Posts
782
Joined
8/21/2016
Location
Spring, TX
US
Edited Date/Time
12/1/2017 2:08pm
I'm getting the itch for a more modern bike, but uncertain of what I would like. I currently ride an 03 CR250 because I love 2 smokes, it's what I started on way back. My last race bike was an 03 CRF 450, I got rid of it in 06 and haven't ridden a 4T since. I don't want another 450, I know that much. The 450 took a lot of the fun out of the riding for me, it was just too much bike.
I love the power of the 250 2T, but would like the torque of a 4T and would like a more modern bike. How does the power of what I currently ride compare to a modern 250F or 350F?
For reference, I'm a Vet C level rider and 215lbs. I don't race anymore and if I do, it will be a one off thing.
I've also been on Honda's since I was 7, I had 1 stint with the Aprilia supermoto, everything else has been Honda. So I'd really like to try something else. I'm very intrigued by the KTM and Husky, however I really don't want air forks. What's your thoughts and suggestions?
I love the power of the 250 2T, but would like the torque of a 4T and would like a more modern bike. How does the power of what I currently ride compare to a modern 250F or 350F?
For reference, I'm a Vet C level rider and 215lbs. I don't race anymore and if I do, it will be a one off thing.
I've also been on Honda's since I was 7, I had 1 stint with the Aprilia supermoto, everything else has been Honda. So I'd really like to try something else. I'm very intrigued by the KTM and Husky, however I really don't want air forks. What's your thoughts and suggestions?
The Shop
But imo the 350 is the easy choice to make and just go ride. They are pretty damn good bikes and will give you all of the tech upgrade you sound like you are in market for.
I would go for a 250f it has plenty of power especially the new generation KTM 250 sxf.
Never had the opportunity to test ride a KTM 250 sx 2017-18. I guess it is a little monster but all the tests say that the power comes on very smoothly (for a 250 2 stroke) until you hit the monster mid-range.
I think you can't go wrong with either of these bikes.
I went from a 125 to a new KX250F. Two laps on the 250F and I knew I made a mistake. Total snooze fest. Reminded me of my old XR400. You have to ride it different and also takes some fun out. No smoke, no powerband, not much shifting, no dumping the clutch and blasting berms. Its all just "too easy". You just pick a gear, twist the throttle and go.
If I was racing at a high level, yeah 4T for sure. For fun or low level racing....2T.
I have done a few demo days on the 350F and really like that bike. Going to pick one up in the middle of 2018. I don't need all the extra weight/power that a 450 has and really what is 3 extra hp.
Look for a local demo day, this time of year KTM is going a lot of them. Then you can ride the new bikes and see what you like. Personally, I don't like riding friends bikes. Just don't want to risk crashing or breaking something on the bike that is not mine.
The 09 I have now when stock was only 32 hp, the new 350s are making in the low 50's. So it is a big jump for me and just the right amount of power for the local southern California tracks.
I don’t ride 250Fs hard enough to make them go fast, and 450s wear me out too quickly.
In regards to the AER forks on the KTM / Husky, they are excellent, don't let anyone else tell you otherwise.
Pit Row
That being said the TC250 looks bitchen.
This is also my first bike with air forks. Super simple to setup and its been really nice to be able to adjust the pressures and see how it makes things feel.
It's a 2006 YZ250 2 stroke motor in a RMZ250 chassis (08 chassis). 13 oz fly wheel, decked cyllinder for low end grunt. IT's fun.... but it was a bit slick out and the guy I was with was on a 16 KTM350XCF. He was having a easier time...
I also have a CRF250, 2008, CNC ported head, 276 IceCube kit, vertex ignition, etc... that bike is a TON of fun but really hard to start. I think I'm faster on it then on the 250 2 stroke. The 2 stroke, with the power delivery, likes to brake traction when you get aggressive. I'll tell you though that YZ motor with the decked cylinder can crawl up steep hills... It's like a trials bike. But, it's power delivery is just not as smooth. It doesn't stay planted like the 4 strokes.
So, thinking about dumping both and grabbing a KTm350XCF.
I did also rebuild the forks once with new bushings and seals. Otherwise, I have the same clutch, same inner tubes, same reeds, same jets aside from clip and a/s adjustments. I've gone though brake pads, sprockets/chain, several sets of tires and air filters, etc... but cost of riding it has been really cheap. Its been great on plugs too...probably gone through 10 of em in its entire life if that. I've spent far more time on seats, pegs, bars and getting the ergonomics dialed.
If I could do it all over again, I would choose the 250 two stroke again. Its simple, light, lugs great, and can't argue with the power/torque.
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