2015 YZ250 vs. 2015 KTM 250SX

JA946
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JA946 8/18/2014 10:06am
8/18/2014 10:06am
When you compare the KTM to the Yamaha with SSS suspension that came out in 2006, you'd think KTM would have caught up by now.
Flip109
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Flip109 8/18/2014 10:19am
8/18/2014 10:19am
The new KTMs handle fine. I've ridden the 15 350 and 15 250sx at two different tracks in the last month. I felt comfortable on both right away hopping off my Suzuki. Id go as far as saying they turned better and handled better through rolling whoop sections than mine. I owned KTMs in 02 and 03. They handle nothing like those old piles of shit lol
SF45
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SF45 8/18/2014 10:35am
8/18/2014 10:35am
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



Pretty bike. Funky handlebar bend.
dedi684
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dedi684 8/18/2014 10:51am
8/18/2014 10:51am
Im in the same boat. Yeah the yz's I rode for the last 10 years were great bikes but it was time to move on. I wasnt gonna pay that much for a new yz. With that being said i got 3800 for my 09 yz 250 last year and im trying to get 4000 for the one I have now. I only paid 500 more for my 15 ktm than I paid for my 09 yz new.

The Shop

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logan_140
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logan_140 8/18/2014 10:55am
8/18/2014 10:55am


How could you go wrong. Love my '15 ktm 250sx
crf250pilot
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crf250pilot 8/18/2014 11:33am
8/18/2014 11:33am
I'd consider re-sale value too. A 2015 KTM would sale a lot better than a restyled 06 YZ.
JA946
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JA946 8/18/2014 1:14pm
8/18/2014 1:14pm
crf250pilot wrote:
I'd consider re-sale value too. A 2015 KTM would sale a lot better than a restyled 06 YZ.
You think so? '06+ YZ's seem to disappear from craigslist pretty quick I though?
yak651
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yak651 8/18/2014 1:17pm
8/18/2014 1:17pm
crf250pilot wrote:
I'd consider re-sale value too. A 2015 KTM would sale a lot better than a restyled 06 YZ.
JA946 wrote:
You think so? '06+ YZ's seem to disappear from craigslist pretty quick I though?
Yes for $2k-$2.5k
Spinnin t's
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Spinnin t's 8/18/2014 2:35pm
8/18/2014 2:35pm
I didn't read every post. Sorry if I copy another post I didn't see.
I've ridden both. Saying that here is pros and cons.
I don't know the cost of each machine new. But the ktm is more so see what you can do with yam for that extra money. I like the way Yamaha handles. I like the way you have to throttle early for it to handle. The ktm turns on a dime but I really feel like I'm riding a saw horse. With low bars. The ktm can be made a 300 Smile the blue bikes well I'll say they are the most reliable bike of all time. I don't like the ktm clutch. Yes it's soft. But don't like the clutch feel. that is very important when ripping a 2stroke. The start with that clutch takes some control away I think. Or off subject. Buy a nice 3k rm and put 4k into it and you'll have the best 2t made.
Underground 8/18/2014 5:06pm
8/18/2014 5:06pm
Just add some flywheel if it's too much
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MxKing809 8/18/2014 5:09pm
8/18/2014 5:09pm
Underground wrote:
How bout one of these [img]https://media.motoonline.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/Static-1.jpg[/img] [url=http://www.motoonline.com.au/2014/08/15/tested-2015-husqvarna-tc-250/]http://www.motoonline.com.au/2014/08/15/tested-2015-husqvarna-tc-250/[/url] Husabergs have been known for a while to handle better than KTM's. A better handling KTM. What could be...
How bout one of these

http://www.motoonline.com.au/2014/08/15/tested-2015-husqvarna-tc-250/
Husabergs have been known for a while to handle better than KTM's. A better handling KTM. What could be better.


Come on bro.... You for real??
Underground 8/18/2014 5:50pm
8/18/2014 5:50pm
Yep. Why not? Beating four stroke 250's and winning National races!
indy_maico
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indy_maico 8/18/2014 6:50pm
8/18/2014 6:50pm
Underground wrote:
How bout one of these [img]https://media.motoonline.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/Static-1.jpg[/img] [url=http://www.motoonline.com.au/2014/08/15/tested-2015-husqvarna-tc-250/]http://www.motoonline.com.au/2014/08/15/tested-2015-husqvarna-tc-250/[/url] Husabergs have been known for a while to handle better than KTM's. A better handling KTM. What could be...
How bout one of these

http://www.motoonline.com.au/2014/08/15/tested-2015-husqvarna-tc-250/
Husabergs have been known for a while to handle better than KTM's. A better handling KTM. What could be better.
Uh, yeah.

Changing colors from orange to white and installing a plastic airbox/subframe will make the KTM handle better.
MxKing809
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MxKing809 8/18/2014 6:53pm
8/18/2014 6:53pm Edited Date/Time 8/18/2014 6:53pm
Underground wrote:
Yep. Why not? Beating four stroke 250's and winning National races!
I know, I own one....But that is literally a white KTM. Unless that lighted subframe changes the way it handles....
Underground 8/18/2014 10:08pm
8/18/2014 10:08pm
Underground wrote:
How bout one of these [img]https://media.motoonline.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/Static-1.jpg[/img] [url=http://www.motoonline.com.au/2014/08/15/tested-2015-husqvarna-tc-250/]http://www.motoonline.com.au/2014/08/15/tested-2015-husqvarna-tc-250/[/url] Husabergs have been known for a while to handle better than KTM's. A better handling KTM. What could be...
How bout one of these

http://www.motoonline.com.au/2014/08/15/tested-2015-husqvarna-tc-250/
Husabergs have been known for a while to handle better than KTM's. A better handling KTM. What could be better.
indy_maico wrote:
Uh, yeah.

Changing colors from orange to white and installing a plastic airbox/subframe will make the KTM handle better.
No shit Dick Tracey. It's the valving and chassis tuning differences that has made them handle better in the past since they have been doing this shared main components thing with Husaberg Of course I'm talking results from mag tests so take that with a grain of salt but it seems the Husaberg engineers have had a better idea on chassis setup and I'm assuming they are still employing those guys, not engineers from BMW.
MxKing809
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MxKing809 8/19/2014 5:37am
8/19/2014 5:37am Edited Date/Time 8/19/2014 5:38am
Underground wrote:
How bout one of these [img]https://media.motoonline.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/Static-1.jpg[/img] [url=http://www.motoonline.com.au/2014/08/15/tested-2015-husqvarna-tc-250/]http://www.motoonline.com.au/2014/08/15/tested-2015-husqvarna-tc-250/[/url] Husabergs have been known for a while to handle better than KTM's. A better handling KTM. What could be...
How bout one of these

http://www.motoonline.com.au/2014/08/15/tested-2015-husqvarna-tc-250/
Husabergs have been known for a while to handle better than KTM's. A better handling KTM. What could be better.
indy_maico wrote:
Uh, yeah.

Changing colors from orange to white and installing a plastic airbox/subframe will make the KTM handle better.
Underground wrote:
No shit Dick Tracey. It's the valving and chassis tuning differences that has made them handle better in the past since they have been doing this...
No shit Dick Tracey. It's the valving and chassis tuning differences that has made them handle better in the past since they have been doing this shared main components thing with Husaberg Of course I'm talking results from mag tests so take that with a grain of salt but it seems the Husaberg engineers have had a better idea on chassis setup and I'm assuming they are still employing those guys, not engineers from BMW.
Whatever mag is saying that is selling you a line of grade A quality shit. Husaberg 2-strokes were identical to KTMs just like Huskys are now. If you're going to talk about stock suspension valving being a deciding factor in a bike purchase, then ok..... That's probably the only difference in a late model Husaberg and a KTM bike with PDS, but who keeps stock valving anyway!?!?

Markee
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Markee 8/22/2014 5:08am
8/22/2014 5:08am
A little info on the KTM suspension from my experience. I had the 450 13 new (hated stock suspension) sold it to go back to 2 stroke. Rode the 250sx stock and with the lighter bike the suspension was better. Quickly had it revalved and resprung at a WP only service center (PG) and have not touched one clicker since, I was surprised how much better it was, extremely balanced.

IS the 13 WP stuff perfect? No, but from stock feel you can get it MUCH better.

Going to be hard to pull me away from KTM, they are all in for two wheels, love that.

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fanger
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fanger 8/22/2014 5:24am
8/22/2014 5:24am
I honestly dont see whats appealing about a bike that has only plastic updates for the last 8 years.
AKmotorider
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AKmotorider 10/12/2014 3:37am
10/12/2014 3:37am Edited Date/Time 10/12/2014 4:07am
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.
.
flykay
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flykay 1/8/2015 11:33am
1/8/2015 11:33am
In the latest issue of MXA they test the YZ250 vs 250SX vs TC250 (Husky) and the YZ is their favorite (with small margin):
GeorgiePorgie 1/8/2015 1:24pm
1/8/2015 1:24pm
Suspension suspension suspension.


Slap a vforce on the yz and never look back. I've ridden both, and I like both. But I do feel like the yz still has the edge....could be personal bias. I have always felt solidly at home on 2 smoke yzs
kawi448
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kawi448 1/8/2015 2:23pm
1/8/2015 2:23pm
I'm literally stuck in the same decision. My POV

KTM
1. Great handling and forgiving chassis
2. Strong engine that can have bolt ons added to create a monster
3. Needs a revalve to make suspension good, and still not as good as Yamaha
4. Very easy to work on
5. Very good brakes and clutch (obv)

Yamaha

1.Good Handling
2.Strong, usable engine though not as much peak power as the KTM
3.Suspension is very good for stock out of box and with a revalve it is super good
4. Average to work on
5. average clutch and brakes

I really don't know which one to get. I'm leaning toward the KTM, but either way I know I'll be happy. It's just that SSS suspension is sooooo good. I had a YZ125 so I know how good it is even in stock form.
tomm55x
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tomm55x 1/8/2015 2:49pm
1/8/2015 2:49pm
For you gentleman that can't decide, find demo days in your area for both brand's. That's what I did, yea I had to drive a ways and they were on separate weekends but it's worth it if you are not sure, my point is that u wanna be sure before you pull the trigger on a new one.
Pollock580 1/8/2015 3:01pm
1/8/2015 3:01pm
Actually Husabergs never made MX bikes, so the comparison for suspension between the 'bergs and KTMs was always to the EXC models, not SX's. Because the EXC's ran open chamber forks there was a difference, first open chamber to CC forks and then to 4CS forks, hence why Husabergs were always stated as having better suspension. That comparison is totally irrelevant to the SX's vs TC and FC Huskys, they really are identical in the chassis and suspension except for the subframe material.

For the YZ v KTM, go with the heart man, you'll either love the KTM or love beating blokes riding them.
kawi448
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kawi448 1/8/2015 3:05pm
1/8/2015 3:05pm
I have a feeling I'm probably gonna be buying the KTM
Dirtysmile56
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Dirtysmile56 1/8/2015 3:10pm
1/8/2015 3:10pm
YamaCross Action voted the YZ250 as this years winner. I think they articulate the reasons the Yamaha wins pretty well. In a nutshell It's a comfort thing and comfort sparks confidence.... I think Manny is right about buying an 09 or newer and throw the plastic kit on.
zehn
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zehn 1/8/2015 3:16pm
1/8/2015 3:16pm
It's a lot cheaper to slap a VForce reed, FMF pipe, and get a little head work done to bring the YZ's motor up to the KTM's level than it is to get the KTM's suspension up to the YZ's level....

Just my .02 cents
loftyair
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loftyair 1/8/2015 5:36pm
1/8/2015 5:36pm
I'm thinking ktm better for intermediate and above motox racing.
Yz for slower and older riders, with not so much intensity, and more casual like off road stuff.
BobPA
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BobPA 1/8/2015 6:24pm
1/8/2015 6:24pm
zehn wrote:
It's a lot cheaper to slap a VForce reed, FMF pipe, and get a little head work done to bring the YZ's motor up to the...
It's a lot cheaper to slap a VForce reed, FMF pipe, and get a little head work done to bring the YZ's motor up to the KTM's level than it is to get the KTM's suspension up to the YZ's level....

Just my .02 cents
I do not agree, a simple revalve will be cheaper than what you stated....
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