YZ250f or YZ250 2 stroke

[talnteddriver29]

Hey guys so heres the deal
I purchased a 02' YZ125 in August 07 and rode it about once a week on the trails. and 3x at the track all summer

The Good:
1. Reliability. Started first kick everytime
2. Good bang for buck. Never needed a top end. great compression
3. Weight. Was comfortably light. not really gonna get any lighter

The Bad:
1. The seat height was too high. I could BARELY tippy toe it
2. Was snappy and sometimes unpredictable. I am 5'7 145. Good power to weight ratio
3. The reason I sold it is because throttle control in the air I HATED
When my bike would go really nose heavy, Cracking the throttle did not bring it up quickly for me. It mainly JUST stopped it from going Even more nose heavy

Now I am stuck between 2 choices. a 250 4 stroke or a 250 2 stroke
Now heres my experience

1. 2004 YZ250f- Was different. gears felt like they ran out quicker than 2 stk. but it was really great in the loose stuff and caught good traction. Easier. I felt like I was quicker on it

2. 2008 KTM 250sx- I hated. I rode it at Gopher Dunes in Ontario. all loose sand. and It felt very snappy, and the gas felt like it wasnt very user friendly. it did not have as good roll on throttle as the 250f. It was VERY powerful. it kept up there with the 450sx-f

ALTHOUGH

I did enjoy the KTM 200xc (2stroke) and the KTM 300xc(2stroke) very much!
My question is..Is there any 250 2stroke or Motocross bikes that closely resemble the KTM 200xc? I loved that bike. except They are very rare and overpriced here. So I have to choose between a newer (04/05) YZ250f and YZ250

(Sorry im set to Yamaha for a 4stroke. 2004 or newer)
(I dont know too much on the 2502stks. I havent read up on whos bike is the most user friendly)

Any opinions or experiences?

[MXtras]

I am still a 2-stroke fan but I ride both the 450F and the 250 2-stroke. Switching between the two in the same day can be rough, but I still run the 2-stroke 250 because I love it and I run the 450 when I feel it's the better choice for the track I am riding.

If you want to be competetive, you almost have to run a 450 in the higher classes. No matter the class, it's the rider that makes the biggest difference as you likely know. Kiss the one kick start good-bye if you choose the 4-stroke but they are not really all that hard to start most of the time.

If you feel better on the 4-stroke, then that would be my suggestion for you. They are far easier to ride than a two stroke and they definately hook up well. Their reliability rivals the 2-strokes - depending on your maintenance diligence, of course.

Scott

[the_privateer]

the ktm 2stroke mx bikes are definitely the least user friendly, the RMs I have heard are also on the snappy side, haven't ridden one personally.

The '03 and newer yz250's have IMO the best powerband of the 250's. It can be lugged around like a 4 stroke and still be pretty quick, still screams on top too.

You might find the 4 stroke easier to keep level in the air, I do. I'm kinda stuck between the same choice of either a yz250 or yz250f. Then on Thanksgiving I rode a yz270f and I think I'm sold on finding a cheap 04 yz250f and boring and rebuilding it.

[triplendo]

Your number 2 on the bad side of the 125 was being too snappy so I'm not sure you should try more displacement to solve that problem. But if you're ready to go up then the 4-stroke would probably fit the best.

[talnteddriver29]

Originally Posted by triplendo

Your number 2 on the bad side of the 125 was being too snappy so I'm not sure you should try more displacement to solve that problem. But if you're ready to go up then the 4-stroke would probably fit the best.

I understand what your saying. But When i said the 125 was to snappy. I just meant I wanted something that has a smoother roll on throttle(I suppose the flywheel weight on the YZ250 will do the trick) and a bike that best RESEMBLES a 08 KTM 200xc/300xc. The 250f is nice to ride, dont get me wrong. I just want a one that has the best rider control in the air

Originally Posted by the_privateer

the ktm 2stroke mx bikes are definitely the least user friendly

May I ask Why?

Thanks for the replys everyone!
I appreciate it. its really helping

[sparta4188]

I would suggest a YZ250F. For your height and weight. You will be on your tippy toes but the power will be there when you want it.

[talnteddriver29]

Originally Posted by sparta4188

I would suggest a YZ250F. For your height and weight. You will be on your tippy toes but the power will be there when you want it.

I could always get a lowering kit or set the seat sag to overcome those couldn't I?....and a why wouldn't a 250 2stk NOT have power "There"? It would have quite a bit more ponies than the 250f thats forsure. I dont mean to come off as an ***. Just thought Id ask

[Shoei_391]

and a why wouldn't a 250 2stk NOT have power "There"

I think he means that the 250 will obviosuly have power....but it will come in a hit...not as hard as a 125 2t but you will have more power in general.


the 250f generally has smooth broad power

[the_privateer]

Originally Posted by talnteddriver29

May I ask Why?

the most peak horsepower coupled with the steapest powerband, pretty much the exact reasons you said you hated the 250sx. the xc/exc ktm smokers on the other hand are very smooth.


you could always modify the 125 to be more 200xc-ish: flywheel weight, bore it to 144 and add a port job, rejet and have a much smoother bike. set the sag and trim the seat if needed, and you'd still be in for less cash than trading up to a 250. there is quite a few things that could be responsible the bike's manners in the air. unbalanced suspension, sloppy jetting, body positioning. I guess i just kinda beleive in getting the most out of a bike before trading up.

[sparta4188]

Originally Posted by Shoei_391

I think he means that the 250 will obviosuly have power....but it will come in a hit...not as hard as a 125 2t but you will have more power in general.


the 250f generally has smooth broad power

Yes thank you for clarifying that up!!