YZ250f or SXF350

Myke
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Myke 1/22/2021 5:30pm
1/22/2021 5:30pm
kage173 wrote:
350. No mods. More reliable.
vs a yz250f no mods.


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sandtrack315
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sandtrack315 1/22/2021 5:47pm
1/22/2021 5:47pm
I think this actually mostly comes down to chassis and ergos. The Yamaha is a bit cramped for me at 6 feet, but it’s close enough and the motor is great. I went with stiffer forks at 160 pounds, so you’d certainly need them on either bike.

The KTM might feel a bit roomier and certainly has more power. But the Yamaha suspension, especially if you send it to a place like Enzo, will be better, and still has a ton of power. And 250s are fun!
RudyRayMo
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RudyRayMo 1/22/2021 9:24pm
1/22/2021 9:24pm
Kawis have the most room, the yzs were always weird to ride without a tallseat. You can’t grip with your knees at all.
Dirtysmile56
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Dirtysmile56 1/22/2021 10:23pm
1/22/2021 10:23pm
fourfourone wrote:
I still don't get why people think that you MUST have a 450 if your over 200 pounds. Any modern 250f will carry someone's 200 pounds...
I still don't get why people think that you MUST have a 450 if your over 200 pounds. Any modern 250f will carry someone's 200 pounds ass around the track no problem.
I'm 200lbs and have been on 250f's for the last 12 years. They rip! If Yamaha or Kawi made a 350 though, I'd be all over it!!!
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Vet57
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Vet57 1/23/2021 4:15am
1/23/2021 4:15am Edited Date/Time 1/23/2021 4:16am
Obviously subjective, both are great bikes. Had a new 16' 350SXF...since bought 18,19 and now a 21' YZ250F. Nuff said.
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bayodome
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bayodome 1/23/2021 8:18am
1/23/2021 8:18am
You really can't go wrong. Two of the best bikes ever made. I would say at your weight of 215 lbs. the 350 is probably a better choice, but you still wouldn't be disappointed with the YZ either. I'm 6'3 and 185 without gear and the '14 and up YZ250F is one of the best bikes I've ever ridden.
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RedRider785
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RedRider785 1/23/2021 9:04am
1/23/2021 9:04am
I have ridden both (own a 19' yz250f and riding buddy has a 20' fc350). I think they are both great options but are very different. I am 5'10" and was 205 lb when switching between them, am now down to 170 lb, yay! My yz250f is very exciting and can be ridden low to mid or mid to high in the rpms and climbs through them quickly. The fc350 has more power, but is very mellow and climbs through the rpms slowly until your near the top. This almost makes the bike feel heavier than it is, although it's still light. The 350s really need remapped. The suspension is no comparison. I have stiffer fork springs kn my yz250f, a cheap mod. The yamaha is plush (not in a bad way. I ride mx only), feels planted, and has great hold up. The fc350 feels either soft or harsh depending on air pressure and very nervous. The 350 has lots of potential, but needs more $ put into it and already has a higher price tag. Resale is great on both bikes. Also, when I was 205 lb I had no problem with power to clear obstacles on either bike. Good luck with your purchase!
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Rawly
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Rawly 1/23/2021 2:12pm
1/23/2021 2:12pm
After reading all of this , it sounds like the newer yz250f pulls stronger out of the turns than the 350 does. Is that correct ? And if so , will an ecu mod give the 350 low end power , or is it something that you’re stuck with ? I am also debating these two bikes. Currently ride a 2019 350xcf that I mainly bought for off-road , but have mostly ridden at the track. 58 year old 160# practice track rider looking for a new ride.
JB 19
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JB 19 1/23/2021 3:35pm
1/23/2021 3:35pm
Rawly wrote:
After reading all of this , it sounds like the newer yz250f pulls stronger out of the turns than the 350 does. Is that correct...
After reading all of this , it sounds like the newer yz250f pulls stronger out of the turns than the 350 does. Is that correct ? And if so , will an ecu mod give the 350 low end power , or is it something that you’re stuck with ? I am also debating these two bikes. Currently ride a 2019 350xcf that I mainly bought for off-road , but have mostly ridden at the track. 58 year old 160# practice track rider looking for a new ride.
Not by a long shot. The 350 is VERY fast out corners. As fast or faster than a 450, you just can't ride it like a 450. It revs very quick. Like a really fast 250 2 stroke.
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need2ride
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need2ride 1/23/2021 4:31pm
1/23/2021 4:31pm
If you have the opportunity I recommend riding both bikes before you make a decision. IMO they have completely different engine, chassis and suspension characteristics. Not to mention the cockpits feel different as well.
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Motofinne
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Motofinne 1/24/2021 2:37am
1/24/2021 2:37am
need2ride wrote:
If you have the opportunity I recommend riding both bikes before you make a decision. IMO they have completely different engine, chassis and suspension characteristics. Not...
If you have the opportunity I recommend riding both bikes before you make a decision. IMO they have completely different engine, chassis and suspension characteristics. Not to mention the cockpits feel different as well.
I agree with this, these are two completely different bikes. Both are amazing though.
Fangface
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Fangface 1/27/2021 3:11am
1/27/2021 3:11am
i came off a sxf 350 17 and sold it because it was too much to handle at the end of a moto and felt like a rocket mid to top.Found a solution for that, get one of these https://www.bestdualsportbikes.com/exhaust-end-caps-exhaust-manifold.It gives the bike more low end and makes it easier to ride . No more arm pulling at mid :-) I have been looking for that solution quit a while. Once I found it the bike was perfect but found the inertia at end of moto too much.So i got a 250 sx wich I tamed with port job, it was lot more fun to ride.Now I have 3 hernia's and not much power in the legs and got a kx 250 21 .I'm just a 45 old vet rider, moto's are 20 minutes and looking forward to stay on the gas for more than 4 laps ;-) The 350 gave me better race results but I lost the fun . I just wanna ride 125 two-stroke style :-) Prob no bad choices just gotta figure out whats best for you. I have chosen fun over results as I grew up with RM125's 89-92-93-94.
Cockpit wise I love the fastway pegs that lower 10mm on the katooms ... Enjoy!
Stevo683
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Stevo683 1/27/2021 10:29am
1/27/2021 10:29am
I am 6'1-205 and bought a good clean used 2015 Yz250F about a year ago. Just getting back into riding after 10yrs or so. Great bike. Rode it all last summer, put about 32hrs on it (has 119hrs now). In the process of having the suspension redone/refresh (heavier springs), new bottom end and top end kit installed as we speak. All I will ever need. No way I am pushing the limit of what the bike can do. As far as reliability the thing is a rock. Hardly a bolt comes loose or even the spokes. I check everything before riding to be sure anyway. Turning 50 this year and thinking about racing the 50+ class this summer for fun! No regrets!
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Rawly
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Rawly 1/27/2021 10:47am
1/27/2021 10:47am Edited Date/Time 1/27/2021 11:05am
Was on the fence about these two bikes. Talked with a friend who I used to race with and knows my riding style pretty well. He told me to go get a 2021 FC 450. Says they are very vet friendly and better for shorter guys. Not too friendly with my kids inheritance , but I will let them ride it 😀. Would be throwing out a hijack apology , but this thread is what got me thinking about a new bike. Any novice or vet guys out there that are unhappy with this bike ? Thanks
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racerx217
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racerx217 1/27/2021 11:19am
1/27/2021 11:19am
Forty wrote:
The yz250f is as good as it gets.
+269 cylinder and stroker crank
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Hi Side
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Hi Side 1/27/2021 4:40pm
1/27/2021 4:40pm
Rawly wrote:
Was on the fence about these two bikes. Talked with a friend who I used to race with and knows my riding style pretty well. He...
Was on the fence about these two bikes. Talked with a friend who I used to race with and knows my riding style pretty well. He told me to go get a 2021 FC 450. Says they are very vet friendly and better for shorter guys. Not too friendly with my kids inheritance , but I will let them ride it 😀. Would be throwing out a hijack apology , but this thread is what got me thinking about a new bike. Any novice or vet guys out there that are unhappy with this bike ? Thanks
I have a 2020 FC450 and to be fair, it's a handful. It's not the fire breathing dragon that you might think a 450 would be but believe me it's a lot of bike. You can pretty much put it in third gear and ride almost any track. I really like my bike but there's no doubt that you can ride a 250F longer without the fatigue factor of a 450. Just my take, your mileage may vary.
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Agent717
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Agent717 1/27/2021 8:18pm
1/27/2021 8:18pm
I'm 6'1", 180lbs. I went from a CRF450 to a YZ250F to an FC350. I'd say the YZ was more comfortable and I felt like I was really on top of the bike and manhandling the chassis. Hard to explain but the FC actually had a stiffer feeling even with the steel frame. The 350 definitely had better power character for my size but I missed flogging a 250. It actually messed me up because they are so different yet so likeable and now I want 4 freakin bikes - 125, 250f, 350f, and a 450f.

Basically, you can't go wrong. Good luck!
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Fangface
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Fangface 1/28/2021 2:53am
1/28/2021 2:53am
Rawly wrote:
Was on the fence about these two bikes. Talked with a friend who I used to race with and knows my riding style pretty well. He...
Was on the fence about these two bikes. Talked with a friend who I used to race with and knows my riding style pretty well. He told me to go get a 2021 FC 450. Says they are very vet friendly and better for shorter guys. Not too friendly with my kids inheritance , but I will let them ride it 😀. Would be throwing out a hijack apology , but this thread is what got me thinking about a new bike. Any novice or vet guys out there that are unhappy with this bike ? Thanks
Hey Rawly, only thing I can say. In my vet class the 450's are disapearing . The big thing is the last 2 laps in a 20min moto the inertia of the bike kills you.It's close racing so if you slow down last 2 laps you lose 5 spots because we are within seconds of each other, great fun!We do have tight tracks and lot's of braking bumps and deep ruts. Most vets in my class are riding 350 or 250 and a few 250 2-banger. I holeshoted the vet class with 125 and 250f so no need of big bike to be competitive . The last 2 laps survival ;-) If you just riding for fun just take what suits you best :-) who cares if you doing 4 or 10 laps ;-) Good luck hunting! The 450 guys do say they prefer a lugging bike :-) I grew up riding two strokes so i just wanne flog the bike ...
Enjoy :-)
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slodsm
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slodsm 1/28/2021 10:32pm
1/28/2021 10:32pm
To me if the bike is sprung/valved/geared right for you and the track, a 250 is plenty unless you’re freakin fast. I’ll never buy another 450 and I really don’t even want to try a 350. 13/51 and sprung for me at 6ft 210, I’ve yet to want more from my 15 kx250f. I still ride moto tracks but not as fast as I used to be (never was very fast but faster than I am at 43🤣) and I’ve started off-road this year to try and spend more time out of the hospital and in physical therapy. When I replace this one finally after this season, it’ll be another kx250 or maybe the gas gas 250 just because it’s pretty.

I can ride a hell of a lot longer, and a hell of a lot harder, on a 250 vs a bigger bike riding me by the 4th lap and my shoulders feeling like I’m being pulled in half.
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Ray Knight
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Ray Knight 1/29/2021 5:54am
1/29/2021 5:54am
I have a 19 350sxf and a 21 YZ250F. 6'7" and 215#. My YZ is new so i have not ridden mine yet but rode one at a demo day and loved the suspension, loved the super free revving engine but felt a bit cramped. The demo bike had the bars on the rear position. I feel the KTM is a more roomy bioe and the engine is super capable. The YZ i got a tall seat (i run the standard seat and bar height on ky KTMs comfortably) and lower more rearward pegs for the YZ. Bars in forward position and mounts turned back. Now the fit feels close to my 350. So i would say the 350 will feel more roomy and for sure will be easier to work on but the YZ is just super cool. I love the wifi tuning, suspension and the engine is just awesome! The 350 will be a lot stronger but the YZ feels more racy and aggressive. I'm keeping both but i can tell you which one i prefer once we get some dry weather and i can get more time onnthe YZ. Thus far i do really love my 350 though. I bought it new in early 29 wnd have about 30 hours on it. Its better for me then my KX450 and RMZ450. The YZ may just be a bit more fun though. We will see!
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Ray Knight
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Ray Knight 1/29/2021 5:56am
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grunkster
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grunkster 1/29/2021 9:56am
1/29/2021 9:56am
How do you like the PC slip on for the 350?
backinthesaddleagain 1/29/2021 10:30am
1/29/2021 10:30am Edited Date/Time 1/29/2021 10:33am
RudyRayMo wrote:
Kawis have the most room, the yzs were always weird to ride without a tallseat. You can’t grip with your knees at all.
Now these generation of YZ250 had tall seats

Actually, I believe the NESC 60+ vet class won 2020 on a YZ250 2T and this year will race the YZ250F, but he changes bike and/or brands each season.
Murphy0507
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Murphy0507 6/12/2025 9:45am
6/12/2025 9:45am Edited Date/Time 6/12/2025 9:54am

Bringing this topic back I’m in the same boat but comparing 2025 models. I know they say the 25 YZ 250f has less bottom and more mid and the 25 350sxf has more bottom now. Just wondering if you guys have any suggestions. 56 yrs young B rider 5’8’’ 175 lbs. coming off of a 2024 ktm 300SX which was a great bike just looking to get back on a 4 stroke. Thanks

EAmato88
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EAmato88 6/12/2025 9:58am
6/12/2025 9:58am
Murphy0507 wrote:
Bringing this topic back I’m in the same boat but comparing 2025 models. I know they say the 25 YZ 250f has less bottom and more...

Bringing this topic back I’m in the same boat but comparing 2025 models. I know they say the 25 YZ 250f has less bottom and more mid and the 25 350sxf has more bottom now. Just wondering if you guys have any suggestions. 56 yrs young B rider 5’8’’ 175 lbs. coming off of a 2024 ktm 300SX which was a great bike just looking to get back on a 4 stroke. Thanks

do you want a strong motor or great suspension? 

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Murphy0507
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Murphy0507 6/12/2025 10:00am
6/12/2025 10:00am
Murphy0507 wrote:
Bringing this topic back I’m in the same boat but comparing 2025 models. I know they say the 25 YZ 250f has less bottom and more...

Bringing this topic back I’m in the same boat but comparing 2025 models. I know they say the 25 YZ 250f has less bottom and more mid and the 25 350sxf has more bottom now. Just wondering if you guys have any suggestions. 56 yrs young B rider 5’8’’ 175 lbs. coming off of a 2024 ktm 300SX which was a great bike just looking to get back on a 4 stroke. Thanks

EAmato88 wrote:

do you want a strong motor or great suspension? 

Both haha I can honestly say I didn’t have a problem with the stock suspension on my 300sx but I’m sure the Yamaha would be much better! Thanks 

EAmato88
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EAmato88 6/12/2025 10:01am
6/12/2025 10:01am
Murphy0507 wrote:
Bringing this topic back I’m in the same boat but comparing 2025 models. I know they say the 25 YZ 250f has less bottom and more...

Bringing this topic back I’m in the same boat but comparing 2025 models. I know they say the 25 YZ 250f has less bottom and more mid and the 25 350sxf has more bottom now. Just wondering if you guys have any suggestions. 56 yrs young B rider 5’8’’ 175 lbs. coming off of a 2024 ktm 300SX which was a great bike just looking to get back on a 4 stroke. Thanks

EAmato88 wrote:

do you want a strong motor or great suspension? 

Murphy0507 wrote:
Both haha I can honestly say I didn’t have a problem with the stock suspension on my 300sx but I’m sure the Yamaha would be much...

Both haha I can honestly say I didn’t have a problem with the stock suspension on my 300sx but I’m sure the Yamaha would be much better! Thanks 

Im not a KTM guy but youll probably be happier on the 350

Murphy0507
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Murphy0507 6/12/2025 10:09am
6/12/2025 10:09am
EAmato88 wrote:

do you want a strong motor or great suspension? 

Murphy0507 wrote:
Both haha I can honestly say I didn’t have a problem with the stock suspension on my 300sx but I’m sure the Yamaha would be much...

Both haha I can honestly say I didn’t have a problem with the stock suspension on my 300sx but I’m sure the Yamaha would be much better! Thanks 

EAmato88 wrote:

Im not a KTM guy but youll probably be happier on the 350

Thanks again. I saw your post on the Honda crf250r which I considered also. Did your son like the bike when he rode it? 

EAmato88
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EAmato88 6/12/2025 10:30am
6/12/2025 10:30am
Murphy0507 wrote:
Both haha I can honestly say I didn’t have a problem with the stock suspension on my 300sx but I’m sure the Yamaha would be much...

Both haha I can honestly say I didn’t have a problem with the stock suspension on my 300sx but I’m sure the Yamaha would be much better! Thanks 

EAmato88 wrote:

Im not a KTM guy but youll probably be happier on the 350

Murphy0507 wrote:

Thanks again. I saw your post on the Honda crf250r which I considered also. Did your son like the bike when he rode it? 

Well, hes 14 so theres that lol. The problem with him is he doesnt complain about anything, not even suspension. It doesnt matter if hes racing rocks or sand, i ask him how the bike felt and he just says it feels good. Hes a very accomplished off road racer and very fast on a motocross track even though thats not his preferred discipline. He rode the honda and didnt have any complaints at all, but hes been on a yamaha since 2018. He rode the yamaha and honda back to back, both 2025's, and at the time he was on a 2021 yz250f so he said he felt more comfortable on the yamaha but also mentioned that he had no problem going fast on the honda. Kids are tough to interpret, especially at a young age, but ive drawn the conclusion that i could probably give him a month or two for adjustment and he could go fast on any thing.

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Murphy0507
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Murphy0507 6/12/2025 10:44am
6/12/2025 10:44am
EAmato88 wrote:

Im not a KTM guy but youll probably be happier on the 350

Murphy0507 wrote:

Thanks again. I saw your post on the Honda crf250r which I considered also. Did your son like the bike when he rode it? 

EAmato88 wrote:
Well, hes 14 so theres that lol. The problem with him is he doesnt complain about anything, not even suspension. It doesnt matter if hes racing...

Well, hes 14 so theres that lol. The problem with him is he doesnt complain about anything, not even suspension. It doesnt matter if hes racing rocks or sand, i ask him how the bike felt and he just says it feels good. Hes a very accomplished off road racer and very fast on a motocross track even though thats not his preferred discipline. He rode the honda and didnt have any complaints at all, but hes been on a yamaha since 2018. He rode the yamaha and honda back to back, both 2025's, and at the time he was on a 2021 yz250f so he said he felt more comfortable on the yamaha but also mentioned that he had no problem going fast on the honda. Kids are tough to interpret, especially at a young age, but ive drawn the conclusion that i could probably give him a month or two for adjustment and he could go fast on any thing.

All the bikes are so good these days I guess it’s hard to go wrong. Good luck with whatever your son decides to go with 👍🏻

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