Posts
1988
Joined
10/11/2016
Location
Charlotte, NC, USA
Edited Date/Time
3/30/2020 2:33am
170-175 pound, self-proclaimed forever-C level rider, 90% riding tracks, 10% trails. Got my first big-bore bike in 2006 with a CRF250R, rode 250Fs until I got a 450 a little over a year ago, and it's time for a change. Realized I dont need that much power at my disposal since I only get out to ride maybe twice a month these days, and after watching so many videos of dudes ripping on 2-strokes, I figured I wanted to get in on the fun.
However, I have no 2 stroke experience when it comes to track riding. Also, at my weight, I'm not sure if I'd want more out of a 125/150, or if a 250 would be too much. All that being said, I've been thinking of a few options...
1. A new KTM 150SX or 250SX. I'd spend a lot more than buying used but I would have a freshie for the first time in my life, on one of the more modern 2-strokes available. Heard the lack of vibration is great, too.
2. A used YZ125 or YZ250. Definitely cheaper, an '06 is basically the same as new (right?), and it has good suspension. Wouldn't be going all out if I decided 2-strokes weren't for me and I wanted to sell it, but I hope that wouldn't be the case.
3. A used 2000's 125 or 250. Kawi, Suzuki, Honda... they're all over Craigslist for cheap, but I see concerns about finding parts for these as the years go on. Pretty neat builds out there, but I'm not sure what all would be involved cost-wise when it comes to getting one of these ragged-out Craigslist finds built back up to good shape.
A lot of options to choose from. I know I'd probably be happy going in any direction, but I want to hear some of your opinions.
However, I have no 2 stroke experience when it comes to track riding. Also, at my weight, I'm not sure if I'd want more out of a 125/150, or if a 250 would be too much. All that being said, I've been thinking of a few options...
1. A new KTM 150SX or 250SX. I'd spend a lot more than buying used but I would have a freshie for the first time in my life, on one of the more modern 2-strokes available. Heard the lack of vibration is great, too.
2. A used YZ125 or YZ250. Definitely cheaper, an '06 is basically the same as new (right?), and it has good suspension. Wouldn't be going all out if I decided 2-strokes weren't for me and I wanted to sell it, but I hope that wouldn't be the case.
3. A used 2000's 125 or 250. Kawi, Suzuki, Honda... they're all over Craigslist for cheap, but I see concerns about finding parts for these as the years go on. Pretty neat builds out there, but I'm not sure what all would be involved cost-wise when it comes to getting one of these ragged-out Craigslist finds built back up to good shape.
A lot of options to choose from. I know I'd probably be happy going in any direction, but I want to hear some of your opinions.
Poll
If you don't like the 2stroke after all, you can sell them and get most of your money back.. If you like it, go for a new one.
I’m 5’11 170
The Shop
DeCal Works Huge Plastic Inventory of UFO and Polisport kits.
Luxon 4-Post Bar Mounts
$189.95 - $239.95
Best 250 2t chassis ridden to date in 4 decades of riding. The engine comes alive with some mods if you’re after more performance.
I came off a 01 yz250 and it is night and day better, I love being able to fiddle with the power valve and hit since I ride a lot of different types of dirt and tracks
IMO, it's between a new 250sx or new yz250
http://www.vitalmx.com/forums/Moto-Related,20/Anyone-interested-in-a-CR…
Missing the "Used KTM/Husky 250 or 300" in the pool. It may be an intermediate solution financially between the 06 250 yz and the left over or brand new KTM/Husky. I don't know the market but maybe there are so good deals on, to try if it really fits your style without going all in directly. I would however be more careful at buying a used ktm/husky because most of the buyers are probably more into racing, and if i remember well there were also some years where the forks were not unanimously appreciated and needed some work. Vital members can help regarding which years to look for
Pit Row
I think they went to air forks in 2017?
1. New 250SX/TC250 (might entertain a 300XC like some of you had mentioned), or
2. Used YZ250
Probably throwing the 125 idea out, as well as the older gen bikes. I've been leaning toward the new 250SX but there are pretty good arguments made for each. Either way, a 250 with a flywheel weight off the bat seems like a good way to get adjusted to a two stroke coming from the 450.
Secondly, if you go the KTM or Husky route, I'd just play with the jetting/power valve setting and not even worry about a flywheel weight.
Currently riding '09 YZ125 and '19 CRF450
New 250: Less violent, more powerful than the above.
Used 125: potential for roachiness, especially if it's a 144. The good news is that you can rebuild from top to bottom for cheap!
New 150: This might be your sweeeeet spot, if you have the $. Otherwise, try a used 250.
Post a reply to: First 2-stroke. Help me speak with my wallet! (Edit: wallet has spoken)