Posts
24
Joined
12/23/2017
Location
Coraopolis, PA
US
Has anyone went from a 450 to a 2017 or newer Husky TC250 or KTM 250SX? Or anyone rode or own one? Since the redesign I am considering jumping back over to 2 strokes. With updates to suspension, frame, motor, etc these new 2 strokes have gotten some awesome reviews. I currently have a 08 CRF450R and love that bike. Never one problem and that motor is so easy and fun. I did ride my buddy's new Husky 350 and loved the way it handled so i think I should feel good on the TC. Plus it seems like Husky comes with a lot of upgraded parts stock so that is a plus as well. But overall I wanted some feedback on someone who switched from 4 stroke to one of these new Husky/KTM or anyone who may own one. Nice real world feedback is nice instead of drinking the magazine kool-aid. I am 37 with 2 kids and mainly ride practice tracks with an occasional race here and there so it is mainly for fun and not much real competition.
Put a 300 kit on it to make it more tractor like and it's damn perfect.
The Shop
Then you get E-Start. I really want E-Start.
I own a TC250 and it is truly a great bike, you won't be disappointed with either.
Intermediate Vet rider at 39 year of age, who has ridden four strokes since 2004 and only owned on two stroke prior as an adult (2000 YZ250)
IF you are a two stroke guy you can't go wrong with the TC250, thing has plenty of bottom end and if you can get your head around it can be ridden off the bottom pretty much like a four stroke (maybe not the same as a 450, but prob better than a 250F)
At the same time still has the 2 stroke punch as it hits the meat of the power and sounds unreal if you want to wring it out in any gear.
For me personally I prefer a fourstroke and hoping to go back to one early next year. Outright speed I don't think I was any slower on the TC 250, at my age my speed is my speed lol, But I can ride at that speed for longer on a four stroke with less effort.
If I had the coin I would have kept the TC250 as a fun second bike, great for practice days or just riding with mates. If I was a little younger, fitter and willing and had more time to spend on the two stroke, I could have stuck with it for sure.
The most fun bike that i have ever ridden whilst being very competitive. The only reason why i haven't made the switch is that i only have 50h on my 450 and i want to wait and see if the 2019 gets the new frame.
They both went back to the 450 after owning the TC for a couple of months.
Pit Row
That is why i feel like it's a very competitive bike.
down motos and laps. Research is showing that a leaner pilot, richer main and FMF system do wonders. Hoping to test the jetting this weekend and will order a pipe soon. Adjusting the powervalve to tame the hit is a bit of a myth....it just gives you two lumps in the torque curve, which is problematic on a track.
I will say the chassis is a dream. It is light, the motor has the vibration of a 125 thanks to the counterbalancer, and it is surprisingly receptive to input from the bars in turns, unlike many traditional two strokes.
I'm confident I can get the power sorted, but I'm a little miffed that KTM/Husky didn't do it in the first place. So...if you want to race it, expect to do some homework. But ideally once I get it set up, I'll have a 50-ish hp, 212 lb bike that feels like a 125 and I won't be worrying about valve train maintenance....ever.
Ill admit I havent actually ridden the bike at a normal track day. One mud ride, one AX, and one outdoor race that started with the ground frozen. Race footage from outdoor race:
https://youtu.be/KMfGFh7xabM
That is the only reason why i wont get a SX 250 for 2018. The nice thing here in Finland is that you're able to ride a 250 2-stroke in MX2.
So if i manage to get top 5 in the B class i'll ride MX2 on a 250 2-stroke in 2019.
The KTM350SXF is the happy medium between the two..
Great machine, I would recommend it because it's honestly a great bike. It's just not for me!
Good luck!
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