17 yz250 vs 17 250sx

Fiftyfiveracing
So i have been looking for something new and different for 2017 racing season and i decided to get rid of my 16 450sxf-FE and buy a new 2 stroke 250. I have yz125 also. Now i have a problem, i can't make up my mind between 17 250sx or 17 yz250, since i already have yz125 i guess it would be more logical to get another yz but new ktm looks so amazing too. Anyone here who could maybe do a little review between the two? Good things and bad things wanted!
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Steely Dan
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Steely Dan 8/29/2016 7:30am
8/29/2016 7:30am
One is a highly effective antique. One is the latest and greatest.
nytsmaC
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nytsmaC 8/29/2016 7:35am
8/29/2016 7:35am
Seems like they're both good choices, and have rather distinct traits.. I'd try to ride both and just pick whichever I was most comfortable on.

On paper the KTM has been killing it for years, but on the track they both seem equally capable.
mxb2
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mxb2 8/29/2016 7:36am
8/29/2016 7:36am
Fiftyfiveracing wrote:
So i have been looking for something new and different for 2017 racing season and i decided to get rid of my 16 450sxf-FE and buy...
So i have been looking for something new and different for 2017 racing season and i decided to get rid of my 16 450sxf-FE and buy a new 2 stroke 250. I have yz125 also. Now i have a problem, i can't make up my mind between 17 250sx or 17 yz250, since i already have yz125 i guess it would be more logical to get another yz but new ktm looks so amazing too. Anyone here who could maybe do a little review between the two? Good things and bad things wanted!
Demo days for both.
CarlinoJoeVideo
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CarlinoJoeVideo 8/29/2016 7:47am
8/29/2016 7:47am
If you have any aftermarket parts for the KTM they would carry over to the 250 (besides engine parts.)

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mattyhamz2 8/29/2016 7:48am
8/29/2016 7:48am
I'd factor in that if you get a yz you can swap more than a few parts between the 125 and 250. But, like others have said, find a demo day near you and try them both out.
deltadestroyer11 8/29/2016 7:51am
8/29/2016 7:51am Edited Date/Time 8/29/2016 7:52am
Well let's see
ENGINE: KTM Hands down
POWERBAND: Probably the new KTM with its new torque low end and already bad ass top end.
SUSPENSION: YAMAHA..But KTM is a lot better
HANDLING: KTM..Very little vibration would be awesome too.
WEIGHT: KTM all day
EASE OF USE: YAMAHA
RELIABILITY: Prolly a toss up
BRAKES: KTM all day

I'd buy the KTM
Steve125
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Steve125 8/29/2016 7:52am
8/29/2016 7:52am
I vote YZ.
I think the handling and suspension are great on the YZ. I would port it, V-force it, maybe even Lectron it, and run it.
slipdog
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slipdog 8/29/2016 8:32am
8/29/2016 8:32am
I have two track days now on my '17 TC 250. It took a lot of adjustment with both the jetting on the new TMX carb and the suspension from the stock settings and I still need a different needle and some more carb tuning, but it is now with no doubt the best suspended stock bike I have ridden. Feels almost like a fully revalved bike and the KYB suspension on the YZ's have nothing on the new KTM/Husky set up now.

MotoX85
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MotoX85 8/29/2016 8:38am
8/29/2016 8:38am
Well since have both, but 16 models. Let's just say my SX has about 4 hours on it collecting dust. Let's use the list the other guy used.

Motor. The suspension is so bad it is impossible to use the 200 rpms where the KTM has 1/2 hp more on the dyno.
Powerb and. The suspension sucks so bad that the abrupt snap of KTM where it makes mostly midrange power is no comparison with the linear almost perfect power of the YZ.
Handling. If you can hang on to this vibration monster with THEE absolute worst suspension on any bike (Ive also rode on A kit WP, which makes it just half as shitty as the SSS).
Weight. Anyone who say KTM is lighter is reading only magazines. They are almost identical in weight, with the KTM carting the fuel weight much higher than the YZ
Ease of use. US
Reliability. I cannot even believe the guy above said they are the same. Every person with a brain just spit up a little and knows nothing beats Yamaha quality, nothing. Stock up on 3rd gears.
Brakes. For sure KTM, you'll need them after you try to go fast on thee absolute worst suspension I've ever ridde

Buy the KTM, that way when you line up on the gate, I know we won't have worry about you being up front.
victor16
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victor16 8/29/2016 8:52am
8/29/2016 8:52am
deltadestroyer11 wrote:
Well let's see ENGINE: KTM Hands down POWERBAND: Probably the new KTM with its new torque low end and already bad ass top end. SUSPENSION: YAMAHA..But...
Well let's see
ENGINE: KTM Hands down
POWERBAND: Probably the new KTM with its new torque low end and already bad ass top end.
SUSPENSION: YAMAHA..But KTM is a lot better
HANDLING: KTM..Very little vibration would be awesome too.
WEIGHT: KTM all day
EASE OF USE: YAMAHA
RELIABILITY: Prolly a toss up
BRAKES: KTM all day

I'd buy the KTM
Yeap... KTM is a better bike. The one thing that was holding it back against the YZ was the suspension but the 2017 seems to have closed the gap in that area. I would go with the KTM for all the reasons already mentioned by deltadestroyer.
HD1200
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HD1200 8/29/2016 8:56am
8/29/2016 8:56am
MotoX85 wrote:
Well since have both, but 16 models. Let's just say my SX has about 4 hours on it collecting dust. Let's use the list the other...
Well since have both, but 16 models. Let's just say my SX has about 4 hours on it collecting dust. Let's use the list the other guy used.

Motor. The suspension is so bad it is impossible to use the 200 rpms where the KTM has 1/2 hp more on the dyno.
Powerb and. The suspension sucks so bad that the abrupt snap of KTM where it makes mostly midrange power is no comparison with the linear almost perfect power of the YZ.
Handling. If you can hang on to this vibration monster with THEE absolute worst suspension on any bike (Ive also rode on A kit WP, which makes it just half as shitty as the SSS).
Weight. Anyone who say KTM is lighter is reading only magazines. They are almost identical in weight, with the KTM carting the fuel weight much higher than the YZ
Ease of use. US
Reliability. I cannot even believe the guy above said they are the same. Every person with a brain just spit up a little and knows nothing beats Yamaha quality, nothing. Stock up on 3rd gears.
Brakes. For sure KTM, you'll need them after you try to go fast on thee absolute worst suspension I've ever ridde

Buy the KTM, that way when you line up on the gate, I know we won't have worry about you being up front.
I see the KTM left a bitter taste in your mouth...
The Oracle 8/29/2016 8:58am
8/29/2016 8:58am
Can't really tell anything about the 17 models, but at least under the impression I've got from 16-year models, saying the reliability between the YZ and SX is a toss-up, seems pretty far-fetched to me.
Moto520
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Moto520 8/29/2016 9:11am
8/29/2016 9:11am
yZ250 all day long. I've owned both within the last 2 years and sold my KTM. The YZ is such a great bike that it's tough for anything else to compete. It handles great...motor is good enough....suspension is phenominal. Best bike around imo.
Moto520
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Moto520 8/29/2016 9:12am
8/29/2016 9:12am
Moto520 wrote:
yZ250 all day long. I've owned both within the last 2 years and sold my KTM. The YZ is such a great bike that it's tough...
yZ250 all day long. I've owned both within the last 2 years and sold my KTM. The YZ is such a great bike that it's tough for anything else to compete. It handles great...motor is good enough....suspension is phenominal. Best bike around imo.
Don't let the old technology thing get in the way of an amazing bike. I made that mistake and lost quite a bit of money reselling the KTM that I bought new.
seth505
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seth505 8/29/2016 9:15am
8/29/2016 9:15am
MotoX85 wrote:
Well since have both, but 16 models. Let's just say my SX has about 4 hours on it collecting dust. Let's use the list the other...
Well since have both, but 16 models. Let's just say my SX has about 4 hours on it collecting dust. Let's use the list the other guy used.

Motor. The suspension is so bad it is impossible to use the 200 rpms where the KTM has 1/2 hp more on the dyno.
Powerb and. The suspension sucks so bad that the abrupt snap of KTM where it makes mostly midrange power is no comparison with the linear almost perfect power of the YZ.
Handling. If you can hang on to this vibration monster with THEE absolute worst suspension on any bike (Ive also rode on A kit WP, which makes it just half as shitty as the SSS).
Weight. Anyone who say KTM is lighter is reading only magazines. They are almost identical in weight, with the KTM carting the fuel weight much higher than the YZ
Ease of use. US
Reliability. I cannot even believe the guy above said they are the same. Every person with a brain just spit up a little and knows nothing beats Yamaha quality, nothing. Stock up on 3rd gears.
Brakes. For sure KTM, you'll need them after you try to go fast on thee absolute worst suspension I've ever ridde

Buy the KTM, that way when you line up on the gate, I know we won't have worry about you being up front.
One note, he asked about the 2017, it has a different motor and suspension than your 16.
imoto34
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imoto34 8/29/2016 9:26am
8/29/2016 9:26am
I have not rode the 16 or up KTM or Yamaha but you will be able to get both YZs feeling similar. Either way good luck on your decisions and give us a ride report.
ratonmacias
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ratonmacias 8/29/2016 9:48am
8/29/2016 9:48am
What is so new on the ktm? the way i see it is that the ktm is the same technology just rehashed. it has a less advanced carb than a 2004 cr 250 (mikuni with no tps or powerjet) it has mechanical powervalve. it has air forks (honda is going away from that fad) everybody raving about the counterbalancer the gas gas bikes had them since 99 or so.

so what is so new on the ktm that makes the YZ 250 an antique?
Steely Dan
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Steely Dan 8/29/2016 9:55am
8/29/2016 9:55am
MotoX85 wrote:
Well since have both, but 16 models. Let's just say my SX has about 4 hours on it collecting dust. Let's use the list the other...
Well since have both, but 16 models. Let's just say my SX has about 4 hours on it collecting dust. Let's use the list the other guy used.

Motor. The suspension is so bad it is impossible to use the 200 rpms where the KTM has 1/2 hp more on the dyno.
Powerb and. The suspension sucks so bad that the abrupt snap of KTM where it makes mostly midrange power is no comparison with the linear almost perfect power of the YZ.
Handling. If you can hang on to this vibration monster with THEE absolute worst suspension on any bike (Ive also rode on A kit WP, which makes it just half as shitty as the SSS).
Weight. Anyone who say KTM is lighter is reading only magazines. They are almost identical in weight, with the KTM carting the fuel weight much higher than the YZ
Ease of use. US
Reliability. I cannot even believe the guy above said they are the same. Every person with a brain just spit up a little and knows nothing beats Yamaha quality, nothing. Stock up on 3rd gears.
Brakes. For sure KTM, you'll need them after you try to go fast on thee absolute worst suspension I've ever ridde

Buy the KTM, that way when you line up on the gate, I know we won't have worry about you being up front.
Luckily for the motocross community, and the OP, the 16 and 17 share only the gas cap vent tube. So, completely irrelevant.

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Steely Dan
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Steely Dan 8/29/2016 9:59am
8/29/2016 9:59am
ratonmacias wrote:
What is so new on the ktm? the way i see it is that the ktm is the same technology just rehashed. it has a less...
What is so new on the ktm? the way i see it is that the ktm is the same technology just rehashed. it has a less advanced carb than a 2004 cr 250 (mikuni with no tps or powerjet) it has mechanical powervalve. it has air forks (honda is going away from that fad) everybody raving about the counterbalancer the gas gas bikes had them since 99 or so.

so what is so new on the ktm that makes the YZ 250 an antique?
By your logic:

2016 Suzuki RMZ450: 250lb 4 stroke single cylinder with aluminum gas tank motocross bike

1963 Rickman Metisse: 250lb 4 stroke single cylinder with aluminum gas tank motocross bike

Whats so new on the RMZ? Stick with the Rickman.

Fiftyfiveracing 8/29/2016 10:03am
8/29/2016 10:03am
Thanks for your opinions everyone, lets keep em coming! I am totally okay with wp aer fork, i have owned 16 350sxf and 16 sxf450 fe and i have nothing to complain about the forks.
I also love the kyb sss suspension of my 125 and i guess im starting to lean a little bit towards the yz250. Going to ktm test day next week, too bad they don't run yamaha test days here.
dedi684
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dedi684 8/29/2016 10:24am
8/29/2016 10:24am
Had both and went back to the yz myself.
deltadestroyer11 8/29/2016 10:26am
8/29/2016 10:26am Edited Date/Time 8/29/2016 10:27am
MotoX85 wrote:
Well since have both, but 16 models. Let's just say my SX has about 4 hours on it collecting dust. Let's use the list the other...
Well since have both, but 16 models. Let's just say my SX has about 4 hours on it collecting dust. Let's use the list the other guy used.

Motor. The suspension is so bad it is impossible to use the 200 rpms where the KTM has 1/2 hp more on the dyno.
Powerb and. The suspension sucks so bad that the abrupt snap of KTM where it makes mostly midrange power is no comparison with the linear almost perfect power of the YZ.
Handling. If you can hang on to this vibration monster with THEE absolute worst suspension on any bike (Ive also rode on A kit WP, which makes it just half as shitty as the SSS).
Weight. Anyone who say KTM is lighter is reading only magazines. They are almost identical in weight, with the KTM carting the fuel weight much higher than the YZ
Ease of use. US
Reliability. I cannot even believe the guy above said they are the same. Every person with a brain just spit up a little and knows nothing beats Yamaha quality, nothing. Stock up on 3rd gears.
Brakes. For sure KTM, you'll need them after you try to go fast on thee absolute worst suspension I've ever ridde

Buy the KTM, that way when you line up on the gate, I know we won't have worry about you being up front.
Everyone with a brain who's actually ridden the 17 KTM said it has next to no vibration at all...and the NEW motor is a low end torque monster with good top end...and the NEW suspension is tremendously better...and the handling on the NEW bike is precice..agile and accurate..
Try an remember what year bike were talking about when saying shit LIKE anyone with a brain..Maybe the old ktm's vibrated so bad, it ruined the power and handling...but were talking about the NEW 17 models ok...
TRY AN KEEP UP!
PRM31
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PRM31 8/29/2016 10:35am
8/29/2016 10:35am
Doubt anyone here can answer this for you. You need to ride them to know for sure. I will say the Yamaha is as proven a commodity as you will ever find though. Unless you are really fast, I doubt there is enough performance difference to matter. How good would you have to be to be limited by a YZ-250? If you do feel limited, every possible aftermarket product is available. For a unique cool factor, hard to beat the KTM.
EEE299
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EEE299 8/29/2016 10:35am
8/29/2016 10:35am
I think if price isn't a worry, the KTMs probably better going off reviews. Aren't they like 3k more though?
cslacker
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cslacker 8/29/2016 10:56am
8/29/2016 10:56am
EEE299 wrote:
I think if price isn't a worry, the KTMs probably better going off reviews. Aren't they like 3k more though?
In reality might be a big price difference but MSRP's are only $300.00 different.
B-EVANS
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B-EVANS 8/29/2016 11:15am
8/29/2016 11:15am
I bought an 07 yz250 a few years ago that was owned by a +60 guy, hardly ridden, nearly new condition, and was to good a deal to pass up. Rode it 2 times and thought it was a slow, vibrating, piece of shit compared to my 13 kx450. Was disappointed. I have a 16.5 ktm 450fe been riding til a month ago when I got the 17 sx250. The fe450 is a great bike, but I'm probably never going back to a 450. The new 17 sx250 is a blast to ride, the suspension is good stock, and it doesn't vibrate any more than a 450. Only thing it needed was a jetting adjustment. The new 17 yz250 is basically same as that 07 model, no thanks, my 450s are much better. Definitely try to ride a 17 sx before u buy a yz
Fiftyfiveracing 8/29/2016 11:39am
8/29/2016 11:39am
B-EVANS wrote:
I bought an 07 yz250 a few years ago that was owned by a +60 guy, hardly ridden, nearly new condition, and was to good a...
I bought an 07 yz250 a few years ago that was owned by a +60 guy, hardly ridden, nearly new condition, and was to good a deal to pass up. Rode it 2 times and thought it was a slow, vibrating, piece of shit compared to my 13 kx450. Was disappointed. I have a 16.5 ktm 450fe been riding til a month ago when I got the 17 sx250. The fe450 is a great bike, but I'm probably never going back to a 450. The new 17 sx250 is a blast to ride, the suspension is good stock, and it doesn't vibrate any more than a 450. Only thing it needed was a jetting adjustment. The new 17 yz250 is basically same as that 07 model, no thanks, my 450s are much better. Definitely try to ride a 17 sx before u buy a yz
Thank you! How much jetting work you had to do before getting it run well? I have been riding efi bikes since 2011 so i'm a bit afraid of carb settings
c0ncEpT
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c0ncEpT 8/29/2016 11:42am
8/29/2016 11:42am
I cant comment on the 2017 as I have a 2015 TC125. That being said I wish I would have saved the money and bought a YZ. I do NOT drink the Orange/white koolaid. Only thing thats better is the brakes IMO.
adam8781
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adam8781 8/29/2016 12:15pm
8/29/2016 12:15pm
yamaha, ive had it up to here with ktm weirdness and crappy overpriced tactics. the suspension is crap, 4cs has 100 plastic parts.

id stick with blue but thats just me.
stone881
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stone881 8/29/2016 12:16pm
8/29/2016 12:16pm
B-EVANS wrote:
I bought an 07 yz250 a few years ago that was owned by a +60 guy, hardly ridden, nearly new condition, and was to good a...
I bought an 07 yz250 a few years ago that was owned by a +60 guy, hardly ridden, nearly new condition, and was to good a deal to pass up. Rode it 2 times and thought it was a slow, vibrating, piece of shit compared to my 13 kx450. Was disappointed. I have a 16.5 ktm 450fe been riding til a month ago when I got the 17 sx250. The fe450 is a great bike, but I'm probably never going back to a 450. The new 17 sx250 is a blast to ride, the suspension is good stock, and it doesn't vibrate any more than a 450. Only thing it needed was a jetting adjustment. The new 17 yz250 is basically same as that 07 model, no thanks, my 450s are much better. Definitely try to ride a 17 sx before u buy a yz
Fiftyfiveracing wrote:
Thank you! How much jetting work you had to do before getting it run well? I have been riding efi bikes since 2011 so i'm a...
Thank you! How much jetting work you had to do before getting it run well? I have been riding efi bikes since 2011 so i'm a bit afraid of carb settings
Easy fix for that, put a Lectron on it

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