Which 2-stroke, 250+?

If your local Beta dealer is in your good books, and you like the bikes (I like them too, for what it's worth), could you let them know you're looking for a legit low hour trade-in or a leftover or something, or just hang fire for a little bit and scrape some extra dollar together?

I'm tempted to try a new 250 KTM, but I'll probably try a YZ next just to tick it off the list, feels like we've all got to have one some time. Or a 200 Beta if I'm feeling fancy by then. If I were your age I'm sure I'd be leaning toward something with electric start and probably fuel injection, though that is far less critical.

No useful info at all in this post, apologies, but I totally hear you on the tough choice.

At this point....i would definitely pick a KTM/ GG/ Husky.   The YZ250 was my first choice up until this year.  The Euro 2 strokes are killing it right now.  Easier to keep on the pipe.....

23 YZ 250 and call it a day. Loving mine and the Keihin carb is low stress. Do it all bike.

The electric start cant seriously be a factor lol.

Yamaha. Theres a soul within a YZ250 that is in no other bike. Idk how else to explain it. Fun to ride, fun to mod, cheap to own, easy as all get out to work on, abundance of information.

"Beta - + love my local dealer - too much money"

If that's the only negative, "too much money" seems like an anti-justification for a dude already shopping this price range.

Being familiar with a yz250 long term my 21 250sx. My friend has a 21 beta rx300 I've ridden it a couple of times. He loves it. It's a great bike rides it mainly mx. Its equally fun woods as well. 

If I was following the kiss rule 

1. Beta RX300 

2. Yz250/X 

3. XC300

If not following the kiss rule 

1. XC300 prefer the new 24 spring fork

2. Beta RX300 

3. YZ250/X 

Must admit was starting to get jealous when I'm kicking my 250sx over on those cold mornings and he just hits a button on his rx300 and it lights right up. 

I too am a bit leary on the new ktm's fuel pumps ccps problems tps issues etc. Not overly complicated but more stuff you have to keep an eye on. Carbs are easy to rebuild. 

I'm "only" 48 but was in your exact spot earlier this year. I lean a little heavier to track riding, but like to ride trails every now and then. I went with the new KTM 250 SX coming from a KTM 450 XC-F. Couldn't be happier with the decision both with the 250 motor and the SX over the XC. The bike feels 30 pounds lighter than my 450 (I know it isn't that much lighter on the scale, but feel is more important to me). Engine is enough power for me to jump most of the smaller doubles on my home track but it doesn't wear me out. I like the SX over the XC for several reasons, but mainly for these: much lower cost and the firmer SX suspension was a win for me. I'm 218 pounds so the SX valving/spring combo worked great for me with no money out of pocket. I just spin the clickers pretty far out and run the air fork down at about 125 pounds and it works for my size/skill level. Good luck!!

The best do it all bike ImO is a KTM 300xc… and great resale value. I Have the 300SX, after some tuning it is epic, can GNCC or Mx on it with just a few clicks of the adjusters.  I know Yz250”s are good bikes, I have had several years ago… it’s just hard to excited about 2006 technologies…

For the record: Multiple folks in recent posts have boasted Gas Gas purchases significantly below that in your region, but those rebates may have expired at beginning of month,

You can do significantly better than that I think. Check across state lines and ditch the tax. It just goes to bottom surgeries for the navy anyways lol.

Man, sure is a shame we keep swapping in "2006 Technology" into our 2024 ktms huh? At least my 2006 tech doesnt stall when i hammer the throttle like my 2022 GasGas does either. Silly....

why not an mc250? i almost pulled the trigger on a new 23 for $7500otd about a month ago. Im not sure if they still have the rebate going on or not.

YZ. Best 250 motor ever made. Years and years of support and development, excellent parts availability, and cost effective maintenance. You can make it into whatever you want, but off the showroom floor, it’s an excellent bike. Lug it, rev it, short shift it, whatever you want. I’ve got 1000s of hours riding YZ250s and they feel like a glove every time I strap one back on. They do nothing wrong. 

I will say. The new Euro smokers do tempt me.

A somewhat local dealer to me is in that price range before tax. They can be slow to update their page when things go out of stock, but the prices they are showing were updated recently so it is worth a call/email.

https://www.spykesktm.com/inventory/2023-gasgas-mc-250-lafayette-in-479…

Tpi bikes are generally slower than carb or tbi but the oil injection is convenient and no jetting to mess with. The main thing that seems to go wrong with them is the crankcase pressure sensors. They still have mechanical power valves so that is one thing that you can adjust without breaking into the ecu. There are probably more ecu tuning options available for now on the tpi since they have been out for a while. 

The current models aren't TPI

Hey alph.  I just picked up a GasGas MC250 with the big rebate going on.  so far so good.  Only have a couple hours on it but liking it so far.  I figured this is the last chance to get an Austrian 250 without all the extra non required electronics.

The gasgas ex and ec are. 

My suggestion would be the YZ250x. Best bike I’ve ever had. Plenty fast on a moto track for the average guy. Works great in the woods with the softer suspension valving. Handles great. TONS of aftermarket parts to dial in the bike for you. Check out some reviews on the bike. Most magazines said it’s one of the best do it all bikes on the market. 

I'm excited about the '84 technology in your avatar. 

OP, my vote is for the YZ250. I can't imagine a more reliable, solid MX machine. Who cares if it's down a few HP? You're downsizing off a 450 anyway. 

There are lots of pluses and minuses 

I have never dealt with air forks yet but Yamaha suspension is a pretty big plus.

I jumped on the KTM/Husky/Gas wagon after riding one and handling sucked me into riding them.

Next stop on the calendar is 72 Years Young - Riding a 2022 YZ250 and love it. So much fun. My right leg is 1 1/2" short then add  back a 3/4" lifts on the boot plus some inflexiblity issues - the bike still is easy to start.

So much fun that now I have added a 2023 YZ125 (now 144).

23 300sx is my Goldilocks bike!

Got a few questions. pm'd you.

I think they are all good these days, but it would be hard to deny the discounts on GasGas right now.