Spoke with my wallet and heart and bought a 2-stroke | Update

slipdog
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9/2/2014 8:11pm
Sick dude, sick!
nytsmaC
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9/2/2014 9:59pm
Jetted correctly guys are getting 30mpg with those bikes in the woods, so even with the small tank you should be able ti get a decent range with it.
9/10/2014 7:02pm
So with zero hours on the bike, I went and raced it Sunday at a local Hare Scramble. The only thing I changed was the powervalve and clickers on the suspension. I loved it! The suspension felt better with every lap, still really stiff for woods, but manageable for sure.

I ended up winning B for the first time this year. I stopped for fuel about half way through and I swore the tank must have been nearly empty, it took forever to fill the tank. I can't wait to race it again this weekend.







nytsmaC
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9/10/2014 7:13pm
Congrats!

Check your float height, KTM seems to set them too high quite often and you might be losing a lot of gas out the overflow.

The Shop

MxKing809
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Fantasy
9/10/2014 7:24pm
nytsmaC wrote:
Congrats!

Check your float height, KTM seems to set them too high quite often and you might be losing a lot of gas out the overflow.
BUT, BUT, BUT...... That's a Husky.....Evil
Tuck812
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9/10/2014 9:36pm Edited Date/Time 9/10/2014 9:37pm
Nice bike !!
JBernard_401
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9/10/2014 9:44pm
those bikes look so incredible. ktm/husky is straight up killing it lately.
congrats on the win too!
jeffro503
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9/10/2014 9:46pm
Back on Husqvarna's and back on 2-strokes. Nothing against my CRF but I wanted to make a switch. With Husqvarna giving out huge rebates, the time...
Back on Husqvarna's and back on 2-strokes. Nothing against my CRF but I wanted to make a switch. With Husqvarna giving out huge rebates, the time was now. Thank you to Donnell's Motorcycles for their excellent service.





Picking it up Friday. Beyond excited! First 250 2-stroke. I had 2 KTM200's a few years back.
Man what an awesome looking bike man! Congrats! I still think those Husky 2 strokes are the best looking production bikes out right now. very sexy machine!
9/10/2014 9:52pm
Thanks all!

I did change the needle position and messed with the air screw and idle a little. Other than that, it's stock and I'm really enjoying it. It did take me a few corners to get used to not having engine breaking LOL

Jack mehoff
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9/10/2014 10:33pm
Congrats that's my next purchase , I also love the electric tape numbers it's what's grassroots racing is all about , interested on hearing more about the likes and dislikes off the bike after you have a few races on it and it's fully broken in .
plowboy
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9/10/2014 10:38pm
Good stuff man.
MxKing809
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9/11/2014 3:06am
Thanks all! I did change the needle position and messed with the air screw and idle a little. Other than that, it's stock and I'm really...
Thanks all!

I did change the needle position and messed with the air screw and idle a little. Other than that, it's stock and I'm really enjoying it. It did take me a few corners to get used to not having engine breaking LOL

Look up the Suzuki needle mod for our bikes, you'll thank me later!!
9/11/2014 4:05pm
Thanks all! I did change the needle position and messed with the air screw and idle a little. Other than that, it's stock and I'm really...
Thanks all!

I did change the needle position and messed with the air screw and idle a little. Other than that, it's stock and I'm really enjoying it. It did take me a few corners to get used to not having engine breaking LOL

MxKing809 wrote:
Look up the Suzuki needle mod for our bikes, you'll thank me later!!
Already got an RM needle in my bag, I just never had a chance to swap it out. I'll give it try Saturday.
KGAspeed
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9/11/2014 4:28pm
Thanks all! I did change the needle position and messed with the air screw and idle a little. Other than that, it's stock and I'm really...
Thanks all!

I did change the needle position and messed with the air screw and idle a little. Other than that, it's stock and I'm really enjoying it. It did take me a few corners to get used to not having engine breaking LOL

MxKing809 wrote:
Look up the Suzuki needle mod for our bikes, you'll thank me later!!
Already got an RM needle in my bag, I just never had a chance to swap it out. I'll give it try Saturday.
I tried that with my KTM250XC, but ended up liking the JD Jet Kit better and stuck with that. People tend to think those kits are for "those who can't jet" but I don't believe that at all. I know jetting really well and can usually get my bikes dialed in, but this 250 was always tough (but I ride at 6k to 10k in elevation which doesn't help).
Katoomey
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9/11/2014 6:58pm Edited Date/Time 9/11/2014 7:01pm
MxKing809 wrote:
Look up the Suzuki needle mod for our bikes, you'll thank me later!!
Already got an RM needle in my bag, I just never had a chance to swap it out. I'll give it try Saturday.
KGAspeed wrote:
I tried that with my KTM250XC, but ended up liking the JD Jet Kit better and stuck with that. People tend to think those kits are...
I tried that with my KTM250XC, but ended up liking the JD Jet Kit better and stuck with that. People tend to think those kits are for "those who can't jet" but I don't believe that at all. I know jetting really well and can usually get my bikes dialed in, but this 250 was always tough (but I ride at 6k to 10k in elevation which doesn't help).
the real problem with KTM's of the last 5 years (especially XC's and XC-w's) is the cylinder head. the combustion chamber is too large to properly "squish" the charge- hence the hard time with jetting.

the ultimate solution is head mods or an aftermarket head with changeable domes, especially if you're anywhere above sea level. ...and if you want to run race fuel, along with a very small combustion chamber, your KTM will run very strong and be very consistent in the jetting department.

I run S3 cylinder heads (highest compression dome) on both of my XC's with the 250 SX ignition units and a 50/50 mix of VP110 and pump and they run so much cleaner, cooler, and faster than they did stock. This formula pretty much applies to all oem 2 strokes because they are tuned to avoid detonation, which is caused by the crummy pump fuels that are so prevalent.
1bigsave
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9/11/2014 7:50pm
That pro circuit bike looks fucking cool.
9/11/2014 9:16pm
very nice! i picked up a freshy, yz 250 a couple of weeks back. coming from the yz 450 its been the most fun ive had riding in a while being on a 250 two stroke!
Hcallz5
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9/11/2014 9:20pm Edited Date/Time 9/11/2014 9:20pm


KGAspeed
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Salt Lake City, UT, USA
9/11/2014 9:32pm
Katoomey wrote:
the real problem with KTM's of the last 5 years (especially XC's and XC-w's) is the cylinder head. the combustion chamber is too large to properly...
the real problem with KTM's of the last 5 years (especially XC's and XC-w's) is the cylinder head. the combustion chamber is too large to properly "squish" the charge- hence the hard time with jetting.

the ultimate solution is head mods or an aftermarket head with changeable domes, especially if you're anywhere above sea level. ...and if you want to run race fuel, along with a very small combustion chamber, your KTM will run very strong and be very consistent in the jetting department.

I run S3 cylinder heads (highest compression dome) on both of my XC's with the 250 SX ignition units and a 50/50 mix of VP110 and pump and they run so much cleaner, cooler, and faster than they did stock. This formula pretty much applies to all oem 2 strokes because they are tuned to avoid detonation, which is caused by the crummy pump fuels that are so prevalent.
I have the SX head and ignition - it really runs clean...and I'm super picky with jetting (and I am usually leaner than most people), but I do still get a little oil out of the silencer. This is the only bike I've ever owned (2 stroke) that has done this. Drives me crazy (Motul 800 Synthetic at 50:1). One thing I've been in the habit of doing that helps incredibly, is the pull the top end, remove all power valves, de-carbon everything and polish all of the parts. Doing that fairly regularly maintains that "new, crisp 2-stroke bark" in a big way.
KGAspeed
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Salt Lake City, UT, USA
9/11/2014 9:36pm
So with zero hours on the bike, I went and raced it Sunday at a local Hare Scramble. The only thing I changed was the powervalve...
So with zero hours on the bike, I went and raced it Sunday at a local Hare Scramble. The only thing I changed was the powervalve and clickers on the suspension. I loved it! The suspension felt better with every lap, still really stiff for woods, but manageable for sure.

I ended up winning B for the first time this year. I stopped for fuel about half way through and I swore the tank must have been nearly empty, it took forever to fill the tank. I can't wait to race it again this weekend.







And by the way, you went all-out and even bought Husky-branded gear. That's ambitious!

I believe a lot of us were expecting to just see red and black over white for the new Husky look when all of this was in its early speculation. Going with the white, blue and yellow was brilliant - they look great.

Hey I'm curious and was talking to a buddy about this - how will this WHITE frame look in a few months I wonder?
BobPA
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9/11/2014 9:36pm
KGAspeed wrote:
I have the SX head and ignition - it really runs clean...and I'm super picky with jetting (and I am usually leaner than most people), but...
I have the SX head and ignition - it really runs clean...and I'm super picky with jetting (and I am usually leaner than most people), but I do still get a little oil out of the silencer. This is the only bike I've ever owned (2 stroke) that has done this. Drives me crazy (Motul 800 Synthetic at 50:1). One thing I've been in the habit of doing that helps incredibly, is the pull the top end, remove all power valves, de-carbon everything and polish all of the parts. Doing that fairly regularly maintains that "new, crisp 2-stroke bark" in a big way.
Why would you run leaner jetting than most people? Are you talking fuel/oil mixture...or actual jetting?
9/11/2014 9:55pm Edited Date/Time 9/11/2014 9:57pm
KGAspeed wrote:
And by the way, you went all-out and even bought Husky-branded gear. That's ambitious! I believe a lot of us were expecting to just see red...
And by the way, you went all-out and even bought Husky-branded gear. That's ambitious!

I believe a lot of us were expecting to just see red and black over white for the new Husky look when all of this was in its early speculation. Going with the white, blue and yellow was brilliant - they look great.

Hey I'm curious and was talking to a buddy about this - how will this WHITE frame look in a few months I wonder?
I had to buy the gear too, LOL.

I'm interested in the frame as well. My Dad has a red/white Husky with the white frame and it seems to be holding up well. I like the frame decals on mine and for the price I think they are worth buying a few sets a year; If it keeps the frame from getting scratched.

Time will tell, I have 3.2 hours on it, and with only 1 ride I don't have much experience with it. I'll report back with the jetting and other things after this weekend.

In a sea of orange, i'm glad to be on something different. In my group, there is 12 KTM's (two of the 4-strokes, the rest 300 2-strokes). It only made sense to go with something that was "KTM like" and 2-stroke.

peelout
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Ogden, UT, USA
9/11/2014 10:08pm
Hell yeah Brad, congrats on your purchase, your win, and your newfound love for the smoker!

Now throw a 3 gallon tank on her and you won't have to pit next time Wink

Bitchin bro!
KaaTooM
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SE
9/12/2014 12:06am
The colour of the frame holds up pretty nice, i have a -14 350FC and its still white and pretty after 30 hours Wink

There have been some disscolouration ub by the stearing head where the owerflow house from the tank runs in to the frame, so i dont seem to lika fuel Wink
KGAspeed
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Salt Lake City, UT, USA
9/12/2014 7:20am
KGAspeed wrote:
I have the SX head and ignition - it really runs clean...and I'm super picky with jetting (and I am usually leaner than most people), but...
I have the SX head and ignition - it really runs clean...and I'm super picky with jetting (and I am usually leaner than most people), but I do still get a little oil out of the silencer. This is the only bike I've ever owned (2 stroke) that has done this. Drives me crazy (Motul 800 Synthetic at 50:1). One thing I've been in the habit of doing that helps incredibly, is the pull the top end, remove all power valves, de-carbon everything and polish all of the parts. Doing that fairly regularly maintains that "new, crisp 2-stroke bark" in a big way.
BobPA wrote:
Why would you run leaner jetting than most people? Are you talking fuel/oil mixture...or actual jetting?
Because I think most people are afraid to go leaner fearing crossing the line, going too lean, and sticking the rings, for example.

Most of my riding buddies always say "I'd rather be too rich than too lean, so I always err to the side of rich". I don't agree with that at all - I'll skate the edge of lean; it doesn't bother me at all. You'll KNOW when you're too lean and many times, the air screw can fix that (if its cold in the morning, hot in the afternoon, etc).

I'm just saying, most people seem scared to go lean enough.
peelout
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9/12/2014 9:43am
KGAspeed wrote:
I have the SX head and ignition - it really runs clean...and I'm super picky with jetting (and I am usually leaner than most people), but...
I have the SX head and ignition - it really runs clean...and I'm super picky with jetting (and I am usually leaner than most people), but I do still get a little oil out of the silencer. This is the only bike I've ever owned (2 stroke) that has done this. Drives me crazy (Motul 800 Synthetic at 50:1). One thing I've been in the habit of doing that helps incredibly, is the pull the top end, remove all power valves, de-carbon everything and polish all of the parts. Doing that fairly regularly maintains that "new, crisp 2-stroke bark" in a big way.
BobPA wrote:
Why would you run leaner jetting than most people? Are you talking fuel/oil mixture...or actual jetting?
KGAspeed wrote:
Because I think most people are afraid to go leaner fearing crossing the line, going too lean, and sticking the rings, for example. Most of my...
Because I think most people are afraid to go leaner fearing crossing the line, going too lean, and sticking the rings, for example.

Most of my riding buddies always say "I'd rather be too rich than too lean, so I always err to the side of rich". I don't agree with that at all - I'll skate the edge of lean; it doesn't bother me at all. You'll KNOW when you're too lean and many times, the air screw can fix that (if its cold in the morning, hot in the afternoon, etc).

I'm just saying, most people seem scared to go lean enough.
problem is if you go too rich you lose your mpg, if that's an issue... for Desert Racing it could very well mean stopping at the alternate gas stop.

in Mexico, i was terrified of running too lean so i ran mine heavy on the rich side which meant using more gas. in St.George on my pre-run i was running the leaner jetting and got about 30-35mpg... in Mexico with my rich jetting, i was only getting 20-25... big problem when you're having to run 140 miles without stopping for fuel and running a 5 gallon tank.

as for me in my riding up here, i like to run a little lean, i like the way it runs in the mtns
hellion
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Westfield, MA, USA
9/12/2014 10:18am
Fuel mileage will stink with the stock needle, and it won't really run as good as it can either. Do a little research in the "race shop' or over on KTMtalk about the Suzuki NECJ needle. My last 250 was a '13 and that needle made the bike run incredibly clean. I know Digger and a few others still swear by it on the new bikes. You might want to open up the air box a bit too, the Husky is a bit more restrictive than the Katoom.
Hman144
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York, PA, USA
Fantasy
9/12/2014 12:02pm
Thanks all! I did change the needle position and messed with the air screw and idle a little. Other than that, it's stock and I'm really...
Thanks all!

I did change the needle position and messed with the air screw and idle a little. Other than that, it's stock and I'm really enjoying it. It did take me a few corners to get used to not having engine breaking LOL

Ha. Freudian slip comparing the 4t to the 2?

Us 2t die hards love that stuff.
yota
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Crystal River, FL, USA
9/12/2014 12:10pm
I've been running

170 main
40 pilot
NECJ with clip down 4 from the top
air screw 1 1/2 turns out
runs very crisp but I'm at like 10 feet above sea level and low to mid 90 temps.

2012 250 SX.
Blaze45
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Mesa, AZ, USA
9/12/2014 1:48pm
Does anyone know of any threads that really break down the Husky vs. the KTM (250s or 300s) or are they same bike with a different price tag?

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