Hey Kyle, great job on the bike review and all your vids. Really like the ones where you guys just sit down and talk dirt bikes. Great conversation thanks!
Sam is the Dude! The Dirt Bike Channel needs more Sam! Great review, Yamaha makes good bikes and if they will compete more head to head with KTM we all win.
Great review Kyle. I've had my 250x for a year now, and have spent a fair bit of time on friend's 300xc. Your descriptions and comments about both bikes are spot on man. Both bikes are really amazing but significantly different.
I had an 2006 YZ250 set up for woods riding, Rekluse, flywheel weight, Gnarly pipe, Stealth silencer, 18" WR wheel and kick stand. It was my favorite bike ever, switchbacks were a zen experience. The Rekluse helped not having an electric start, because, with it, the bike never stalled. Even after being looped out on a hill climb or after a get off, the bike would be running and ready to go when I got back on the seat.
A few years back l built a number of Eric Gorr yz 300's, most of them with wr 400 transmissions, a true wide ratio gearbox, and a few with the gearbox and left as a 250, none of them suffered from the first/second gear blues you are on about with this bike. In fact all of them ran a 15/50 final gearing, two of the 300's l fitted a z-start pro rekluse and a LHRB with a small thumb clutch, now they were truly awesome offroad bikes, tested at 53 hp, wide powerband, incredible bikes.
Thanks Kyle I have to tell you when I test rode a 250X last october I have to say I was actually dissappointed cause it was so good. Compared to my KTM's it was the best handling, better suspended, and balanced bike. The only area I felt the ktm was better was the torque of my 300. This will be my next dirt bike soon. They are about $2100 cheaper than the KTM's. Probably could make it pretty good with the extra cash. Again thanks, and maybe you should come on over to New Mexico over the winter. The Rio Puerco riding season has begun.
On my 250X, I run 13/49 gearing, magura hydraulic clutch with a Midwest mountain engineering lever, FMF gnarly and v force reeds makes it better for technical single track!
I admit, your vids have made me really crave the YZ250X. In fact, I began to regret buying my 2015 YZ250F but then it took it out for a short ride and remembered how much I love the four stroke! Truth is, I'd be happy and have fun on either bike. If I'm lucky I'll be able to keep by 250F and get a 250X. :)
I own a yz 250 and have experienced hitting neutral as you described, it only seems to happen when climbing hills and needing a quick downshift. I finally adjusted my riding style to leaving downward pressure on the shift lever until I am certain first gear has engaged. If you are lower in the rpm"s, you can also down shift without the clutch to make sure you get first.
I've had my 2016 X since june last year and I havent had this much fun on a motorcycle in years.... came off of a Husaberg te 250 2013 and this Yamaha is just so much better. Miss the happy button on real tech rides but it more than makes up for it when things open up. Clutch doesnt bother me, adrenalin overload takes care of clutch stiffness. Added clarke tank for some extra distance and also a flywheel weight. bike is perfect. Great video guys I relate to your excitement about this bike.
I don't know if you have mentioned this elsewhere but they do make a hydraulic clutch kit for the yz250, and you can shave down some parts in the trans to reduce the tendency of it to get stuck in neutral. And flywheel weights greatly improved the low end power.
I used to run an MSR raptor or outlaw EZ clutch on my YZ250s to fix the issue you guys are having. The inside (1) position lever allows you to have a longer pull over the engagement of the clutch giving a linear modulation to apply power to the ground using longer throw of the levers range. It also makes the pull about 20% lighter. It was my hole shot secret weapon in MX too.
Just picked up the yz250x a couple weeks ago and it's by far the best bike I've ever owned. Coming off of a YZ450 lol. It blows the 450 away with fun factor and practically feels like it's got more power too.
Modsquad16: motor has not been exactly the same, BTW. Frame angles are diff, forks and rear susp diff as well. If in Canada and I'm sure they are same as usa.
Im think'n I would love to go ride'n with these dirt bike channel dudes. Im checking out a new bike monday @ the local bike shop here in Kingman AZ just gotta get the wife on board with the plan. Im a lot less grumpy when I get to rip some on a good 250 2 stroke!
Nice vid have a 2016 250X and a 2015 250 XCFW and I agree the biggest difference in my opinion is the clutch and the brakes. Neither of which are worthy of complaining about on the 250X but you do notice the difference when ridding back to back with any of the KTMs. To make the 250X a 10 in my book all they would need to do is add give it a hydraulic clutch and electric start.
hey Kyle. you should take these to a dirt road. show us the top speed. i would love to see the 5th gear pinned on the 250x vs a regular mx bike. Or the 300. A good old fashioned drag race would be nice to see for comparison
love the video's on the yz250x could you please do some high speed riding up in the power band would be interesting to see it compared to the 300 at high speed
You should invest in a clake clutch as they can be swapped between all your bikes. And the hydraulic adapter is 120$ from them. The clutch is on par with the lightness of a trials bike. Very good clutch system. The clake 2 seems very good with the rear hand brake built into it.
Great job on the review! And I completely agree with you about the gearing on this bike. I just ended up spending 25$ and buying a 13 tooth front sprocket and it was night and day from the stock 14. Made 5th a useable gear and now second is as magical as you were describing on the 300. Who needs a dirt bike that does 100 mph anyway.
I had an older YZ 250 turned into a woods bike ...great bike but good thing these guys did not compare to a well prepared 200 for this type of riding...
Great video! I really like my YZ250X and share both your likes and dislikes! It would be awesome to see a video modifying the YZX with a hydraulic Clutch! That is the next upgrade I am looking at!
Yep the Yamaha needs to be a 300 had that would actually help the suspension to in chop and technical. They do make the Athera (sp?) 300 kit that is offered on their site. Eric Gorr too. Maybe throw the 300 kit in the Yamaha and do a comparison against the Ktm 300.
I have an Idea that comes from a purely selfish place....You two should host a "Dirt Bike Channel Subscriber Ride". Raffle off lottery tickets for a 2017 ride for 5 lucky winners (and the guy who thought of this) and pick a day next Summer to video a ride with them. No cash value and the winners have to get themselves to Utah.... I wonder how many people would like this idea?
Transporting my bike across the country would be a big pain, but I could definitely see value in this suggestion, Max. Hopefully the convenience factor doesn't deter too many people from participating.
I was wondering what you miss your oil at on your yz250x? because I recently got a 2015 yz250 and in the past 2 rides I have fouled 3 plugs stock pipe and silencer along with stock reeds thanks.
amber anderson that's a super loaded question it depends on alot of things. but I were you the simple answer is run what Yamaha recommends both in brand of oil and the ratio. that will atleast keep your engine protected and at a good enough ratio to not foul plugs and plug up the pipe
It recommends 32:1 and to use yamalube 2r oil,but that is a way too rich of ratio to run in the woods so I started running 36:1 and that's when it fouled 3 plugs in 2 rides
amber anderson what's your jetting at? if your carb jetting is incorrect that will play a large factor. other than that if you still have trouble run synthetic oils and run them at leaner ratios. I run my husky the 300 at 50:1 with belray h1r no problem
Looking for a light clutch mate search up clake. It is an Australian business and I have one and it is amazing. I got the clake one light clutch. Trust bpme you will love it in the technical stuff
^ all you need is to buy a magura slave cylinder and a hydraulic line to be able to use the hydraulic clake. Or just buy a complete magura hydro clutch kit for like $260 and forego the clake.
Loving my yz250. I got mx model due to my 220lbs of man and i like the transmission for where i ride. Lots of sand pits. As for the 19 inch wheel... ive never gotta a flat tire on a mx bike in 38 years. Id like to go tubeless front n rear if anything. I looked at the ktm 250xc... couldn't justify the 4000 dollars more. 8200 Canadian i was out the door. Ive only had 2 bikes with electric start. 2011 dyna wide glide and a 87 tw200. So i dont feel like im missing anything there. As for lights ... i have a quick connect siccass racing head light already so no biggy. Acerbis fuel tank and a 11 oz flywheel weight and i think itll be near perfect
At 90:1 ? How does that not rear engines apart I have to run castor at 32:1 I've been hearing of people running their bikes at that ratio but it just doesn't make sense to me
Dirt Bike Channel dude that is so unnecessary my friend, don't run 90:1 you actually lose power up high end. Yamaha did a study on a dyno and tear down wear test. Believe it or not peak power was made at 20:1 premix because the oil increases the seal around rings creating greater power by 16%. No joke. As well the conclusion was anything above 40:1 showed an increased rate of wear on crank bearings piston rings and bearing. Yamaha decided best combination of Low end power and reduced wear was found at a premix ratio of 32:1
I'm just going to say this because maybe if I do and click my heals together, Yamaha will hear all of us and grant us our wishes for; 300cc's lighting system wide range 6 speed hydraulic clutch electric start I put a Lectron carb on my yz250. I totally dig it; a more controllable power delivery, better fuel economy, no fouled plugs. any plans to do the same with this bike?
Hi I have a equestrian for you and you seem to know what your talking about. I'm in the market for a 2 smoker and I mostly trail ride/single track ride. I have a option of a 06 cr250r for about 1800$ or I can get a 07 ktm 250sx for 2400. So my question is, is it worth the extra money for the ktm? Are they really worth the extra money? The only thing that makes me consider the ktm over the Honda is the hydraulic clutch. If the Honda will be just as good can I put a hydraulic clutch on the Cr?
noah cully myself I would buy the honda. small bore 4 strokes are a lot of fun but bein that old and a 250 f,it's probably spent half it's life on the Rev limiter. if it blows up,might as well throw the bike away. it'll cost more to repair than its worth. the cr250 will have more power and rebuilding the engine is way cheaper.
noah cully sorry noah, lm a dumb ass. re read the question.sx is a 2 stroke.think I'd still take the honda. ktm's are more $ to repair. you can still find reviews on either one of these bikes. happy hunting.
This is a video I've been looking for for a long time, I just wish it were a Beta instead of the KTM, since these are the two bikes I'm looking at. I am leaning towards the Beta since I already have an RM250, but I also don't want to sacrifice the nimbleness of the YZ. Such a tough decision
Carman Eben I will end up getting the regular edition for two reasons. The oil injection, and more trail-like shocks. I already have a motocross bike that I'll use for my harder riding and use the beta most of the time for the tighter, more technical trails. I think I have made my mind up now, all I have to do now is test ride the beta.
Carman Eben I have looked into that, but I don't do enough really tight stuff for that. I have a huge variety of trails here, so the 300rr fits better for everyday riding. When I go to a track or whatever I will just take my RM. I think I have it pretty much figured out now.
would have to definitely agree on the beta 300rr I have a 2014 racing. before that I only had YZ250's. I wish Yamaha would have pulled the trigger on their YZ 300E. in my experience with the YZ250, and the beta 300rr. the YZ250 made you work harder for it, at least on single track. the beta 300rr glide's through the technical stuff with all the low end power delivery, that the yz 250 did not have. my wife still has a yz 250. she's going to upgrade to the beta x-trainer but I think I'm still going to keep that yz around. great review Kyle, how fast does the yz250 rev compared to your KTM 300?
I ALWAYS run 10 psi in the front with tubes(ultra duty) and have never had a pinch flat. In almost exclusively extremely rocky trails. I run 7-9 psi in the rear, again with no pinch flats...
Your complaint on not being able to clutch the bike very well sounds like you don't have the clutch cable adjusted correctly. Sounds like you have the cable to tight. I did the same thing when I switched off of a KTM to a KX250f. I never was to happy with the clutch pull until one of my buddies showed me how to properly adjust it. Then it worked awesome. The hydro clutch is much better though. I wish everyone would just switch to them.
You guys need to do the comparison with the new Kato 300 exc . That bike is a game changer and feels way lighter than previous EXCs with massive reductions in vibration . The 2017 YZx would not come close to the new Kato although I'm sure it's a good bike .
Dirt Bike Channel very nice , I have one too now . I am loving it , got mine jetted on delivery with Map switch an red Spring installed . Runs awesome .
Hey Lawrence, To be honest you cannot go wrong with the KTM 250. If you find a good deal on one buy. The KTM 250 felt like it has more of a punch in the power band vs the YZ250x but honestly the YZ has more than enough power. However, I like the balance and the suspension better on the Yamaha over my 13 KTM 250 xc. The KTM 250's suspension wasn't bad but it's not as good as the yamaha. The Yamaha feels more lighter and more nimble.
Do you guys ever ride in places where conditions require or at least allow for WOT and full handling? By full handling I mean blasting sharp angled berms.
It's still a motocross bike And like you said.. fun to ride.. If you ride technical and hard enduro it's Better to have a European bike.. I would love to have a real enduro yz .. P.s My front tire with normal tube I run 10 psi for more then a year and I didn't pinch it.. I think that your style of riding is more likely to punch the tubs Keep it going with the vids Good rides
Dirt Bike Channel thanks yeah on my 17 300xc went down to 51t rear little better use out of 2nd but just installed lectron and so much more low end power gonna go back to stock. the 51t is too low with amount of usable power now compared to stock carb
No, I doubt I'll do that to be honest. I actually like the stock gearing and I need to keep it stock to compare it to the 2017 KTM 300 XC's stock setup.
Did you mess with the sprockets at all on the yz? What is the rear tooth count stock? Having a yz250 converted for trail riding and agreeing with the 1st, 2nd and 3rd gear comments I always imagined the perk of the yz250x and the WR tranny would be the ability to go up several teeth on the rear with out losing a lot of the top speed like you would on a normal yz250, or even going down on the front sprocket one. I feel like it would bring second gear down just enough to make it better in tighter situations and again you wouldn't hurt the top speed as much in 4th and 5th because of the WR. $50 or $30 part could make a big difference
I have really enjoyed your videos, feedback, and comments. I am new to the dirtbike world and had to sell my very 1st bike ever which I bought end of 2015. I am shy over the 40 years of age and have plans to buy a 2017 KTM 300xc-w enduro but after watching these series of videos I am now considering going for the 2017 KTM 300XC...although, after seeing the new YZ250x I am pondering it instead. I would really appreciate if I could ask some questions; I am just over 260lbs with full gear and hydration pack, 5'10" and starting my 40's. Is the Yamaha YZ250x a bike that could handle my weight (eventually go for a big bore) and provide me the excitement in offroad, forests, old rail road tracks? The reason I am thinking of the Yamaha as the price difference is big enough that I could also buy a bike for my eldest son who is 7 years old.
They yz has plenty of power. You may need to replace the rear spring but would need to do so on the KTM. Buy the Yamaha if it means you can get a bike for your boy!
You also seem to complain multiple times on the yz250x videos that 1st gear is a little high for your liking. Did you ever try regearing the bike? Try dropping a tooth on the front sprocket or go up 2 teeth on the rear? In my experience that can make a huge difference for trail riding, especially if you are using a bike with "motocross gearing".
don't be ashamed to say the suspension is great, Kyle !!! ;) even a 10 years old Japanese suspension technology works much better than what WP will EVER achieve... at least when it comes to be plush and hard exactly enough for enduro... sorry to say, that's my humble personnal opinion and experience. and i rode many KTMs.4 & 2 strokes
Having just picked up a 2017 300 XC, the WP AER fork is pretty sweet too. Need to ride it more, but this was the first time I've like the SSS suspension on the 3 Yamaha's that I've owned. Finally got it soft enough to be compliant on the terrain I ride.
Dirt Bike Channel yes,i read and saw the clips of the motocross KTMs and the new AER48,everyone said it's a great fork and better than all the rest of the air forks - well,that's great,but why does the enduro line gets the open cartridge crap again?! it's only got a new "cool" name, "Xplor",but actually it's like going back 10 years in suspension technology ! was it retail price considerations that interfere here...?
...and i'm talking about the WP like that,cause i've had the experience of riding the KTM 300 EXC ( '05 ) with Ohlins suspension,shock and fork, man... what a bike it became! WP just simply s*#cks...
Haha! I thought I was losing my mind. I find neutral on my 250X more than I have on any other bike. I assumed it was me. Keep up the great work.
Hey Kyle, great job on the bike review and all your vids. Really like the ones where you guys just sit down and talk dirt bikes. Great conversation thanks!
Sam is the Dude! The Dirt Bike Channel needs more Sam! Great review, Yamaha makes good bikes and if they will compete more head to head with KTM we all win.
Great review Kyle. I've had my 250x for a year now, and have spent a fair bit of time on friend's 300xc. Your descriptions and comments about both bikes are spot on man. Both bikes are really amazing but significantly different.
I had an 2006 YZ250 set up for woods riding, Rekluse, flywheel weight, Gnarly pipe, Stealth silencer, 18" WR wheel and kick stand. It was my favorite bike ever, switchbacks were a zen experience. The Rekluse helped not having an electric start, because, with it, the bike never stalled. Even after being looped out on a hill climb or after a get off, the bike would be running and ready to go when I got back on the seat.
Cool
Great job as usual? Almost picked up this bike before, I bought my 250 xc. It seems I wouldn't have been disappointed, lol. Great review, keep it up.
A few years back l built a number of Eric Gorr yz 300's, most of them with wr 400 transmissions, a true wide ratio gearbox, and a few with the gearbox and left as a 250, none of them suffered from the first/second gear blues you are on about with this bike. In fact all of them ran a 15/50 final gearing, two of the 300's l fitted a z-start pro rekluse and a LHRB with a small thumb clutch, now they were truly awesome offroad bikes, tested at 53 hp, wide powerband, incredible bikes.
Thanks Kyle
I have to tell you when I test rode a 250X last october I have to say I was actually dissappointed cause it was so good.
Compared to my KTM's it was the best handling, better suspended, and balanced bike. The only area I felt the ktm was better was the torque of my 300. This will be my next dirt bike soon. They are about $2100 cheaper than the KTM's. Probably could
make it pretty good with the extra cash. Again thanks, and maybe you should come on over to New Mexico over the winter.
The Rio Puerco riding season has begun.
Great job guys! You have me sold on this bike.
I always love watching your videos. Keep going!
On my 250X, I run 13/49 gearing, magura hydraulic clutch with a Midwest mountain engineering lever, FMF gnarly and v force reeds makes it better for technical single track!
I admit, your vids have made me really crave the YZ250X. In fact, I began to regret buying my 2015 YZ250F but then it took it out for a short ride and remembered how much I love the four stroke! Truth is, I'd be happy and have fun on either bike. If I'm lucky I'll be able to keep by 250F and get a 250X. :)
Yes, it would be cool to have them both. Best of both worlds.
Great job explaining some of your likes and dislikes!
Thanks Bryan
For the money get the yz250x, put a hydraulic clutch and rekluse and it will be just as good as any KTM.
I own a yz 250 and have experienced hitting neutral as you described, it only seems to happen when climbing hills and needing a quick downshift. I finally adjusted my riding style to leaving downward pressure on the shift lever until I am certain first gear has engaged. If you are lower in the rpm"s, you can also down shift without the clutch to make sure you get first.
Gotcha.
Most the stuff you guys have been talking about is just stuff you gotta get used to. I love you videos man keep up the riding and good work 👍🏽
I've had my 2016 X since june last year and I havent had this much fun on a motorcycle in years.... came off of a Husaberg te 250 2013 and this Yamaha is just so much better. Miss the happy button on real tech rides but it more than makes up for it when things open up. Clutch doesnt bother me, adrenalin overload takes care of clutch stiffness. Added clarke tank for some extra distance and also a flywheel weight. bike is perfect. Great video guys I relate to your excitement about this bike.
I don't know if you have mentioned this elsewhere but they do make a hydraulic clutch kit for the yz250, and you can shave down some parts in the trans to reduce the tendency of it to get stuck in neutral. And flywheel weights greatly improved the low end power.
I used to run an MSR raptor or outlaw EZ clutch on my YZ250s to fix the issue you guys are having. The inside (1) position lever allows you to have a longer pull over the engagement of the clutch giving a linear modulation to apply power to the ground using longer throw of the levers range. It also makes the pull about 20% lighter. It was my hole shot secret weapon in MX too.
www.amazon.com/Outlaw-Racing-Position-Clutch-Yamaha/dp/B0083UIVF0
Worth trying for 25 bucks IMO
Just picked up the yz250x a couple weeks ago and it's by far the best bike I've ever owned. Coming off of a YZ450 lol. It blows the 450 away with fun factor and practically feels like it's got more power too.
I can certainly relate to your excitement. I really love this YZ250X.
Love these testing videos!
2021(2022 m/y), they finally made improvements.
Aluminum frame yz's started in 05 btw, also the motor has been the same since 02 besides the trans and head on the x.
HighTopGoons same since 99
+Chelsea McGrath bottom ends are the Same but different powervalve in 02
Modsquad16: motor has not been exactly the same, BTW. Frame angles are diff, forks and rear susp diff as well. If in Canada and I'm sure they are same as usa.
Im think'n I would love to go ride'n with these dirt bike channel dudes. Im checking out a new bike monday @ the local bike shop here in Kingman AZ just gotta get the wife on board with the plan. Im a lot less grumpy when I get to rip some on a good 250 2 stroke!
Nice vid have a 2016 250X and a 2015 250 XCFW and I agree the biggest difference in my opinion is the clutch and the brakes. Neither of which are worthy of complaining about on the 250X but you do notice the difference when ridding back to back with any of the KTMs. To make the 250X a 10 in my book all they would need to do is add give it a hydraulic clutch and electric start.
hey Kyle. you should take these to a dirt road. show us the top speed. i would love to see the 5th gear pinned on the 250x vs a regular mx bike. Or the 300. A good old fashioned drag race would be nice to see for comparison
great videos made me buy yz250x well done
love the video's on the yz250x could you please do some high speed riding up in the power band would be interesting to see it compared to the 300 at high speed
Lexie Cassel it will destroy the 300 at high speeds.
I'd love to go riding there. You ride in great spots
You should invest in a clake clutch as they can be swapped between all your bikes. And the hydraulic adapter is 120$ from them. The clutch is on par with the lightness of a trials bike. Very good clutch system. The clake 2 seems very good with the rear hand brake built into it.
Great job on the review! And I completely agree with you about the gearing on this bike. I just ended up spending 25$ and buying a 13 tooth front sprocket and it was night and day from the stock 14. Made 5th a useable gear and now second is as magical as you were describing on the 300. Who needs a dirt bike that does 100 mph anyway.
I've heard others have gone this route too. Going to keep it stock gearing for a bit to compare it to the 2017 300 XC.
Dirt Bike Channel for the comparison I agree stock vs stock is only fair
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I would really love to see your opinion of a beta RR300 or even better the race edition
I hope to get one of those within the next year.
I had an older YZ 250 turned into a woods bike ...great bike but good thing these guys did not compare to a well prepared 200 for this type of riding...
Kyle, can you please explain how the throttlesensor and solenoid on the carb works? (On the YZ)
Whats the middle range klim gear? I want to buy 1 set for hot and cold weather and not sure which one to get
I think you are looking for the Mojave line.
I rode 250xcf on 8.5 psi on slippery hilly areas, is that bad
Took a long time for KTM to catch up.
I wonder what Yamaha has up it's sleeve, in the coming years.
A T I hope so! They've been regurgitating the 07 for way too long
Gear it 14/52
Are you planning on putting on an after market pipe? I went with the fmf gnarly and turbine core 2 and I love it so far.
Great video! I really like my YZ250X and share both your likes and dislikes! It would be awesome to see a video modifying the YZX with a hydraulic Clutch! That is the next upgrade I am looking at!
I doubt I'll do the Hydro clutch on this bike, but it would like to hear feedback from others doing it.
I just did it! 20 min total instal time and so far I like it! Dropped right in! Butter smooth and easily 25-30% easier pull!
That was so enjoyable. Thank you so muvch
Yep the Yamaha needs to be a 300 had that would actually help the suspension to in chop and technical. They do make the Athera (sp?) 300 kit that is offered on their site. Eric Gorr too. Maybe throw the 300 kit in the Yamaha and do a comparison against the Ktm 300.
I have an Idea that comes from a purely selfish place....You two should host a "Dirt Bike Channel Subscriber Ride". Raffle off lottery tickets for a 2017 ride for 5 lucky winners (and the guy who thought of this) and pick a day next Summer to video a ride with them. No cash value and the winners have to get themselves to Utah....
I wonder how many people would like this idea?
Transporting my bike across the country would be a big pain, but I could definitely see value in this suggestion, Max. Hopefully the convenience factor doesn't deter too many people from participating.
I would do it from NY
I was wondering what you miss your oil at on your yz250x? because I recently got a 2015 yz250 and in the past 2 rides I have fouled 3 plugs stock pipe and silencer along with stock reeds thanks.
amber anderson that's a super loaded question it depends on alot of things. but I were you the simple answer is run what Yamaha recommends both in brand of oil and the ratio. that will atleast keep your engine protected and at a good enough ratio to not foul plugs and plug up the pipe
It recommends 32:1 and to use yamalube 2r oil,but that is a way too rich of ratio to run in the woods so I started running 36:1 and that's when it fouled 3 plugs in 2 rides
amber anderson what's your jetting at? if your carb jetting is incorrect that will play a large factor. other than that if you still have trouble run synthetic oils and run them at leaner ratios. I run my husky the 300 at 50:1 with belray h1r no problem
*te 300
kyle lauer stock jetting. all my riding buddies run 50:1 I'm just scared it will shorten the life of my engine
good vid man. keep it up...!
Looking for a light clutch mate search up clake. It is an Australian business and I have one and it is amazing. I got the clake one light clutch. Trust bpme you will love it in the technical stuff
William Beaston yeah ive actually heard heaps about them they say they are really good, never used one tho
I have one, and I'd be lying if I said I was completely happy with it.
You'd have to convert the cable clutch to hydraulic to use the clake.
^ all you need is to buy a magura slave cylinder and a hydraulic line to be able to use the hydraulic clake. Or just buy a complete magura hydro clutch kit for like $260 and forego the clake.
Joe L they are a lot better than the stock ones
Loving my yz250. I got mx model due to my 220lbs of man and i like the transmission for where i ride. Lots of sand pits. As for the 19 inch wheel... ive never gotta a flat tire on a mx bike in 38 years. Id like to go tubeless front n rear if anything. I looked at the ktm 250xc... couldn't justify the 4000 dollars more. 8200 Canadian i was out the door. Ive only had 2 bikes with electric start. 2011 dyna wide glide and a 87 tw200. So i dont feel like im missing anything there. As for lights ... i have a quick connect siccass racing head light already so no biggy. Acerbis fuel tank and a 11 oz flywheel weight and i think itll be near perfect
13/52 o 13/50 and a fww will make 1st, 2nd and 3rd more usable for single track. The stock gearing works better for flowing desert and track riding.
Are you gonna put a lectron on the 250X?
What premix and what ratio are you running in the 250x?
Amsoil Saber at 90:1.
At 90:1 ? How does that not rear engines apart I have to run castor at 32:1 I've been hearing of people running their bikes at that ratio but it just doesn't make sense to me
Dirt Bike Channel dude that is so unnecessary my friend, don't run 90:1 you actually lose power up high end.
Yamaha did a study on a dyno and tear down wear test. Believe it or not peak power was made at 20:1 premix because the oil increases the seal around rings creating greater power by 16%. No joke.
As well the conclusion was anything above 40:1 showed an increased rate of wear on crank bearings piston rings and bearing.
Yamaha decided best combination of Low end power and reduced wear was found at a premix ratio of 32:1
I'm just going to say this because maybe if I do and click my heals together, Yamaha will hear all of us and grant us our wishes for;
300cc's
lighting system
wide range 6 speed
hydraulic clutch
electric start
I put a Lectron carb on my yz250. I totally dig it; a more controllable power delivery, better fuel economy, no fouled plugs. any plans to do the same with this bike?
Hi I have a equestrian for you and you seem to know what your talking about. I'm in the market for a 2 smoker and I mostly trail ride/single track ride. I have a option of a 06 cr250r for about 1800$ or I can get a 07 ktm 250sx for 2400. So my question is, is it worth the extra money for the ktm? Are they really worth the extra money? The only thing that makes me consider the ktm over the Honda is the hydraulic clutch. If the Honda will be just as good can I put a hydraulic clutch on the Cr?
noah cully myself I would buy the honda. small bore 4 strokes are a lot of fun but bein that old and a 250 f,it's probably spent half it's life on the Rev limiter. if it blows up,might as well throw the bike away. it'll cost more to repair than its worth. the cr250 will have more power and rebuilding the engine is way cheaper.
noah cully sorry noah, lm a dumb ass. re read the question.sx is a 2 stroke.think I'd still take the honda. ktm's are more $ to repair. you can still find reviews on either one of these bikes. happy hunting.
This is a video I've been looking for for a long time, I just wish it were a Beta instead of the KTM, since these are the two bikes I'm looking at. I am leaning towards the Beta since I already have an RM250, but I also don't want to sacrifice the nimbleness of the YZ. Such a tough decision
blake woolam get the beta. Rr300 race edition is the best of the 300's except for the 2017 ktm's now
Carman Eben I will end up getting the regular edition for two reasons. The oil injection, and more trail-like shocks. I already have a motocross bike that I'll use for my harder riding and use the beta most of the time for the tighter, more technical trails. I think I have made my mind up now, all I have to do now is test ride the beta.
+blake woolam if that's what it's for look at the x-trainer.
Carman Eben I have looked into that, but I don't do enough really tight stuff for that. I have a huge variety of trails here, so the 300rr fits better for everyday riding. When I go to a track or whatever I will just take my RM. I think I have it pretty much figured out now.
would have to definitely agree on the beta 300rr I have a 2014 racing. before that I only had YZ250's. I wish Yamaha would have pulled the trigger on their YZ 300E. in my experience with the YZ250, and the beta 300rr. the YZ250 made you work harder for it, at least on single track. the beta 300rr glide's through the technical stuff with all the low end power delivery, that the yz 250 did not have. my wife still has a yz 250. she's going to upgrade to the beta x-trainer but I think I'm still going to keep that yz around. great review Kyle, how fast does the yz250 rev compared to your KTM 300?
I ALWAYS run 10 psi in the front with tubes(ultra duty) and have never had a pinch flat. In almost exclusively extremely rocky trails. I run 7-9 psi in the rear, again with no pinch flats...
I can pinch them in 1 ride at 10 psi. I can't run them like that anymore with tubes.
Your complaint on not being able to clutch the bike very well sounds like you don't have the clutch cable adjusted correctly. Sounds like you have the cable to tight. I did the same thing when I switched off of a KTM to a KX250f. I never was to happy with the clutch pull until one of my buddies showed me how to properly adjust it. Then it worked awesome. The hydro clutch is much better though. I wish everyone would just switch to them.
I have been looking at the yz250x for a year, have not been able to buy one yet (got to love bills).
Bills suck.
You guys need to do the comparison with the new Kato 300 exc . That bike is a game changer and feels way lighter than previous EXCs with massive reductions in vibration . The 2017 YZx would not come close to the new Kato although I'm sure it's a good bike .
I will be doing just as you suggested now that I have a 2017 KTM 300 XC.
Dirt Bike Channel very nice , I have one too now . I am loving it , got mine jetted on delivery with Map switch an red Spring installed . Runs awesome .
What does Sam have on his hands?
he has palm savers. Like $9 on amazon for the pair
I'm looking to get a yz250 how close feeling is the yz250 to the yz250x? Love your channel!!
Can Sam give some input on his KTM 250"s he has Vs the YZ250x? I'm looking into the 250"s as well as the 300"s
Thanks for any feedback.
Lawrence
Hey Lawrence, To be honest you cannot go wrong with the KTM 250. If you find a good deal on one buy. The KTM 250 felt like it has more of a punch in the power band vs the YZ250x but honestly the YZ has more than enough power. However, I like the balance and the suspension better on the Yamaha over my 13 KTM 250 xc. The KTM 250's suspension wasn't bad but it's not as good as the yamaha. The Yamaha feels more lighter and more nimble.
would love to see a 2017 YZ250X VS 2017 250XC
I'll do comparisons to the 300, but I don't have a 250 XC around, so I won't be able to do that one.
Do you guys ever ride in places where conditions require or at least allow for WOT and full handling? By full handling I mean blasting sharp angled berms.
Not very often.
It's still a motocross bike
And like you said.. fun to ride..
If you ride technical and hard enduro it's Better to have a European bike..
I would love to have a real enduro yz ..
P.s
My front tire with normal tube I run 10 psi for more then a year and I didn't pinch it..
I think that your style of riding is more likely to punch the tubs
Keep it going with the vids
Good rides
I agree with you.
love the review and yeah the yz is definitely a good suspended and light bike but ktm 300 is unstoppable. what gearing are you running on your 300xc?
stock
I'm running stock gearing on the 300XC. Both the 2015 and the 2017 models of those.
Dirt Bike Channel thanks yeah on my 17 300xc went down to 51t rear little better use out of 2nd but just installed lectron and so much more low end power gonna go back to stock. the 51t is too low with amount of usable power now compared to stock carb
Sounds like you need to add a tooth or two to the rear sprocket on 250X. Have you tried that yet?
No, I doubt I'll do that to be honest. I actually like the stock gearing and I need to keep it stock to compare it to the 2017 KTM 300 XC's stock setup.
Did you mess with the sprockets at all on the yz? What is the rear tooth count stock? Having a yz250 converted for trail riding and agreeing with the 1st, 2nd and 3rd gear comments I always imagined the perk of the yz250x and the WR tranny would be the ability to go up several teeth on the rear with out losing a lot of the top speed like you would on a normal yz250, or even going down on the front sprocket one. I feel like it would bring second gear down just enough to make it better in tighter situations and again you wouldn't hurt the top speed as much in 4th and 5th because of the WR. $50 or $30 part could make a big difference
This bike is still stock right now.
I have really enjoyed your videos, feedback, and comments. I am new to the dirtbike world and had to sell my very 1st bike ever which I bought end of 2015. I am shy over the 40 years of age and have plans to buy a 2017 KTM 300xc-w enduro but after watching these series of videos I am now considering going for the 2017 KTM 300XC...although, after seeing the new YZ250x I am pondering it instead.
I would really appreciate if I could ask some questions; I am just over 260lbs with full gear and hydration pack, 5'10" and starting my 40's. Is the Yamaha YZ250x a bike that could handle my weight (eventually go for a big bore) and provide me the excitement in offroad, forests, old rail road tracks? The reason I am thinking of the Yamaha as the price difference is big enough that I could also buy a bike for my eldest son who is 7 years old.
They yz has plenty of power. You may need to replace the rear spring but would need to do so on the KTM. Buy the Yamaha if it means you can get a bike for your boy!
um thinkin the same for my gran son...:-)
Neutral has been a Yamaha thing since the 80’s haha good old Yam 🍠
Hi Kyle, What gearing are you running on your ktm 300 xc?
Stock.
Dirt Bike Channel What is stock? 13-50 13-49 ? I'm not clued up on these pumpkins
You also seem to complain multiple times on the yz250x videos that 1st gear is a little high for your liking. Did you ever try regearing the bike? Try dropping a tooth on the front sprocket or go up 2 teeth on the rear? In my experience that can make a huge difference for trail riding, especially if you are using a bike with "motocross gearing".
don't be ashamed to say the suspension is great, Kyle !!! ;) even a 10 years old Japanese suspension technology works much better than what WP will EVER achieve... at least when it comes to be plush and hard exactly enough for enduro... sorry to say, that's my humble personnal opinion and experience. and i rode many KTMs.4 & 2 strokes
Having just picked up a 2017 300 XC, the WP AER fork is pretty sweet too. Need to ride it more, but this was the first time I've like the SSS suspension on the 3 Yamaha's that I've owned. Finally got it soft enough to be compliant on the terrain I ride.
Dirt Bike Channel yes,i read and saw the clips of the motocross KTMs and the new AER48,everyone said it's a great fork and better than all the rest of the air forks - well,that's great,but why does the enduro line gets the open cartridge crap again?! it's only got a new "cool" name, "Xplor",but actually it's like going back 10 years in suspension technology ! was it retail price considerations that interfere here...?
enjoyable video bro keep it going you all have great bikes 😆✌
Thanks Brother.
I like these guys, but they are seriously obsessed with the ktm 300 lol
We are not the only ones. Look at the sales of these bikes.
For good reason. Have you ever ridden one?
Love the 250x
I have 49 /13. don't need to use clutch
Dirt Bike Dave hi chz kids DMP LP lol vk do check configurators auctioneer PC hi gjfigg
Just put a rekleus clutch on the Yamaha.
...and i'm talking about the WP like that,cause i've had the experience of riding the KTM 300 EXC ( '05 ) with Ohlins suspension,shock and fork, man... what a bike it became! WP just simply s*#cks...
change the counter sprocket to 13. that's what you want. ..
great video but lay off the red bulls prior to recording. way too hyper kyle!
I don't drink RedBull. Straight water out of my water bladder :)
He's clearly excited about the YZ so maybe it's the Blue Cool Aid.
*mixing
lol yamahas and dropping neutral. my brother's be ttr does it. my 250f does it. must just be a Yamaha transmission thing.
KTM commercial,
Yamaha Commercial :) I Freaking love that bike.