2006rm 250vs 2017 husky tc 250

bsharkey
Posts
2163
Joined
6/16/2014
Location
Marysville, WA US
6/12/2018 8:06pm Edited Date/Time 6/24/2018 9:38am
Just wondering if any of you guys ever ride both these bikes. I currently have a mint shape 2006 RM 250 2 stroke.I'd really like to buy the new tc250 but I'm wondering if it's a big enough difference between the two to make it worthwhile or just continue to ride what I have.
|
loftyair
Posts
2767
Joined
7/3/2009
Location
riverside, CA US
6/12/2018 8:14pm
I think if you are intermediate and above, it will be noticeable, improvement, and faster laptimes. Anything below top intermediate(socal), then it would still be noticeable, but just creature comfort, and your speed will hardly change.
Slosh 112
Posts
1155
Joined
3/31/2014
Location
Mackay QLD AU
6/12/2018 8:19pm
I own a 2018 tc250 and I have friends with RM250's, haven't ridden them back to back but its I can tell you its not really a comparison, the 2017/2018 TC250 is light-years better in almost every aspect. 04 was the last update for the RM250 so its a bit out dated by todays standards in ergos and engine wise but the handling is about as good as the new husky.
Subotai
Posts
269
Joined
6/1/2018
Location
Las Vegas, NV US
6/12/2018 8:22pm
Slosh 112 wrote:
I own a 2018 tc250 and I have friends with RM250's, haven't ridden them back to back but its I can tell you its not really...
I own a 2018 tc250 and I have friends with RM250's, haven't ridden them back to back but its I can tell you its not really a comparison, the 2017/2018 TC250 is light-years better in almost every aspect. 04 was the last update for the RM250 so its a bit out dated by todays standards in ergos and engine wise but the handling is about as good as the new husky.
What are today's standards? Outdated how?
bsharkey
Posts
2163
Joined
6/16/2014
Location
Marysville, WA US
6/12/2018 8:37pm
Yeah I'm just wondering .a while back I rode a brand new TC 125 versus a YZ125 and that's just a complete joke. the Husky is so much faster it's not even funny. Its not even a fair comparison. I'm just wondering if I would think the same thing with the 250s.

The Shop

SoCalMX70
Posts
2812
Joined
4/1/2008
Location
Thousand Oaks, CA US
6/12/2018 8:42pm
Slosh 112 wrote:
I own a 2018 tc250 and I have friends with RM250's, haven't ridden them back to back but its I can tell you its not really...
I own a 2018 tc250 and I have friends with RM250's, haven't ridden them back to back but its I can tell you its not really a comparison, the 2017/2018 TC250 is light-years better in almost every aspect. 04 was the last update for the RM250 so its a bit out dated by todays standards in ergos and engine wise but the handling is about as good as the new husky.
Pretty sure the RM got updates up through 06. Bigger shock shaft and valving changes is one thing that comes to mind. Possible minor motor changes.
bsharkey
Posts
2163
Joined
6/16/2014
Location
Marysville, WA US
6/12/2018 8:47pm
Another thing I wonder about is that new bike feel the ergonomics on the new bike would it just feel a lot more comfortable .I know when I rode my vintage bike I restored last summer I had a hard time riding it and getting used to it because of all the modern bikes I've been riding. I never really felt comfortable on it granted the Suzuki is a lot different than a 1988 CR250
urbanlift707
Posts
890
Joined
9/27/2006
Location
Humboldt, CA US
6/12/2018 9:37pm
bsharkey wrote:
Just wondering if any of you guys ever ride both these bikes. I currently have a mint shape 2006 RM 250 2 stroke.I'd really like to...
Just wondering if any of you guys ever ride both these bikes. I currently have a mint shape 2006 RM 250 2 stroke.I'd really like to buy the new tc250 but I'm wondering if it's a big enough difference between the two to make it worthwhile or just continue to ride what I have.
I owned a mint condition 2006 rm and this was something I also wondered about as well. I absolutely loved that rm250. I decided to sell my 2006 rm and 2015 rmz450 and got a 17 Ktm 250sx.

As good as the rm was, there really is no comparison to how much better the new two stroke
is. The entire package adds up, it’s faster, has a better chassis, better brakes, better clutch etc.

Deetsmx
Posts
880
Joined
4/21/2008
Location
Visalia, CA US
6/12/2018 10:02pm
I have a 17 tc250, rode an RM last week and was surprised at the difference. The motor is much stronger across the board, handling and suspension were also much better. I had an RM a few years back so it was interesting to see how it stacked up This was against a freshened up RM with a pro circuit motor running on race gas.
quiknic
Posts
821
Joined
11/30/2008
Location
Santa Clarita, CA US
Fantasy
1153rd
6/12/2018 10:26pm
I have both, a 2017 TC250 and an 08 RM250. They are completely different and like suggested earlier it will come down to your riding ability and comfort. The motor is day and night different with the Husky being much faster and stronger pretty much everywhere but unless you are riding it hard with intermediate + speed it will not make a drastic difference. Suspension overall on the Husky is better but the RM still turns better for me so on a tight track the lap times are comparable but on a wide open and sandy track the Husky will walk away from the RM.

Laptimes at LACR and Glen Helen are faster on the Husky with all of the hills and straights but Milestone, Perris and alike are again much closer between the two. If possible I would find someone that has the TC250 to try (more than a few laps on) and see how you like it as they feel nothing alike. I am still a bit more fond and comfortable on the RM compared to the Husky and since I am not trying to make it into a national any longer I would prefer what is fun and comfortable. I have our 17 TC250 for sale in the Bazaar right now if you are interested as my son and I are still picking up some older 88-96 bikes to build and race in the EVO classes.
dirtmike86
Posts
1180
Joined
10/28/2015
Location
Grand Terrace, CA US
6/12/2018 10:38pm Edited Date/Time 6/12/2018 10:39pm
Ill find out tomorrow. Sold my 03 rm250 and picking up my 18 tc250 tomorrow.
-MAVERICK-
Posts
49945
Joined
3/26/2015
Location
Ontario CA
Fantasy
3682nd
6/12/2018 10:40pm
dirtmike86 wrote:
Ill find out tomorrow. Sold my 03 rm250 and picking up my 18 tc250 tomorrow.
Better be a spoke with my wallet thread by tomorrow night...
Motofinne
Posts
10670
Joined
1/4/2014
Location
FI
6/13/2018 3:37am
I had a 2007 RM 250 for a year or two.

I got to ride a 2018 SX 250 last year on a demo day and the SX/TC is light years ahead of any other 250 2-stroke.
dirtmike86
Posts
1180
Joined
10/28/2015
Location
Grand Terrace, CA US
6/13/2018 5:41am
dirtmike86 wrote:
Ill find out tomorrow. Sold my 03 rm250 and picking up my 18 tc250 tomorrow.
-MAVERICK- wrote:
Better be a spoke with my wallet thread by tomorrow night...
Oh you bet iam!
H4L
Posts
2499
Joined
3/18/2016
Location
CA US
6/13/2018 6:14am
Motofinne wrote:
I had a 2007 RM 250 for a year or two. I got to ride a 2018 SX 250 last year on a demo day and...
I had a 2007 RM 250 for a year or two.

I got to ride a 2018 SX 250 last year on a demo day and the SX/TC is light years ahead of any other 250 2-stroke.
I disagree. I've ridden a modern 17 KTM 250sx, 17 1/2 450 sxf FE & a 17 Husky 250tc. Was looking at buying a new 250 2t & 450 last year & wasn't impressed with the orange / white KTM's. In my experience I didn't think the 250 2t's were light years ahead of the other 250 2t's..

IMHO these bikes are overrated. In the vid below it shows a guy on a 15 yr. old CR2 racing at the higher pro level in their country. The CR is basically stock other than a Dep pipe & suspension work. He actually lead the 2nd moto & finished right behind the KTM. You would think the KTM / Huskies would have a huge advantage based on the stuff you read on the forums..

https://youtu.be/A4eNJop_KC8?t=594

Ted722
Posts
4485
Joined
9/21/2011
Location
Sacramento, CA US
6/13/2018 7:48am
Closest I came to that was a 2006 RM250 and a 2013 KTM 250SX that i rode on the same day. RM was mine. It was a sand track. Overall, I was impressed with the KTM. My Suzuki felt "old school, but effective". A mid-range fun machine with great turning.

The KTM was linear in its power delivery. At first, a bit non-two stroke-ish feeling, but plenty of power. The KTM had confidence inspiring handling, but again it was a sand-track. Also, the KTM had less than 2-hours so I''m sure there a little more breaking in to do.

Can only imagine the '17/18 are much much better than the '13. I'd go with the '17/18 with no reservations.
MPJC
Posts
880
Joined
5/18/2017
Location
CA
Fantasy
702nd
6/13/2018 8:03am
Ted722 wrote:
Closest I came to that was a 2006 RM250 and a 2013 KTM 250SX that i rode on the same day. RM was mine. It was...
Closest I came to that was a 2006 RM250 and a 2013 KTM 250SX that i rode on the same day. RM was mine. It was a sand track. Overall, I was impressed with the KTM. My Suzuki felt "old school, but effective". A mid-range fun machine with great turning.

The KTM was linear in its power delivery. At first, a bit non-two stroke-ish feeling, but plenty of power. The KTM had confidence inspiring handling, but again it was a sand-track. Also, the KTM had less than 2-hours so I''m sure there a little more breaking in to do.

Can only imagine the '17/18 are much much better than the '13. I'd go with the '17/18 with no reservations.
I have a 2016 250sx which would be very similar to the 2013 and the 2017 is a massive improvement from my bike. To be honest, mine felt a little more powerful overall - a bit more top end pull (I also have a full FMF exhaust while the 2017 was stock). But the 2017 felt incredibly smooth and torquey with a very lightweight feel and excellent suspension. Overall, the newer bike just feels more refined and easier to ride, though mine still feels like it may have the edge in peak power.
6/13/2018 8:05am
I went from a 06 rm250 to a 15yz250 and now a 17sx250 it seemed like a step up each time with all of the bikes having there own characteristics that made one a bit better then the other but overall the ktm is the easiest to ride with the motor so smooth and strong its a fun bike
FI2T
Posts
684
Joined
10/23/2012
Location
Kennewick, WA US
6/13/2018 8:16am Edited Date/Time 6/13/2018 8:25am
Motofinne wrote:
I had a 2007 RM 250 for a year or two. I got to ride a 2018 SX 250 last year on a demo day and...
I had a 2007 RM 250 for a year or two.

I got to ride a 2018 SX 250 last year on a demo day and the SX/TC is light years ahead of any other 250 2-stroke.
H4L wrote:
I disagree. I've ridden a modern 17 KTM 250sx, 17 1/2 450 sxf FE & a 17 Husky 250tc. Was looking at buying a new 250...
I disagree. I've ridden a modern 17 KTM 250sx, 17 1/2 450 sxf FE & a 17 Husky 250tc. Was looking at buying a new 250 2t & 450 last year & wasn't impressed with the orange / white KTM's. In my experience I didn't think the 250 2t's were light years ahead of the other 250 2t's..

IMHO these bikes are overrated. In the vid below it shows a guy on a 15 yr. old CR2 racing at the higher pro level in their country. The CR is basically stock other than a Dep pipe & suspension work. He actually lead the 2nd moto & finished right behind the KTM. You would think the KTM / Huskies would have a huge advantage based on the stuff you read on the forums..

https://youtu.be/A4eNJop_KC8?t=594

My experience is the exact opposite. I've had 3 Cr250's 03, 05 and 07. I've had two RM's 05 and 07. Three yz's 04, 06 and 09. I also have had 10hrs an a buddies 17250sx which sold me on getting a 300xc. I loved my cr's but for me the RM's were a step up by a little just for handling purposes. The yz's were all around better then the Cr's and Rm's. My 04yz is closest to the sx it has 09 450 forks, swing arm, shock and linkage. Amazing bike but not as good as the 250sx.
Better brakes
Hydro clutch
Feels like a 125 weight wise compared to all the other bikes
Better suspension
No vibration (so much better then the AF framed 250's)
Turns really close to as good as the RM's but is way more stable at high speed
General maintainence is easier

All that said I still have the 04 yz and am picking up a project 06 cr this week! To me the new KTM is the best platform by a long shot though over all of them.
H4L
Posts
2499
Joined
3/18/2016
Location
CA US
6/13/2018 8:41am Edited Date/Time 6/13/2018 8:41am
FI2T wrote:
My experience is the exact opposite. I've had 3 Cr250's 03, 05 and 07. I've had two RM's 05 and 07. Three yz's 04, 06 and...
My experience is the exact opposite. I've had 3 Cr250's 03, 05 and 07. I've had two RM's 05 and 07. Three yz's 04, 06 and 09. I also have had 10hrs an a buddies 17250sx which sold me on getting a 300xc. I loved my cr's but for me the RM's were a step up by a little just for handling purposes. The yz's were all around better then the Cr's and Rm's. My 04yz is closest to the sx it has 09 450 forks, swing arm, shock and linkage. Amazing bike but not as good as the 250sx.
Better brakes
Hydro clutch
Feels like a 125 weight wise compared to all the other bikes
Better suspension
No vibration (so much better then the AF framed 250's)
Turns really close to as good as the RM's but is way more stable at high speed
General maintainence is easier

All that said I still have the 04 yz and am picking up a project 06 cr this week! To me the new KTM is the best platform by a long shot though over all of them.
Have also owned the CR, YZ, RM & KX 250 2t's & have had the opportunity to ride some well set up ones. Personally if I felt the KTM / Huskies were a superior machine I'd have one in the stable. An 04 YZ250 was one of the better 250 2t bikes owned along with the 3rd gen AF CR2's.
VetMX.com
Posts
611
Joined
5/28/2018
Location
Magnolia, TX US
6/13/2018 8:41am
I have ridden my 05 RM250 back to back with a 16 250SX and liked the RM better. Turns way better and I like the mid range motor. Suspension is good on both but the RM rails turns.
JAFO92
Posts
4245
Joined
3/21/2016
Location
BFE, TX US
6/13/2018 8:56am
SoCalMX70 wrote:
Pretty sure the RM got updates up through 06. Bigger shock shaft and valving changes is one thing that comes to mind. Possible minor motor changes.
I know for a fact there was changes, Roger told me himself. All due to Carmichaels test riding and input.
VetMX.com
Posts
611
Joined
5/28/2018
Location
Magnolia, TX US
6/13/2018 8:59am
05 was the last "Suzuki" motor, 06 went to the YZ clone.
JAFO92
Posts
4245
Joined
3/21/2016
Location
BFE, TX US
6/13/2018 9:00am
I owned a mint condition 2006 rm and this was something I also wondered about as well. I absolutely loved that rm250. I decided to sell...
I owned a mint condition 2006 rm and this was something I also wondered about as well. I absolutely loved that rm250. I decided to sell my 2006 rm and 2015 rmz450 and got a 17 Ktm 250sx.

As good as the rm was, there really is no comparison to how much better the new two stroke
is. The entire package adds up, it’s faster, has a better chassis, better brakes, better clutch etc.

It would be interesting to ride a new Husky or KTM smoker after many years on my '05 RM250.
JAFO92
Posts
4245
Joined
3/21/2016
Location
BFE, TX US
6/13/2018 9:04am
VetMX.com wrote:
05 was the last "Suzuki" motor, 06 went to the YZ clone.
As I understand it, anything >= 2004 was an improved YZ design.






jeffro503
Posts
27442
Joined
7/22/2007
Location
St Helens, OR US
6/13/2018 9:09am
The 06' actually had slightly different port work done to the top end , compared to 05' and below. The 06' was the year RC had a hand in when designing the way the motor worked. I rode an 05' and it felt like it had a little more hit to it , while the 06' seems a tad more mellow and better grunt from the bottom to mid. Just my experience anyways.....
JAFO92
Posts
4245
Joined
3/21/2016
Location
BFE, TX US
6/13/2018 9:25am
jeffro503 wrote:
The 06' actually had slightly different port work done to the top end , compared to 05' and below. The 06' was the year RC had...
The 06' actually had slightly different port work done to the top end , compared to 05' and below. The 06' was the year RC had a hand in when designing the way the motor worked. I rode an 05' and it felt like it had a little more hit to it , while the 06' seems a tad more mellow and better grunt from the bottom to mid. Just my experience anyways.....
You are 100% correct. From '05 to '06 they tweaked the YZ clone even more. Ricky did have input on the 2005 chassis, as Roger explained it to me Carmichael basically picked the design that went to production. So I guess for '06 he helped them with the powerplant as well.

https://motocrossactionmag.com/mxas-2006-suzuki-rm250-test/
b_kowalsk
Posts
476
Joined
3/27/2016
Location
Thomaston, CT US
6/13/2018 10:35am
In 07 I believe they were still making improvements. They moved the engine placement in the frame as well as porting changes.
bsharkey
Posts
2163
Joined
6/16/2014
Location
Marysville, WA US
6/13/2018 11:15pm
Thanks for the good info guys
bultokid
Posts
2089
Joined
8/13/2007
Location
Houston, TX US
6/14/2018 6:20am
Want to get a new TC250 myself just to have some fun , their cool and will look great next to the vintage Buls and Huskys in the herd. It's all about having some fun , i am slow no matter what I ride :-) It's 95% rider on how fast you are anyways. Always get a kick when bud goes out and smokes most the cats on his '80 RM400
FI2T
Posts
684
Joined
10/23/2012
Location
Kennewick, WA US
6/14/2018 5:04pm
FI2T wrote:
My experience is the exact opposite. I've had 3 Cr250's 03, 05 and 07. I've had two RM's 05 and 07. Three yz's 04, 06 and...
My experience is the exact opposite. I've had 3 Cr250's 03, 05 and 07. I've had two RM's 05 and 07. Three yz's 04, 06 and 09. I also have had 10hrs an a buddies 17250sx which sold me on getting a 300xc. I loved my cr's but for me the RM's were a step up by a little just for handling purposes. The yz's were all around better then the Cr's and Rm's. My 04yz is closest to the sx it has 09 450 forks, swing arm, shock and linkage. Amazing bike but not as good as the 250sx.
Better brakes
Hydro clutch
Feels like a 125 weight wise compared to all the other bikes
Better suspension
No vibration (so much better then the AF framed 250's)
Turns really close to as good as the RM's but is way more stable at high speed
General maintainence is easier

All that said I still have the 04 yz and am picking up a project 06 cr this week! To me the new KTM is the best platform by a long shot though over all of them.
H4L wrote:
Have also owned the CR, YZ, RM & KX 250 2t's & have had the opportunity to ride some well set up ones. Personally if I...
Have also owned the CR, YZ, RM & KX 250 2t's & have had the opportunity to ride some well set up ones. Personally if I felt the KTM / Huskies were a superior machine I'd have one in the stable. An 04 YZ250 was one of the better 250 2t bikes owned along with the 3rd gen AF CR2's.
I'm curious how much time you spent on the 17 or 18 ktm/husky 250 and what was wrong with it? I loved my other 250's but just having the counterbalanced motor alone makes it far better then any of the other bikes. The fork is damn good stock. I set sag and was instantly more confident and comfortable then on my really built 04yz which was my favorite bike. Switching back and forth I noticed on the KTM I was able to do a 30 minute moto with faster and far more consistent lap times. I also made more mistakes on the yz.

Post a reply to: 2006rm 250vs 2017 husky tc 250

The Latest