'18 KTM 250SX or YZ250 Which one to drag home?

Whymee
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10/12/2017 3:05pm
Hey Gents.

Remember when I said that Husky was out because there was not any local dealer?

Another dealer local to me is going to be carrying the Husky marque. Suppose to be in sometime the middle of next month. So guess Husky is back in the hunt for my next bike.

ALTHOUGH, if I had to make a guess, this new Husky dealer will not come close on price compaired to the KTM dealer. It is just a gut feeling based on past experiences. You never know though!

I am off to read some tests on the 250 Husky.
seth505
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10/12/2017 3:38pm
Whymee wrote:
Hey Gents. Remember when I said that Husky was out because there was not any local dealer? Another dealer local to me is going to be...
Hey Gents.

Remember when I said that Husky was out because there was not any local dealer?

Another dealer local to me is going to be carrying the Husky marque. Suppose to be in sometime the middle of next month. So guess Husky is back in the hunt for my next bike.

ALTHOUGH, if I had to make a guess, this new Husky dealer will not come close on price compaired to the KTM dealer. It is just a gut feeling based on past experiences. You never know though!

I am off to read some tests on the 250 Husky.
Not a big deal but the Husky retails for $100 more than the KTM. You mentioned earlier that you're not a fan of the orange so definitely keep your eyes pealed for leftover 2017s. I actually dig the orange but am still glad I have a black frame, later on I can do all black/white if I feel like it.
snillum
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10/12/2017 6:25pm
ZM956 wrote:
Completely off topic but I see your from Grafton, Wv. All my moms family is from up that way. Some aunts and uncles inn Bridgeport, Clarksburg...
Completely off topic but I see your from Grafton, Wv. All my moms family is from up that way. Some aunts and uncles inn Bridgeport, Clarksburg and little town of Flemington right by Grafton. Haha I just thought it was cool to see. Good luck with the new dirt scoot!
Whymee wrote:
ZM. I graduated from Bridgeport in 78. So I might know some of your folks! LOL I know all of the places you mentioned. Been here...
ZM.

I graduated from Bridgeport in 78. So I might know some of your folks! LOL

I know all of the places you mentioned. Been here most of my life.

Take care.
Not terribly close, but I am from Beckley, WV.
Fearo
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10/13/2017 1:04am
Madmax31 wrote:
Not sure of your size, but I rode a 17 yz250 last year and felt like I was on a mini bike. The ergos are not...
Not sure of your size, but I rode a 17 yz250 last year and felt like I was on a mini bike. The ergos are not for a bigger guy at all. I'm 6'3" by the way.
Whymee wrote:
I am 5' 6" and 170 lbs. I haven't found a cramped cockpit yet. Except for the pit bike I just bought...
That's because you're pretty much the exact target heigth these bikes are built for..

I love my '18 SX 250 but if there's one downfall, it's that it's too small (I'm 6'1). It's smaller than the old platform, most notably the subframe is a lot shorter. This probably helps with the great cornering this bike has, but it definitely reduces comfort for a taller guy.

The Shop

steed 2.0
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10/13/2017 2:00am
Fearo wrote:
That's because you're pretty much the exact target heigth these bikes are built for.. I love my '18 SX 250 but if there's one downfall, it's...
That's because you're pretty much the exact target heigth these bikes are built for..

I love my '18 SX 250 but if there's one downfall, it's that it's too small (I'm 6'1). It's smaller than the old platform, most notably the subframe is a lot shorter. This probably helps with the great cornering this bike has, but it definitely reduces comfort for a taller guy.
Previous KTM's where really tall... rear shock and subframe modifications where the only way to go...
an extension is not so hard (the same way but in reverse) if it bother you too much... proper setup is key tho
Whymee
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10/21/2017 3:46pm
Just got back from the KTM ride day. I roe a 150SX, a 350SXF and the 250SX.

The 250SX is awesome. Power down low, mid and top. The suspension is better than my 07 YZ250 by leaps and bounds. Ergos are pretty close to a jap bike. Brake are great too. Nice Hyd. clutch.

3 things bothered me.

1) the brake pedal is tucked in real tight. I had several instances where I about bit it because I missed the rear brake pedal. I finally had to back it down before they carried me away on a stretcher. Easily corrected though ( I assume).

2) That seat cover is SLICK! As in not much traction for my butt. Very easily corrected.

3) It sure is orange...

Now before you say buy a Husky, I do not think my local dealer (LD) that just picked up the Husky dealership, will give me as good a deal as my other LD that carries the big 4 plus KTM. Its just a hunch I have, since the LD does not have any Huskies in stock yet. I have been asking for a quote but as of now none has been presented to me.

My other option is the KTM. Powder the frame white & snag a TLD LE plastics pkg. I would have to replace the orange front plate & fender with white. Then get some graphics from across the pond with the correct RB logo. Then take that to my fairly local Graphic guy & have him print out another set with orange delete. He can add my name & number while we are at it. Yes this is over kill. Can you tell I really do not like orange?

If nothing else it will give me something to do this winter...
mxstate
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10/21/2017 5:29pm
Whymee wrote:
Just got back from the KTM ride day. I roe a 150SX, a 350SXF and the 250SX. The 250SX is awesome. Power down low, mid and...
Just got back from the KTM ride day. I roe a 150SX, a 350SXF and the 250SX.

The 250SX is awesome. Power down low, mid and top. The suspension is better than my 07 YZ250 by leaps and bounds. Ergos are pretty close to a jap bike. Brake are great too. Nice Hyd. clutch.

3 things bothered me.

1) the brake pedal is tucked in real tight. I had several instances where I about bit it because I missed the rear brake pedal. I finally had to back it down before they carried me away on a stretcher. Easily corrected though ( I assume).

2) That seat cover is SLICK! As in not much traction for my butt. Very easily corrected.

3) It sure is orange...

Now before you say buy a Husky, I do not think my local dealer (LD) that just picked up the Husky dealership, will give me as good a deal as my other LD that carries the big 4 plus KTM. Its just a hunch I have, since the LD does not have any Huskies in stock yet. I have been asking for a quote but as of now none has been presented to me.

My other option is the KTM. Powder the frame white & snag a TLD LE plastics pkg. I would have to replace the orange front plate & fender with white. Then get some graphics from across the pond with the correct RB logo. Then take that to my fairly local Graphic guy & have him print out another set with orange delete. He can add my name & number while we are at it. Yes this is over kill. Can you tell I really do not like orange?

If nothing else it will give me something to do this winter...
what's your take on the 150 and 350?
Whymee
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10/22/2017 5:35am
mxstate wrote:
what's your take on the 150 and 350?
I rode the 350 second. I did less than a lap on it. Mainly because it had so much throttle play, I was very uncomfy riding it. I pointed it out to the technician, but he was unconcerned. It was flat on the bottom, but revved out nicely. I was on map one.

The 150 acted like a 125 on steroids. No bottom to speak of. Nice hit & there was RPM's to the moon. Note: I have not rode a 125 since 1983. I also only did one lap on this bike. Just not my cuppa tea.

My first KTM ride was the sx250. It didn't want to come down to idle on the track. I think it was lean on the bottom. The tech pulled it out of the line up & tweaked on it back at the semi. Combine the lean condition & the ultra tucked in brake pedal, I still came away impressed with the SX250. Enough so to purchase one when the time comes. I am still waiting on a Husky quote from the other dealer.

This ride day you could not ride all the bikes that you wanted, although I only wanted to ride the SX250. To get a second ride on the 250 I had to ride 2 others. Then you could bag another ride on your favorite of the three. You could only ride 3 bikes. possibly 4, if you used your fav as another machine.

As I said earlier, Yamaha was there also. Not factory sponsored, looked like to me it was dealer sponsored. The bikes looked well worn. Only one sign up hand held device. (KTM had 6) I did not want to stand in line for a half hour to ride a worn YZ250.

I have been thinking about this orange color change thing. Before I go off half cocked, I will wait until I get something home & take it from there. Who knows I might end up purchasing one already white. If I don't, I do have a couple cans of white Rust-Oleum, or are they Krylon... Unsure Shocked
Whymee
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10/22/2017 5:38am
OH, I might add, that I was given a $500 gift card on genuine KTM parts at this ride day, to be used before the end of the year. I was hoping for $500 dollars off on purchase, but that is not to be. Still, 500 toads is nothing to sneeze at.
Markee
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10/22/2017 5:46am
mxstate wrote:
what's your take on the 150 and 350?
Whymee wrote:
I rode the 350 second. I did less than a lap on it. Mainly because it had so much throttle play, I was very uncomfy riding...
I rode the 350 second. I did less than a lap on it. Mainly because it had so much throttle play, I was very uncomfy riding it. I pointed it out to the technician, but he was unconcerned. It was flat on the bottom, but revved out nicely. I was on map one.

The 150 acted like a 125 on steroids. No bottom to speak of. Nice hit & there was RPM's to the moon. Note: I have not rode a 125 since 1983. I also only did one lap on this bike. Just not my cuppa tea.

My first KTM ride was the sx250. It didn't want to come down to idle on the track. I think it was lean on the bottom. The tech pulled it out of the line up & tweaked on it back at the semi. Combine the lean condition & the ultra tucked in brake pedal, I still came away impressed with the SX250. Enough so to purchase one when the time comes. I am still waiting on a Husky quote from the other dealer.

This ride day you could not ride all the bikes that you wanted, although I only wanted to ride the SX250. To get a second ride on the 250 I had to ride 2 others. Then you could bag another ride on your favorite of the three. You could only ride 3 bikes. possibly 4, if you used your fav as another machine.

As I said earlier, Yamaha was there also. Not factory sponsored, looked like to me it was dealer sponsored. The bikes looked well worn. Only one sign up hand held device. (KTM had 6) I did not want to stand in line for a half hour to ride a worn YZ250.

I have been thinking about this orange color change thing. Before I go off half cocked, I will wait until I get something home & take it from there. Who knows I might end up purchasing one already white. If I don't, I do have a couple cans of white Rust-Oleum, or are they Krylon... Unsure Shocked
I wasn't a fan of orange at all, specially the older dull orange. Just replace it and make the bike your own. My current 250 and my older 300





The older 300, later got a better face lift with a white frame.



mxstate
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10/22/2017 5:49am
Get the SX. and put a 36 PWK with the $500 saving
I finally did it on my TC and it put an end to the Mikuni Jetting madness.
With a good Graphics kit and some White/Black plastic, tone down this Orange color that seems to bother you

10/22/2017 5:58am
steed 2.0 wrote:
Previous KTM's where really tall... rear shock and [url=https://thumpertalk.com/forums/topic/1163992-ktm-subframe-chop-2012-250sx/]subframe modifications[/url] where the only way to go... an extension is not so hard (the same way but...
Previous KTM's where really tall... rear shock and subframe modifications where the only way to go...
an extension is not so hard (the same way but in reverse) if it bother you too much... proper setup is key tho
What year did KTM change the frame geometry to anti-tall?
riv187
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10/23/2017 8:30am
Since your in WV,,, I highly recommend calling Ryan Lojak 724-226-3727 and getting a husky TC250,,he sells Yamaha as well and can hook you up with one of those dirt cheap if your still considering one.
I personally have both a 17 TC250, and 18 TC125 and love them both. I weighed the YZ,SX and TC and seen the TC has better components than SX,,looks awesome white,,,the seat cover is really anti slip. The power is linear on 250 and suspension is state of art and light. I was so happy with the 17 TC250 purchase, I went back this year for a 18 125. I noticed immediately the 18s forks are better at following the ground,,and I will update the 17s to same internals when it's time.

My first 'track day' with the TC250 a friend had his 07 CR250,,another had a super tricked out YZ250( $12,000 in it) ...We took turns on them...I was pleased to find out how much better mine was off the showroom stock for so much less money...lighter more agile, smoother power, less vibes,,,all around better package...The YZ fellow was bummed. The CR fellow wanted one. When comparing prices...the TC needs nothing...the YZ will want lighter parts,and more power to compete. $$$
Ryan and his dad run a great shop,,no BS,,no surprise charges,,and best prices. I drove 1100 miles one way from Florida to buy from him because of this. Tell him Brian Rivers sent you!
dedi684
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10/23/2017 9:00am
I'm about to buy an 18 YZ 250.
Whymee
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10/23/2017 11:15am
I had actually planned on calling Lojack's today. But I see there closed on Mondays.
Whymee
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10/23/2017 11:16am
dedi684 wrote:
I'm about to buy an 18 YZ 250.
I see you have had several YZ250's.

I am curious. Why buy a 18 YZ? Familiarity? Price? Lot of spares laying around? Dealership? I truly am curious.

I too had my eye on a 18 YZ. That was until I rode a 250SX. Granted I am coming off of a 07 YZ250. 10 years is 10 years of development. Minimal on the YZ, maximum for the Husky & KTM. I just cant let myself ride a outdated new machine. And this is with minimal laps on the KTM. I feel it is that good. I believe the Husky will be even better for my age (57). Maybe it is just me.
dedi684
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10/23/2017 11:24am Edited Date/Time 10/23/2017 11:25am
dedi684 wrote:
I'm about to buy an 18 YZ 250.
Whymee wrote:
I see you have had several YZ250's. I am curious. Why buy a 18 YZ? Familiarity? Price? Lot of spares laying around? Dealership? I truly am...
I see you have had several YZ250's.

I am curious. Why buy a 18 YZ? Familiarity? Price? Lot of spares laying around? Dealership? I truly am curious.

I too had my eye on a 18 YZ. That was until I rode a 250SX. Granted I am coming off of a 07 YZ250. 10 years is 10 years of development. Minimal on the YZ, maximum for the Husky & KTM. I just cant let myself ride a outdated new machine. And this is with minimal laps on the KTM. I feel it is that good. I believe the Husky will be even better for my age (57). Maybe it is just me.
I spent countless hours jetting the ktm and never got comfortable with it. I had to do a lot of tweaks to my ktm and I wasn't overly impressed with the 18 I rode either. Only thing I don't like on the yz is steering, hard power delivery and non hydraulic clutch. I feel the ktm may be better just not for me. I also watched and saw countless yz 250s racing the B classes at southwick so I think real life varies a bit from the message boards. Right now I can get a leftover 250sx $1000 cheaper than a yz so it's tempting.

If the fuel injected 250 was available I would most certainly buy a husky.
10/23/2017 11:33am
I'd figure in cost of making that ktm white. Both time and actual parts. Then compare to the husky. At your age, I'm alittle confused on wanting a full on mx bike. I'd go directly to the xc300 maybe the husky version for white. Did they have any of those for ride day? It's my next bike for sure. Just my 2 cents.
riv187
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10/23/2017 2:28pm
Whymee wrote:
I had actually planned on calling Lojack's today. But I see there closed on Mondays.
Glad to hear this,, I don't get a dollar from you buying from him,,,but I have purchased 3 new bikes in past year from him and really appreciate the smooth transactions we've had and super pricing. So feel free to use my name and I'm sure he'll hook you up with a bargain....TC250 OR YZ250.
Whymee
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11/11/2017 5:46am
Well now, The saga has been put to rest, for now.




I was on the fence for many moons deciding what to purchase. I finally decided Husky.

But that was not the end of the decisions. Next was where to buy. I called all around (3 hr. drive) and got prices. The prices were all over the place. From $8479 to $7354. Price was not my only consideration. Percentage off on parts, friendly voice over the phone, distance from me and a general warm fuzzy the dealership gave me over the phone.

As I said before my local dealer is getting the Husky dealership. I waited for 2 weeks for them to give me a price. I really wanted to purchase local if I could. It just makes everything easier. As of this writing the LD does not have a dealer number, so they could not quote a price. I was worried that the TC250's would sell out & I would not be able to get one from the LD. Everyone that I called, IF they had one, only had just one in stock.

I sprang into action, and purchased from Beaver Creek Cycles, Lisbon, OH. A mom & pop operation since 1994. Husky, Beta & Gas Gas dealer. About 2.5 hours away. These peeps gave me a good price and the most important, a warm fuzzy. Lojacks was a close second choice. In the end, between the two, price was the deciding factor.

Probably my biggest decision was to buy local or not. I have never bought a new scoot from a dealer that was not local to me. I really wanted to. KTM is local to me. Husky will eventually be. Obviously Yamaha is too. Both local dealers, from our conversations, knew I wanted a Husky & they are OK with that. That was important to me because I wanted to keep the relationship that I had built over the past 40+ years to stay intact. Plus I wanted to keep the deep discount on parts that I have been getting for many years!

I want to thank all the above posters. Believe it or not, each of you were instrumental in the decision making process on which machine to purchase.

Rock on Vital!

Blue Skies to All,

Stan

Now my next decision is which pipe & silencer. FMF or Pro Circuit. The decisions never end...



riv187
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11/11/2017 5:56am
Congrats on the TC250, Great bike you'll enjoy it! Thanks for at least giving Ryan Lojack and opportunity to win your business.
-MAVERICK-
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11/11/2017 6:01am
Sweet ride. As far as PC or FMF you can get both for the price of a 4 stroke exhaust.

Whatever you do, ditch the chrome.
opyguy
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11/11/2017 6:13am
i have both, pc silencer and fatty pipe....304 silencer made the biggest difference
11/11/2017 6:56am
Dope!!! Nice ride ! You’ll love the BRAKES. that’ll be the first huge notice from a yz 250.
seth505
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11/11/2017 9:22am
Congrats! Personally on the pipes I'd go PC between those 2 but I went with Bud racing (HGS) and it's rad, works really well.
loftyair
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11/11/2017 9:56am
Lets see, an '18 bike for 7k or so, or an 06, masked as an '18, for 7 k or so...things that make you go Hmmm.
Moto520
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11/11/2017 1:52pm
Wow.....that thing is beutiful! Enjoy it!
mxb2
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11/11/2017 2:30pm
Whymee wrote:
Well now, The saga has been put to rest, for now. [img]https://p.vitalmx.com/photos/forums/2017/11/11/224430/s1200_20171110_163905.jpg[/img] I was on the fence for many moons deciding what to purchase. I finally...
Well now, The saga has been put to rest, for now.




I was on the fence for many moons deciding what to purchase. I finally decided Husky.

But that was not the end of the decisions. Next was where to buy. I called all around (3 hr. drive) and got prices. The prices were all over the place. From $8479 to $7354. Price was not my only consideration. Percentage off on parts, friendly voice over the phone, distance from me and a general warm fuzzy the dealership gave me over the phone.

As I said before my local dealer is getting the Husky dealership. I waited for 2 weeks for them to give me a price. I really wanted to purchase local if I could. It just makes everything easier. As of this writing the LD does not have a dealer number, so they could not quote a price. I was worried that the TC250's would sell out & I would not be able to get one from the LD. Everyone that I called, IF they had one, only had just one in stock.

I sprang into action, and purchased from Beaver Creek Cycles, Lisbon, OH. A mom & pop operation since 1994. Husky, Beta & Gas Gas dealer. About 2.5 hours away. These peeps gave me a good price and the most important, a warm fuzzy. Lojacks was a close second choice. In the end, between the two, price was the deciding factor.

Probably my biggest decision was to buy local or not. I have never bought a new scoot from a dealer that was not local to me. I really wanted to. KTM is local to me. Husky will eventually be. Obviously Yamaha is too. Both local dealers, from our conversations, knew I wanted a Husky & they are OK with that. That was important to me because I wanted to keep the relationship that I had built over the past 40+ years to stay intact. Plus I wanted to keep the deep discount on parts that I have been getting for many years!

I want to thank all the above posters. Believe it or not, each of you were instrumental in the decision making process on which machine to purchase.

Rock on Vital!

Blue Skies to All,

Stan

Now my next decision is which pipe & silencer. FMF or Pro Circuit. The decisions never end...



Nice man
Markee
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11/11/2017 5:19pm
Sweet!
Xsenter
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11/11/2017 9:59pm
I went for the -18 yz250 Cool










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