Posts
2694
Joined
10/17/2015
Location
Raleigh, NC, USA
Edited Date/Time
6/10/2019 6:40pm
After seeing so many 300s at Erzberg and even more upcoming at Romaniacs you would think that, in an age of possibly declining bike sales, that a company like Yamaha would enter the 300 two stroke enduro scene. In Europe, the 300 is everywhere and especially at these hard enduro races. Also, in South Africa (The Roof) there are, again, a ton of 300s. And in South Africa Yamaha does have a strong presence. I know Blake Gutzuit was on a Yamaha YZ250 for all the extreme events last year but he's switched to a Husqvarna TE300i now.
I know none of the other Japanese bike brands will even come close to doing it but you would think it wouldn't be that hard for Yamaha and the return, especially in Europe, would be positive.
Just a thought. I've rode KTM (SX's for moto and XC-W's for enduro) for years but it would be cool to see another player in the enduro 300 two stroke market.
I know none of the other Japanese bike brands will even come close to doing it but you would think it wouldn't be that hard for Yamaha and the return, especially in Europe, would be positive.
Just a thought. I've rode KTM (SX's for moto and XC-W's for enduro) for years but it would be cool to see another player in the enduro 300 two stroke market.
All have been trouble free including the 3 EFI models.
Out of all the Beta's, Gas Gas etc out there being bought also, there are alot of 300s around.
The Shop
Luxon 4-Post Bar Mounts
$189.95 - $239.95
DeCal Works Huge Plastic Inventory of UFO and Polisport kits.
Now if yamaha made an electric start YZ250X, with an optional 300 kit (dealer installed option) it would be a game changer.
I honestly feel like yamaha just doesnt want to redesign the YZ250 cases and cylinder because its a design thats been around since 2002 and their profit vs cost of design/manufacturing over the last 17 years is one of the major factors in why they continue to produce two strokes to begin with. (their return on investment is positive as of today in other words)
If yamaha put the R&D money into their two strokes like KTM has, yamaha would have gone done the honda/kawasaki/suzuki road to no more two strokes a long time ago.
With that said, Im looking at the new yamaha's and im so torn. I own a YZ250 I race off road (desert/GP's) and I want a 450FX, like BAD. I just can't bring myself to buy one because of the no kick starter option. Give me an electric starter, and a kick starter on either the YZ450FX or a YZ250/300 two stroke and I'll be a dealer tomorrow with cash ready to buy in full.
Granted, out of all the Japanese, Yamaha is the only one doing much offroad (along with Honda four strokes) but again, if they made a dedicated 300 enduro with e start, wide speed transmission, and all the bling of a KTM/Husky/Sherco/Beta/GasGas I do think it would be hugely successful as Yamaha has always been known for their reliability as well as a great motor and suspension.
Personally, I prefer the exotic brands but I thought it was worth discussion.
For the record, my 2020 KTM XC-W 300 TPI is on order. My quest for Romaniacs begins.
Pit Row
We have the other blue brand with KYB suspension -TM. After living with the TM we’d go with them for a 250 MX bike too if that’s what we where in the market for.
You should be grateful that something different exists on the market. Not everyone likes what you like. I chose a YZ250 over a European 300. I know it might be hard to believe but there are others like me.
I ride MX and I ride some pretty crazy hike-a-bike shit too. The YZ may not be ideal in either scenario, but it's adequate in both. People like to talk shit about California but between the coastal mountain ranges, the Sierras and the desert, we have some legit terrain. Despite "only" having 250cc's I do fine. Although sometimes I stall and I have to kick start my bike (Gasp!!!!). Like most consumers, I am not racing hard enduros professionally.
Lastly, I have a strong appreciation for having vast parts resources, be it OEM, aftermarket, or even used and take-offs (eBay).
For every Kyle Redmond/Colton Haaker/Cody Webb/etc, there's a myriad of Tim Redmonds....(sorry for bad photo)
Very hard to see them doing anything different now.
OEM Cylinder, Powervalve, and head upgrade for current YZ Owners. Count me in....
Of coursr, not are all new bikes but you do see a lot of them current models. That's not counting Extreme XL Lagares, Roof of Africa where 300s dominate. Eurotek said they can't get enough of the EXC (Xc-w) 300s.
MIT only do people purchase them but there are a lot of bike rentals for these races.
Maybe just 1000 in the US, but def not in Europe, I wouldn't think.
But hey, I might be wrong. But I bet Europe sells more 300s than the US sells 450s.
Maybe someone here can chime in.
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