*UPDATE* I rode a buddy’s bike & I’m questioning EVERYTHING

Are you guys running the same gearing / same size rear sprockets on your bikes?  

You felt the two best things about a YZ250F and why they’ve been the most popular 250F in recent years. The tried and true KYB SSS and the reverse intake tract that allows them to produce so much bottom end out of those motors. 

FWIW I’ve always found SFF fork setups to be more harsh than their counterparts, regardless of setup. 

I've been there. Typically u hop on another bike and are not gonna push it. Its not yours and your not used to it. Push it harder and maybe its not as good as u think.

You mentioned that the forks really stood out... it's possible to make the SFF ride really nice. Who set them up for you and is it possible you to have them check the bike over at the track? 

Improving your forks might be as simple as air pressure settings, torque specs or front axle alignment. 

Might not make it a Yamaha, but might solve the OBVIOUS flaw in the way your forks feel rn. 

It’s rare that you run into people that don’t like the current YZ 250Fs.  The kawi is a good bike but the Yamaha is an amazing 250F.  

If you paid for a revalve and you aren't happy with the results, I would go back to get this fixed before I did anything else.  Every suspension shop I ever worked with has a satisfaction guarantee.  

You will never get those SFF forks on a par with well setted KYB AOS/SSS forks, sorry.

I agree with this. I’m not best test rider, most stuff I can just ride and go. I have the AER stock forks on my bike and they are fine. 

I have ridden a couple of bikes from that generation with the SFF air and they were rough. 

If you like the 2016 then you’d be really happy with the 19/20 version.  The motor is super strong down low but has more over rev.  It handled a lot better for me too.

I had a 2016, 2020 and now a 2022.  The 2022 motor lost a lot of the low end but it doesn’t sign off so early.

My 2017 YZ250F was great stock. Its a dream now that Andreani USA revalved and resprung it for me. I am in Hendersonville NC. I havent ridden a KX , but I have a hard time seeing how it good feel better than my YZ. I am running 50/14 gearing. 

Not 1 set of air forks in history will ever compare to a set of conventional KYB SSS spring forks.

I try to NEVER ride someone else's bike because you can fall in love with it and mess with your head.

I did that this year from a 350F to 300XC in only a 20min ride on the 300.  Difference maker for me.  Been a good year.

I would also add that how long has it been since you serviced your current suspension. I over maintain my own stuff and was shocked (pun intended) at how destroyed both the fork and shock oil was on my 2006 KX250 that had maybe 15 hours since last service as it’s mostly a garage queen, but, my 25 350 SXF won’t be ready to ride until next week so i’ve been riding the KX. I did a service with bushings and seals and was completely surprised at how much better it felt this weekend! 

I liked my conevalve air way better than the kyb on the yz450f-24 actually.  It's all about setup. I was skeptical to the showa suspension on my kx450-24 but now when it is dailed in it is way better than all the kybs and conevalve spring forks I have had but again,  it is all about setup. 

With that said I couldn't get comfy on wp air stock forks no matter what I did so some forks is way harder than others to setup. Haven't tried the SFF forks so can't comment on them. 

Did have a kx250-23 wich I would recommend. Very good engine and fun to ride. Fork is pretty stiff valved stock but it's easy to fix. 

Could also be that the 450 suits you better at this point given your riding style.

Just get a YZ250F, problem solved. 

I paid $500 for a roller '17 yz250f. I put the FC valved front end on my old 200SX. Buttah in the chop and sprung right for the set up. Yeah, $500 and done.

I believe the 2017 kx250 has the fork spring preload adjuster on the left fork. Don’t be afraid to mess with it. Has a very big impact on how bike rides

I should have paid more attention...

With suspension, the yamaha stuff is just better off the bat for most people.  Proper spring rate and go.  Think of how many times manufacturers in the past 20 years have made changes. Brand,  air, single sided, back to air, WP always messing with things.  Then Yamaha goes, here is is guys, same as the 2006 yz250.

As far a motors, that's what those bikes do.  Grunt off the bottom with great mid, and less top.  More of a balanced approach now, but I rode the 16' and know exactly what you mean.

It’s time. 

I'm definitely guilty of this. I am a Yamaha loyal customer. In 2009 my buddy let me ride his modded KX250F with subtanks on the forks. I fell in love in 5 laps. Bought my own KX250F after that, was no where near the same without those subtanks and engine mods. But it turned a lot better than the YZ's at the time. So I just stuck it out for 4 years. Sold it. Bought a leftover New 2013 KX250f in 2014. Same exact issues. Not enough motor and suspension in a stock package. Now all my bikes are gone. But I will definitely be going back to Yamaha in the coming year.

Mid pack, 55+ Vet B rider have been riding a Husky FC350 past 4 years.  Love the motor, but have been chasing YZ SSS stock (with correct springs) fee for ages.  Have FC single spring setup (way better than AER) and revalved shock w/bladder kit.  It's better, but not than my YZ s with just the right springs.  Can't bring myself to spend for the Technical Touch stuff and even Keefer says its great but do not expect SSS feel.  Yamaha has had this going on since '06 tweaking a bit every year.  Crazy.  Next bike will most likely be a Yamaha for me.  

Don't live in the past, does what yo  rode 10 years ago really matter what you ride today?

Get what you want and enjoy whatever it is. 

A mellow horsepower  450 is still a beast. 
 

Enter PSF1…end discussion haha.