make a claim about the 250s. I'll take the YZ125 over the KTM and Husky 125.
AKmotorider
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8/18/2014 5:26am Edited Date/Time 8/18/2014 5:31am
Thanks for all the input, guys! Very helpful! Lots of different opinions and lots of different reasons for those opinions.. I like it!
I've read all the different magazine bike comparisons at this point.

Dealership location and price difference are insignificant. Both Yamaha and KTM dealerships are close, and as far as I can remember, they are nearly identical in price.

As of right now, for 2015, I am leaning heavily towards the KTM. However, after initially reading this, I was leaning more towards the YZ for one reason: the suspension.

My 07 has KYB SSS suspension on it. Obviously, it's what I'm used to, but not only that, the whole theory behind it trumps the WP's not-so-speed-sensitive design. Not only that, but compared to suspension, I don't give a hoot about better brakes, clutch, HP, cosmetics, etc.

However, it looks like KTM is introducing some new fork designs for 2015, as well as a host of other updates. And those black rims.. so much sexier than the silver ones. That really takes the cake right there. I won't lie, their persistence is attractive marketing-wise. They really are working to keep the two-stroke alive.

Check out these links..

http://transmoto.com.au/2015-ktms-get-4cs-fork/
http://www.dirtrider.com/features/first-look-2015-ktm-sx-models/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LsSZCOj_NKg
nornevrder
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8/18/2014 6:01am
Hey AK are you in anchorage? If so and you are interested in a KTM get with Brendan at The Motorcycle Shop. Let him know Josh Jacobs sent you there. He will take care of you.
Flip109
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8/18/2014 6:25am Edited Date/Time 8/18/2014 6:26am
I rode a 2015 ktm250sx last weekend. I normally ride a pretty modded 09 RMZ450. Which I love. Just so you know where I'm coming from.

Right away I liked the handling and turning of the bike. You could just stick in any little rut pop the clutch and blow it up! It's got tremendous low end and midrange bark but goes horribly flat on top. Like the bike had nothing at top. You had to keep shifting it. Other than that bike was premo and really has me considering selling mine and going back to the two strokes. Preferably one of them. I do want to ride a new Yamaha 250 before I do that tho. Can't wait for a shoutout.
seth505
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8/18/2014 8:01am
JA946 wrote:
seth505 wrote:
There was a recall on the wheel in the throttle housing.
JA946 wrote:
Looks like you didn't read the thread...

It's not the throttle wheel.
Man, before people buy a KTM you want them to read through 5 pages of a thread? Haha.

Here is what I got from it, people went over the throttle/cable and that wasn't it, he then had shitty service from a dealer, he then got parts overnighted from KTM and got great service and then with a new carb/cable the bike has been fine.

So in short, the issue was with a Keihin carburetor?
Kyle978
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8/18/2014 8:15am
One thing to consider is the KTM will change significantly next year. The 2015.5 Factory Edition will be out around December/January so Dungey and Wilson can race it in SX, and if history repeats itself, all the new models will use the new frame/suspension set up for 2016.

With that said, I've spent a lot of time on a 2013 SX 250, and 07' & '10 YZ250's. They both have their pro's and cons, and you can't go wrong either way. The KTM motor is stronger, but the YZ chassis feels great and the motor isn't bad by any means.

Either way, great choice!
Markopolo400
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8/18/2014 8:20am Edited Date/Time 7/8/2015 9:38am
.
AKmotorider
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8/18/2014 9:31am
Flip109 wrote:
I rode a 2015 ktm250sx last weekend. I normally ride a pretty modded 09 RMZ450. Which I love. Just so you know where I'm coming from...
I rode a 2015 ktm250sx last weekend. I normally ride a pretty modded 09 RMZ450. Which I love. Just so you know where I'm coming from.

Right away I liked the handling and turning of the bike. You could just stick in any little rut pop the clutch and blow it up! It's got tremendous low end and midrange bark but goes horribly flat on top. Like the bike had nothing at top. You had to keep shifting it. Other than that bike was premo and really has me considering selling mine and going back to the two strokes. Preferably one of them. I do want to ride a new Yamaha 250 before I do that tho. Can't wait for a shoutout.
Heard a lot about that, they switched up the mapping after '13 I think. I've also heard that if you slap a pipe on it and maybe a carb mod it takes care of it completely. MXA talked about it.
AKmotorider
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8/18/2014 9:40am
nornevrder wrote:
Hey AK are you in anchorage? If so and you are interested in a KTM get with Brendan at The Motorcycle Shop. Let him know Josh...
Hey AK are you in anchorage? If so and you are interested in a KTM get with Brendan at The Motorcycle Shop. Let him know Josh Jacobs sent you there. He will take care of you.
Ya I'm in Anchorage. Funny you mention that because I actually used to work there, haha! Ironically though, I didn't learn a whole lot about the KTM bikes while I was there, as you can see from this thread. I know Brendan, Kenny, Chris, etc. But alright, if I go I'll let him know you got me to switch brands!

I probably won't go buying one until the beginning of next year, so I'll talk with him more then. Though if I have any pressing questions I may stop by before then.
Flip109
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8/18/2014 9:43am
Flip109 wrote:
I rode a 2015 ktm250sx last weekend. I normally ride a pretty modded 09 RMZ450. Which I love. Just so you know where I'm coming from...
I rode a 2015 ktm250sx last weekend. I normally ride a pretty modded 09 RMZ450. Which I love. Just so you know where I'm coming from.

Right away I liked the handling and turning of the bike. You could just stick in any little rut pop the clutch and blow it up! It's got tremendous low end and midrange bark but goes horribly flat on top. Like the bike had nothing at top. You had to keep shifting it. Other than that bike was premo and really has me considering selling mine and going back to the two strokes. Preferably one of them. I do want to ride a new Yamaha 250 before I do that tho. Can't wait for a shoutout.
Heard a lot about that, they switched up the mapping after '13 I think. I've also heard that if you slap a pipe on it and...
Heard a lot about that, they switched up the mapping after '13 I think. I've also heard that if you slap a pipe on it and maybe a carb mod it takes care of it completely. MXA talked about it.
My buddy is about to do just that to it. So I will get to ride it again after and see how much it helps it. He had a 12 before that and he liked that engine a lot better. So we will see what happens.
AKmotorider
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8/18/2014 9:58am
Flip109 wrote:
I rode a 2015 ktm250sx last weekend. I normally ride a pretty modded 09 RMZ450. Which I love. Just so you know where I'm coming from...
I rode a 2015 ktm250sx last weekend. I normally ride a pretty modded 09 RMZ450. Which I love. Just so you know where I'm coming from.

Right away I liked the handling and turning of the bike. You could just stick in any little rut pop the clutch and blow it up! It's got tremendous low end and midrange bark but goes horribly flat on top. Like the bike had nothing at top. You had to keep shifting it. Other than that bike was premo and really has me considering selling mine and going back to the two strokes. Preferably one of them. I do want to ride a new Yamaha 250 before I do that tho. Can't wait for a shoutout.
Heard a lot about that, they switched up the mapping after '13 I think. I've also heard that if you slap a pipe on it and...
Heard a lot about that, they switched up the mapping after '13 I think. I've also heard that if you slap a pipe on it and maybe a carb mod it takes care of it completely. MXA talked about it.
Flip109 wrote:
My buddy is about to do just that to it. So I will get to ride it again after and see how much it helps it...
My buddy is about to do just that to it. So I will get to ride it again after and see how much it helps it. He had a 12 before that and he liked that engine a lot better. So we will see what happens.
Awesome! I'd be interested in what you think of it with the mods.
Madmax31
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8/18/2014 10:05am
I get that someone doesn't like KTM, for whatever reason. But to say they don't handle awesome? If you don't think the KTM is the best handling bike on the market, argument could be made for Suzuki, you're a freaking alien or something.

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