23 FC250 or 24 YZ250f?

The FC is a good deal. Air-forks is an ongoing argument in here; but, I’ve had excellent air fork set ups from PC, FC, AEO, Enzo & JBI.

I think it will be a bit of a challenge to get a deal in the new YZF when it comes out. 

FC. Proven competitive bike. Convert to coil if you don’t gel with the air fork. Shorter seat height too. 

What do you mean by proven competitive bike? YZ-F isn't proven by winning several championship in the last few years?

If we judge on the performance of YZ450F, the 24' YZ250F should be very competitive, but like TeamGreen said, it might be challenging to purchase in the first few weeks/months and it definitely won't cost $7,000.

7k for an FC250 is a great deal but the yz250f could be a real homerun when it comes out. 

Just picked up a new 2023 FC250 and love it, coming from a 19 FC450 with spring conversion.  Rode it once and feel right at home on the air, 160 pounds vet guy, doubt I have the suspension done it feels good.  Not sure on the 24 YZ250F but if the fix the timing chain deal where you don’t need to replace ever 20 hours then it would be hard to rule out.

I'll give you my perspective... I am the same size as you and I never had issues with air forks on a 2017 KTM. Also, I rode a new FC 250 at Cahuilla (not a smooth track) and it was very nice/composed.  It didn't do anything bad, honestly. Only feedback I'd say that jumped out to me is one of the maps had too soft of a bottom end feel and the other map had much better grunt off the bottom. From what I've read/listened to from people, it seems like heavier people have issues with the air fork setup.

Good chassis, strong running, has the ability to win, decent reviews in shootouts and word of mouth. That sort of stuff makes it proven competitive. 
 

Don’t have to worry about the timing chain failing either 

Have you met Profeshenal? He'll see that CR 125 of yours right.

The overwhelming consensus seems to be Yamaha in the 250 game, but that is a blinding deal on the Husky and if you ride it like you should ride a 250 I bet you'll enjoy it. Friend of mine has had a '19 FC since new and still loves it, it just works for him, light and rev happy.

What about a honda? I love my 22 crf250. Great power and one of the easiest bikes I have ever ridden. Super light too. The bike makes me feel like a super hero in the corners. 

Suspension can be a bit tricky to set up but if you're a true B rider, you're probably going to get your suspension re-valved anyway. 

$7k for a FC250 seems like a steal. I would go with that. Also, do they have another one for $7k? lol

And what about the FC bike

Joke aside, both bikes are great. YZ250F has won various shootouts and championships in the last few years. It's a championship bike and with the improvements done with 23 YZ450F, which made it a championship bike, we can only assume the 24 YZ250F will be significantly better.

However, if I could get 23 FC new for $7000, I wouldn't wait for the 24 (or would sell it once I race it and 24 YZ250F comes out)

Back in the fall I wanted a 23 YZ250F.  Couldn’t find one at a dealer if I had gun to head.  Bought a 23 Honda.  I’d drop the 7k on the FC.  I’d bet 24 YZF’s will be a little north of 10k out the door.  At least I’m my neck of the woods they will be.  It’s not always what ya want, it’s what you can get.  

Are you shopping the price or shopping the bike? If you are shopping the price, did you consider a '23 YZ250F, as they are also goods bikes. If that is out of the question, but you are shopping the price then might as well get the Husky, as you aren't likely to get in that realm with the '24 YZF right away, being a new model.

As far as the 2 bikes themselves, to me they are very different machines, so it sort of depends on your preferences. The Huskys have more up top and have a smooth slow rev. Plus the suspension being lower and just having a different feel, being an air fork. The '23 YZF revs super fast but the gears don't run out nearly as far. We obviously don't know what the '24 is going to be like exactly, but the chassis will probably corner a little better at the expense of some stability/consistency. But the motor is a question mark at this point. I just think it's really hard to give you any real feedback on this. 

If the 24 Yamaha 250 comes with the same frame as the 23 450 I’m going to sell my FC350 and get the Yamaha.  Personally I think the 23 Yamaha is an amazing bike just don’t want that much motor.

so like the question above if you’re price shopping get the husky or 23 yz250f. If you want the new new, wait for the 24 Yamaha 

Definitely do it based on your size and its a good deal. You'll get used to the airforks.. 

The church of 350 will be sad to see this day when it happens. 

Gypsy did his 350 right. 

Imo. Leftover husky or kawy at cheaper prices, yzf is a great bike now, the 2024 yzf could be a crap shoot. And you wont get it for 7k. 

No extra maintenance on the air fork unless there is a problem with the air cartridge which is not common and Husky/KTM will cover quite a bit under warranty even past the initial 30 days if you have a good dealer. You will want to check air pressure before you ride. KTM sells a quick connect that makes that super easy and quick. There is only one damper cartridge so it is a little less work compared to spring forks when you change the fork oil.

At that price even if you hated the air you could get spring cartridges for the extra $1500 a '23 YZ250f would cost. Husqvarna has an app that gives you suggested suspension clicker settings for different weight and riding skill/track conditions.

I think you'll be happy with the Husky. Given your explanation, I'd just get the Husky at the sale price. I'm sure the ergos on the new YZF will be better than the '23 but since it'll be going for top dollar for a while, I would pass on it. Plus, maybe avoid first model year of a new-gen anyways. Personally I think most ppl get over the weird ergos on the current YZ250F relatively quickly. It's not as drastic as the old 450. And if so, you will probably realize how good that bike is also. But if you are set on not getting one, get the Husky now and you can always get a YZF in its 2nd or 3rd year at a decent price, if you still want one.