Posts
10
Joined
9/21/2019
Location
College Station, TX
US
TXrider12
9/22/2019 5:05pm
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.
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.
/end thread
The Shop
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Pit Row
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.
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.
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
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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