2016 yz250 or 2016 ktm 250sx

Tom_Ryan
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Tom_Ryan
Edited Date/Time 5/4/2016 3:15am
Getting new bike in November coming off the 4 strokes not sure which to get. Also I would like to know what the best upgrades are for 250 2 strokes.
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Rowlands
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Rowlands 9/10/2015 12:42pm
9/10/2015 12:42pm
Yammy if you want reliability
KTM for performance, THAT IS MY OPINION

try and get a test ride if you can, they are both extremely good bikes so have a test and go for the one that you prefer

For me. It would be the ktm
lostboy819 9/10/2015 12:48pm
9/10/2015 12:48pm Edited Date/Time 9/10/2015 12:49pm
YZ suspension and handling is the best there is, you can make a bike faster much easier than you can fix suspension or handling. And the YZ isnt pumpkin orange.
RPM68
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RPM68 9/10/2015 12:52pm
9/10/2015 12:52pm
it is tought to beat the KTM. I have owned both.

The yamaha is awesome for suspension but that is the only advantage of performance the Blue brother has.

The 250 sx is an amazing machine, and all you have to do is ride it.

The YZ I would be installing big brakes, tires, revalve and springs, pipe/silencer, and a few other things.

The KTM I would buy pipe and silencer, and suspension. Then just ride it.

Keep in mind the only thing that makes this tough is the idea that the 17 250sx will be a totally new machine.

Tom_Ryan
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Tom_Ryan 9/10/2015 12:57pm
9/10/2015 12:57pm
RPM68 wrote:
it is tought to beat the KTM. I have owned both. The yamaha is awesome for suspension but that is the only advantage of performance the...
it is tought to beat the KTM. I have owned both.

The yamaha is awesome for suspension but that is the only advantage of performance the Blue brother has.

The 250 sx is an amazing machine, and all you have to do is ride it.

The YZ I would be installing big brakes, tires, revalve and springs, pipe/silencer, and a few other things.

The KTM I would buy pipe and silencer, and suspension. Then just ride it.

Keep in mind the only thing that makes this tough is the idea that the 17 250sx will be a totally new machine.

Yeah I heard about that but I can't wait that long I want to get rid of my 4 stroke before it gets up there in hours. Cost to much to rebuild.

The Shop

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seth505
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seth505 9/10/2015 12:58pm
9/10/2015 12:58pm
Hard to dislike either. It's not a big decision because both are pretty damn great. That said, I've had both and at this point I'm glad I bought the KTM rather than another yz. I wouldn't agree that the reliability is better on the yamaha either (neither being bad).
mag23
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mag23 9/10/2015 1:09pm
9/10/2015 1:09pm
If you're interested in the KTM, maybe wait for '17 when the 250sx has the new chassis and motor? I'm not sure, but I think the '17 KTM will be all new...
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Motofinne 9/10/2015 1:27pm
9/10/2015 1:27pm
I would wait for the 2017 KTM!
1stSSPZ
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1stSSPZ 9/10/2015 1:42pm
9/10/2015 1:42pm
One of the things I don't care for as far as KTM's go is the fact that this years bike is outdated before the year is over! Progress is progress but there is something to be said for continuity. Don't think you can go wrong with either, who has the best dealership in your area and do you have a relationship with them?
Tom_Ryan
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Tom_Ryan 9/10/2015 1:55pm
9/10/2015 1:55pm
Motofinne wrote:
I would wait for the 2017 KTM!
I might just have to wait it out and go with the 2017 ktm is there anymore info on it?
GeorgiePorgie 9/10/2015 2:00pm
9/10/2015 2:00pm
Parts are plentiful with the yz when ordering. Still great bikes. Either one you'll be happy with.
pete24
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pete24 9/10/2015 2:13pm
9/10/2015 2:13pm
i currenlty have a 15 husky FC450, while its a great bike its like ridding a frigging bulldozer and i should have known better than to buy it
anyway im kicking huskyTC, and yz tires at the moment, ive had 7 or 8 aluninum frame yzs and they are awesome but like 505 says , why buy another yz?
njracer46
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njracer46 9/10/2015 2:22pm
9/10/2015 2:22pm
Rowlands wrote:
Yammy if you want reliability KTM for performance, THAT IS MY OPINION try and get a test ride if you can, they are both extremely good...
Yammy if you want reliability
KTM for performance, THAT IS MY OPINION

try and get a test ride if you can, they are both extremely good bikes so have a test and go for the one that you prefer

For me. It would be the ktm
I strongly disagree with the reliability part.

One thing is yz's hate pump fuel, so plan on tearing the thing down as soon as you get it or running race gas

I notice Millville in your avi, if were ever going to the same place for practice you can take my 15 250sx out for a practice. I'll be at pagoda this weekend sat and sun
Tom_Ryan
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Tom_Ryan 9/10/2015 2:38pm
9/10/2015 2:38pm
Rowlands wrote:
Yammy if you want reliability KTM for performance, THAT IS MY OPINION try and get a test ride if you can, they are both extremely good...
Yammy if you want reliability
KTM for performance, THAT IS MY OPINION

try and get a test ride if you can, they are both extremely good bikes so have a test and go for the one that you prefer

For me. It would be the ktm
njracer46 wrote:
I strongly disagree with the reliability part. One thing is yz's hate pump fuel, so plan on tearing the thing down as soon as you get...
I strongly disagree with the reliability part.

One thing is yz's hate pump fuel, so plan on tearing the thing down as soon as you get it or running race gas

I notice Millville in your avi, if were ever going to the same place for practice you can take my 15 250sx out for a practice. I'll be at pagoda this weekend sat and sun
Yup that's millville I was going to race pagoda this weekend but I have a party, but yeah that'd be cool if you let me test ride your bike I'm either going to Millville or Englishtown next weekend.
dedi684
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dedi684 9/10/2015 2:46pm
9/10/2015 2:46pm
I had 4 yz 250's and now a 2015 ktm 250 sx. My opinion is the ktm is a better performing bike and easier to ride. I think i liked the yamahas better though.
bd
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bd 9/10/2015 4:36pm
9/10/2015 4:36pm
I am a Yamaha fan. With the disclaimer, I would do the following:

* Research OEM parts replacement price (whose more expensive)
* Relationships with shops were you might potential buy the bike

If I am buying the Yamaha:

* V Force
* PC Pipe and Shorty
* Renthal RC Bar Bend
* Rejet the bike
* 50/50 Race Gas unless you do port and head mods

For added bad ass:

* Vortex Ignition
* Port and Head Mod
* Controls to your liking

sandman768
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sandman768 9/10/2015 5:27pm
9/10/2015 5:27pm
i have owned/ raced 4 new yz 250"s & owned 3 new ktm xc 300"s, have not bought a new 250 sx ... yet, waiting until 2017 for the new model. I loved my yz"s but, the ktm"s are really built with better components, I keep my 300"s for 2 years, put them through hell & back & they just keep on rockin. After 1 hard season the Yz will need a new tranny, all clutch components ect. I used my last xc 300 for Mx only, over 100 hrs of moto, mostly sand & the bike held up like a champ, 1 piston change, took clutch apart, basket like new, forged basket. foot pegs, brake pedal, levers, throttle, kick start lever all tight & not worn out & ratteling around. best part, very easy to sell when done with it. another thing to consider is the 300 kit for the 250 sx, more options from KTM . plus when I buy a new bike, I want a NEW bike , not a 2006 model
yak651
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yak651 9/10/2015 6:39pm
9/10/2015 6:39pm
1stSSPZ wrote:
One of the things I don't care for as far as KTM's go is the fact that this years bike is outdated before the year is...
One of the things I don't care for as far as KTM's go is the fact that this years bike is outdated before the year is over! Progress is progress but there is something to be said for continuity. Don't think you can go wrong with either, who has the best dealership in your area and do you have a relationship with them?
so the KTM is outdated but the YZ isn't when it's basically the same bike as the '05?

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IceMan446
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IceMan446 9/10/2015 6:40pm
9/10/2015 6:40pm
sandman768 wrote:
i have owned/ raced 4 new yz 250"s & owned 3 new ktm xc 300"s, have not bought a new 250 sx ... yet, waiting until...
i have owned/ raced 4 new yz 250"s & owned 3 new ktm xc 300"s, have not bought a new 250 sx ... yet, waiting until 2017 for the new model. I loved my yz"s but, the ktm"s are really built with better components, I keep my 300"s for 2 years, put them through hell & back & they just keep on rockin. After 1 hard season the Yz will need a new tranny, all clutch components ect. I used my last xc 300 for Mx only, over 100 hrs of moto, mostly sand & the bike held up like a champ, 1 piston change, took clutch apart, basket like new, forged basket. foot pegs, brake pedal, levers, throttle, kick start lever all tight & not worn out & ratteling around. best part, very easy to sell when done with it. another thing to consider is the 300 kit for the 250 sx, more options from KTM . plus when I buy a new bike, I want a NEW bike , not a 2006 model
A new tranny???

I have never heard of anyone needing to do that for any other reason than a mechanical failure.

I have a 2011 YZ 250 that was previously owned by a multiple medal winning ISDE racer. Not one problem to speak of that you mentioned.

If you take care of your bike, your shit will last. No matter what brand you buy.

WVUpetro2013
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WVUpetro2013 9/10/2015 6:54pm
9/10/2015 6:54pm
If you plan on getting a 16 250sx, you might as well get a 15. Only significant changes I can think of is I think the 16 gets the bigger carb (I could be wrong). The 15 should be cheaper though and in my opinion the best looking 250sx year.
rocketsocks26 9/10/2015 6:59pm
9/10/2015 6:59pm
I have a 15 300sx and absolutely love it, but the yz is just as good if not better, I have conevalve forks on my ktm , the yz suspension is the deal breaker..for the cost it would get to get the 4cs to work you can buy oversized rotors a pipe and silencer and or some porting. But like everyone else says , id wait for the 17 ktm ! Iol
shanes
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shanes 9/10/2015 7:32pm
9/10/2015 7:32pm
either go for left over 15 KTM or wait for the 17 don't worry about the 16 as no changes and you don't get sexy orange frame :-}}
i rode the 15 yamaha and 15 KTM back to back , sorry but the yamaha isn't in the same league it felt cheap clutch was horrible , no top end at all as signed off really early and the brakes were crap .

snape99
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snape99 9/10/2015 11:38pm
9/10/2015 11:38pm
If you want the worst forks ever made then get the Ktm. Otherwise the bike is great. I just bought a Yz and the forks are that much better it's laughable
lostboy819 9/10/2015 11:43pm
9/10/2015 11:43pm
1stSSPZ wrote:
One of the things I don't care for as far as KTM's go is the fact that this years bike is outdated before the year is...
One of the things I don't care for as far as KTM's go is the fact that this years bike is outdated before the year is over! Progress is progress but there is something to be said for continuity. Don't think you can go wrong with either, who has the best dealership in your area and do you have a relationship with them?
yak651 wrote:
so the KTM is outdated but the YZ isn't when it's basically the same bike as the '05?
Basically yes and the KTM is just marginally better even with the yamaha development at a stand still. Sad really that the KTM should be leaps and bounds better with 10 years more development and the only thing going for it is its a little more powerful. Tongue
rodspindel 9/11/2015 12:53am
9/11/2015 12:53am
My son and I each bought 14 huskys. They have been nothing but reliable since day one. The only thing that has broken other than crash damage and believe me we're good at that. Has been both pipes cracking at around the 15 hour mark. Awesome brakes clutch and quality components. Hell i ran stock chain and sprockets over 20 hours. Ktm is quality stuff nowadays. we both owned yzs & rms and really had a lot of problems with them both. Rms transmissions/clutches. Yzs piston skirts breaking shift forks jacking and tons of dumb stuff. Go ktm/husqvarna


1
Motofinne
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Motofinne 9/11/2015 1:21am
9/11/2015 1:21am
1stSSPZ wrote:
One of the things I don't care for as far as KTM's go is the fact that this years bike is outdated before the year is...
One of the things I don't care for as far as KTM's go is the fact that this years bike is outdated before the year is over! Progress is progress but there is something to be said for continuity. Don't think you can go wrong with either, who has the best dealership in your area and do you have a relationship with them?
yak651 wrote:
so the KTM is outdated but the YZ isn't when it's basically the same bike as the '05?
lostboy819 wrote:
Basically yes and the KTM is just marginally better even with the yamaha development at a stand still. Sad really that the KTM should be leaps...
Basically yes and the KTM is just marginally better even with the yamaha development at a stand still. Sad really that the KTM should be leaps and bounds better with 10 years more development and the only thing going for it is its a little more powerful. Tongue
Well the new gen KTM and Husqvarnas are leaps and bounds better than the Yamahas!
lostboy819 9/11/2015 1:32am
9/11/2015 1:32am Edited Date/Time 9/11/2015 1:36am
yak651 wrote:
so the KTM is outdated but the YZ isn't when it's basically the same bike as the '05?
lostboy819 wrote:
Basically yes and the KTM is just marginally better even with the yamaha development at a stand still. Sad really that the KTM should be leaps...
Basically yes and the KTM is just marginally better even with the yamaha development at a stand still. Sad really that the KTM should be leaps and bounds better with 10 years more development and the only thing going for it is its a little more powerful. Tongue
Motofinne wrote:
Well the new gen KTM and Husqvarnas are leaps and bounds better than the Yamahas!
They better be. Wink They should have been leaps and bounds better the last 5 years but they weren't. Yamaha hasn't done much to the YZ in 10 years and its still better in most aspects except for power, doesn't say much about KTMs research and development.
GeorgiePorgie 9/11/2015 3:01am
9/11/2015 3:01am
It's funny how much opinion there is. And they go. It's ways.

I wasn't impressed with any ktm at the Ktm demo day. Except that their brakes are phenomenal. Well...and the 350 was awesome. But the 250 didn't really like it. Didn't like the 150 either. But a Ktm 150 was the only bike that beat me to the first turn every moto at battle for Ohio in the 125 class.

In fairness im sure with some tweaking I could get that Ktm 250 better. But I feel like Id need a couple weeks on it first.
tempura
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tempura 9/11/2015 4:52am
9/11/2015 4:52am


I recently bought a 16 YZ250.
I've also had a few rides on a 15 SX250.
Both fantastic bikes, and more then enough for most riders.
YZ has great suspension from the factory, SX not so much.
SX makes more power, but the YZ has plenty and its broader.
The SX has a compact engine and looks easier to work on.
YZ is an "outdated" design but it's still a great power plant.
SX brakes are top notch, love them.
I recently (after the photo was taken) put an oversized Galfer front rotor on the YZ.
SX has the Magura clutch, its real smooth if you like that. Some prefer the cable feel.
You can't go wrong with either to be honest, pick a colour!
I went with the YZ because I liked the suspension and parts are plentiful and easy to get. Plus the YZ was cheaper. I also felt the YZ had a more solid build feel.
You don't really need to do much modding to these YZ's, they are pretty much good to go.
sandman768
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sandman768 9/11/2015 5:10am
9/11/2015 5:10am
sandman768 wrote:
i have owned/ raced 4 new yz 250"s & owned 3 new ktm xc 300"s, have not bought a new 250 sx ... yet, waiting until...
i have owned/ raced 4 new yz 250"s & owned 3 new ktm xc 300"s, have not bought a new 250 sx ... yet, waiting until 2017 for the new model. I loved my yz"s but, the ktm"s are really built with better components, I keep my 300"s for 2 years, put them through hell & back & they just keep on rockin. After 1 hard season the Yz will need a new tranny, all clutch components ect. I used my last xc 300 for Mx only, over 100 hrs of moto, mostly sand & the bike held up like a champ, 1 piston change, took clutch apart, basket like new, forged basket. foot pegs, brake pedal, levers, throttle, kick start lever all tight & not worn out & ratteling around. best part, very easy to sell when done with it. another thing to consider is the 300 kit for the 250 sx, more options from KTM . plus when I buy a new bike, I want a NEW bike , not a 2006 model
IceMan446 wrote:
A new tranny??? I have never heard of anyone needing to do that for any other reason than a mechanical failure. I have a 2011 YZ...
A new tranny???

I have never heard of anyone needing to do that for any other reason than a mechanical failure.

I have a 2011 YZ 250 that was previously owned by a multiple medal winning ISDE racer. Not one problem to speak of that you mentioned.

If you take care of your bike, your shit will last. No matter what brand you buy.

when I say new tranny, I meant both my 2005 & 2008 could not maike it 1 season before they started popping out of 5th gear, upon disassembly several gears were worn & the forks had grooving, that means a new tranny to me. My 2000 & 2001 trannys never did this, same tracks, same rider, same mechanic.... me. I change my oil every 1-2 hrs on all my bikes. I ride alot of rough sand tracks, Which are much harder on bikes than smooth hardpack, but I have ridden my ktm"s on these same tracks with never a tranny failure. I raced Yamahas for 10 yrs, I"ve had really good ys"s & I"ve had a few that were very problematic. I do agree the suspension is much better on the Yz. If you have never had to replace trans gears in your yz consider yourself lucky, back in the fall of 2008 myself & 2 of my riding buds, all on yz"s were all doing our transmissions at the same time! A severely worn gear was sent to a lab for testing, result: gears made out of very cheap metal, very soft. "Taking care of your bike" wont fix pot metal.



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