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Whymee
10/2/2017 12:03pm
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
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
YZ250 $7210.00
SX250 $7793.00
Prices are out the door.
Although price should not matter when picking between these 2 machines.
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.
The Shop
I wonder what the power characteristics are of the 300? More every where with less top end? (guessing).
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.
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.
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...
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-…
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.
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.
Pit Row
EDIT: This one.
http://www.vitalmx.com/forums/For-Sale-Bazaar,26/2017-Ktm-250sx-13-3-ho…
I want your KX.
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.
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.
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...
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!
Post a reply to: '18 KTM 250SX or YZ250 Which one to drag home?