Ktm 250sx or yz250?

dontstealmybike
Edited Date/Time 8/1/2017 7:26pm
I know, I know, it's been asked. And it depends on rider preference. But I wasn't really happy with any of the responses to this question on other threads I've seen and I also haven't seen a good video on YouTube comparing the 2 bikes.
I initially wanted the 250sx, but now I kinda don't care anymore cause no ones sold me on either one yet. Plus there seems to be way more yz250's for sale.
Anyone have experience with both that can fill me in on the difference between the two? Power, suspension, parts, maintenance, life-span, anything else?
This bike will be used for trail and mx, but I don't want this to turn into a what's better for what application thread.
I'm a beginner (2 seasons trail riding) who learned quick and outgrew my first bike. Need more power and nimbleness (is that a word?).
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rjg
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rjg 8/1/2017 5:54pm
8/1/2017 5:54pm Edited Date/Time 8/1/2017 6:12pm
I have had both for trail riding. I am currently riding a 250sx. Yz is better. You ought to consider a yz250x tho. It's is Yamaha's off-road 2-stroke based of the yz250. Way, way, way better trail bike compared the yz250 and 250sx. Becareful with the year of 250sx 15-16. It has 4cs suspension and you will most likely hate it, most do. Can't go wrong with the Yammy.

The yz250 has more mid-high focused power vs the ktm. The yz250x is similar but much less egde in it.

The ktm has tune able powervalve to play with. More bottom end or top end power can be achieved with this.

KTM suspension is hit or miss with people. Some people like it others hate it. Almost everyone has good things to say about the yz250 suspension.

Yz is skinnier than the 250sx. In my opinion the handling of the yz is more stable than the ktm. The ktm turns better. Both are light on the front ends.

KTM 250sx transmission seems more robust to me compared to the yz250. Wore out a yz transmission, never a ktm. Speeds seem similar in every gear.

In my experiences, KTM costs more to buy, setup and maintain vs every Yamaha I ever owned.


Martini637
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Martini637 8/1/2017 6:03pm
8/1/2017 6:03pm
Yamaha for sure. Tons of parts for them and has much much better suspension just be sure its from 2006 or newer. I had a good amount of friends with both and the yamaha just felt better overall.
njracer46
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njracer46 8/1/2017 6:40pm
8/1/2017 6:40pm
This should turn into a pissing match quick

Ktm and Yamaha both have demo days, go ride both and make your decision on what you like better. Not what someone else likes
wide open wally
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wide open wally 8/1/2017 6:54pm
8/1/2017 6:54pm
I've had both. Put it this way. If you want a bike that's virtually unchanged throughout the past 10+ years get a YZ. Safe bet, you ride one you rode them all. They are just all around good bikes.

If you want the latest 2 stroke technology get a KTM. Motors are ever changing and always improving, suspension as well (as stated above loved and hated). And my favorite part is the weight, light as all get out.

I current have a 17' 250sx. I ride woods, gps, moto you name it. Bike does great on them all I love it. Quick tip also, find a suspension guy to help guide you if you get the '17 up. The aer air forks are not bad at all with proper set up. I talked to my guy and he explained how to find a good set up on varying tracks and I could play with settings easily.

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Jack_Mehoff
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Jack_Mehoff 8/1/2017 6:55pm
8/1/2017 6:55pm
Yz all day over the Ktms from before 2017. I had a 2013 ktm that I had just gotten the suspension done on and was pretty pumped on it because it was way better than before. Then I got to ride a yz and it all changed. The yz wasn't as fast but the power flowed better and was more usable. The suspension was night and day better and I felt more comfortable in a couple laps than I did with my ktm after 100 hours. the new Ktms are great but I would go yz based on your skill level.
dedi684
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dedi684 8/1/2017 6:59pm
8/1/2017 6:59pm
Yeah I've had both just rode a ktm and own a 16 yz. I can hop right on the ktm and feel great it just seems much more planted in the turns. The damn jetting and minor suspension issues just come back to haunt me every time. As said above I'm eager to try a 250x since my yz's have been a bit of a handful even with various combos of pipes flywheel weights etc. Just my vet b opinion both great but I'm gonna try to hold out for fuel injection, if I don't get a 250x.
BobPA
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BobPA 8/1/2017 7:07pm
8/1/2017 7:07pm
Are you buying used or new?

You will be happy with either
-MAVERICK-
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-MAVERICK- 8/1/2017 7:26pm
8/1/2017 7:26pm
Since you're looking at riding both trail and MX why not go with a KTM 250xc or YZ 250x?

Those 2 bikes will do exactly what you want on both the trails and the track. The suspension might be a little soft for MX but nothing a good re-valve can't fix.

Personally I would choose between one of those two bikes. As for which, I say whichever one you can get the best deal on. I've owned Yamaha's and a KTM and in my opinion they were both great bikes. If you have the chance to try either or both of those before buying that would be your best bet.

Good luck.
dontstealmybike 8/1/2017 7:52pm
8/1/2017 7:52pm
BobPA wrote:
Are you buying used or new?

You will be happy with either
Used. Looking at a '98 250sx tomorrow... might not do it though due to parts being hard to find.. so I hear.
dontstealmybike 8/1/2017 7:53pm
8/1/2017 7:53pm
-MAVERICK- wrote:
Since you're looking at riding both trail and MX why not go with a KTM 250xc or YZ 250x? Those 2 bikes will do exactly what...
Since you're looking at riding both trail and MX why not go with a KTM 250xc or YZ 250x?

Those 2 bikes will do exactly what you want on both the trails and the track. The suspension might be a little soft for MX but nothing a good re-valve can't fix.

Personally I would choose between one of those two bikes. As for which, I say whichever one you can get the best deal on. I've owned Yamaha's and a KTM and in my opinion they were both great bikes. If you have the chance to try either or both of those before buying that would be your best bet.

Good luck.
Planning on getting two bikes eventually. A mx bike and then later, a trail bike.
BobPA
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BobPA 8/1/2017 7:54pm
8/1/2017 7:54pm
BobPA wrote:
Are you buying used or new?

You will be happy with either
dontstealmybike wrote:
Used. Looking at a '98 250sx tomorrow... might not do it though due to parts being hard to find.. so I hear.
Budget?

If you are going used the Yamaha is your only choice.
seth505
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seth505 8/1/2017 7:55pm
8/1/2017 7:55pm Edited Date/Time 8/1/2017 7:57pm
If you're a beginner you'll probably like either bike. After experience with both my sx (2017) handles better, turns better, better brakes, easier to work on, suspension better (yes imo), better components and raw power. I think only plus for the yz is it's easier to jet the carb.

Edit: if you're going several years old just find the best bike/deal. Probably more YZs around. Good luck
tobz
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tobz 8/1/2017 8:17pm
8/1/2017 8:17pm
YZ250X fo sho.


But i'm a lil bias Grinning



loftyair
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loftyair 8/1/2017 8:22pm
8/1/2017 8:22pm
Depends on cost. Money buy a 17 or newer ktm. Otherwise an 06+, or 04-98 yz.
Madc32
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Madc32 8/1/2017 8:25pm
8/1/2017 8:25pm
The KTM demo is August 21st at Washougal.
ledger
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ledger 8/1/2017 8:52pm
8/1/2017 8:52pm
I sold my 17 KTM....I fugged up. Light, very little vibration, light, smooth power delivery, light, good ergo's, handled great, turned great, extremely easy to work on. #DayumI"mdumb.
-MAVERICK-
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-MAVERICK- 8/1/2017 8:55pm
8/1/2017 8:55pm
Used: '02-'04 YZ 250 and put the new style plastic on it or '06+ YZ 250 with the newer style plastic to modernize it.

I've owned an '04 YZ 125 and it was one of the best bikes I've ever owned. I've also owned an '06 YZ 250 and that too was a great bike.

In my opinion if you're buying used you absolutely can't go wrong with any of those year Yamaha. I personally wouldn't buy older than an '02.

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PTshox
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PTshox 8/1/2017 9:10pm
8/1/2017 9:10pm
I' m happy with my YZ/ RMZ 250. Very strong motor with lots of options.

dontstealmybike 8/1/2017 10:51pm
8/1/2017 10:51pm
BobPA wrote:
Are you buying used or new?

You will be happy with either
dontstealmybike wrote:
Used. Looking at a '98 250sx tomorrow... might not do it though due to parts being hard to find.. so I hear.
BobPA wrote:
Budget?

If you are going used the Yamaha is your only choice.
My budget is $2,500-$3,000.
I do want to avoid buying a super old bike.
Could you be so kind to elaborate why the Yamaha is the best choice between the two when buying used?
My guess is that I'll get a newer bike for the same price.
dontstealmybike 8/1/2017 10:58pm
8/1/2017 10:58pm
-MAVERICK- wrote:
Used: '02-'04 YZ 250 and put the new style plastic on it or '06+ YZ 250 with the newer style plastic to modernize it. I've owned...
Used: '02-'04 YZ 250 and put the new style plastic on it or '06+ YZ 250 with the newer style plastic to modernize it.

I've owned an '04 YZ 125 and it was one of the best bikes I've ever owned. I've also owned an '06 YZ 250 and that too was a great bike.

In my opinion if you're buying used you absolutely can't go wrong with any of those year Yamaha. I personally wouldn't buy older than an '02.

Why not an '05?
I ask because someone else recommended '98-'04 and '06+.
-MAVERICK-
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-MAVERICK- 8/2/2017 1:37am
8/2/2017 1:37am
-MAVERICK- wrote:
Used: '02-'04 YZ 250 and put the new style plastic on it or '06+ YZ 250 with the newer style plastic to modernize it. I've owned...
Used: '02-'04 YZ 250 and put the new style plastic on it or '06+ YZ 250 with the newer style plastic to modernize it.

I've owned an '04 YZ 125 and it was one of the best bikes I've ever owned. I've also owned an '06 YZ 250 and that too was a great bike.

In my opinion if you're buying used you absolutely can't go wrong with any of those year Yamaha. I personally wouldn't buy older than an '02.

dontstealmybike wrote:
Why not an '05?
I ask because someone else recommended '98-'04 and '06+.
Simply put the '05 is still a great bike but for the minimal price increase if any for the '06+ you'll get the SSS suspension which is superior to what the '05 had. Yamaha updated the forks to SSS in '06.

A lot of people prefer the feel of the steel frame of the '02-'04 over the aluminum one so what some people do is buy a set of '06+ forks and fit them on the older models. If you can find one of the older YZ 250 with that conversion done already you won't regret it. Yamaha makes a great bike and so does KTM.

Do a search on the forum and you'll find a lot of information on that specific fork and the YZ 250.

For your budget I'd definitely go for a YZ 250 over the KTM.

Here's a couple of bikes you should check out. Obviously price is always negotiable.

-'02 YZ 250 w/ Title for 2695$ https://portland.craigslist.org/mlt/mcy/6234254824.html

-'06 RM 250 Carmichael edition for 2900$ https://portland.craigslist.org/clc/mcy/6245038834.html

-'06 YZ 250 for 2950$ https://portland.craigslist.org/clk/mcy/6246235850.html

-'04 YZ 250 for 3200$ This guy has 2 for sale. Both priced the same. One has 25 original hours and the other has 34 original hours. https://seattle.craigslist.org/sno/mcy/6241754043.html

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