2020 YZ250F or KTM 350 SX-F for Vet Rider

TXrider12
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9/22/2019 5:05pm
Looking for feedback on mainly the power between the two bikes. I’ve been off two wheels for about two years now. I’m a 34 vet novice, 205 lbs, 6’. Will be riding for fun, no racing, will be on vet friendly MX tracks.



I’ve always been a 2 stroke guy. Last bike was a 2014 YZ250 smoker. Great bike but I want something with a smoother power band that’s easier to ride for someone like me who is only riding 1-2 times a month.



I’ve looked at about every dang YouTube video and read about every article there is on these two bikes and this is what I’ve concluded.



The KTM seems like it may be a better fit with it having more power on top, can hold gears longer and probably ride a vet track in 2-3 gear most of the time and I’ll never feel like I want more power. I’ll probably never advance above the novice level and I’m real about that. However I am going to get private lessons from a pro MX racer so the KTM seems like at my weight it may be a better bike to grow into a little bit.



With the 250F it’s advantage seems to be the suspension, which I loved my 14 YZ250’s. Also the low end power it offers for a 250F and now the new ones rev a little higher. They obviously dominate the 250 shootouts. So I don’t think I could go wrong with this bike. I think I would have enough power even at 205 lbs without gear but I’d probably have to shift more and ride it a little harder than the KTM.



Leaning KTM for the longer gears and ability to ride a little lazier when I feel like it and the higher displacement/punch. Any feedback is appreciated.
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TXrider12
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9/22/2019 5:16pm
Thanks for the feedback. Any reason(s) why the 350?
T-Fish
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9/22/2019 5:31pm Edited Date/Time 9/22/2019 5:31pm
TXrider12 wrote:
Thanks for the feedback. Any reason(s) why the 350?
It’s honestly the best Vet bike made. No other reason needed.
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Vet57
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9/22/2019 6:10pm
I'm 61 and I've had the 350 and also had 4 YZ250fs with my current one being the 19'. Loved the 350 but for me personally and especially with the 19' it is the bike for me. I could have purchased another 350 but there is nothing more stable and better suspended out of the box than the Yamaha. The 19' also has an incredible motor as well. It was 2K cheaper too. My 2 cents anyway
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The Shop

9/22/2019 6:20pm
I’d get the Yamaha. Plenty of torque, WiFi tuner, rock solid build quality.
DynoDan22
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9/22/2019 6:21pm
+1 on the 350. As a 205lb 44yr old vet novice here's my take on the pros and cons of each:

350 pros:
-yes you can lug this bike. I'm not gonna argue this on here but the 350 is so versatile. Lug or rev... lazy or aggressive. Ride it however.
-great spread of power. Chassis is very neutral. Does everything good, nothing stupid.
-hydraulic clutch is cheating, brembo brakes are amazing.
-clutch itself is bullet proof.
-motor is very reliable
350 cons:
-air fork gets a bad rap. I assure you as a vet novice it's more than adequate.
-feels heavier than a 250f but lighter than a 450. To what degree I won't argue either. Lol. My '19 350 feels very light and agile.

250f Yami pros:

-great suspension (SSS Kayaba) t
-great power for a 250f
-very stable chassis that is on the more stable side than a scalpel

250f cons:
-reliability. I wanted a Yami 250f but the timing chain issues, valve guide/valve issues scared me away. I have seen too many issues on the '18-19's. It's a shame because Yamahas used to be as reliable and claw hammer.
-more frequent service intervals (pistons, cam chain etc.)
-airbox. Known issues with sucking dirt past the filter.
-at 205lbs, I thank god to chose a 350 instead of a 250f.
-'18 and '19's have weak batteries that take a $hit more quickly than other brands.

This is my opinion based on me having 50hrs on my '19 350sx-f and also riding a '19 Yami 250f. It's a shame that there are some issues with the 250f as it's an amazing bike. My 350 has been an awesome bike and very confidence-inspiring. I've had zero issues. Both are great bikes but at your weight and skill level I would suggest the 350.
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c0ncEpT
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9/22/2019 7:16pm Edited Date/Time 9/22/2019 7:21pm
If I were to do it again I would have just bought another Yamaha 250F instead of my 350.

Don't get me wrong I like the 350 but I'm just a lot more comfortable on the Yamaha. Motor is strong for a 250F, suspension is excellent and the chassis is extremely stable and predictable. Just a great overall package.

I'm sure I'll get some flack for this but if you haven't owned an Austrian bike before they are annoying to work on. Super small hardware, torx everywhere, ECT. I mean I have to take my muffler off to get the shock out. It's just annoying.
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CarlinoJoeVideo
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9/22/2019 7:27pm
I think the YZF will have more than enough power for you considering you haven’t rode in 2 years.

The 205 weight does make me think the 350 might be better though for you just to lug the bike around.

The Yamaha suspension is night and day better then KTM.


To split the difference, can you get a Husky 350? The suspension is a bit softer, subframe is softer. An overall more compliant bike then KTM.
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TXrider12
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9/22/2019 7:32pm
Thanks for all the feedback. Everywhere I search it’s usually a 50/50 split. I’ve always loved Yamahas. If they made a 350 there wouldn’t be anything to think about. I will be doing a bit a woods riding too but nothing very gnarly. Mostly flat, smooth, sandy trails. I think either bike would be great. I may have to flip a coin on this choice and just go buy one. My dealer has both.
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CarlinoJoeVideo
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9/22/2019 7:43pm
TXrider12 wrote:
Thanks for all the feedback. Everywhere I search it’s usually a 50/50 split. I’ve always loved Yamahas. If they made a 350 there wouldn’t be anything...
Thanks for all the feedback. Everywhere I search it’s usually a 50/50 split. I’ve always loved Yamahas. If they made a 350 there wouldn’t be anything to think about. I will be doing a bit a woods riding too but nothing very gnarly. Mostly flat, smooth, sandy trails. I think either bike would be great. I may have to flip a coin on this choice and just go buy one. My dealer has both.
What’s the price and how far is each dealer?
Panic_Rev
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9/22/2019 7:49pm
35 years old had 2015 yz250f switched to 350, 170lbs. Motor is exactly what I wanted. Forks are behind the yz. Fc revalve on both bikes.
9/22/2019 8:24pm
Where would a big bore 250 fit in, like if the Yamaha is cheaper, do you slip on a big bore when the first piston is due?
TXrider12
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9/22/2019 8:29pm
TXrider12 wrote:
Thanks for all the feedback. Everywhere I search it’s usually a 50/50 split. I’ve always loved Yamahas. If they made a 350 there wouldn’t be anything...
Thanks for all the feedback. Everywhere I search it’s usually a 50/50 split. I’ve always loved Yamahas. If they made a 350 there wouldn’t be anything to think about. I will be doing a bit a woods riding too but nothing very gnarly. Mostly flat, smooth, sandy trails. I think either bike would be great. I may have to flip a coin on this choice and just go buy one. My dealer has both.
What’s the price and how far is each dealer?
Same dealer. They sell KTM, Yamaha and Kawasaki. They are asking full MSRP right now since they are 2020 models but they will come down both of them a little. I’m not concerned with the up-charge of the KTM. I’m not racing and wearing parts out. I’ll only be riding a few hours a month and not riding them to their potential. Especially the KTM (I think). So it’s just a matter of what I feel will be the best bike for me and I want to get something that has a little room to grow in if I do get better. I love Yamaha’s. The extra 100cc the KTM without the overwhelming power of a 450 is what is so appealing to me.
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TXrider12
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9/22/2019 8:35pm
Where would a big bore 250 fit in, like if the Yamaha is cheaper, do you slip on a big bore when the first piston is...
Where would a big bore 250 fit in, like if the Yamaha is cheaper, do you slip on a big bore when the first piston is due?
Not a bad option but if that’s the mindset, why not just get the 350 without putting the extra stress on a 250 bottom end?
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CarlinoJoeVideo
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9/22/2019 9:15pm
I own a 19 350. I’m 35, 5,9 160lbs. Love the bike! My only drawback is the KTM forks, I had a set of cone valve(spring) forks that dramatically change the ride.

If you never rode the 18 or 19 Yamaha, I think everyone would be very surprised how much bottom end it has. I remember thinking, “This is like a mini 350.”

Maybe just go off feel sitting on the bike at the dealer if you aren’t able to try one on the track.
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TXrider12
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9/22/2019 9:28pm
I own a 19 350. I’m 35, 5,9 160lbs. Love the bike! My only drawback is the KTM forks, I had a set of cone valve(spring)...
I own a 19 350. I’m 35, 5,9 160lbs. Love the bike! My only drawback is the KTM forks, I had a set of cone valve(spring) forks that dramatically change the ride.

If you never rode the 18 or 19 Yamaha, I think everyone would be very surprised how much bottom end it has. I remember thinking, “This is like a mini 350.”

Maybe just go off feel sitting on the bike at the dealer if you aren’t able to try one on the track.
I’m going to a KTM demo day November 2 so I’m definitely looking forward to that. Yamaha doesn’t have a demo day in Texas this year unfortunately. Good news is I’m very familiar with the YZ suspension, owning a 2014 YZ250 smoker. So I’ll be able to see what all the fuss is about the KTM suspension soon. Thanks for all your feedback!
1
9/22/2019 10:02pm
TXrider12 wrote:
Looking for feedback on mainly the power between the two bikes. I’ve been off two wheels for about two years now. I’m a 34 vet novice...
Looking for feedback on mainly the power between the two bikes. I’ve been off two wheels for about two years now. I’m a 34 vet novice, 205 lbs, 6’. Will be riding for fun, no racing, will be on vet friendly MX tracks.



I’ve always been a 2 stroke guy. Last bike was a 2014 YZ250 smoker. Great bike but I want something with a smoother power band that’s easier to ride for someone like me who is only riding 1-2 times a month.



I’ve looked at about every dang YouTube video and read about every article there is on these two bikes and this is what I’ve concluded.



The KTM seems like it may be a better fit with it having more power on top, can hold gears longer and probably ride a vet track in 2-3 gear most of the time and I’ll never feel like I want more power. I’ll probably never advance above the novice level and I’m real about that. However I am going to get private lessons from a pro MX racer so the KTM seems like at my weight it may be a better bike to grow into a little bit.



With the 250F it’s advantage seems to be the suspension, which I loved my 14 YZ250’s. Also the low end power it offers for a 250F and now the new ones rev a little higher. They obviously dominate the 250 shootouts. So I don’t think I could go wrong with this bike. I think I would have enough power even at 205 lbs without gear but I’d probably have to shift more and ride it a little harder than the KTM.



Leaning KTM for the longer gears and ability to ride a little lazier when I feel like it and the higher displacement/punch. Any feedback is appreciated.
I was in the same situation like you 2 months ago.
Come off from a 150SX after 20 years of two stroke riding. Love the 150 but was tired from the 2stroke riding.
I think a lot about 250f and 350f at the end I bought a 2019 350SXF and love the bike.

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tek14
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9/22/2019 11:39pm
350 and suspension revalve.
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Doddy
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9/23/2019 12:44am
Have you tried a Lectron carb on that YZ 250?
peltier626
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9/23/2019 3:25am Edited Date/Time 9/23/2019 3:30am
I've owned both. If you could put the suspension from the Yamaha on the 350 you would have the perfect bike. I'm currently on the yz 250f. 165lbs vet 38yrs old, at prime was an intermediate rider, now my goal is to get home safe. The 250 power should be sufficient and it will teach you proper technique and not rely on power of the bike (450 riders) to complete obstacles. Either bike will be fine.
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TXrider12
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9/23/2019 8:22am
Doddy wrote:
Have you tried a Lectron carb on that YZ 250?
No but I’ve heard great things about it. I sold the YZ. I should have kept it for a woods bike.
Moto520
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9/23/2019 9:40am
I know this wasn't one of the options but you could get a YZ450F and de-tune it to run extremely soft with the power app. just a thought!
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TXrider12
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9/23/2019 9:53am
Moto520 wrote:
I know this wasn't one of the options but you could get a YZ450F and de-tune it to run extremely soft with the power app. just...
I know this wasn't one of the options but you could get a YZ450F and de-tune it to run extremely soft with the power app. just a thought!
I’ve definitely thought about that. It’s just on the heavy side and I’d like to have a bike I can ride closer to it’s potential.

I’ve been reading up on the 2020 KTM 350 and they did change the valving on the forks to soften them up. Can’t wait to demo it in November.
seth505
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9/23/2019 10:06am
Another not on your list but since you mentioned being a 2-stroke guy...the 2017 and newer KTM or Husky 250 2smoke can be setup to be pretty damn smooth as far as those motors go. As someone who had a yz250 and then a 2013 250sx, those both vibrated a lot compared to the current counterbalanced 250sx.
I switched bikes with a new CRF450 last week at a sand track and asked the guy if it felt horrible down low coming off his 450 and he actually said he was surprised it was very snappy and responsive.
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user760a
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9/23/2019 10:20am
Moto520 wrote:
I know this wasn't one of the options but you could get a YZ450F and de-tune it to run extremely soft with the power app. just...
I know this wasn't one of the options but you could get a YZ450F and de-tune it to run extremely soft with the power app. just a thought!
This may get you the user friendly roll on power of a small bore, but you will still have the weight, and worse yet the PERCEIVED weight of the 450...feels like a piglet and no turny turn as compared to smaller bore bikes.
1
JohnMatrix
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9/23/2019 10:28am
seth505 wrote:
Another not on your list but since you mentioned being a 2-stroke guy...the 2017 and newer KTM or Husky 250 2smoke can be setup to be...
Another not on your list but since you mentioned being a 2-stroke guy...the 2017 and newer KTM or Husky 250 2smoke can be setup to be pretty damn smooth as far as those motors go. As someone who had a yz250 and then a 2013 250sx, those both vibrated a lot compared to the current counterbalanced 250sx.
I switched bikes with a new CRF450 last week at a sand track and asked the guy if it felt horrible down low coming off his 450 and he actually said he was surprised it was very snappy and responsive.
I have to agree with this. I had a '17 350 and it's a great bike but I sold it to a friend and went to a '19 250sx mostly out of boredom. Since getting used to the 250sx, the 350 actually feels like a bit of a pig when I hop back on it. The 350 is a nimble bike for its power compared to other 4 strokes, but there's no question it feels noticeably heavier and a bit more boring to ride than a 250 2T. The '17 and up 250sx motor (Husky TC too) is really really smooth and an easy bike to ride. I also ride maybe 2-4 times a month and when I get on a bike I want it to be fun and exciting without being difficult to ride. For me the 250sx is a perfect fit. If you can demo one along with the 350 do it and you'll definitely come away wanting one or the other.
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adam8781
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9/23/2019 11:17am
get the yzf, its built better, it lasts longer, its plenty fast, no stupid air forks, the tuning app is super easy to use.

the 350 needs tobe revved to the moon tobe ridden properly. the suspension is junk compared to the stock kyb stuff.


easy choice imo, yz250f
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Doddy
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9/23/2019 4:18pm
Doddy wrote:
Have you tried a Lectron carb on that YZ 250?
TXrider12 wrote:
No but I’ve heard great things about it. I sold the YZ. I should have kept it for a woods bike.
Gotcha. It makes it easier to ride, smoother, and still get's with the program. It squashed me wanting a 250F.
Taylor415
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9/23/2019 6:05pm
The WP AER48 forks are good, I don’t know where all this negative crap is coming from. You’d get any other brand set up for you too. Is it as good as the KYB on the blue bike? No. Can it be good? Yes. I rode mine stock for awhile and didn’t really do much to them. If you want to ride trails just run lower pressure so it won’t be as stiff like you’d want it for mx.
Love my 350. I went up two teeth in rear and that got it right where I wanted it. I was on 250fs for a long time and decided I wanted a little more and I couldn’t be happier.
KTM quality is great too. There’s some torx bolts, but all but like three of them have a 8/10/12mm as well. Very well built bikes.
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TXrider12
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9/23/2019 6:57pm
Taylor415 wrote:
The WP AER48 forks are good, I don’t know where all this negative crap is coming from. You’d get any other brand set up for you...
The WP AER48 forks are good, I don’t know where all this negative crap is coming from. You’d get any other brand set up for you too. Is it as good as the KYB on the blue bike? No. Can it be good? Yes. I rode mine stock for awhile and didn’t really do much to them. If you want to ride trails just run lower pressure so it won’t be as stiff like you’d want it for mx.
Love my 350. I went up two teeth in rear and that got it right where I wanted it. I was on 250fs for a long time and decided I wanted a little more and I couldn’t be happier.
KTM quality is great too. There’s some torx bolts, but all but like three of them have a 8/10/12mm as well. Very well built bikes.
Thanks for the feedback. So for 2020 KTM apparently changed the fork valving to make it more compliant for the average rider after catching so much flack and apparently it’s more comfortable now. Can’t wait to try one out in November.
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