Struggling Starts w/a KTM 250sx

opyguy
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opyguy
Really having trouble w/starts on my 250sx. Coming from a 350sxf and a KX 250f, I used to nail the starts, 2 or 3rd to the first turn. Really struggling w/the 250sx, 2nd gear I wheelie too much, tried 3rd and its a little too high of a gear (Bogs slightly off the line). Currently running a 49 TOOTH rear sprocket, anyone have some tips? Or just keep practicing? Thinking maybe a hole shot device to help w/ wheelieing? Any input appreciated.
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mxrose3
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mxrose3 9/18/2018 9:13am
9/18/2018 9:13am Edited Date/Time 9/18/2018 9:13am
Definitely get a holeshot device. Two strokes have a lighter front end. Get as much weight on the front as you can.
mxbrian15
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mxbrian15 9/18/2018 9:48am
9/18/2018 9:48am
If you have your weight way over the front end and a holeshot device, you shouldn't be having wheelie issues.
murph783
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murph783 9/18/2018 9:57am
9/18/2018 9:57am
Dirt or concrete starts? I always liked 2nd gear on the 250 2 stroke, I’d only go 3rd on a 450. Always helps to hook your legs in between the pegs and brake/shifter and point your toes in to keep you locked in place. For dirt starts, chest right to the bar pad, concentrate on popping the front wheel over the gate, then clutch just enough to set it back down, and pin it. Concrete, I sit pretty much straight up and down dead center on the bike, ease off the pad till you hit dirt, then hammer it. I personally don’t use a holeshot device, but on dirt it can definitely help. Concrete I think it actually takes too much weight off the rear wheel causing it to spin. Just my experience though.

Tl;dr: Practice
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Falcon
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Falcon 9/18/2018 10:00am
9/18/2018 10:00am
Practice starts like you practice jumps. You'll figure it out.
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Evoracer
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Evoracer 9/18/2018 10:01am
9/18/2018 10:01am Edited Date/Time 9/18/2018 10:06am
2nd gear, weight over the front, balance with legs in front of the pegs at the gate, watch the actuating pin for the gate not the gate itself, clutch control for wheel spin or wheelie, bang it into 3rd sooner than you think.
mattyhamz2 9/18/2018 10:02am
9/18/2018 10:02am
Throttle control. Practice, practice, practice!
seth505
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seth505 9/18/2018 10:08am
9/18/2018 10:08am
I have found that on 250 2stroke I get great starts when I am mindful of REALLY paying attention to the clutch. If I let it out and fully engage too soon then I bog or wheelie. If I keep her open throttle and be very patient on the clutch letting out, the starts get better for me. I'm always in 2nd gear.
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Fiftyfiveracing 9/18/2018 10:33am
9/18/2018 10:33am
Evoracer wrote:
2nd gear, weight over the front, balance with legs in front of the pegs at the gate, watch the actuating pin for the gate not the...
2nd gear, weight over the front, balance with legs in front of the pegs at the gate, watch the actuating pin for the gate not the gate itself, clutch control for wheel spin or wheelie, bang it into 3rd sooner than you think.
This. Try different body positions to find out which works the best for you. Also pay attention where you sit on the seat. I like to sit pretty much on the footpeg line. And as evoracer said, hurry up with that 3rd gear. It's very important on 250 2stroke.
CarlinoJoeVideo
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CarlinoJoeVideo 9/18/2018 11:04am
9/18/2018 11:04am
Fork hole shot device for sure. It gives me so much more confidence.
ob
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ob 9/18/2018 11:09am
9/18/2018 11:09am
I always used 3rd on that bike and always got great starts.
NeedMoto
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NeedMoto 9/18/2018 12:08pm
9/18/2018 12:08pm
As others have said, get a hole-shot device.

You'll be wondering if they red flagged the start, you'll be so far aheadWoohoo
Team Sakai Racing 9/18/2018 12:16pm
9/18/2018 12:16pm
Check into the new holeshot device called Slipshot. They're on FB also. It's the future of Holeshot devices.
kage173
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kage173 9/18/2018 12:18pm
9/18/2018 12:18pm
As others have said -

1. Holeshot device
2. Keep throttle steady and focus on clutch
3. Shift to 3rd as fast as possible.
AJ565
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AJ565 9/18/2018 1:00pm
9/18/2018 1:00pm
Team Sakai Racing wrote:
Check into the new holeshot device called Slipshot. They're on FB also. It's the future of Holeshot devices.
It looks like that only works with a cable clutch. KTM and Husky have a hydro clutch so there is no arm to slow down.
Flesh206
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Flesh206 9/18/2018 1:49pm
9/18/2018 1:49pm Edited Date/Time 9/18/2018 1:57pm
I weight 145 pounds with a 300 kit and a holeshot device. I'm not the fastest but I make it to the first turn every time first on 3rd gear starts.
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lumpy790
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lumpy790 9/18/2018 6:51pm
9/18/2018 6:51pm
Reflexes and clutch control pull holeshots.
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Bermworm
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Bermworm 9/18/2018 9:16pm
9/18/2018 9:16pm
Evoracer wrote:
2nd gear, weight over the front, balance with legs in front of the pegs at the gate, watch the actuating pin for the gate not the...
2nd gear, weight over the front, balance with legs in front of the pegs at the gate, watch the actuating pin for the gate not the gate itself, clutch control for wheel spin or wheelie, bang it into 3rd sooner than you think.
Fiftyfiveracing wrote:
This. Try different body positions to find out which works the best for you. Also pay attention where you sit on the seat. I like to...
This. Try different body positions to find out which works the best for you. Also pay attention where you sit on the seat. I like to sit pretty much on the footpeg line. And as evoracer said, hurry up with that 3rd gear. It's very important on 250 2stroke.
My 2 cents to go with the above start in 2nd patience with the clutch up to 3rd sooner than you think you should then.....dabble dabble dabble one finger gently with the clutch all the way down the line while wicking it in 3rd or if your at Glen Helen or somewhere with a real long start straight keep dabbing the clutch after you've kicked it up to 4th until the first turn.And lastly don't ever forget people like 4 strokes so much because they are easier to ride so practice and enjoy.

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