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Are there any good NEW 250 TS bikes still being sold? And what would be better for the typical vet rider? I hate the idea of mixing the gas and oil again, but I LOVE the idea of having a two stroke. The 450 would be easier to deal with from day to day, but the maintenance is more expensive and intensive correct?
Im thinking about getting a 17 or 18 CRF450R, YZF450 or maybe some brand of 250TS. Who really makes one worth buying? Yamaha, KTM and Husky only?? What are the opinions? I keep reading the YZ250 is basically a 2005 model that has been lightly refreshed. I hear the KTM and Husky 250s are nice and seem updated for todays tech. But Im not sure if its worth spending the premium money on a two stroke KTM.
I sold my 17 KTM 250F a few days ago and have money burning a hole in my pocket.
Im thinking about getting a 17 or 18 CRF450R, YZF450 or maybe some brand of 250TS. Who really makes one worth buying? Yamaha, KTM and Husky only?? What are the opinions? I keep reading the YZ250 is basically a 2005 model that has been lightly refreshed. I hear the KTM and Husky 250s are nice and seem updated for todays tech. But Im not sure if its worth spending the premium money on a two stroke KTM.
I sold my 17 KTM 250F a few days ago and have money burning a hole in my pocket.
But it's still a competitive bike against the 450s. Yeah you will suffer on the starts but other than that, you should be able to keep up with 450s without problems on most tracks.
I would pick a SX or TC over a YZ any day.
My next bike will be a SX 250.
The Shop
Now I have a TC250. Couldn't be more happy. Wouldn't trade her for any 450.
But that's a matter of taste. It really depends on you. Some people could never be happy on a 250 2T. And vice versa
The pros and cons of 2 vs 4 have been beat to death over and over. All the information is out there. You just need to make a decision for yourself.
Pit Row
Nothing on a ktm is more advanced mechanically over the yz. 2 strokes haven't advanced much since water cooling and power valves.
Efi doesnt really have issues and you wont be adjusting valves very often on a 450 esspecially if its a yamaha or ktm.
You can literally get 100s of hours on a 450 top end with proper care and intermediate or below moto.
Im all for questions and learning, but your going back and forth because of such non existent issues.
With all that being said, yes you are correct. I know just enough to be dangerous on a forum. Now, knowing that would you recommend a new 450, or 250TS? That is the question. I have all the tools and money I would need to keep a bike up. No budget racing. But I dont want to light $100s on fire either. Just enjoy the sport from a full time working adults perspective. Lite moto/practice and many trails. Again, no "trail bikes though". Like KTM exc's and enduros.
To me 450s come on too strong and sign off early. Dont like that. Tiring to ride and a lot of power to keep under control.
350s just more forgiving feels way lighter much better to me.
If you didn't like your 250f i dont think youll like a 250 two stroke. They have narrower power bands, spin the tire more need more shifting etc.
4 stroke much more hooked up and smoother.
Your worried about getting hurt you want smooth power, id say a 350 or ktm 450 xcf or sxf depending on how much track vs trail.
For me the choice is 350 by a large margin.
You can probably easily get 200 or more hours out of a 450 engine with proper maintenance. With a 250 2 stroke, I wouldn't go past 50 hours max between top end rebuilds, but I can also do it myself for less than $150.
With the 450, you'll be paying someone else (a lot more) to do it, but if you have the money why not?
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