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Do some research on thumpertalk, the YZX has an issue of guys hitting false neutral. I've seen a couple threads about on there plus Kyle on dirt bike channel mentioned it being an issue on his 2018 model.
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The YZ(X) is a great bike, it can handle anything you throw at it. Go read any review on a YZ and this bike lives up to it.
But my down falls were this:
1.They cut the head to different spec so that it's easier to kickstart and mellow power, but it created a weird flat spot at 1/4 throttle. This is fixed by installing the YZ (mx version) head, or cutting the head to give a higher compression ratio. I tried switching the CDI between the YZX and the YZ and I didn't like it. The Cut head and YZX CDI is a killer combo for offroad.
2. The transmission is a wide ratio 5 speed. For me, I needed a usable 4th gear for GP/MX, but the 4th gear was so far from 3rd gear I had to be cranking to PROPERLY use the 4th gear.
3. The little things. They put in softer clutch springs which was awesome for lever feel, but it didn't have great load capacity, so I had to replace the clutches often becuase I was over using the clutch. (I went to stiffer springs and that fixed it). I threw in a different reed block to open up the power, make it a bit more snappy. I'm also pretty sure the radiators are made of cardboard because they bent first time I crashed. So I threw on some rad guards to keep them straight.
Once these things were done, the bike was great, I didn't need anything else from it. But, I looked at what I spent getting there, and was close to what the KTM costed. For a couple more $ I would get E-start, hydro clutch, anti-vibration counter balancer, true wide ratio 6 speed, and a bike I wouldn't have to spend any money on to race. SO... I bought one. Other than the price tag, I don't regret one thing about it. In my opinion, it's the best bike i've ever ridden stock or mod. Power delivery is so clean and smooth, Suspension is phenomenal (once you learn how to set it up), and I swear, KTM designs the bikes knowing your going to work on them (bolts are easily accessible and overall design is simple).
Now... trail riding tight single track. I wished to hell that I had e-start! When your picking the bike up and on nasty slippery terrain, or pulling it out of the manzanita that I dropped it in, kick starting is a bitch!
Also with the gearing between 3 & 4th it's a bit funky. As mentioned above, it's a bit to wide. Even on moto tracks, especially if there sandy, I sometimes struggle with 4th gear dropping off.
Anyway... That's my old guy input, your struggles likely won't be the same.
If only someone would come out with a better wide ratio gear box for the YZ (kinda like what you used to be able to get for CRs, but with a lower 1st gear for super technical riding also ).
Usually you can find leftover 250Xs for CHEAP... significantly less than a KTM.
I have 200 RMAtv bucks and debating buying the PC pipe...
Now I do have an issue with 4th & 5th gear being so tall, I’d rather have the reg, YZ trans!
The motor is smooth hooks up every where! I get plenty of Holeshot’s!
But the best thing is the suspension!!
Still running it stock ( other than having it serviced ) & it’s the best of any I’ve ever had ! Including a couple high dollar setups! Parts arnt an issue! & the frames don’t break! ( at least I haven’t heard of any)
And yes I’ve had KTM’s, nice bike’s but just never felt comfortable on them!
I guess you can tell my vote would be far Yamaha!!! Lol !
Good luck!
Pit Row
There's simply no comparison. The new generation(2017 and subsequent) KTM's and Husky's are so good and so much more refined than YZ-X, the comparison isn't even close. I can understand opting for the YZ-X if money is an issue, but at the same price point, noooo way would I even consider the Yamaha. Additionally, resale on the KTM will be much much higher.
The YZ-X is a great bike in it's own right, but it's no KTM. I won't re-hash what holt352 said, but everything he stated is spot on. I've had to cut the head(jetting is a nightmare until you do so), add a fly-wheel weight, drop a tooth on the front sprocket, re-jet the carb a multiple of times, add a skid plate, etc.. to truly make the bike usable for it's intended purpose. Also, the small tank is a real problem if you plan to do longer rides. We went to Colorado this past summer and the small tank was a real hassle. Each day's ride had to be planned very carefully! Total PIA.
Without question, I'd opt for the KTM.
The powerjet comes stock as a #50 and it makes it run pig rich. Throw whatever main/pilot jet combo and airscrew and needle combo you want at it, but its never going to run right. Replace the powerjet with a #40, run a 48 pilot, 175 main, 1 1/4 out on the screw.
It feels like an entirely different bike after you fix this.
So why not buy the bike with the best suspension (YZ) and work on the rest?
I mean no disrespect...but I ask for two reasons:
1). So the OP will know if you and he are of a similar riding ability so he can gauge how much your comments will relate to him.
And
2) I can see how a D or C rider would have no issues with that bike on a track...but I can’t imagine an A rider not having issues with the transmission and suspension on that bike on a Moto track.
I tried the YZ250X route this past summer after years on KTM XC and XC-W bikes, long story short I sold the YZX and am going back to a KTM for 2019.
The only thing the YZX has going for it is the price when comparing brand new to brand new. But as far as suspension, handling, engine, e start and more the KTM wins in my book and hence I am headed back to the orange brigade.
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