Best bike for woods and track riding?

Hammer 663s
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Hammer 663s 4/2/2020 10:52am
4/2/2020 10:52am
CarlinoJoeVideo wrote:
The YZ250FX is an awesome bike. Suspension is great out of the box. It would be high on my list for your weight.
We have one of these, a 15. I cannot wait to get rid of it. They are heavy, heavy, heavy. Like over 250 lbs heavy. If you are 130 lb you will feel it every time you jump, and especially when you have to pick the bastard up after a crash. Or put it on a stand. I would do a YZ250 with a Steahly and a Rekluse every time over a 250Fx. The 205FX is also a PITA to work on with the backward cylinder, exhaust and airbox setup. Did I mention they are heavy fat pigs? Wink

Hammer
CarlinoJoeVideo
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CarlinoJoeVideo 4/2/2020 10:55am
4/2/2020 10:55am
CarlinoJoeVideo wrote:
The YZ250FX is an awesome bike. Suspension is great out of the box. It would be high on my list for your weight.
Hammer 663s wrote:
We have one of these, a 15. I cannot wait to get rid of it. They are heavy, heavy, heavy. Like over 250 lbs heavy. If...
We have one of these, a 15. I cannot wait to get rid of it. They are heavy, heavy, heavy. Like over 250 lbs heavy. If you are 130 lb you will feel it every time you jump, and especially when you have to pick the bastard up after a crash. Or put it on a stand. I would do a YZ250 with a Steahly and a Rekluse every time over a 250Fx. The 205FX is also a PITA to work on with the backward cylinder, exhaust and airbox setup. Did I mention they are heavy fat pigs? Wink

Hammer
The 2019-2020 version are great bikes. They have improved dramatically since 2015.

It's just an idea for the kid, theres no correct answer. Unfortunately buyers cant test ride every bike before purchase.
Hammer 663s
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Hammer 663s 4/2/2020 11:14am
4/2/2020 11:14am
CarlinoJoeVideo wrote:
The 2019-2020 version are great bikes. They have improved dramatically since 2015. It's just an idea for the kid, theres no correct answer. Unfortunately buyers cant...
The 2019-2020 version are great bikes. They have improved dramatically since 2015.

It's just an idea for the kid, theres no correct answer. Unfortunately buyers cant test ride every bike before purchase.
Looks like the 19 is slimmed down to "only" 235-ish lbs. That's better, but once you ride a sub-220 lb 350/450 it's hard to go back to heavy bikes.

I'd say there is a right answer - a light 2 stroke with a flywheel weight and a Rekluse, maybe a pipe and reeds (thinking YZ125 or 250 for budget). If budget not an issue go KTM or Husky.
Dirty Points 4/2/2020 11:18am
4/2/2020 11:18am Edited Date/Time 4/2/2020 11:21am
CarlinoJoeVideo wrote:
The YZ250FX is an awesome bike. Suspension is great out of the box. It would be high on my list for your weight.
Hammer 663s wrote:
We have one of these, a 15. I cannot wait to get rid of it. They are heavy, heavy, heavy. Like over 250 lbs heavy. If...
We have one of these, a 15. I cannot wait to get rid of it. They are heavy, heavy, heavy. Like over 250 lbs heavy. If you are 130 lb you will feel it every time you jump, and especially when you have to pick the bastard up after a crash. Or put it on a stand. I would do a YZ250 with a Steahly and a Rekluse every time over a 250Fx. The 205FX is also a PITA to work on with the backward cylinder, exhaust and airbox setup. Did I mention they are heavy fat pigs? Wink

Hammer
CarlinoJoeVideo wrote:
The 2019-2020 version are great bikes. They have improved dramatically since 2015. It's just an idea for the kid, theres no correct answer. Unfortunately buyers cant...
The 2019-2020 version are great bikes. They have improved dramatically since 2015.

It's just an idea for the kid, theres no correct answer. Unfortunately buyers cant test ride every bike before purchase.
The '19 is same generation as '15.

The '20 is the new generation chassis.

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KX500
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KX500 4/2/2020 11:39am
4/2/2020 11:39am
Herb Eaversmells wrote:
This. 250 X [img]https://p.vitalmx.com/photos/forums/2020/04/01/415962/s1200_BF8497BE_F400_4B8F_8005_25BD1A776A4D.jpg[/img]
This. 250 X



Bought a YZ250X last fall & I love it - best bike I've ever had, but easily the newest as well. I only ride trails and have been using a motocross bike for that forever.

It finally occurred to me that, maybe a bike set up for the woods would be better for me.

Wow, after a couple rides, I'm just mad at myself for not getting a woods bike earlier. Suspension set up for the type of riding I actually do (trail riding) is awesome!

Now, I just float over the ruts, rocks & roots that used to be a bit of a problem with MX oriented suspension.

If you feel like a 250 is too much, the YZ125X could be a good option.
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FI2T
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FI2T 4/2/2020 11:52am
4/2/2020 11:52am
From my experience of riding primarily yz250's for 4yrs before I bought a new 18 ktm 300xc. The XC isn't as good as yz's on the track. It is not far off though. Single track/trails the xc is considerably better. If you ride even 30% trails I'd go with the xc. The xc is pretty damn fun on the track.
1
gjbruny
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gjbruny 4/2/2020 12:05pm
4/2/2020 12:05pm
ham wrote:
I’ve heard the 300s (KTM/Husky) are some of the best, most versatile bikes. But are they heavy? I like the small bores because they’re easy for...
I’ve heard the 300s (KTM/Husky) are some of the best, most versatile bikes. But are they heavy? I like the small bores because they’re easy for me to throw around, and I feel much faster on them. I’m not sure how the weight would compare.
They are actually lighter than your 250f and they certainly feel lighter when moving (especially in tight trails or in the air on the moto track). Having said that the torque of the 300 will make it feel a little heavier when under hard acceleration. The 250xc feels lighter in that regard but only minimally.
gjbruny
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gjbruny 4/2/2020 12:18pm
4/2/2020 12:18pm
FI2T wrote:
From my experience of riding primarily yz250's for 4yrs before I bought a new 18 ktm 300xc. The XC isn't as good as yz's on the...
From my experience of riding primarily yz250's for 4yrs before I bought a new 18 ktm 300xc. The XC isn't as good as yz's on the track. It is not far off though. Single track/trails the xc is considerably better. If you ride even 30% trails I'd go with the xc. The xc is pretty damn fun on the track.
Id agree that the YZ is better box stock on the track than an XC but only from a suspension standpoint just like the YZ is better than the yz250x on the track (tho i think most would be faster with the X’s smoother motor). Totally agree with your post.

If you are thinking about a 250 MX smoker, the 250sx is a super bike. My good friend bought a ‘20 300xc tpi and the dealer made him such a good deal on a leftover ‘19 250sx that he came home with 2 bikes. The bike is super light and flickable (tho not 125 light) and very powerful. For an MX smoker it is the epitome of smooth but make no mistake, the power is connected to your right hand like 4 strokes can only dream of. If you are doing any woods riding, my advise would be to stick with an XC or a blue X
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MudPup545
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MudPup545 4/2/2020 12:31pm
4/2/2020 12:31pm
MudPup545 wrote:
https://youtu.be/-TqdPEPgk9g
Tuna wrote:
Super fun bike and the forks are much better on the 2020 model.
Pretty much my dream bike right now. I think I’ve watched just about every YouTube video there is on it.
lbubbyj
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lbubbyj 4/2/2020 1:18pm
4/2/2020 1:18pm
What about a 2014 KTM 200XC?

It has the great 200 engine and linkage suspension that is more moto friendly.

PM me. I got one with 60hrs I want to sell.
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Tuna
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Tuna 4/2/2020 1:25pm
4/2/2020 1:25pm
CarlinoJoeVideo wrote:
The 2019-2020 version are great bikes. They have improved dramatically since 2015. It's just an idea for the kid, theres no correct answer. Unfortunately buyers cant...
The 2019-2020 version are great bikes. They have improved dramatically since 2015.

It's just an idea for the kid, theres no correct answer. Unfortunately buyers cant test ride every bike before purchase.
Hammer 663s wrote:
Looks like the 19 is slimmed down to "only" 235-ish lbs. That's better, but once you ride a sub-220 lb 350/450 it's hard to go back...
Looks like the 19 is slimmed down to "only" 235-ish lbs. That's better, but once you ride a sub-220 lb 350/450 it's hard to go back to heavy bikes.

I'd say there is a right answer - a light 2 stroke with a flywheel weight and a Rekluse, maybe a pipe and reeds (thinking YZ125 or 250 for budget). If budget not an issue go KTM or Husky.
There is no right answer, just lots of options. Depends what you like.
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Tuna
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Tuna 4/2/2020 1:27pm
4/2/2020 1:27pm
CarlinoJoeVideo wrote:
The 2019-2020 version are great bikes. They have improved dramatically since 2015. It's just an idea for the kid, theres no correct answer. Unfortunately buyers cant...
The 2019-2020 version are great bikes. They have improved dramatically since 2015.

It's just an idea for the kid, theres no correct answer. Unfortunately buyers cant test ride every bike before purchase.
Hammer 663s wrote:
Looks like the 19 is slimmed down to "only" 235-ish lbs. That's better, but once you ride a sub-220 lb 350/450 it's hard to go back...
Looks like the 19 is slimmed down to "only" 235-ish lbs. That's better, but once you ride a sub-220 lb 350/450 it's hard to go back to heavy bikes.

I'd say there is a right answer - a light 2 stroke with a flywheel weight and a Rekluse, maybe a pipe and reeds (thinking YZ125 or 250 for budget). If budget not an issue go KTM or Husky.
Practice using the clutch and you won’t need a Rekluse.
1
Hammer 663s
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Hammer 663s 4/2/2020 1:44pm
4/2/2020 1:44pm
Tuna wrote:
Practice using the clutch and you won’t need a Rekluse.
You're the guy who thinks he can shift better with a stick than a Porsche with a PDK, aren't you?
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ham
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ham 4/2/2020 1:50pm
4/2/2020 1:50pm
I wouldn’t mind another 200, but buying new is really what I want to do. My CRF is the newest thing I’ve ever owned, after years and years of used bikes. Which don’t get me wrong, you can find some well taken care of used bikes. But you can’t beat new. I’ll probably buy a 18-19 leftover, seeing as some brand new bikes can have some major and minor flaws. So I’m skeptical of that.
soggy
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soggy 4/2/2020 2:17pm
4/2/2020 2:17pm
300 xc or tx 300 most versatile bikes available.
7
RACERX69
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RACERX69 4/2/2020 2:27pm
4/2/2020 2:27pm
^^This^^
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Spooner
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Spooner 4/2/2020 2:36pm
4/2/2020 2:36pm
RACERX69 wrote:
^^This^^
But good luck finding a leftover. The dealer I got mine from only had one 20 left. And the KTM shops never really have them left over either unless they just sell very few dirt bikes. But they likely aren't big on dealing much if they aren't moving many bikes.
Tuna
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Tuna 4/2/2020 2:48pm
4/2/2020 2:48pm
Tuna wrote:
Practice using the clutch and you won’t need a Rekluse.
Hammer 663s wrote:
You're the guy who thinks he can shift better with a stick than a Porsche with a PDK, aren't you?
No I am the guy that knows you develop more skill using a manual clutch, not an auto clutch. More control as well. But also the type of guy to buy his first 125 at 40 as a skills development bike. I have run auto clutches before. I prefer a manual. Why would you think the right answer is a light 2 stroke with a Rekluse? Is that a required part for a good woods bike?
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Tuna
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Tuna 4/2/2020 2:51pm
4/2/2020 2:51pm
Tuna wrote:
Practice using the clutch and you won’t need a Rekluse.
Hammer 663s wrote:
You're the guy who thinks he can shift better with a stick than a Porsche with a PDK, aren't you?
Manual gives you better feel and control than the PDK. The PDK is faster and gets better every year but the manual is still more fun to drive. Kind of like an old air cooled 911 compared to a brand new one.
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Hammer 663s
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Hammer 663s 4/2/2020 3:16pm
4/2/2020 3:16pm Edited Date/Time 4/2/2020 3:24pm
Tuna wrote:
Practice using the clutch and you won’t need a Rekluse.
Hammer 663s wrote:
You're the guy who thinks he can shift better with a stick than a Porsche with a PDK, aren't you?
Tuna wrote:
No I am the guy that knows you develop more skill using a manual clutch, not an auto clutch. More control as well. But also the...
No I am the guy that knows you develop more skill using a manual clutch, not an auto clutch. More control as well. But also the type of guy to buy his first 125 at 40 as a skills development bike. I have run auto clutches before. I prefer a manual. Why would you think the right answer is a light 2 stroke with a Rekluse? Is that a required part for a good woods bike?
A light 2 stroke with a flywheel weight + a rekluse. It will feel less peaky when on the gas, and be less likely to stall in tough situations. When you get in trouble in technical sections you can ride it out w/o worrying about managing the clutch. It's light so you can man handle it (important when you weigh all of 130 lbs) not vice-versa. It won't wear you out if you have to pick it up a few times in 15 minutes in the mud. And it will still be a very potent MX weapon. Either a YZ125 or a YZ250 set up like this would rock. Maybe add an FMF Fatty and some good reeds for even better, smooth power. I'm describing my next bike I think.
Buy one like this, put another $1500 in it and have some fun!

https://portland.craigslist.org/wsc/mcy/d/portland-06-yamaha-yz-250/710…

Or just buy this one. Maybe I should.....

https://portland.craigslist.org/mlt/mcy/d/portland-2005-yamaha-yz250-ex…
2
miketherider 4/2/2020 3:45pm
4/2/2020 3:45pm
I had my best results on a YZ250 with some simple work to ride Florida enduros; resprung, had two sets of wheels (18 vs 19 rear) thanks to cost of the bike upfront, swapped to an 250X CDI, rekluse clutch. If I knew I was going to ride a ton of moto to train I would swap back to stock clutch, burn those plates up, then throw the rekluse back in before next enduro. I almost was at the point where I could buy a second set of forks and a shock as it was reliable as an anvil and rarely required anything outside occasional piston and rings. Handling was alway a bit "wooden" on the mx track, but tried and true in the woods.

The 17+ KTM 250XC are rocket ships, but the stock suspension can leave a lot to be desired depending on your riding. The button makes a yuuuuge difference for long days in the woods. Hot setup for many is 250SX with 300 kit, but then you're back to no button and AER.
2F4A
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2F4A 4/2/2020 3:46pm
4/2/2020 3:46pm
KTM or Husky 350 is a good choice, 125's and 150's fine as well. I honestly shouldn't go for a YZ 250, the amount of adjustments and upgrades to get it where you want it to be are not worth it.
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DB505
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DB505 4/2/2020 3:56pm
4/2/2020 3:56pm
2F4A wrote:
KTM or Husky 350 is a good choice, 125's and 150's fine as well. I honestly shouldn't go for a YZ 250, the amount of adjustments...
KTM or Husky 350 is a good choice, 125's and 150's fine as well. I honestly shouldn't go for a YZ 250, the amount of adjustments and upgrades to get it where you want it to be are not worth it.
That’s why the X, model it’s an awesome bike, power & suspension are so smooth
1
whateversclever69 4/2/2020 7:23pm
4/2/2020 7:23pm Edited Date/Time 4/2/2020 7:23pm
CarlinoJoeVideo wrote:
The 2019-2020 version are great bikes. They have improved dramatically since 2015. It's just an idea for the kid, theres no correct answer. Unfortunately buyers cant...
The 2019-2020 version are great bikes. They have improved dramatically since 2015.

It's just an idea for the kid, theres no correct answer. Unfortunately buyers cant test ride every bike before purchase.
Hammer 663s wrote:
Looks like the 19 is slimmed down to "only" 235-ish lbs. That's better, but once you ride a sub-220 lb 350/450 it's hard to go back...
Looks like the 19 is slimmed down to "only" 235-ish lbs. That's better, but once you ride a sub-220 lb 350/450 it's hard to go back to heavy bikes.

I'd say there is a right answer - a light 2 stroke with a flywheel weight and a Rekluse, maybe a pipe and reeds (thinking YZ125 or 250 for budget). If budget not an issue go KTM or Husky.
Tuna wrote:
Practice using the clutch and you won’t need a Rekluse.
You don’t need to get your suspension sent off either but it sure helps.
BikePilot
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BikePilot 4/2/2020 9:36pm
4/2/2020 9:36pm
The 17 and up Austrian two strokes are really good. They turn, are stable, and the new motor feels 20yrs newer than the last one or the yz250 now that the vibration is gone. I ride mostly off road a little moto and the TX300 couldn’t be more perfect for my wants. If it were mostly MX and a little off road I’d d a tc250 instead for the weight savings and 19 inch wheel. The tc, to, sx, and XX, all got the new gen frame in 19. The tx and xc got tpi in 20. The pure woods bikes (te and xcw) didn’t get the new frame till 20.

Some people find it easier to ride with a recluse. I find it easier without one, as does ever single really good technical rider I know. They can prevent some noob mistakes, but the engagement is a bit vague making it difficult to execute precise technical maneuvers. There’s a reason no trials riders use auto clutches.
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Tuna
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Tuna 4/3/2020 3:54am
4/3/2020 3:54am
Hammer 663s wrote:
Looks like the 19 is slimmed down to "only" 235-ish lbs. That's better, but once you ride a sub-220 lb 350/450 it's hard to go back...
Looks like the 19 is slimmed down to "only" 235-ish lbs. That's better, but once you ride a sub-220 lb 350/450 it's hard to go back to heavy bikes.

I'd say there is a right answer - a light 2 stroke with a flywheel weight and a Rekluse, maybe a pipe and reeds (thinking YZ125 or 250 for budget). If budget not an issue go KTM or Husky.
Tuna wrote:
Practice using the clutch and you won’t need a Rekluse.
whateversclever69 wrote:
You don’t need to get your suspension sent off either but it sure helps.
Terrible comparison.
2
BobPA
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BobPA 4/3/2020 5:21am
4/3/2020 5:21am
300XC or 300TX. 2017+.... preferably 2018+ for better fork settings.

Install the mellow (yellow) powervalve spring, and away you go. It really flattens the power if you are not yet experienced.

The Yamaha 250X's aren't bad at all if you want to save a few dollars. But they are not as refined as the KTM's. Tiny fuel tank, no cheater button, vibrate more, no way to install a headlight easily, etc....all minor, but adds up depending what you want.
1
Timo_2824
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Timo_2824 4/3/2020 5:29am
4/3/2020 5:29am
CarlinoJoeVideo wrote:
The YZ250FX is an awesome bike. Suspension is great out of the box. It would be high on my list for your weight.
Hammer 663s wrote:
We have one of these, a 15. I cannot wait to get rid of it. They are heavy, heavy, heavy. Like over 250 lbs heavy. If...
We have one of these, a 15. I cannot wait to get rid of it. They are heavy, heavy, heavy. Like over 250 lbs heavy. If you are 130 lb you will feel it every time you jump, and especially when you have to pick the bastard up after a crash. Or put it on a stand. I would do a YZ250 with a Steahly and a Rekluse every time over a 250Fx. The 205FX is also a PITA to work on with the backward cylinder, exhaust and airbox setup. Did I mention they are heavy fat pigs? Wink

Hammer
I used to ride my 270 lbs WR on mx tracks, the weight never bothered me. I tend to ride lower in the revs though, everyone always thought it was a 450.
whateversclever69 4/3/2020 5:41am
4/3/2020 5:41am
Tuna wrote:
Practice using the clutch and you won’t need a Rekluse.
whateversclever69 wrote:
You don’t need to get your suspension sent off either but it sure helps.
Tuna wrote:
Terrible comparison.
Not at all. I am an A rider. I have bike and clutch control and when on a track the only time I use the rekluse is to keep the bike from stalling in a tip over or toward the end of a moto when tired in the event of stalling the bike on big braking bumps.

I don’t want to argue over something so silly, but in comparison any bike mod could be considered a crutch. Look at suspension now vs 30 years ago. Holeshot devices, hydraulic clutches, power delivery mapping etc.

If a rekluse is “cheating”, well then I’m guilty but I’m also having WAY more fun which has been my main goal since turning 20.
hanzhongluboy
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hanzhongluboy 4/3/2020 7:20am
4/3/2020 7:20am
ham wrote:
I’m looking for recommendations on a new bike. I’m an intermediate rider, I don’t race. I currently ride an 18’ CRF250R and love the bike, but...
I’m looking for recommendations on a new bike. I’m an intermediate rider, I don’t race. I currently ride an 18’ CRF250R and love the bike, but it’s an entirely different animal in the woods. It’s also not set-up for the woods. I previously owned a KTM 200XC-W, and absolutely loved the bike. It wasn’t a blast on the track, but still rideable. I got the CRF because I wanted to stick to tracks only. But I’ve come to miss the woods, and 2-strokes in particular. Although I will give the new CRF some credit, it’s pretty snappy for a 4T. But it feels like a lot of bike in the woods. I’m also 5’6 and weigh 130, so It’s not easy to throw around like my 200.
I’ve taken an interest in the KTM 150’s, as I hear they’re much like the discontinued 200s but snappier. Which I like. But when compared to the price of a YZ 125, I’m undecided. I’ve always found Yamaha’s to be affordable and reliable. The new YZ125X is also a potential contestant, but they seem very 4T like. I don’t ride technical woods, I usually do single track and maybe some technical stuff but not much. Thats why a standard YZ125 with some upgrades might be better fit, on top of riding track. Or a KTM 150 sx/xc? I love riding the local tracks when I can, but want something that’s fun and easy to throw around. With the CRF I kinda just hold on lol. It’s not always fun at times because it just has so much power that you don’t really have to work for it. And what’s the fun in that? So what do you all think?
YZ250 can do both. Tough to have a bike that can do both well, the nature of things means there will be some compromise somewhere.

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