Posts
246
Joined
10/14/2019
Location
GB
Edited Date/Time
6/28/2021 8:05am
So after 18 years of racing and at the ripe old age of 37 I've had experience of most bikes available. In fact the only displacement I haven't had is a 500 2 stroke! One day maybe. I've mainly raced 450s, but have had plenty of 125s, a few 250f, and most recently a 16 YZ250 and now a 17 KTM SXF 350.
Ive found the 350 to be hard to get to grips with, as it doesn't have the torque of the 450, but when you get on the gas it's lightening fast, maybe too much for me in most situations. So I find myself not really feeling comfortable.
I rode a couple of bikes yesterday to see what they were like compared with the 350. First up was a 20.5 KTM SXF 450 Factory Edition, and that thing was nice to ride but the monster torque was just way too much in tighter slower sections. Most tracks I ride are fairly tight.
I then tried a 19 KXF250 which I found really fun. I could clear the jumps no problem, just had to rev a bit more. It cornered well, not great, and the suspension was OK. Trouble is it felt absolutely tiny, and way too small for my 6ft4 170lb frame.
I've had various 250F over the years, and most recently was a 15 KTM SXF 250. That thing was real fast for a 250 and good fun. Also didn't feel too small at all. My current 350 has a powerparts tall seat and Renthal 997 bars, which makes the bike real high, although maybe too high for some corners.
So after my waffling above, I'm asking what 250F around 2018 - 2019 would have the better low end power, sharp cornering, good suspension, and be better suited to taller guys?
I'm an intermediate level rider, back of A or front of B class
Cheers
Ive found the 350 to be hard to get to grips with, as it doesn't have the torque of the 450, but when you get on the gas it's lightening fast, maybe too much for me in most situations. So I find myself not really feeling comfortable.
I rode a couple of bikes yesterday to see what they were like compared with the 350. First up was a 20.5 KTM SXF 450 Factory Edition, and that thing was nice to ride but the monster torque was just way too much in tighter slower sections. Most tracks I ride are fairly tight.
I then tried a 19 KXF250 which I found really fun. I could clear the jumps no problem, just had to rev a bit more. It cornered well, not great, and the suspension was OK. Trouble is it felt absolutely tiny, and way too small for my 6ft4 170lb frame.
I've had various 250F over the years, and most recently was a 15 KTM SXF 250. That thing was real fast for a 250 and good fun. Also didn't feel too small at all. My current 350 has a powerparts tall seat and Renthal 997 bars, which makes the bike real high, although maybe too high for some corners.
So after my waffling above, I'm asking what 250F around 2018 - 2019 would have the better low end power, sharp cornering, good suspension, and be better suited to taller guys?
I'm an intermediate level rider, back of A or front of B class
Cheers
The Shop
. Years ago i raced a friends ktm450, I was told I made it look like a supermini ... 6'2" vet ... and yes it was cramped.
I like Yamaha and Suzuki, they seem to "fit" best.
Paw Paw
I think so because I'm opposite of you... I'm 5' 6" and Yamaha is the most uncomfortable and "big" feeling for me. I get along great on Kawasaki and I do well enough on KTM's. In spite of the KTM's on-paper height, they sag enough and the cockpit is small enough that I feel comfortable.
Depending on your weight the RMZ and KXF may need less suspension work as they come pretty over sprung for the typical 250f rider.
Go sit on all of them and see what you think. Im a long time Honda fanboy but can't deny that the KXF chassis 17-2020 just "fits me".
As I said above I rode a 19 KXF 250 on Saturday and it just felt way too small for me, even though it had already had the pegs lowered and bars forward. My 18 KXF 450 felt great, but not the 250.
Id like to sit on a YZF but to be honest I'm not sure I dig the weird airbox/exhaust setup, it just bugs me
What's the CRF250 like size wise? I hear they have a poor bottom end but handle on rails
If you are not only taller, but heavier than average, the reliable power of the Yamaha should be a factor to consider.
Pit Row
I rode a friend's 2014 YZF250 at a track a few days ago and absolutely loved it straight away. The power was perfect, it handled well, and the suspension was amazing. I was really surprised as I've always thought they felt strange to sit on! I was probably faster after 1 lap than I have been on the 450 all year. When I got back on the KX it felt awful, heavy and way too much power for what I need, which was strange because I felt comfortable all year.
This brings me back to now wanting a 250F again. I'll be looking at 2018 - 2020 price range. Obviously my first choice is the Yamaha after riding the 14, but I hear the 19 and 20 are much smaller? This wouldn't be good for me as I'm 6ft 4. Is the 18 still the same size as the 14?
I also rode a newer KTM and just didn't like the ergos, and don't think I want another KXF, so also considering a CRF. Any info on the blue and red bikes to help my decision would be great! Thanks
Only drawback is you will def drag the pegs more in ruts. I’m in CA and ride primarily off-road so deep moto ruts are not an issue for me.
I ride a 2020 sxf350 and after riding his bike I’d say it’s just as roomy if not more and the power is perfect so I’m also after a 250 now. Tempted by the 21kx250 or wait for the new 22 crf250 I’m 5,10 though. Only reason I’m not getting a yam is cuz my mate has one and I want to be different, it’s an amazing bike.
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