Ned a little help (considering a 250 2T vs 250F

Edited Date/Time 10/9/2020 9:03pm
I currently ride a 2020 KTM 250 F, whit FMF exhaust wp cone valve and trax shock (love those)
43 year old vet, I ride descent. I am considering a 2021 KTM 250 2T, haven’t ridden a 2T since 2003.

Anyone have experience, going from a 250F to this bike? Is it a case of, super fun for 2 rides?
Can I ride it just as fast? More less/tired?
3
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9/11/2020 1:48am
My current bike😬


4
1
9/11/2020 1:54am Edited Date/Time 9/11/2020 2:04am
Same advice everyone typically gives applies.

4 stroke
Can ride lazier
More maintenance
Feel heavier
Won’t make you as tired physically

2 stroke
Feels lighter and more nimble
Will make you a better rider
Stand up more
Look cooler
Sound better
Be in the club
25
cappelmans
Posts
463
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Location
Eindhoven, NL
9/11/2020 3:21am Edited Date/Time 9/11/2020 3:35am
Hard to compare. The 250 2-stroke is a lot stronger then a 250f. I read some comments saying its similar in power to a fourstroke but I disagree. Maybe try one first, it could be a rude awakening coming off a 250f
2
9/11/2020 3:28am Edited Date/Time 9/11/2020 4:11am
cappelmans wrote:
Hard to compare. The 250 2-stroke is a lot stronger then a 250f. I read some comments saying its similar in power to a fourstroke but...
Hard to compare. The 250 2-stroke is a lot stronger then a 250f. I read some comments saying its similar in power to a fourstroke but I disagree. Maybe try one first, it could be a rude awakening coming off a 250f
My riding buddy vent to a 2021 150, he loves it, and is just as fast as he was on his 250F.
I have a buddy that has a new YZ 250 2T, going to try that one out, maybe your right
Pinch
2

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fanger
Posts
838
Joined
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Location
AU
9/11/2020 4:07am
Same advice everyone typically gives applies. 4 stroke Can ride lazier More maintenance Feel heavier Won’t make you as tired physically 2 stroke Feels lighter and...
Same advice everyone typically gives applies.

4 stroke
Can ride lazier
More maintenance
Feel heavier
Won’t make you as tired physically

2 stroke
Feels lighter and more nimble
Will make you a better rider
Stand up more
Look cooler
Sound better
Be in the club
People are gonna lose their minds over this, but modern day 4 strokes require less maintenance than 2 strokes.
23
3
dedi684
Posts
1389
Joined
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Location
Ravena, NY, USA
9/11/2020 5:58am
cappelmans wrote:
Hard to compare. The 250 2-stroke is a lot stronger then a 250f. I read some comments saying its similar in power to a fourstroke but...
Hard to compare. The 250 2-stroke is a lot stronger then a 250f. I read some comments saying its similar in power to a fourstroke but I disagree. Maybe try one first, it could be a rude awakening coming off a 250f
My riding buddy vent to a 2021 150, he loves it, and is just as fast as he was on his 250F. I have a buddy...
My riding buddy vent to a 2021 150, he loves it, and is just as fast as he was on his 250F.
I have a buddy that has a new YZ 250 2T, going to try that one out, maybe your right
Pinch
I ride a yz 250, have had many but id like to hear your opinion on it i feel theyre hard to ride. Thinking of a ktm 250f myself
9/11/2020 6:10am Edited Date/Time 9/11/2020 6:10am
Last year my son was riding his KTM 150 SX exclusively and we did a Husqvarna Ride Day. I put him on the 250F and 250 2T. He was a die-hard 2T guy but I wanted him to try a good 250F. Afterwards he said "The 250F was surprisingly fun. It was really smooth and stuck to the ground like glue. I liked it and I don't like 4S. The 250 2T was maybe the scariest thing I've ever ridden. It hit HARD and fast". And remember, this is coming off a 150 SX which is a pretty hard-hitting bike.

Me... I know what to expect from a 250 2T and I'll tell ya that if you have _any_ arm pump happening, a 250 2T can LAUNCH you!!! If I was gonna ride one again, I'd do what I did before..... flywheel weight and smooth the power out. Do that and they're incredible. I go back and forth between selling my 150 and 250F and getting a single KTM 250 XC but I haven't.

Oh... and BTW... after the ride day, I found my '14 KX250F with 3 h on it and a month later my son had an '18 KTM 250 SX-F. 150 2T for off-road, 250F for track.
1
9/11/2020 6:48am Edited Date/Time 9/11/2020 6:51am
I can ride a 2 stroke in sticky ass mud way better than I can I ride a 4 stroke....

Depends on your style. I find it easier to transition back to a 2 stroke than going from a 2 to 4....

My 350 grips everywhere. My 2 smoker breaks loose a lot. I can be lazy and faster on the 350. Perks of both. Cornering little easier in my opinion on 2. Don’t have to fight engine brake if you mess up and are chopping the throttle through the corner....
1
9/11/2020 7:30am
cappelmans wrote:
Hard to compare. The 250 2-stroke is a lot stronger then a 250f. I read some comments saying its similar in power to a fourstroke but...
Hard to compare. The 250 2-stroke is a lot stronger then a 250f. I read some comments saying its similar in power to a fourstroke but I disagree. Maybe try one first, it could be a rude awakening coming off a 250f
My riding buddy vent to a 2021 150, he loves it, and is just as fast as he was on his 250F. I have a buddy...
My riding buddy vent to a 2021 150, he loves it, and is just as fast as he was on his 250F.
I have a buddy that has a new YZ 250 2T, going to try that one out, maybe your right
Pinch
dedi684 wrote:
I ride a yz 250, have had many but id like to hear your opinion on it i feel theyre hard to ride. Thinking of a...
I ride a yz 250, have had many but id like to hear your opinion on it i feel theyre hard to ride. Thinking of a ktm 250f myself
Going to try it out on Tuesday, Give you a little ride report😊
1
9/11/2020 7:35am
Last year my son was riding his KTM 150 SX exclusively and we did a Husqvarna Ride Day. I put him on the 250F and 250...
Last year my son was riding his KTM 150 SX exclusively and we did a Husqvarna Ride Day. I put him on the 250F and 250 2T. He was a die-hard 2T guy but I wanted him to try a good 250F. Afterwards he said "The 250F was surprisingly fun. It was really smooth and stuck to the ground like glue. I liked it and I don't like 4S. The 250 2T was maybe the scariest thing I've ever ridden. It hit HARD and fast". And remember, this is coming off a 150 SX which is a pretty hard-hitting bike.

Me... I know what to expect from a 250 2T and I'll tell ya that if you have _any_ arm pump happening, a 250 2T can LAUNCH you!!! If I was gonna ride one again, I'd do what I did before..... flywheel weight and smooth the power out. Do that and they're incredible. I go back and forth between selling my 150 and 250F and getting a single KTM 250 XC but I haven't.

Oh... and BTW... after the ride day, I found my '14 KX250F with 3 h on it and a month later my son had an '18 KTM 250 SX-F. 150 2T for off-road, 250F for track.
I struggle with arm pump on sand tracks, on the 250F, guessing that would multiply, we shall see how the Yamaha test goes😳
1
dedi684
Posts
1389
Joined
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Location
Ravena, NY, USA
9/11/2020 7:45am
Last year my son was riding his KTM 150 SX exclusively and we did a Husqvarna Ride Day. I put him on the 250F and 250...
Last year my son was riding his KTM 150 SX exclusively and we did a Husqvarna Ride Day. I put him on the 250F and 250 2T. He was a die-hard 2T guy but I wanted him to try a good 250F. Afterwards he said "The 250F was surprisingly fun. It was really smooth and stuck to the ground like glue. I liked it and I don't like 4S. The 250 2T was maybe the scariest thing I've ever ridden. It hit HARD and fast". And remember, this is coming off a 150 SX which is a pretty hard-hitting bike.

Me... I know what to expect from a 250 2T and I'll tell ya that if you have _any_ arm pump happening, a 250 2T can LAUNCH you!!! If I was gonna ride one again, I'd do what I did before..... flywheel weight and smooth the power out. Do that and they're incredible. I go back and forth between selling my 150 and 250F and getting a single KTM 250 XC but I haven't.

Oh... and BTW... after the ride day, I found my '14 KX250F with 3 h on it and a month later my son had an '18 KTM 250 SX-F. 150 2T for off-road, 250F for track.
I struggle with arm pump on sand tracks, on the 250F, guessing that would multiply, we shall see how the Yamaha test goes😳
I ride my yz at southwick often. Im a vet b rider and when i can keep on it she rips. Sometimes just the opposite.
9/11/2020 7:51am
Last year my son was riding his KTM 150 SX exclusively and we did a Husqvarna Ride Day. I put him on the 250F and 250...
Last year my son was riding his KTM 150 SX exclusively and we did a Husqvarna Ride Day. I put him on the 250F and 250 2T. He was a die-hard 2T guy but I wanted him to try a good 250F. Afterwards he said "The 250F was surprisingly fun. It was really smooth and stuck to the ground like glue. I liked it and I don't like 4S. The 250 2T was maybe the scariest thing I've ever ridden. It hit HARD and fast". And remember, this is coming off a 150 SX which is a pretty hard-hitting bike.

Me... I know what to expect from a 250 2T and I'll tell ya that if you have _any_ arm pump happening, a 250 2T can LAUNCH you!!! If I was gonna ride one again, I'd do what I did before..... flywheel weight and smooth the power out. Do that and they're incredible. I go back and forth between selling my 150 and 250F and getting a single KTM 250 XC but I haven't.

Oh... and BTW... after the ride day, I found my '14 KX250F with 3 h on it and a month later my son had an '18 KTM 250 SX-F. 150 2T for off-road, 250F for track.
I struggle with arm pump on sand tracks, on the 250F, guessing that would multiply, we shall see how the Yamaha test goes😳
dedi684 wrote:
I ride my yz at southwick often. Im a vet b rider and when i can keep on it she rips. Sometimes just the opposite.
Encouraging, my hart wants this bike, just don’t want to regret it, you’re experiences helps , thanks
1
mxb2
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Location
Bowie, MD, USA
9/11/2020 7:54am
Same advice everyone typically gives applies. 4 stroke Can ride lazier More maintenance Feel heavier Won’t make you as tired physically 2 stroke Feels lighter and...
Same advice everyone typically gives applies.

4 stroke
Can ride lazier
More maintenance
Feel heavier
Won’t make you as tired physically

2 stroke
Feels lighter and more nimble
Will make you a better rider
Stand up more
Look cooler
Sound better
Be in the club
fanger wrote:
People are gonna lose their minds over this, but modern day 4 strokes require less maintenance than 2 strokes.
Yep, but those are the ones stuck in the early 2000 s lol
1
5
AH387
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Bridgeville, PA, USA
9/11/2020 8:04am
I always say that I want a 250 2stroke but then I ride one and realize that I am not very good on them. I have only owned 1 in my life, but owned many 250Fs, 125s, etc. I just rode my friend's 18 TC250, a 20 450SXF and my own FC350 all back to back over the weekend. The 450 was no problem. Great bike. The TC, while fun was just really hard to get used to. I wouldn't jump any of the timing sections with it, just because it felt so light-switch. Also it seems to be so hard to not leave a jump front-high and it's harder to correct than my 125. It is just a bike that would require some serious adjustment for me to be able to ride it like I can a 250F/350 or even my 125, which is not a problem. I think it just depends on your own experiences, riding style and where you race/ride. I love the idea of a 250 2stroke and almost bought one recently. But I'm glad I didn't because I just don't know if I want to dedicate the time in re-learning them, after so many years on 4strokes. The 125 is an adjustment but it's so easy to manhandle it, that it's not a big deal. The 250 2stroke is a tough beast to tame.
2
mxryan25
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Dayton, OH, USA
9/11/2020 8:05am
If you ride mostly clay based tracks I would stay on the 250F for sure, the 2 stroke will be fun but harder to ride as fast and consistent and less predictable. If you live in a state like Michigan or ride a lot of sandy deep conditions the 250sx is amazing
duckdog77
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Laotto, IN, USA
9/11/2020 8:12am
I went from a KX250F to a 300 XC this year. Took me a minute but I now love the XC. It’s a different riding style that’s for sure. I carry more momentum, stand up a lot more, and ride more flowing than I did on the 4t. It doesn’t mind being lugged there is plenty of power down low. It has a hit to it that I thought was crazy at first but now that I’ve gotten used to it I don’t even notice it. I ride mostly woods but get out on the track sometimes. It handles all the jumps at the local track just fine. And plenty of power even if you make a mistake to make up for it.

Speed wise. I feel I’m faster on the 300 but Ive also been working on getting faster and my fitness. I don’t think it has to do much with the bike. Just won my first open B class GP race. So something I’m doing is working!
2
dedi684
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Ravena, NY, USA
9/11/2020 8:13am
I struggle with arm pump on sand tracks, on the 250F, guessing that would multiply, we shall see how the Yamaha test goes😳
dedi684 wrote:
I ride my yz at southwick often. Im a vet b rider and when i can keep on it she rips. Sometimes just the opposite.
Encouraging, my hart wants this bike, just don’t want to regret it, you’re experiences helps , thanks
I was able to get a bunch of wins and a championship on mostly stock yz's. Its a weapon but hard to tame. Lol
Falcon
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Menifee, CA, USA
9/11/2020 8:19am
I would weigh in but I'm afraid my position is pretty far removed from the general consensus. I have a feeling most people can switch between the two engine types with relative ease. As for me, I still can't understand why anyone would ride a 4T and think anything other than, "This thing is a heavy, evil-handling death trap designed to kill me and every spectator within 100 feet." Grinning Grinning Grinning

I say buy the 250 2-stroke, but what the hell do I know?
7
1
9/11/2020 8:33am
Falcon wrote:
I would weigh in but I'm afraid my position is pretty far removed from the general consensus. I have a feeling most people can switch between...
I would weigh in but I'm afraid my position is pretty far removed from the general consensus. I have a feeling most people can switch between the two engine types with relative ease. As for me, I still can't understand why anyone would ride a 4T and think anything other than, "This thing is a heavy, evil-handling death trap designed to kill me and every spectator within 100 feet." Grinning Grinning Grinning

I say buy the 250 2-stroke, but what the hell do I know?
I think you are a fu****g genius 😂😂😂😂😂
seth505
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SD, CA, USA
9/11/2020 8:38am
250 2-smoke pros:
-easy to work on & cheaper to work on
-more power (you can really feel a difference in those times where you can pull 3rd gear for example where a 250 4stroke you'd be shifting to 4th)
-light and nimble feeling

250 4-stroke pros:
-feels more stable overall
-no real "hit" in the power like a 2stroke can have (KTM/Husky can tune that out easily though)
-easier to go fast (consistently) when the track is totally fucked/rough later in the day. This is also 4-stroke bikes fault because the lines are all F'd up (hooked ruts, crazy bumps out of corners, etc).
3
9/11/2020 8:42am
seth505 wrote:
250 2-smoke pros: -easy to work on & cheaper to work on -more power (you can really feel a difference in those times where you can...
250 2-smoke pros:
-easy to work on & cheaper to work on
-more power (you can really feel a difference in those times where you can pull 3rd gear for example where a 250 4stroke you'd be shifting to 4th)
-light and nimble feeling

250 4-stroke pros:
-feels more stable overall
-no real "hit" in the power like a 2stroke can have (KTM/Husky can tune that out easily though)
-easier to go fast (consistently) when the track is totally fucked/rough later in the day. This is also 4-stroke bikes fault because the lines are all F'd up (hooked ruts, crazy bumps out of corners, etc).
hooked ruts is from people being bad at turns and slamming into said ruts
1
2
Pirate421
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USA
9/11/2020 9:56am
dedi684 wrote:
I ride a yz 250, have had many but id like to hear your opinion on it i feel theyre hard to ride. Thinking of a...
I ride a yz 250, have had many but id like to hear your opinion on it i feel theyre hard to ride. Thinking of a ktm 250f myself
Maybe not exactly what you’re looking for but I rode yz250’s for the last 3 years up in New England and had a 350sxf during that time also. Yes the suspension on the yz was good and the bike was fun but it was never as fun or easy to ride to me than the 350 or even my buddies new 250sx. Maybe it was the engine character of the yz or the chassis but I always just felt better on a ktm and especially the 350. I agree with you that while the yz is a great all around bike, it’s not very easy to ride for some people, me included.
1
JohnMatrix
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Irvine, CA, USA
9/11/2020 9:56am
I went from a 350sxf to a 250sx. The 4t is easier to be consistent on, but it's also quite "numb" feeling in comparison to the 250sx. When I've been riding regularly and fitness is up, I'm faster on the 250sx and prefer the feeling. I hate the engine braking of a 4t, some people like it. The 250sx is a much lighter feeling bike, has incredible cornering capability and snappy power delivery. It will take some adjustment for sure and you have to focus more on riding with proper technique over a 4t or it will burn you out fast. I've jumped back on some friends 350's and now they feel heavy and a bit boring in comparison. If you're the type of rider who lets the bike pull you around the track when you start getting tired, you're going to struggle with a 250sx no doubt. Totally different animals and a 250 2t is not for everyone. You should get some seat time on one before you purchase.
1
Falcon
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Menifee, CA, USA
9/11/2020 10:02am
Falcon wrote:
I would weigh in but I'm afraid my position is pretty far removed from the general consensus. I have a feeling most people can switch between...
I would weigh in but I'm afraid my position is pretty far removed from the general consensus. I have a feeling most people can switch between the two engine types with relative ease. As for me, I still can't understand why anyone would ride a 4T and think anything other than, "This thing is a heavy, evil-handling death trap designed to kill me and every spectator within 100 feet." Grinning Grinning Grinning

I say buy the 250 2-stroke, but what the hell do I know?
I think you are a fu****g genius 😂😂😂😂😂
Haha, thanks. It's you and me against the world.
9/11/2020 10:22am Edited Date/Time 9/11/2020 10:24am
My previous moto bike was a 350sx. Loved it. Suspension was amazing, I didn't need to think too much about cornering. The downside is that it felt heavy and just idk, rode heavy. It did everything well but felt boring to ride.

I'm on a built 07 KX250-R7 two stroke today. Also love this bike - and more than the 350sx. I still have OEM rake/trail so the bike does not corner as well as the 350sx, but honestly, with the 2 stroke I just point (sometimes with a rear brake slide) and shoot. It's sick fun. The KX250-R7 feels stupid light. I feel super comfortable over jumps and through rough shit.

If I both in my garage today the 350sx's seat would be dusty. I was probably a little faster on the 4T, but I don't care about winning practice and rarely race anymore.
FGR01
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Fantasy
9/11/2020 11:37am
Definitely try before you buy. I've had many people catch the 2-stroke fever and ask me if they could try my 125 or 250 smokers, only to get off after 3-5 laps and say "holy hell how do you ride this thing?" They realize they like being lazy and rolling around in 3rd gear a lot more than they realized and also that they have no desire to be fiddling with jetting.
7
dedi684
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Ravena, NY, USA
9/11/2020 11:42am
dedi684 wrote:
I ride a yz 250, have had many but id like to hear your opinion on it i feel theyre hard to ride. Thinking of a...
I ride a yz 250, have had many but id like to hear your opinion on it i feel theyre hard to ride. Thinking of a ktm 250f myself
Pirate421 wrote:
Maybe not exactly what you’re looking for but I rode yz250’s for the last 3 years up in New England and had a 350sxf during that...
Maybe not exactly what you’re looking for but I rode yz250’s for the last 3 years up in New England and had a 350sxf during that time also. Yes the suspension on the yz was good and the bike was fun but it was never as fun or easy to ride to me than the 350 or even my buddies new 250sx. Maybe it was the engine character of the yz or the chassis but I always just felt better on a ktm and especially the 350. I agree with you that while the yz is a great all around bike, it’s not very easy to ride for some people, me included.
Ive demo'd them a few times. 350 is great but too heavy now that im only about 150 pounds. I just dont jive with the 250sx it feels foreign compared to a yz 250 😂
seth505
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SD, CA, USA
9/11/2020 2:02pm
seth505 wrote:
250 2-smoke pros: -easy to work on & cheaper to work on -more power (you can really feel a difference in those times where you can...
250 2-smoke pros:
-easy to work on & cheaper to work on
-more power (you can really feel a difference in those times where you can pull 3rd gear for example where a 250 4stroke you'd be shifting to 4th)
-light and nimble feeling

250 4-stroke pros:
-feels more stable overall
-no real "hit" in the power like a 2stroke can have (KTM/Husky can tune that out easily though)
-easier to go fast (consistently) when the track is totally fucked/rough later in the day. This is also 4-stroke bikes fault because the lines are all F'd up (hooked ruts, crazy bumps out of corners, etc).
hooked ruts is from people being bad at turns and slamming into said ruts
The way people ride 450s promotes it for sure.
kb228
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Mansfield, OH, USA
9/11/2020 2:29pm
The reason i ride 4 strokes is because maintenance is less and i dont have to mix gas. Fun factor for ME is equal on both.
1
2
chump6784
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AU
9/11/2020 3:05pm
It's been a long time since I've ridden a 250f. The last time I rode one was a 2011 kx250f and I had an 07 rm250 at the time. I couldn't believe how easy it was to go fast and cut a good laptime on the 250f. But it wasn't as fun or lively as my rm which is what has kept me on 2 strokes still. 250f's have come a long way since then too.

I currently have an 18 yz250 and race the 250 class which is mostly young guns on 250f's and the over 35 class which is mainly guys on 450's. Different parts of the track suit the different bikes better but at least in the 250 class I know I have one of the fastest bikes on the gate with only reeds, a pipe and good jetting.
I've also ridden 450's and while they are fast, they just don't have the fun factor for me that my yz has

If lap times and race results are your main concern I'd stick with the 250f, you'll most likely cut the same lap times as the 2 stroke and do it more consistently. If you wanna feel like you really worked for your result or just have fun go with the 2 stroke

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