What should I do with one of my bikes?

mnoble0902
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mnoble0902 11/16/2018 3:22am
11/16/2018 3:22am
Bultaco wrote:
Which one do you have the most fun on?
I have fun on both, but I ride the 250f much better than the 250sx.
mnoble0902
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mnoble0902 11/16/2018 3:35am
11/16/2018 3:35am
Thank you everyone for your thoughts.

I have learned from everyone's comments. After reading everything, I am leaning towards keeping the KTM and adjusting the power-valve and changing the gear. The stock gearing on the KTM is 14/50, so I am thinking about going to a 14/51.

Doing my own reading, I have discovered there is a mapping change I can make by disconnecting the mapping switch under the gas tank. My understanding is this changes the mapping from a more aggressive hit to a softer hit. If anyone here has any experience with this, please let me know. I found a mapping switch made my KTM Powerparts that mounts on the handle bar that can switch between the aggressive/soft maps, similar to what's on the SX-F. Sites like Motosport.com say it is compatible with the 250SX.
https://www.motosport.com/ktm-powerparts-map-switch?variant[KPP007C]=KP…
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yz133rider
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yz133rider 11/16/2018 4:47am
11/16/2018 4:47am
My cousin has an 18 we rode it with that plug on and off and the difference is subtle to me.

Id say strap a heavier flywheel on there.

yz133rider
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yz133rider 11/16/2018 5:08am
11/16/2018 5:08am
Also id say swap a jd jetting keihin carb on there. The stock jetting sucks and has hitches and hiccups in the power which made it less than ideal and unpredictable.

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JM485
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JM485 11/16/2018 5:58am
11/16/2018 5:58am
yz133rider wrote:
My cousin has an 18 we rode it with that plug on and off and the difference is subtle to me. Id say strap a heavier...
My cousin has an 18 we rode it with that plug on and off and the difference is subtle to me.

Id say strap a heavier flywheel on there.

I didn't even think about that before, 2x on the flywheel weight that's a must on pretty much any two stroke for me. You might loose a little bit on the bottom, but what you'll gain in a smoother and longer rev will easily outweigh that minor issue (if that's even really a problem to begin with). That would be mod #1 to try.
Talisker
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Talisker 11/16/2018 7:29am
11/16/2018 7:29am
Sounds like you just want to unload and ride. If you don't feel like putting in the time, just sell it and move on.
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nytsmaC
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nytsmaC 11/16/2018 8:37am
11/16/2018 8:37am Edited Date/Time 11/16/2018 8:39am
Some people just aren’t 2-stroke guys. If you don’t enjoy riding the 250SX don’t force it, when you have another bike that you actually enjoy riding. Having two 250’s is kind of redundant anyways.

I say sell it and either get a 125/144 or a sweet mountain bike. if you don’t have fun riding the 125/144 you are definitely doing it wrong, and a mountain bike is great for days that you want to go riding but can’t commit your whole day to it.

Beg/borrow/steal a ride on a 125 before you buy one though, would hate to see a guy sell one bike only to make the exact same mistake again.
Flesh206
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Flesh206 11/16/2018 8:48am
11/16/2018 8:48am
Buy a jetski
BobPA
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BobPA 11/16/2018 9:05am
11/16/2018 9:05am
nytsmaC wrote:
Some people just aren’t 2-stroke guys. If you don’t enjoy riding the 250SX don’t force it, when you have another bike that you actually enjoy riding...
Some people just aren’t 2-stroke guys. If you don’t enjoy riding the 250SX don’t force it, when you have another bike that you actually enjoy riding. Having two 250’s is kind of redundant anyways.

I say sell it and either get a 125/144 or a sweet mountain bike. if you don’t have fun riding the 125/144 you are definitely doing it wrong, and a mountain bike is great for days that you want to go riding but can’t commit your whole day to it.

Beg/borrow/steal a ride on a 125 before you buy one though, would hate to see a guy sell one bike only to make the exact same mistake again.
People who are slow in the corners rarely have fun on 125's...
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nytsmaC
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nytsmaC 11/16/2018 9:09am
11/16/2018 9:09am Edited Date/Time 11/16/2018 9:09am
nytsmaC wrote:
Some people just aren’t 2-stroke guys. If you don’t enjoy riding the 250SX don’t force it, when you have another bike that you actually enjoy riding...
Some people just aren’t 2-stroke guys. If you don’t enjoy riding the 250SX don’t force it, when you have another bike that you actually enjoy riding. Having two 250’s is kind of redundant anyways.

I say sell it and either get a 125/144 or a sweet mountain bike. if you don’t have fun riding the 125/144 you are definitely doing it wrong, and a mountain bike is great for days that you want to go riding but can’t commit your whole day to it.

Beg/borrow/steal a ride on a 125 before you buy one though, would hate to see a guy sell one bike only to make the exact same mistake again.
BobPA wrote:
People who are slow in the corners rarely have fun on 125's...
I think riding a 125 is as good as having your own personal riding coach if you want to pick up corner speed. Improving your riding is fun.
mattyhamz2 11/16/2018 9:10am
11/16/2018 9:10am
nytsmaC wrote:
Some people just aren’t 2-stroke guys. If you don’t enjoy riding the 250SX don’t force it, when you have another bike that you actually enjoy riding...
Some people just aren’t 2-stroke guys. If you don’t enjoy riding the 250SX don’t force it, when you have another bike that you actually enjoy riding. Having two 250’s is kind of redundant anyways.

I say sell it and either get a 125/144 or a sweet mountain bike. if you don’t have fun riding the 125/144 you are definitely doing it wrong, and a mountain bike is great for days that you want to go riding but can’t commit your whole day to it.

Beg/borrow/steal a ride on a 125 before you buy one though, would hate to see a guy sell one bike only to make the exact same mistake again.
BobPA wrote:
People who are slow in the corners rarely have fun on 125's...
But with enough time and patience, they will learn corner speed and have a blast. But it for sure isn't for everyone
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Monk
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Monk 11/16/2018 9:43am
11/16/2018 9:43am
Buying a 125 thinking its going to improve your corner speed is foolish. If you are slow on a 250f/250 2t/450f coming into, through and out of corners, you'll be even slower on a 125.

The bike itself is just a tool. Much like weights at the gym, the weights themselves don't do anything, you need to know how to lift them properly for the results to be most effective. Having an effective program, as well as proper practice is what's needed.
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nytsmaC
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nytsmaC 11/16/2018 10:48am
11/16/2018 10:48am
Not going to derail this thread, but I completely disagree. Been there, done that. Riding a 125 improved my corner speed and fixed a lot of bad riding habits I’d developed riding big bores, and made riding way more fun. But to each their own.
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mark_swart
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mark_swart 11/16/2018 1:07pm
11/16/2018 1:07pm
mnoble0902 wrote:
Thank you everyone for your thoughts. I have learned from everyone's comments. After reading everything, I am leaning towards keeping the KTM and adjusting the power-valve...
Thank you everyone for your thoughts.

I have learned from everyone's comments. After reading everything, I am leaning towards keeping the KTM and adjusting the power-valve and changing the gear. The stock gearing on the KTM is 14/50, so I am thinking about going to a 14/51.

Doing my own reading, I have discovered there is a mapping change I can make by disconnecting the mapping switch under the gas tank. My understanding is this changes the mapping from a more aggressive hit to a softer hit. If anyone here has any experience with this, please let me know. I found a mapping switch made my KTM Powerparts that mounts on the handle bar that can switch between the aggressive/soft maps, similar to what's on the SX-F. Sites like Motosport.com say it is compatible with the 250SX.
https://www.motosport.com/ktm-powerparts-map-switch?variant[KPP007C]=KP…
Changing the mapping just made it feel slow and lazy. The bottom end on that bike is already lacking, and it's even weaker when you go to the mellow setting. I also did a lot of research on the power valve adjustment. It needs to be at 1.5 out, when you mess with you basically put the valve opening at odds with the port timing. For lack of a better description, it makes the powerband 'lumpy.' You may want to try the green spring though.

I changed the gearing on mine by a tooth, but I think I may have gone the other direction? It was whatever MXA recommended, and it actually helped.

The FMF pipe also helped fill in the bottom end as well as give it a lot more over-rev. The pipe is definitely a worthwhile investment if you are trying to make that bike it's best.

I wanted to love that bike, I really did.
Denn700
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Denn700 11/18/2018 4:49pm
11/18/2018 4:49pm
If you want a smoother motor then put a flywheel weight on it. My favorite bike I have ever owned was a 2007 YZ250 with a flywheel weight. I have owned 125’s,150’s,200’s,250F’s,250 two strokes, 350’s,400’s,450’s and a 500.
BR8ES
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BR8ES 11/18/2018 4:58pm
11/18/2018 4:58pm
Get a 12.5 ounce clutch weight and run a 49t on the rear.
Flip109
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Flip109 11/18/2018 5:06pm
11/18/2018 5:06pm
Sell the KTM if you don’t like it that much. Bling out the Yamaha and enjoy your moto life. 1 bike is easier to keep up with and you won’t be torn going back and forth between the two. Deep down you know you like the ease of riding the 250f. So just enjoy it.
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