'18 KTM 250SX or YZ250 Which one to drag home?

Whymee
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10/2/2017 12:03pm Edited Date/Time 11/15/2017 10:48pm
Guys,

I have tried to climb on the 4T band wagon. This 57 year old just can not seem to gel with a four stroke. So I am going to sell my 17 YZ250F with 2.5 hrs. on it and buy a 18 YZ or KTM 250. I would consider a Husky, as I do prefer a white bike, but I have no husky dealer remotely close to me.

I know what I am getting with a Yamaha. I have a cherry 07 with around 8 hours on it. I do not have a clue what I am getting with a Katoom other than it is ALOT of orange. I have read a few tests of the 17 250sx. Something like the top ends were close but the midrange favored the KTM by 4 or 5 hp. That is alot to overcome with a YZ.

SO I ask the collective knowledge of Vital, has anyone have experience with these 2 machines (17's I suppose)? How is the ergos with the KTM? Last time I rode one was in the 80's & it was like trying to ride a step ladder/saw horse (take your pick). On paper I feel I would be silly not to pick up the Katoom. But I am leary, REAL leary...

Sway me one way or another, please.

Thanks in advance.

Stan
|
Whymee
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10/2/2017 12:06pm
I can pick these up for:

YZ250 $7210.00
SX250 $7793.00

Prices are out the door.

Although price should not matter when picking between these 2 machines.
-MAVERICK-
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10/2/2017 12:07pm Edited Date/Time 10/2/2017 12:13pm
Well if you already have an '07 why get a 2018? They're practically the same. If you want just get the parts needed to make it look like an '18.

Keep the YZ 250 and get the '18 KTM 250sx and have the best of both worlds.

That's what I would do.

Edit: Forgot to mention. Get the 300 kit with the SX that way you'll essentially have 3 bikes.
bluepumpkin
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10/2/2017 12:09pm
-MAVERICK- wrote:
Well if you already have an '07 why get a 2018? They're practically the same. If you want just get the parts needed to make it...
Well if you already have an '07 why get a 2018? They're practically the same. If you want just get the parts needed to make it look like an '18.

Keep the YZ 250 and get the '18 KTM 250sx and have the best of both worlds.

That's what I would do.

Edit: Forgot to mention. Get the 300 kit with the SX that way you'll essentially have 3 bikes.
You beat me to it on the comment about the 07'. I agree.
CarlinoJoeVideo
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10/2/2017 12:12pm
Agreed with the guys above. If you have a 2007 YZ with 8 hours on it, get a KTM and ride them back to back.

The Shop

Whymee
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10/2/2017 12:19pm
Is that 300 kit a KTM factory part? This is getting interesting!

I wonder what the power characteristics are of the 300? More every where with less top end? (guessing).
ZM956
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10/2/2017 12:21pm
Whymee wrote:
Guys, I have tried to climb on the 4T band wagon. This 57 year old just can not seem to gel with a four stroke. So...
Guys,

I have tried to climb on the 4T band wagon. This 57 year old just can not seem to gel with a four stroke. So I am going to sell my 17 YZ250F with 2.5 hrs. on it and buy a 18 YZ or KTM 250. I would consider a Husky, as I do prefer a white bike, but I have no husky dealer remotely close to me.

I know what I am getting with a Yamaha. I have a cherry 07 with around 8 hours on it. I do not have a clue what I am getting with a Katoom other than it is ALOT of orange. I have read a few tests of the 17 250sx. Something like the top ends were close but the midrange favored the KTM by 4 or 5 hp. That is alot to overcome with a YZ.

SO I ask the collective knowledge of Vital, has anyone have experience with these 2 machines (17's I suppose)? How is the ergos with the KTM? Last time I rode one was in the 80's & it was like trying to ride a step ladder/saw horse (take your pick). On paper I feel I would be silly not to pick up the Katoom. But I am leary, REAL leary...

Sway me one way or another, please.

Thanks in advance.

Stan
Completely off topic but I see your from Grafton, Wv. All my moms family is from up that way. Some aunts and uncles inn Bridgeport, Clarksburg and little town of Flemington right by Grafton. Haha I just thought it was cool to see. Good luck with the new dirt scoot!
Motofinne
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10/2/2017 12:27pm
Very easy choice if you ask me, get the SX 250. You basically have a 2018 YZ 250 in your garage.

I rode the 2018 SX 250 on a KTM demo day and it is one of the best, if not the best bike i have ever rode.

Whymee
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10/2/2017 12:35pm
ZM956 wrote:
Completely off topic but I see your from Grafton, Wv. All my moms family is from up that way. Some aunts and uncles inn Bridgeport, Clarksburg...
Completely off topic but I see your from Grafton, Wv. All my moms family is from up that way. Some aunts and uncles inn Bridgeport, Clarksburg and little town of Flemington right by Grafton. Haha I just thought it was cool to see. Good luck with the new dirt scoot!
ZM.

I graduated from Bridgeport in 78. So I might know some of your folks! LOL

I know all of the places you mentioned. Been here most of my life.

Take care.
cwtoyota
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10/2/2017 12:37pm
Whymee wrote:
Is that 300 kit a KTM factory part? This is getting interesting! I wonder what the power characteristics are of the 300? More every where with...
Is that 300 kit a KTM factory part? This is getting interesting!

I wonder what the power characteristics are of the 300? More every where with less top end? (guessing).
I haven't ridden the motocross (SX) version of the 300, but their off-road models are super smooth and would translate well to the track with a gearing and jetting change. I do have a couple of YZ250 and a 300cc kit for the YZ. The 300 kit had plenty of top-end and revved just as well as the 250.

Personally, I wouldn't buy another YZ250. The transmissions are junk and last about as long as a top-end for a faster rider. I found that the 300 kit extended gear-life in that bike because I had to shift less often. Admittedly I'm a tranny abuser, but plenty of other normal people break them too.

Get the KTM and just dial in the suspension. A buddy of mine sold his YZ due to the transmission issues at 40 hours and now rides a 2017 TC250 Husqvarna. He loves it, says the suspension is almost as good as the YZ, it has more power and handles great. I think my next bike is a TC250...
ZM956
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10/2/2017 12:45pm
Whymee wrote:
ZM. I graduated from Bridgeport in 78. So I might know some of your folks! LOL I know all of the places you mentioned. Been here...
ZM.

I graduated from Bridgeport in 78. So I might know some of your folks! LOL

I know all of the places you mentioned. Been here most of my life.

Take care.
Awesome, yeah my moms maiden name is Marra. I think one or two of my aunts graduated from there around then. Their last names now would be Reiser and Graeber. Small world haha!
10/2/2017 1:04pm
you can drag either one home when the engine is locked up? Why not buy one running?
Whymee
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10/2/2017 1:06pm Edited Date/Time 10/2/2017 5:36pm
I am going up to the dealer tonight & fondle the Katoom. We will see.

Here is a test from 12/2014 in MXA on the 300 kit. Looks to be the perfect vet motor when the PC 300XC pipe & shorty silencer and the 9oz. flywheel weight. Hummmm...

https://motocrossactionmag.com/2014-test-ride-ktm-300sx-two-stroke-kit-…
-MAVERICK-
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10/2/2017 1:23pm
Whymee wrote:
Is that 300 kit a KTM factory part? This is getting interesting! I wonder what the power characteristics are of the 300? More every where with...
Is that 300 kit a KTM factory part? This is getting interesting!

I wonder what the power characteristics are of the 300? More every where with less top end? (guessing).
The 300 kit is a KTM factory part. They have 2 different versions of it. I'm assuming you ride moto so I'd get the SX version. If you're riding off-road get the XC version.

They're not necessarily cheap by any means but like I previously mentioned it'll give you options. You already have an excellent bike with the YZ 250 so with the KTM 250sx and the 300 kit you'll essentially have 3 bikes in your stable for the price of a new one.

Don't forget to post pics whenever you make your decision and bring it home.
10/2/2017 1:39pm
I had a 15yz250 and a 17sx250 in the garage at the same time, guess which one i no longer own Smile
cwtoyota
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10/2/2017 1:46pm
I had a 15yz250 and a 17sx250 in the garage at the same time, guess which one i no longer own Smile
Well, your profile photo looks like a Suzuki, so should I guess that you sold both?

yz133rider
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10/2/2017 2:10pm
Husky or Ktm. Wouldn't buy a new Yamaha. Been selling the same damn bike since 05 essentially and it's now over 7K. That r&d is paid for 1,000 times over, at least offer it at a substantial discount over current bikes like the Ktm.

Retail should be 5K for the yz125 and 6K for the 250 at most.

Buy the Ktm and actually get a bike worth spending new bike money on.
Moto520
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10/2/2017 2:11pm
I'd get the YZ. The bike is pretty much perfect right out of the box and reliable as hell.
seth505
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10/2/2017 2:17pm Edited Date/Time 10/2/2017 2:30pm
The KTM is better in every way but get what you're comfy on. Someone asks this same question every month or so.
FTB
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10/2/2017 2:21pm Edited Date/Time 10/2/2017 2:23pm
yz133rider wrote:
Husky or Ktm. Wouldn't buy a new Yamaha. Been selling the same damn bike since 05 essentially and it's now over 7K. That r&d is paid...
Husky or Ktm. Wouldn't buy a new Yamaha. Been selling the same damn bike since 05 essentially and it's now over 7K. That r&d is paid for 1,000 times over, at least offer it at a substantial discount over current bikes like the Ktm.

Retail should be 5K for the yz125 and 6K for the 250 at most.

Buy the Ktm and actually get a bike worth spending new bike money on.
I was going to copy & paste the FS add for your KTM 250 SX with low hours. That's the bike I'd get if I were the OP.

EDIT: This one.
http://www.vitalmx.com/forums/For-Sale-Bazaar,26/2017-Ktm-250sx-13-3-ho…

I want your KX.
BobPA
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10/2/2017 2:32pm
I rode a 2017 YZ and 2017 KTM basically back to back this weekend. I have ridden a bunch of Yamahas throughout the years and never really liked them. This 2017 was box stock and it was great. I was comfy right off the bat, good motor, descent brakes, just a solid package. That being said, the KTM was better in every way for me. Smoother, turned better, more plush, better brakes, it just felt like a two stroke should. It is the first 250 I have ridden that makes me seriously consider putting a for sale sign on my trusty old KX 250.

Both bikes were bone stock. Yamaha had a Michelin rear tire. KTM had some jetting changes, about as fair of a comparison that I could hope for.
10/2/2017 2:32pm
I had a 15yz250 and a 17sx250 in the garage at the same time, guess which one i no longer own Smile
cwtoyota wrote:
Well, your profile photo looks like a Suzuki, so should I guess that you sold both?

hah good catch - thats a even older pic then the yz - but get the KTM - the yz does work very well but its front end liked to wash out comming into corners on me
yz133rider
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10/2/2017 2:34pm
yz133rider wrote:
Husky or Ktm. Wouldn't buy a new Yamaha. Been selling the same damn bike since 05 essentially and it's now over 7K. That r&d is paid...
Husky or Ktm. Wouldn't buy a new Yamaha. Been selling the same damn bike since 05 essentially and it's now over 7K. That r&d is paid for 1,000 times over, at least offer it at a substantial discount over current bikes like the Ktm.

Retail should be 5K for the yz125 and 6K for the 250 at most.

Buy the Ktm and actually get a bike worth spending new bike money on.
FTB wrote:
I was going to copy & paste the FS add for your KTM 250 SX with low hours. That's the bike I'd get if I were...
I was going to copy & paste the FS add for your KTM 250 SX with low hours. That's the bike I'd get if I were the OP.

EDIT: This one.
http://www.vitalmx.com/forums/For-Sale-Bazaar,26/2017-Ktm-250sx-13-3-ho…

I want your KX.
Thanks for that! That is a good point I didn't even think to plug my ad lol!
cwtoyota
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10/2/2017 2:55pm
I had a 15yz250 and a 17sx250 in the garage at the same time, guess which one i no longer own Smile
cwtoyota wrote:
Well, your profile photo looks like a Suzuki, so should I guess that you sold both?

hah good catch - thats a even older pic then the yz - but get the KTM - the yz does work very well but its...
hah good catch - thats a even older pic then the yz - but get the KTM - the yz does work very well but its front end liked to wash out comming into corners on me
Hah. I was just kidding you around since I had no idea which bike you kept.

I don't feel that front end push with the YZ two strokes, but I think it's a riding style and setup thing. I tend to move around a lot, and spend a lot of time pretty far forward on the YZ250. I also run the forks up at 5mm in the clamps and run a very stiff fork with some different valving. On my old 2002 and on my 2010 model I feel like I can turn underneath almost anyone whenever I need to. Every KTM I've ridden since about 2012 has handled at least as good as the YZ two strokes.

Speaking of turning underneath other racers, the KTM has way better brakes. I run the big galfer rotors on all of my YZ's and that brings them up to snuff, but stock they aren't amazing like those Brembos.

10/2/2017 3:03pm
cwtoyota wrote:
Well, your profile photo looks like a Suzuki, so should I guess that you sold both?

hah good catch - thats a even older pic then the yz - but get the KTM - the yz does work very well but its...
hah good catch - thats a even older pic then the yz - but get the KTM - the yz does work very well but its front end liked to wash out comming into corners on me
cwtoyota wrote:
Hah. I was just kidding you around since I had no idea which bike you kept. I don't feel that front end push with the YZ...
Hah. I was just kidding you around since I had no idea which bike you kept.

I don't feel that front end push with the YZ two strokes, but I think it's a riding style and setup thing. I tend to move around a lot, and spend a lot of time pretty far forward on the YZ250. I also run the forks up at 5mm in the clamps and run a very stiff fork with some different valving. On my old 2002 and on my 2010 model I feel like I can turn underneath almost anyone whenever I need to. Every KTM I've ridden since about 2012 has handled at least as good as the YZ two strokes.

Speaking of turning underneath other racers, the KTM has way better brakes. I run the big galfer rotors on all of my YZ's and that brings them up to snuff, but stock they aren't amazing like those Brembos.

Dude seriously let me know if you get one I've been dying to try one especially since my yz 250 is not running right now no it's not tranny issues.
cwtoyota
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10/2/2017 4:01pm
Dude seriously let me know if you get one I've been dying to try one especially since my yz 250 is not running right now no...
Dude seriously let me know if you get one I've been dying to try one especially since my yz 250 is not running right now no it's not tranny issues.
The soonest date I'll be riding is summer 2018, so it will be a while. You'll be welcome to ride whatever I get next though.
Brent
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10/2/2017 4:34pm
Whymee wrote:
Guys, I have tried to climb on the 4T band wagon. This 57 year old just can not seem to gel with a four stroke. So...
Guys,

I have tried to climb on the 4T band wagon. This 57 year old just can not seem to gel with a four stroke. So I am going to sell my 17 YZ250F with 2.5 hrs. on it and buy a 18 YZ or KTM 250. I would consider a Husky, as I do prefer a white bike, but I have no husky dealer remotely close to me.

I know what I am getting with a Yamaha. I have a cherry 07 with around 8 hours on it. I do not have a clue what I am getting with a Katoom other than it is ALOT of orange. I have read a few tests of the 17 250sx. Something like the top ends were close but the midrange favored the KTM by 4 or 5 hp. That is alot to overcome with a YZ.

SO I ask the collective knowledge of Vital, has anyone have experience with these 2 machines (17's I suppose)? How is the ergos with the KTM? Last time I rode one was in the 80's & it was like trying to ride a step ladder/saw horse (take your pick). On paper I feel I would be silly not to pick up the Katoom. But I am leary, REAL leary...

Sway me one way or another, please.

Thanks in advance.

Stan
I bought my first KTM earlier this year, You will be very happy with the quality if you choose to get one.
Whymee
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10/2/2017 6:04pm Edited Date/Time 10/2/2017 6:04pm
Thanks for your input fellas. Mucho appreciated.

Yes I have considered throwing some money at the old girl (07 YZ250). Suspension revalve for a start and a VForce. Not saying I will not do that. I would just like to have a new mount. Pic for attention:



Just got back from the dealer. Sat on and fondled the 250SX. It sure is orange... Dry

Sure wish I could snag a ride on one. Hate to buy without slinging a leg over one. Kinda like marrying a chick without a test ride in the bedroom, ifyouknowwhatimeanvern!

I am seeing some used low hour units on here for sale that are fairly close to me. Other than the orange frame, the 18's have revised fork settings and revised carb settings, at least from what I have gathered on the interwebs.

I need to sleep on this. Possibly things will be more clear during my AM shower!

-MAVERICK-
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10/2/2017 6:18pm
Seeing that your YZ is white and that it seems like you're not a fan of the color orange what about a Husky TC 250 with the 300 kit? Might want to go check one of those out.
BobPA
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10/2/2017 6:21pm
You may not even want the 300 kit, The 250 pulls well down low.

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