YZ250f or SXF350

Love4Moto
Profile picture for user Love4Moto
Posts
40
Joined
12/11/2020
Location
Pea Ridge, AR US
Love4Moto
Edited Date/Time 1/29/2021 10:33am
Been battling what bike to get next. Really like both these options. I just don’t know if I’m to heavy for the 250f or if with the right springs I will be just fine. I’m 6’3” 215lbs. Which one of these bikes would perform better for me. And which one is best bang for my buck? Looking at 2021 options for both models. I ride motocross on intermediate terrain. Mostly track but every once in a while I hit a trail.
1
|
foreman52
Profile picture for user foreman52
Posts
633
Joined
5/29/2018
Location
CA
foreman52 1/21/2021 5:37pm
1/21/2021 5:37pm
350 all day long in my personal opinion. As a bigger and fit set guy the 350 will give you that bit more of torque you’d be looking for.
4
Forty
Profile picture for user Forty
Posts
3033
Joined
7/27/2009
Location
Saint Paul, MN US
Forty 1/21/2021 6:38pm
1/21/2021 6:38pm
The yz250f is as good as it gets.
7
Wiff3
Profile picture for user Wiff3
Posts
292
Joined
8/27/2009
Location
Bellefonte, PA US
Wiff3 1/21/2021 6:57pm
1/21/2021 6:57pm
YZ250F. Vortex ignition with Twisted settings, 270 cylinder, springs for your weight. Plenty of bike, more money in your pocket.
5
8
Ryan625
Profile picture for user Ryan625
Posts
1689
Joined
9/14/2019
Location
Lynnwood, WA US
Ryan625 1/21/2021 7:03pm
1/21/2021 7:03pm
I was trying to decide between these two bikes as well. If GasGas does a 350 I’ll be tempted to get one next time around, but I’m in love with the YZ250F
2

The Shop

See All »
Deadric
Profile picture for user Deadric
Posts
358
Joined
11/2/2020
Location
Walden, CO US
Deadric 1/21/2021 7:10pm
1/21/2021 7:10pm Edited Date/Time 1/21/2021 7:13pm
You'd be just fine on a YZ250F with stiffer springs. I personally like the 350 better because of the extra power and I feel KTMs suspension is better now days. I find the YZ suspension annoyingly plush.
luckyguy19
Profile picture for user luckyguy19
Posts
253
Joined
10/24/2011
Location
Albuquerque, NM US
luckyguy19 1/21/2021 7:17pm
1/21/2021 7:17pm Edited Date/Time 1/21/2021 7:20pm
I own a 19 YZ250F and 19 YZ450F, honestly the 250 is one of my favorite bikes I've ever owned. Its amazing how much low end power it has for a 250F. I rode an 18 350SX this past Sunday. My biggest take away what the let down of power over my YZ250F. But it too was great fun to ride. I'm 165 lbs, at 215 lbs I would probably lean toward the 350. But I really love my Yamaha's and their great suspension, come on Yamaha make a YZ350F.
rpm.15
Profile picture for user rpm.15
Posts
58
Joined
12/26/2018
Location
Wenatchee, WA US
rpm.15 1/21/2021 7:38pm
1/21/2021 7:38pm
If only Yamaha made a YZ 350.... I'd buy 2 of them. 🏁
10
Wildeye511
Profile picture for user Wildeye511
Posts
772
Joined
10/1/2014
Location
Las Vegas, NV US
Wildeye511 1/21/2021 8:17pm
1/21/2021 8:17pm
I loved my 16 YZF 250, decided to try the 350 and I have been having the most fun I have ever had on a dirt bike. I was going to keep both, but realized I only wanted to ride the 350 so I sold the Yamaha.
crusher773
Profile picture for user crusher773
Posts
2007
Joined
12/23/2009
Location
Coweta, OK US
crusher773 1/21/2021 8:47pm
1/21/2021 8:47pm
350 no question
1
1
NorCal1975
Profile picture for user NorCal1975
Posts
537
Joined
12/27/2019
Location
Northern California, CA US
NorCal1975 1/21/2021 8:52pm
1/21/2021 8:52pm Edited Date/Time 1/21/2021 8:52pm
Love4Moto wrote:
Been battling what bike to get next. Really like both these options. I just don’t know if I’m to heavy for the 250f or if with...
Been battling what bike to get next. Really like both these options. I just don’t know if I’m to heavy for the 250f or if with the right springs I will be just fine. I’m 6’3” 215lbs. Which one of these bikes would perform better for me. And which one is best bang for my buck? Looking at 2021 options for both models. I ride motocross on intermediate terrain. Mostly track but every once in a while I hit a trail.
Think about the cost of maintenance to if you ride a lot. A 250 will likely cost a lot more to maintain, especially at your size and if you ride pretty hard. 450 would probably cost less in the long run IMO, don't know if you are considering a 450 or not though...
1
1
yzf162
Profile picture for user yzf162
Posts
259
Joined
6/23/2020
Location
Grant Park, IL US
yzf162 1/21/2021 10:38pm
1/21/2021 10:38pm Edited Date/Time 1/21/2021 10:41pm
Here's the questions you have to ask yourself to pick.

Do you want a aluminum frame or steel frame which do you prefer. Another frame one I like is when sitting or standing on one which feels better for you gripping with your legs.
And
Would you like a bike with more overall power and work on the suspension or would you prefer really good suspension but need more motor.

They're both great bikes you can't go wrong with either choice and a lot more similar in terms of motor compared to other 250's and all 450's

1
motorick5052
Profile picture for user motorick5052
Posts
782
Joined
9/8/2018
Location
Hillbillyville , FM US
motorick5052 1/21/2021 10:50pm
1/21/2021 10:50pm
I recently made the very move that you describe!
I have always ridden 450’s and prefer to ONLY ride Moto, however two of my coworkers and best riding buddies will ONLY ride & race off-road after both had similar bad experiences at the local motocross track on separate occasions!
As I was not interested in turning my pristine 2019 KX450 into a trail bike, I sold it and purchased a KTM XCF350 and set it up for me. I’m 6’1” / 200 before gear and I am very happy with the 350 in every circumstance!
The 350 has more than enough power at the moto track and feels like a VERY fast 250F riding Motocross, and it feels very light and agile with excellent power in the off-road riding environment too!
I’m very happy with my 350, it is a great “do it all” machine and glad I made the move although for what its worth you couldn’t possibly go wrong with a YZ250f either!
My son had several of that very bike over the years too and that is one fabulous machine too!
The KYB SSS suspension is hard to beat and a happy bonus is the legendary Yamaha reliability too!

Either way you go, both are really great bikes and I don’t think you’ll be disappointed!
Good luck with your decision!
3
Wildeye511
Profile picture for user Wildeye511
Posts
772
Joined
10/1/2014
Location
Las Vegas, NV US
Wildeye511 1/21/2021 10:54pm
1/21/2021 10:54pm
yzf162 wrote:
Here's the questions you have to ask yourself to pick. Do you want a aluminum frame or steel frame which do you prefer. Another frame one...
Here's the questions you have to ask yourself to pick.

Do you want a aluminum frame or steel frame which do you prefer. Another frame one I like is when sitting or standing on one which feels better for you gripping with your legs.
And
Would you like a bike with more overall power and work on the suspension or would you prefer really good suspension but need more motor.

They're both great bikes you can't go wrong with either choice and a lot more similar in terms of motor compared to other 250's and all 450's

Very true, but with being over 200 lbs will have to adjust the suspension no matter what. I am lucky that I took mine to Fineline in St. George and they did an amazing job and made the air fork work for me. I honestly believe its about personal preference and what is comfortable to the rider.
1
Baton Rouge 1/22/2021 1:05am
1/22/2021 1:05am
Well i just went from a 350 FC 2019 with Factory KYB fork and shock to a 250 YZF 2021 (GET ECU, full fmf pipe). You can find both of my bike on "bike checks" or in the bike build topics.

My 250 YZF has the suspension revalve to my weight (210 lbs) and man i tell you right now it is my favorite bike by far !

I didn't gel with the 350 (but many does so don't base your choice on one opinion). The power of the 350 is soft down low (which is fine) but then hit like rocket ship mid/up top. It's not a 250 and it's not a 450 in terms of power so after 40 hours on it, i never get confortable.

Then the new frame, for my speed (B rider) and on my tracks (hard packs all year long) the new frame is too rigid (compared to my 250 sxf 2017) and the handling is not like a 250, don't expect to felt light like a 250.

Now onto the new Yamaha, man that bike has really good low end (even for heavier rider, you can use 3rd in many corner if you want too) and the GET ECU gave me the top end power i was looking for.The handling is awesome, so stable, safe and yet remain light in the corner.

For a B rider weekend warrior the new 250 YZF is just perfect. But if you are a racer, A level, maybe the 350 will match your speed better
luke11
Profile picture for user luke11
Posts
679
Joined
6/4/2018
Location
Worcestershire GB
luke11 1/22/2021 2:49am
1/22/2021 2:49am
I’m around 200lb and I’ve always had 250fs as in my opinion, unless your one of the best in the world a 450 is too much but recently got a 2020 350.
It’s an amazing bike and can’t fault, feels just as light as any 250 I’ve had but that lil extra torque is really handy especially in soft stuff.
Heard the yzf is amazing though and I don’t think you can go wrong either way, I was in the same boat and only went ktm because I spotted a great deal and as I’ve never had an Austrian bike before i wanted to give it a try.
SCC
Profile picture for user SCC
Posts
386
Joined
10/16/2019
Location
Los Angeles, CA US
SCC 1/22/2021 7:14am
1/22/2021 7:14am
6’3 215lbs plus 25lbs of riding gear? Your literally the guy 450’s are made for.
mattman631
Profile picture for user mattman631
Posts
330
Joined
12/16/2015
Location
Mcalester, OK US
mattman631 1/22/2021 8:11am
1/22/2021 8:11am
I just recently bought a 350 xcf after waiting months for the yz250fx to arrive and just giving up. Before I made my decision I had a two day race. On saturday I raced a 250fx, was not impressed, on sunday I rode a buddies KTM 450XCf and could not believe how well it handled and of course the power. This got me to thinking heavy about the 350 (im only 160#). Now that I have a 350 and have approx. 20hrs on it I am so glad I did not get a 250fx. Obviously I ride offroad but the 350 is perfect for what I do and Ill never look back.
2
AH387
Profile picture for user AH387
Posts
1614
Joined
8/29/2019
Location
Bridgeville, PA US
AH387 1/22/2021 8:46am
1/22/2021 8:46am
I went from the previous gen YZ250F to a 17 FC350. This summer, I will be going back to a '22 YZ250F. That is no slight against the 350, as it is an incredible bike. But I just felt like I gave the 350 a few years to adjust to, tweaked it how I wanted it etc. But the YZ250F is more hop-on and go, for me. I always feel comfortable on then and how the power is. The 350 is smooth down low and really ramps up. But for where I ride, that huge hp jump doesn't really give me much of an advantage over how I would ride the YZ. On the YZ I just feel like I can be on the attack and just know that I may need to shift again for that last little part of the track, even if I don't want to. The 350 is like the opposite. You have to make sure you run the gears out and sometimes since the gears are so long, I find myself in a weird spot. Hard to explain. It truly comes down to rider preference, and how/where you are riding. The 350 would still be my 2nd choice for my next bike, but after trying one, I think I just want to get another YZ again and see how that goes.
2

Pit Row

See All »
loftyair
Profile picture for user loftyair
Posts
2898
Joined
7/3/2009
Location
riverside, CA US
loftyair 1/22/2021 8:56am
1/22/2021 8:56am
215? 350 or not happy!
Sr_Vet_Rider 1/22/2021 9:14am
1/22/2021 9:14am
350 has made my motocross track riding, way more enjoyable. I’m sure the YZF 250 is a great bike, but if you’re not racing it in a non-vet class, I’d try and ride a 350 before making your decision.
fourfourone
Profile picture for user fourfourone
Posts
3042
Joined
10/14/2017
Location
86oh, CT US
fourfourone 1/22/2021 10:19am
1/22/2021 10:19am Edited Date/Time 1/22/2021 10:19am
I still don't get why people think that you MUST have a 450 if your over 200 pounds. Any modern 250f will carry someone's 200 pounds ass around the track no problem.
13
1
EriCS1991
Profile picture for user EriCS1991
Posts
124
Joined
6/26/2020
Location
Hopewell Junction, NY US
EriCS1991 1/22/2021 10:22am
1/22/2021 10:22am
I’m a c rider and was around 210lbs without gear at 6’ in height and ride an 18 yz250f. I can’t see power being an issue unless your an expert or at least a fast b rider. I never once wished I had more power, like Keefer said you don’t need a bigger bike you need to learn to ride it faster. I would buy what fits you the best because you are a taller rider. My 250f has no issues hauling my ass around any track even in sand.
1
Leeham
Profile picture for user Leeham
Posts
1155
Joined
10/29/2018
Location
Rochester, WA US
Leeham 1/22/2021 11:03am
1/22/2021 11:03am
fourfourone wrote:
I still don't get why people think that you MUST have a 450 if your over 200 pounds. Any modern 250f will carry someone's 200 pounds...
I still don't get why people think that you MUST have a 450 if your over 200 pounds. Any modern 250f will carry someone's 200 pounds ass around the track no problem.
Exactly. My younger brother is 250# and hes cruises just fine on his 19 yz250f. I mean he isnt wicked fast but he can get over bigger jumps no issue. Just has to carry enough corner speed. 450 would make him just rely on power vs technique. Happened to me, 17 KTM 250 SX then got a 19 CRF250R. Complete opposites of the spectrum, but I got faster on the 250F
G-man
Profile picture for user G-man
Posts
8899
Joined
4/1/2008
Location
Mesa, AZ US
G-man 1/22/2021 12:10pm
1/22/2021 12:10pm
350 all day long, but if I was you I would get the 350 XCF--a much more versatile machine and track worthy.
1
2
cloud41
Profile picture for user cloud41
Posts
276
Joined
8/28/2020
Location
Chicago, IL US
cloud41 1/22/2021 2:48pm
1/22/2021 2:48pm
Yz 250 (two stroke) way more fun than both bikes
7
Pirate421
Profile picture for user Pirate421
Posts
1826
Joined
7/26/2015
Location
MA US
Pirate421 1/22/2021 3:36pm
1/22/2021 3:36pm
Don’t sleep on the 250xc tpi! I ride moto on mine all the time it’s super fast, efi, electric start and so much fun to ride. You could throw a 19” wheel on it but way unnecessary I think.
1
Love4Moto
Profile picture for user Love4Moto
Posts
40
Joined
12/11/2020
Location
Pea Ridge, AR US
Love4Moto 1/22/2021 4:59pm
1/22/2021 4:59pm
I agree that they need to make a yz350f. I would have never asked the question if there was.
PTshox
Profile picture for user PTshox
Posts
1583
Joined
10/1/2011
Location
Highland Village, TX US
PTshox 1/22/2021 5:12pm
1/22/2021 5:12pm
Love4Moto wrote:
I agree that they need to make a yz350f. I would have never asked the question if there was.
They make a 350FX and they would sell the heck out of them.

I have a 16 350XCF and have been looking for a 2020 250FX to mod. I don't ride tracks. Just off road. I like the way that FX handles.
Myke
Profile picture for user Myke
Posts
2500
Joined
9/28/2009
Location
San Diego, CA US
Myke 1/22/2021 5:22pm
1/22/2021 5:22pm
yz250f for me. I have a '19 and it has just enough power to go as fast as I want but not tooo much that I am afraid of it. 5'-11 235 vet rider



2
kage173
Profile picture for user kage173
Posts
2942
Joined
11/27/2015
Location
TX US
kage173 1/22/2021 5:24pm
1/22/2021 5:24pm
350. No mods. More reliable.
1
1

Post a reply to: YZ250f or SXF350