125 vs 250 2 stroke

cskgo
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cskgo
Over the past few days I have been thinking about getting a 250 2 stroke, in a pretty experienced rider and am pretty confident. I currently have a fully built 05 kx 125 lectron carb full exhaust ect I ride beach, moto and trails so the whole lot really but not a hard out racer however do enjoy a race day here and there so mainly fast paced riding, I really do love my 125 it’s super light handles great and has pretty good power, However I’ve been wondering if a 250 is more suited to me as I sometimes feel like I’m pushing the 125 to it’s limits especially on the beach but my main concerns are the weight, I’m not there strongest guy in the world but know how to move a bike. Is the weight super noticeable or does the power balance it out. How is the powerband compared between the 2 and how is the handling between the 2. Love the 125 but could occasionally do with a little bit more power depending on the riding I do or would the 125 be better as I’m able to really throw the bike around and ride it properly. Thanks guys
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Last Braaap
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Last Braaap 10/5/2021 1:03am
10/5/2021 1:03am Edited Date/Time 10/5/2021 1:03am
If you are "pretty confident" why not shoot for the stars? And by that i literally mean entering the exosphere after a short ride on CR500....

So why not 500 2t?
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#434
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#434 10/5/2021 2:29am
10/5/2021 2:29am
Buy a current generation Austrian 125/150 and get the jetting right. I think you'll be surprised of how much power they are making.

250 2t are dead... Enjoy the feeling of lightness on a 125 or just move on to a fourstroke.
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WhyZed125 10/5/2021 5:27am
10/5/2021 5:27am
The handling and feeling of weight are close enough to be ignored for me. The 250 2stroke power is great after riding a 125 and easier to use than you might think. Just gotta remember that mistakes that are funny on the 125 might be a loop out on the 250.
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Slowride858
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Slowride858 10/5/2021 5:48am
10/5/2021 5:48am
The current Austrian 250 smokers are pretty awesome bikes. Very usable power, but plenty of it. The ability to easily tune the power valve to your liking is also pretty nice. I don't have personal experience with the Yamahas, but it seems that they have made some improvements to that bike as well. 250 two-strokes are far from dead, go to an amateur race and you will see plenty of fast kids riding them now. So to answer the OP question, if you feel confident on the 125 but want more, absolutely try the 250. The weight difference isn't enough to really mess with the handling. They are still light feeling.
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murph783
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murph783 10/5/2021 5:59am
10/5/2021 5:59am
IMO the 250 2 stroke is the bike to have. It’s not so much power that it’s constantly trying to rip your arms off like a 450, but not so little that you’re constantly wringing it’s neck like a 125. Like Goldilocks said, juuuuust right
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#434
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#434 10/5/2021 6:21am
10/5/2021 6:21am
Oh come on guys where's the advantage to a modern 250f.
The SXF250 e.g. weighs only 3.5 kilos (with e-start) more than the SX250. It has a more balanced handling, much more traction, peak power is lower, but the usable powerband is twice as wide. You never have to fiddle with that damned Mikuni carb or mix gas. It sounds better, but that's about it.
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mj731
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mj731 10/5/2021 6:22am
10/5/2021 6:22am
I'm interested in people's opinions on this. I've had the same thoughts about getting a 250 but with the used bike prices still a little high I was thinking about having some engine work done on the 125 first. I'm hoping I can get the extra power out of it that I'm looking for and if not I will be looking for a 250.
RDnutz
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RDnutz 10/5/2021 7:09am
10/5/2021 7:09am
There's several nice choices in 150cc and 200cc 2T out there as well. Might consider them as the sweet spot between "a little more power than a 125" but not really needing the 250 for most your riding.
Falcon
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Falcon 10/5/2021 8:23am
10/5/2021 8:23am
#434 wrote:
Oh come on guys where's the advantage to a modern 250f. The SXF250 e.g. weighs only 3.5 kilos (with e-start) more than the SX250. It has...
Oh come on guys where's the advantage to a modern 250f.
The SXF250 e.g. weighs only 3.5 kilos (with e-start) more than the SX250. It has a more balanced handling, much more traction, peak power is lower, but the usable powerband is twice as wide. You never have to fiddle with that damned Mikuni carb or mix gas. It sounds better, but that's about it.
My clapped out '06 YZ250 will eat that modern 250F's lunch all day long in any condition except a watered, hardpack, off-camber, uphill corner. Period.




To the OP, 250 2-strokes are awesome. You will definitely notice it has more weight, but you will likely do just fine with some practice. You will notice the extra power more than the extra weight.
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Teejay
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Teejay 10/5/2021 8:41am
10/5/2021 8:41am
If you like the 125 it’s highly likely you’ll get along with a 250 2t. Still the light and free feeling of a 2 stroke with the help of more torque and power. If you have the chance to keep both then it’s the best all round situation. Does make me laugh when someone doesn’t even mention an interest in 4 strokes yet people act like they’re wasting their time with anything but a 250f.
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Moto520
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Moto520 10/5/2021 8:50am
10/5/2021 8:50am
I'd go with the 250
#434
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#434 10/5/2021 8:51am
10/5/2021 8:51am
Teejay wrote:
If you like the 125 it’s highly likely you’ll get along with a 250 2t. Still the light and free feeling of a 2 stroke with...
If you like the 125 it’s highly likely you’ll get along with a 250 2t. Still the light and free feeling of a 2 stroke with the help of more torque and power. If you have the chance to keep both then it’s the best all round situation. Does make me laugh when someone doesn’t even mention an interest in 4 strokes yet people act like they’re wasting their time with anything but a 250f.
That's not what I said. He likes his old 125 and is looking for more power, so I suggested a newer austrian 125. I own a 2017 125sx and the thing (if jetted right) is incredible.
And anybody that says a 250 2t rides like a 125 with more power is full of sh..
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yz133rider
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yz133rider 10/5/2021 9:14am
10/5/2021 9:14am
#434 wrote:
Oh come on guys where's the advantage to a modern 250f. The SXF250 e.g. weighs only 3.5 kilos (with e-start) more than the SX250. It has...
Oh come on guys where's the advantage to a modern 250f.
The SXF250 e.g. weighs only 3.5 kilos (with e-start) more than the SX250. It has a more balanced handling, much more traction, peak power is lower, but the usable powerband is twice as wide. You never have to fiddle with that damned Mikuni carb or mix gas. It sounds better, but that's about it.
Falcon wrote:
My clapped out '06 YZ250 will eat that modern 250F's lunch all day long in any condition except a watered, hardpack, off-camber, uphill corner. Period. To...
My clapped out '06 YZ250 will eat that modern 250F's lunch all day long in any condition except a watered, hardpack, off-camber, uphill corner. Period.




To the OP, 250 2-strokes are awesome. You will definitely notice it has more weight, but you will likely do just fine with some practice. You will notice the extra power more than the extra weight.
It’s just not true. A new Austrian 250f makes like 44hp and revs to 14,000 rpms. Making strong power for 8k rpms. Your clapped 06 makes maybe 2-4 more at peak and makes strong power for 4krpms and drops like a rock after peak. And peak is like 9k.

5-10 years ago you were correct but anymore it’s not true.

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AJ565
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AJ565 10/5/2021 10:48am
10/5/2021 10:48am
Teejay wrote:
If you like the 125 it’s highly likely you’ll get along with a 250 2t. Still the light and free feeling of a 2 stroke with...
If you like the 125 it’s highly likely you’ll get along with a 250 2t. Still the light and free feeling of a 2 stroke with the help of more torque and power. If you have the chance to keep both then it’s the best all round situation. Does make me laugh when someone doesn’t even mention an interest in 4 strokes yet people act like they’re wasting their time with anything but a 250f.
#434 wrote:
That's not what I said. He likes his old 125 and is looking for more power, so I suggested a newer austrian 125. I own a...
That's not what I said. He likes his old 125 and is looking for more power, so I suggested a newer austrian 125. I own a 2017 125sx and the thing (if jetted right) is incredible.
And anybody that says a 250 2t rides like a 125 with more power is full of sh..
I don’t know about that, I ride my 250 exactly like a 125 and it’s pretty rewarding. It lugs fine, but keep it wrung out and I have no problem keeping or pulling 450’s.
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Teejay
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Teejay 10/5/2021 11:00am
10/5/2021 11:00am
Teejay wrote:
If you like the 125 it’s highly likely you’ll get along with a 250 2t. Still the light and free feeling of a 2 stroke with...
If you like the 125 it’s highly likely you’ll get along with a 250 2t. Still the light and free feeling of a 2 stroke with the help of more torque and power. If you have the chance to keep both then it’s the best all round situation. Does make me laugh when someone doesn’t even mention an interest in 4 strokes yet people act like they’re wasting their time with anything but a 250f.
#434 wrote:
That's not what I said. He likes his old 125 and is looking for more power, so I suggested a newer austrian 125. I own a...
That's not what I said. He likes his old 125 and is looking for more power, so I suggested a newer austrian 125. I own a 2017 125sx and the thing (if jetted right) is incredible.
And anybody that says a 250 2t rides like a 125 with more power is full of sh..
My point was if you already like the engine characteristics of the 125 you’ll easily transition to the extra power of the 250. I just found when you said “250 2t are dead” a massively sweeping statement, lots of people still love the bigger 2 strokes and have fun with them as their main bike.
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Falcon
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Falcon 10/5/2021 11:37am
10/5/2021 11:37am
#434 wrote:
Oh come on guys where's the advantage to a modern 250f. The SXF250 e.g. weighs only 3.5 kilos (with e-start) more than the SX250. It has...
Oh come on guys where's the advantage to a modern 250f.
The SXF250 e.g. weighs only 3.5 kilos (with e-start) more than the SX250. It has a more balanced handling, much more traction, peak power is lower, but the usable powerband is twice as wide. You never have to fiddle with that damned Mikuni carb or mix gas. It sounds better, but that's about it.
Falcon wrote:
My clapped out '06 YZ250 will eat that modern 250F's lunch all day long in any condition except a watered, hardpack, off-camber, uphill corner. Period. To...
My clapped out '06 YZ250 will eat that modern 250F's lunch all day long in any condition except a watered, hardpack, off-camber, uphill corner. Period.




To the OP, 250 2-strokes are awesome. You will definitely notice it has more weight, but you will likely do just fine with some practice. You will notice the extra power more than the extra weight.
yz133rider wrote:
It’s just not true. A new Austrian 250f makes like 44hp and revs to 14,000 rpms. Making strong power for 8k rpms. Your clapped 06 makes...
It’s just not true. A new Austrian 250f makes like 44hp and revs to 14,000 rpms. Making strong power for 8k rpms. Your clapped 06 makes maybe 2-4 more at peak and makes strong power for 4krpms and drops like a rock after peak. And peak is like 9k.

5-10 years ago you were correct but anymore it’s not true.

I wholeheartedly disagree. Dyno figures don't tell the whole story. Easier to ride? Sure. There's no doubt that riders of any skill have more of their motorcycle's peak HP on tap with a 4-stroke. It's one of the only true benefits of the damn things. Faster cc to cc? Hell no. Not since the first YZ250F in 2004 and not today.



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MPJC
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MPJC 10/5/2021 11:40am
10/5/2021 11:40am
I have a TM 144 and it’s really quick when you’re on your game - mentally sharp, aggressive, and constantly shifting. It handles like a dream and is about as good as a small bore 2 stroke gets. I also have a YZ 250 and the difference in torque is massive, even if the difference in max hp isn’t huge. The 250 is a bit more tiring to ride and the rougher the track gets the more I prefer the 144. For woods, my YZ has a flywheel weight and is awesome - effortlessly torques up hills that small bores need to be on the pipe to climb. For sheer fun, I don’t think the 144 can be beat. You feel like a hero on that bike. You can be constantly cracking the throttle wide open in a way that, unless you’re much more skilled than me, would wad you up on a 250. I definitely ride the 250 with much more caution. If I had to keep one, it would be the 144 for the fun factor. If I was younger and really cared about how fast I was going, I’d get that 250 dialed in and learn to really properly use that power.
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Grovesy98
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Grovesy98 10/5/2021 2:57pm
10/5/2021 2:57pm
Definitely consider the KTM SX150. I have one now, and also raced a YZ250 for the 2019 season. The 250 has more low down torque, but the 150 when on the pipe isn't that far off power wise in the mid range and top end. The 150 feels lighter and definitely more manageable, but I do loose out on starts against the bigger bikes
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cskgo
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cskgo 10/5/2021 3:05pm
10/5/2021 3:05pm
Grovesy98 wrote:
Definitely consider the KTM SX150. I have one now, and also raced a YZ250 for the 2019 season. The 250 has more low down torque, but...
Definitely consider the KTM SX150. I have one now, and also raced a YZ250 for the 2019 season. The 250 has more low down torque, but the 150 when on the pipe isn't that far off power wise in the mid range and top end. The 150 feels lighter and definitely more manageable, but I do loose out on starts against the bigger bikes
Yeah I have thought about a 150 but wasn’t to sure if the difference would be enough to put money into, I’m young and fund all my riding but don’t mind spending a decent amount just not over the top that being said, how would it compare to my kx 125 I feel it’s quite fast for a 125 and is set up perfectly, would the 150 make much of a difference or would it be better to just go to the 250. ( thanks for all the replies guys helps a lot )
Grovesy98
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Grovesy98 10/5/2021 3:10pm
10/5/2021 3:10pm
Grovesy98 wrote:
Definitely consider the KTM SX150. I have one now, and also raced a YZ250 for the 2019 season. The 250 has more low down torque, but...
Definitely consider the KTM SX150. I have one now, and also raced a YZ250 for the 2019 season. The 250 has more low down torque, but the 150 when on the pipe isn't that far off power wise in the mid range and top end. The 150 feels lighter and definitely more manageable, but I do loose out on starts against the bigger bikes
cskgo wrote:
Yeah I have thought about a 150 but wasn’t to sure if the difference would be enough to put money into, I’m young and fund all...
Yeah I have thought about a 150 but wasn’t to sure if the difference would be enough to put money into, I’m young and fund all my riding but don’t mind spending a decent amount just not over the top that being said, how would it compare to my kx 125 I feel it’s quite fast for a 125 and is set up perfectly, would the 150 make much of a difference or would it be better to just go to the 250. ( thanks for all the replies guys helps a lot )
I've had quite a few 125s in the past. Honda, Yamaha, Suzuki, KTM, and the modern SX150 blows all of them away. It does depend on what tracks you ride though. A tighter smaller track is perfect for the 150, but a long wide open track with big hills etc then I'd rather be on the 250. Most tracks I ride here in the UK are suited to smaller bikes better
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cskgo
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cskgo 10/5/2021 4:17pm
10/5/2021 4:17pm
Grovesy98 wrote:
Definitely consider the KTM SX150. I have one now, and also raced a YZ250 for the 2019 season. The 250 has more low down torque, but...
Definitely consider the KTM SX150. I have one now, and also raced a YZ250 for the 2019 season. The 250 has more low down torque, but the 150 when on the pipe isn't that far off power wise in the mid range and top end. The 150 feels lighter and definitely more manageable, but I do loose out on starts against the bigger bikes
cskgo wrote:
Yeah I have thought about a 150 but wasn’t to sure if the difference would be enough to put money into, I’m young and fund all...
Yeah I have thought about a 150 but wasn’t to sure if the difference would be enough to put money into, I’m young and fund all my riding but don’t mind spending a decent amount just not over the top that being said, how would it compare to my kx 125 I feel it’s quite fast for a 125 and is set up perfectly, would the 150 make much of a difference or would it be better to just go to the 250. ( thanks for all the replies guys helps a lot )
Grovesy98 wrote:
I've had quite a few 125s in the past. Honda, Yamaha, Suzuki, KTM, and the modern SX150 blows all of them away. It does depend on...
I've had quite a few 125s in the past. Honda, Yamaha, Suzuki, KTM, and the modern SX150 blows all of them away. It does depend on what tracks you ride though. A tighter smaller track is perfect for the 150, but a long wide open track with big hills etc then I'd rather be on the 250. Most tracks I ride here in the UK are suited to smaller bikes better
I think that could be a good idea, will start keeping a eye out for a 150. thanks
Nicholas_Hebert 11/15/2022 10:05pm
11/15/2022 10:05pm
Little late to the party but, If you haven’t already decided, I’d keep the 125 for trails, far faster as they rev higher (unless you have the 250 geared for speed) and just more fun in my opinion. I have a 2001 cr125 and 2001 cr250, while the 250 is beyond fun and far more torquey, I have way more fun riding the pipe on the 125 in trail situations. Hardly a noticeable difference in weight and I’m also not very strong or heavy ahah. but the 250 feels far stiffer, vibrates the daylights out of me (aluminum frame 2t life) and does not feel well suited for trails but makes due. If you ride a lot of beach/sand the 250 will feel alot better with the extra torque and not having to rev as high to get the power you need, but as I always say 125’s are track day specials and ringing them out, nothings sounds or feels better. Just my 2 sence as a strictly trail rider, never been on a “real track” but have played plenty on home made sand pit tracks and trails.

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