250 2t or 450? Time for something different?

DannyST107
Hey people,

I’m the proud owner of a 2013 ktm 250 2t. And have been logging 200hrs and counting on it. The thing is that i’ve moved up a class this year and it keeps getting harder and harder keeping up with these guys.

Now i’ve been thinking of selling the current bike, which has öhlins cartridge kit in the front and a rear öhlins shock, which makes it logical to stay true to KTM, as i can just move the suspension in the new bike.

I’ve been riding a 450 kawi sprung at 105kg of a friend and i rode it the first time as fast as my own bike of 5ish years, which makes me think of getting a 450.

But me being at 1.72m and 68ish KG makes me think in races a 450 will wear me out much more in 20 mins then the 2stroke.

Sooo are there people here who made this switch from 2st to 450? Or people say just upgrade to a newer year 250 2t? Keep it clean people and would love your opinions!
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Tomok
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Tomok 7/29/2019 9:55am
7/29/2019 9:55am
I've gone from 250 2 stroke to 450 4 stroke back to 250 2 stroke. I ride the Vet classes against mostly all 4 stroke 450's. The new KTM/Husky 2 strokes are a big improvement over the older versions. They are smooth, light and fast. They are more fun to ride/race but you still have to be more "on" to beat the 450's. The Ohlins shock will not work on the new chassis but the fork will. I got bored on the 450. I bought a KTM 150 SX for an extra bike to practice on. Wow, what a rush that bike is. I had some of my best results on that bike and I am 200 lbs. Good luck in your decision.
3
brapgod69
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brapgod69 7/29/2019 10:02am
7/29/2019 10:02am
I got out of the sport for about 10 years. I’ve bought multiple 4 strokes, but I always end up back on a 250 2t. I don’t race though. Two strokes are just a lot more fun to me.
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Markee
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Markee 7/29/2019 10:14am
7/29/2019 10:14am
I've gone back and forth a few times. I've had a 13 KTM as well. If you decide to get another smoker KTM and go with a 17 and up, you'll love it but it will be basically the same obviously.

I actually enjoy riding a 450 coming from a 17 250sx. But I do believe if you stick with KTM a 350 is a better transition coming from a 250sx.

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steed 2.0
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steed 2.0 7/29/2019 10:46am
7/29/2019 10:46am Edited Date/Time 7/29/2019 10:53am
DannyST107 wrote:
Hey people, I’m the proud owner of a 2013 ktm 250 2t. And have been logging 200hrs and counting on it. The thing is that i’ve...
Hey people,

I’m the proud owner of a 2013 ktm 250 2t. And have been logging 200hrs and counting on it. The thing is that i’ve moved up a class this year and it keeps getting harder and harder keeping up with these guys.

Now i’ve been thinking of selling the current bike, which has öhlins cartridge kit in the front and a rear öhlins shock, which makes it logical to stay true to KTM, as i can just move the suspension in the new bike.

I’ve been riding a 450 kawi sprung at 105kg of a friend and i rode it the first time as fast as my own bike of 5ish years, which makes me think of getting a 450.

But me being at 1.72m and 68ish KG makes me think in races a 450 will wear me out much more in 20 mins then the 2stroke.

Sooo are there people here who made this switch from 2st to 450? Or people say just upgrade to a newer year 250 2t? Keep it clean people and would love your opinions!
food for thought 250t is around 45 hp vs 450f is around 65 hp... I have seen some crf 250r ( 2018 ) in Germany brand new for €6500,- I think its fast enough for you...if not?! poor mans tuning big bore 350f 🤫 http://www.hastenberg-racing.nl/motor-tuning/crf350-big-bore.html and if you are tight on money... contact F&H Racing in the off season these ex-racers are like new 🏅
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chewy4063
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chewy4063 7/29/2019 11:09am
7/29/2019 11:09am
450. Go to the gym a couple of times a week and you’ll be fine
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FortyHat
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FortyHat 7/29/2019 11:15am
7/29/2019 11:15am
I race the vet class, and was on a 16 YZ250 2T for two seasons before this year. Love the bike, it's super fun and sounds badass, but I could tell I was working harder than the guys I raced against. And any mistake (especially if there was a big jump after a corner) cost me a lot more time. So for this racing season I picked up the 19 KX450, and it's actually made me less tired than my 2T, and mistakes don't matter quite so much at all. And it feels a lot lighter on the track than I recall other 450s ever feeling (at least the ones I rode). My results have been much better too.

I haven't sold the 2T yet, I love the bike too much. But for me it's a lot easier to race the 450. I'm 5'11" and 170 lbs, though your stats (5'7" and 150 lbs) I think are still fine for a 450 so long as your technique is good. I could see it being very tiring if you don't stay way forward on the bike.

Good luck and I'm sure you'll be fine no matter which decision you make.
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DannyST107 7/29/2019 11:16am
7/29/2019 11:16am
Thanks guys, the 250f is no option due to higher maintenance cost and i have to switch classes. I’ve been riding since 5 y/o, that makes it 22 years now and fitness wise i’m the best ive been in a long time, 450 would be a major switch indeed but i make the motor work and don’t override it. I’m pretty technical and in control for the whole moto. At least that’s what my friends see and tell me and what i expierence when riding.
chewy4063
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chewy4063 7/29/2019 11:18am
7/29/2019 11:18am
DannyST107 wrote:
Thanks guys, the 250f is no option due to higher maintenance cost and i have to switch classes. I’ve been riding since 5 y/o, that makes...
Thanks guys, the 250f is no option due to higher maintenance cost and i have to switch classes. I’ve been riding since 5 y/o, that makes it 22 years now and fitness wise i’m the best ive been in a long time, 450 would be a major switch indeed but i make the motor work and don’t override it. I’m pretty technical and in control for the whole moto. At least that’s what my friends see and tell me and what i expierence when riding.
Just get one. You won’t regret it. I’m going back to one. 5”11 155lbs
DannyST107 7/29/2019 11:18am
7/29/2019 11:18am
chewy4063 wrote:
450. Go to the gym a couple of times a week and you’ll be fine
Yeah i’m one of those hardcore crossfit bro’s bro, nah j/k haha. But i do either run or ride mtb once a week paired with 2 crossfit sessions each week, plus 6 days of working in construction. As i said, fitnesswise ive been the best ive been in years so that shouldnt be an issue
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Alex.434
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Alex.434 7/29/2019 4:13pm
7/29/2019 4:13pm
Used to have a 2013 KTM 250SX and I echo what the others have said about the 2017+ generation, way better!

That said race whatever you have fun on. Are you making money racing or just out there for a good time and plastic trophy? How many hours on the bike are you spending racing against 450's compared to how many hours you are spending on the bike not racing (practice/trackdays/non-racing).
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pdub187
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pdub187 7/29/2019 4:34pm
7/29/2019 4:34pm
If I was in your position I'd buy a 450 mate. Try something new and see if you like it for a season. If it's not you the two-banger is always available and at least you won't still be wondering.
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cody41
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cody41 7/29/2019 4:54pm
7/29/2019 4:54pm
brapgod69 wrote:
I got out of the sport for about 10 years. I’ve bought multiple 4 strokes, but I always end up back on a 250 2t. I...
I got out of the sport for about 10 years. I’ve bought multiple 4 strokes, but I always end up back on a 250 2t. I don’t race though. Two strokes are just a lot more fun to me.
X2
steed 2.0
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steed 2.0 7/29/2019 7:43pm
7/29/2019 7:43pm Edited Date/Time 7/29/2019 8:06pm
DannyST107 wrote:
Thanks guys, the 250f is no option due to higher maintenance cost and i have to switch classes. I’ve been riding since 5 y/o, that makes...
Thanks guys, the 250f is no option due to higher maintenance cost and i have to switch classes. I’ve been riding since 5 y/o, that makes it 22 years now and fitness wise i’m the best ive been in a long time, 450 would be a major switch indeed but i make the motor work and don’t override it. I’m pretty technical and in control for the whole moto. At least that’s what my friends see and tell me and what i expierence when riding.
Dude don't listen to those 4 stroke horror stories... when the engine start to sweat its time for a rebuild... the 2 stroke taliban are mostly newcomers who think 2 strokes are core... and 4 strokes sound even sexy these days imo

PS Don't say I didn't warn you... If things go wrong on a 450f it’s hospital wrong these days!!!
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DannyST107 7/29/2019 10:45pm
7/29/2019 10:45pm
Alex.434 wrote:
Used to have a 2013 KTM 250SX and I echo what the others have said about the 2017+ generation, way better! That said race whatever you...
Used to have a 2013 KTM 250SX and I echo what the others have said about the 2017+ generation, way better!

That said race whatever you have fun on. Are you making money racing or just out there for a good time and plastic trophy? How many hours on the bike are you spending racing against 450's compared to how many hours you are spending on the bike not racing (practice/trackdays/non-racing).
I only ride once a week due to time limitations and budget, so it’s either practice or racing, and i like racing more haha. I have yet to try a newer (2018+) 450 ktm, and can ride both that and a mate’s 19 250 2t, been riding 2t for about 8 years now so maybe a change wouldn’t be bad.
dedi684
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dedi684 7/30/2019 11:35am
7/30/2019 11:35am
DannyST107 wrote:
Thanks guys, the 250f is no option due to higher maintenance cost and i have to switch classes. I’ve been riding since 5 y/o, that makes...
Thanks guys, the 250f is no option due to higher maintenance cost and i have to switch classes. I’ve been riding since 5 y/o, that makes it 22 years now and fitness wise i’m the best ive been in a long time, 450 would be a major switch indeed but i make the motor work and don’t override it. I’m pretty technical and in control for the whole moto. At least that’s what my friends see and tell me and what i expierence when riding.
I ride a yz 250 2 stroke and have for many many years. I have to work my ass off but a 450 is not an option for me at 150 pounds. 45 years old vet b in decent shape. Im absolutely dying to switch up to a different bike.
Pirate421
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Pirate421 7/30/2019 2:39pm
7/30/2019 2:39pm
dedi684 wrote:
I ride a yz 250 2 stroke and have for many many years. I have to work my ass off but a 450 is not an...
I ride a yz 250 2 stroke and have for many many years. I have to work my ass off but a 450 is not an option for me at 150 pounds. 45 years old vet b in decent shape. Im absolutely dying to switch up to a different bike.
Same here I’m on a yz250 for the last few years. Have had plenty of 250 two strokes a couple 250fs and a 350 but never a 450. For some reason I’m dying to get a 450 and see what it’s all about. I’m 30, 6’ and 170 lbs
Falcon
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Falcon 7/30/2019 2:52pm
7/30/2019 2:52pm
Falcon races a 250T: "Hmmm, racing is hard. These guys are fast. I'm really having to work to get these holeshots and wins."

Falcon races a 450: "Holy crap this is hard. Somehow I endoed 4 times off of only 3 jumps when I let off the throttle. I stalled it in the braking bumps and now my leg hurts from kicking it because it won't start. I wonder if I should have gone with the $4500 rebuild instead of the "cheap" $2500 one. I think the power re-dislocated my shoulder too. The good news is at least I'm not getting roosted. Everybody else is half a lap ahead."

Pinch
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DannyST107 7/30/2019 3:10pm
7/30/2019 3:10pm
Falcon wrote:
Falcon races a 250T: "Hmmm, racing is hard. These guys are fast. I'm really having to work to get these holeshots and wins." Falcon races a...
Falcon races a 250T: "Hmmm, racing is hard. These guys are fast. I'm really having to work to get these holeshots and wins."

Falcon races a 450: "Holy crap this is hard. Somehow I endoed 4 times off of only 3 jumps when I let off the throttle. I stalled it in the braking bumps and now my leg hurts from kicking it because it won't start. I wonder if I should have gone with the $4500 rebuild instead of the "cheap" $2500 one. I think the power re-dislocated my shoulder too. The good news is at least I'm not getting roosted. Everybody else is half a lap ahead."

Pinch
So all in all, what made your switch hard? The different animal under your ass or the different riding style? I don’t mind riding alot less aggressive as i’m already not agressive rider, technical i guess and relying on the power of the bike to take me around fast and smooth

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DannyST107 8/24/2019 10:24am
8/24/2019 10:24am
Yeah tried a few 450s aswell last weeks, it’s been alot easier to ride faster with just a different beast to hold on to haha, but i think ima try a 350 aswell
KTM Two Stroke 8/24/2019 12:14pm
8/24/2019 12:14pm
I was in a similar situation like you, ride the 150 but I thought after 20 years two stroke it's time for something new.
Bought a 350SXF 2019 and couldn't be happier with that bike so much easier to ride than the two stroke
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stone881
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stone881 8/24/2019 6:12pm
8/24/2019 6:12pm
DannyST107 wrote:
Thanks guys, the 250f is no option due to higher maintenance cost and i have to switch classes. I’ve been riding since 5 y/o, that makes...
Thanks guys, the 250f is no option due to higher maintenance cost and i have to switch classes. I’ve been riding since 5 y/o, that makes it 22 years now and fitness wise i’m the best ive been in a long time, 450 would be a major switch indeed but i make the motor work and don’t override it. I’m pretty technical and in control for the whole moto. At least that’s what my friends see and tell me and what i expierence when riding.
dedi684 wrote:
I ride a yz 250 2 stroke and have for many many years. I have to work my ass off but a 450 is not an...
I ride a yz 250 2 stroke and have for many many years. I have to work my ass off but a 450 is not an option for me at 150 pounds. 45 years old vet b in decent shape. Im absolutely dying to switch up to a different bike.
Since you're racing vet class, why not build a 270f? HP built me one with a 250 Sxf as the base, modded the head, RnD throttle body and Vortex ignition. On pump gas on Dereks dyno it put out almost 53 hp, and of course needs to be screamed to make that power.

I rode 250 smokers for a long time and the biggest difference is that this bike is just always hooked up. Still doesn't have the torque of a 350/450 of course, but it handles so well and you can get on the gas so aggressively that unless your in deep sand it doesn't matter.
Fiftyfiveracing 8/25/2019 10:46pm
8/25/2019 10:46pm
I went from tc250 to 350sxf to 450sxf fe and then back to 250sx and after that i can't even think about going back to 4 stroke. New generation 250sx/tc250 are really really good bikes, if you know how to ride one you can compete with 450s. But if you are really serious about your racing then you should probably get a 450.
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Drop-Bear
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Drop-Bear 8/26/2019 3:33am
8/26/2019 3:33am Edited Date/Time 8/26/2019 3:47am
The best answer was in the 1st reply.

Get a KTM 150.

Seriously. Do back to back laps v's a 450 and your 250. I'd be willing to bet you'll be faster on the 150, and have more fun
If faster track speed is what you want. It'd be a mistake to under estimate the 150.
If you're racing for fun. More revs are more fun, not less.

If you can do 20 minutes on your 250. You'll forget what arm pump "was". You'll be buzzing so much, the hardest part of the race will be forcing yourself to sit down and chill after the race.
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cody41
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cody41 8/26/2019 4:51am
8/26/2019 4:51am
250 smoker always takes the cake. I bounce from 450 to 250 smoker and always end up on the smoker. 450s are too much bike in my opinion, and I am a 200lb vet A rider. 450s are also more expensive and become obsolete after 3 years while two strokes from 06 are still prevalent.
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Mr. Afterbar
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Mr. Afterbar 8/26/2019 6:30am
8/26/2019 6:30am
450, easy choice. 2 strokes are cool and all, but when competitively racing against 450s, you need a 450.
DannyST107 8/29/2019 8:32am
8/29/2019 8:32am
Been trying some 450 lately, also racing started again after summer break, and noticed whilst riding that the 2stroke is in fact easier to ride longer and could be aggressive longer on my own bike (250sx 2013) that is. Not alot of issues catching 450s, their cornering exit speed is higher but i catch up in corners and just jumping furter.

This does make me think that i really have to try a new 2019ish 250sx

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