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The XC version was historically just a US model. For “decades” the rest of the world was riding the EXC version - headlight, wide ratio gearbox, etc. Often different frame and suspension to the SX/XC models.
Note - the EXC everyone else got isn’t the dual sport style EXC that you guys in the US get.
Yeah kudos to Yamaha for continuing to offer a 2 stroke!
Somebody who has ridden a 250 and 300 2T, educate me. I raced a CR480 MANY moons ago and that was too much. To me, a 250 is not lacking in power at all. What is the feel of the 300 power vs a 250?
Edit: I found this: https://motocrossactionmag.com/mxa-race-test-the-real-test-of-the-2024-ktm-250-300sx-two-strokes/
Seems like the 300 is more of an optimization for off road or for those used to riding 4T bikes. I'm torn about the FI and starter. Once that is all added, it's difficult to say this is still the simple bikes of the past, and of course that all costs $$. Not sure the benefit justifies the complexity and cost.
This is generalizing but torquey power lower in the rpm’s, flatter on top. This is usually because the 300’s are just a bored out 250 with a square bore and stroke.
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Between what you wrote and MXA, I get a feeling it is neither better nor worse, just different.
Yep pretty much. Soggy kind of nailed it in a nut shell. It's personal preference. I much prefer the 250. Still has torque, but feels like it revs out further when needed. Doesn't tire me out near as much as riding a 300. The 250 also feels a wee bit more flickable in the tight stuff.
@ML512 chime in anytime here!
Yes, like the MXC was. 1998-2011 the frames were shared between the SX, XC, XCW, EXC, MXC, some had kickstand mounts with the same geometry. The 125/200 shared a frame and the 250/300 shared one too. It was not until the started using linkage that the xcw/exc got its own chassis. The SX was always the base model, released before the offroad models and what makes the most logical sense that we see from kawi first, it actually what we’ve seen with all manufacturers, MX bike first, then offroad.
Then there was also the lesser known DXC. I had a '92 550 DXC. That bike was a beast off road and was all low end and mid range. If you tried to rev it out like a KX500, CR500 or YZ490 you were rewarded with a lot of top end vibration that made it feel like it was going to blow up. I think I would like the feel of a 300 2t and would probably even add more flywheel weight to it to make it more of a tractor.
I remember the DXC; definitely a short-shift motor. Can't imagine they built more than a handful of those and it would be hard to find one nowadays, much less one in good shape.
A 125 would be cool but I dont think the market is big enough for them to build a new 125.
When i go riding its mostly dudes in their 40s and 50s. Not young 120lb kids.
We all love the KTM 300 platform but hate the suspension. We all love the Yamaha suspension but wish it was more like a 300s engine, e start, counterbalanced etc.
I think most of us are hoping the Kawi is a cross between the Yamaha and KTM.
Well I’m 185 lbs and in my 30s but I’d be first in line at the local dealer for a KX 125 if they released one. Didn’t realize only small kids could ride 125s. News to me.
I still really don’t understand the non fi two stroke comments. How many 4 stroke guys wish their bikes were carb’s again? Ktm had some fueling issues but I never had any issues with mine. What’s the difference in a 2 stroke going to fi and the 4 strokes? More electrical parts? I don’t think fuel issues are that prevalent to be so against it.
It’s not so much about issues, it’s about keeping costs down. KTM’s 2t’s are expensive. Something competitive with Yamaha’s YZ pricing would be nice.
Most of my vet 30+ friends may have a main bike 250 350 450. But over half of them all have a 125 as well.
Using that logic, this bike will be a KX50 then??
Pit Row
A lot of those guys ride in the National Forest too
It's speculation that Kawasaki is going to release a full sized race bike, all the video shows is people want a 2 stroke and Kawasaki have heard them, it doesn't say Kawasaki are going to release one.
Very Rare photo, Nice find Bro. Mr 7 Time Jeff Stanton,s only Profeshenal 125 race. Unadilla he dominated
Rieju comes with KYB suspension
He stomped them Bro. It was not even close. I was there.
It just depends how you tune it. 300 was easier to ride almost like a 450, less shifting, just riding 2nd or 3rd for the whole track.
RacerX article by Weege says they were told it is a 300.
https://racerxonline.com/2025/01/28/kawasaki-is-making-a-new-two-stroke
With EFI all you do is click a button.
They’re releasing a KX250 off road and Mx model and a kx125 offroad and Mx model.
Those who think it will be a 300 have been fooled by the ones in charge
I believe Kaplan Cycles had one of them in one of their videos. I believe they made them from 1990 thru 1996 or so. You're right though, it was definitely a short shifter. I think I heard back in the day that the engine evolved from a sidecar platform.
The Weege article states their info is coming from "Matthes heard". That's not any more reliable than all the Vitards that have posted what they heard in this thread.
Post a reply to: Kawasaki is bringing the two stroke back!