Mainly gonna trail ride with some track and single track. I primarily ride at Hollister since I live 10 miles away. 6'1 190lbs.
Part of me wants to keep it simple and buy the yz250 but part of me wants to go all out with the FI Husky. Can land somewhere inbetween with the Beta or Sherco though. Just having fun thinking of the options.
The newest 2 stroke I have ridden was a 2003 yz250 so I dont know what to expect with these new bikes.
Thoughts from an old, slow, and out of shape guy. I've ridden both the TE300, Beta 300, and the last generation of KTM 150 and 200. Ridden plenty of YZ250's, including the bike I own which is basically a steel frame YZ250X.
Just my opinion, and everyone is going to have one. It's really going to come down to what important to you and what your budget is. Next year is the last year we will be able to buy a new from the dealer two stroke in CA, so its been on my mind as well. If a new to me dual sport/desert/Baja KTM 500 EXC-F or Husky equivalent wasnt higher on the list of must haves, I'd be shopping right now.
How important is fuel and oil injection to you? Do you have to have e start? How much time are you really going to spend on a track? Is budget a consideration and how much of a consideration.
Personally, I don't see the need for oil and fuel injection on a two stroke (four stroke yes.) Its so easy and MUCH cheaper to actually modify fueling on a carb'd bike than any fuel injected bike. Ask some serious guys riding them if they have modified the mapping, how its down, and how much is costs. It should be consideration.
Two strokes are so damn easy to start, e start isnt huge unless you are a rider doing to some extreme stuff. I have to admit, e start would be really nice on the YZ. Nothing at Hollister even remotely qualifies in my opinion though.
Are you really going to be riding much at the MX track? If so, none of the Euro enduro bikes suspensions are set up for that. You would want the KTM XC versions that are a bit of a jack of all trades.... like the YZ250X.
The TE's, Betas, and XC's I've ridden are great bikes. Beta seems the smallest and lowest of all of them, and easy to dab a foot on. The TE's suspension and geometry is fantastic on single track. You could buy one and just ride it without having to modify the suspension right off the showroom floor. Money no object, that's the bike I'd buy (but maybe a 17 or 18 with the new motor but still carb'd.)
Depending on who you ask, the YZ250X is going to be 85 or 95% of the modern XC or TE. It is supposedly is a better crossover bike to MX as well if you are to believe what you read (motocross action.) I don't ride MX, so not qualified to even provide an opinion. It does have the forks, KYB SSS, that are still the benchmark for all production forks.
SIGNIFICANTLY, its also $3k cheaper when it comes to its MSRP. Thats a huge difference. Major OEM engine parts are also cheaper on the YZ250X than the euro bikes. Cases, cylinders, cranks, rod kits, pistons, gaskets, etc are more unless you find an aftermarket alternative. Before the Orange/White/Yellow koolaid mob piles on, thats OEM parts and yes I have had my fingers inside one of these motors and done the pricing for the parts online.
You could also find yourself any YZ250 used and build yourself an "X" version for a little over $1k in parts and suspension mods. A racer or even casual rider isnt going to be at a disadvantage on a YZ250X unless the estart comes into to play.
Betas and Shercos are interesting, but there will be way less aftermarket goodies and you'll take a beating when it comes time to sell it.
I'm not a 150 fan for our area, you gotta run the snot out of them to get anywhere, way more work than on a 250/300.
The YZ250 is really sort of an evolution of your KX250 ... so of the Yamaha's I'd say YZ250X as many things are already done for you to make it nicer to ride off road.
So YZ250X or Husky 250. Not sure if the Husky is worth the extra $$$$.
Thoughts from an old, slow, and out of shape guy. I've ridden both the TE300, Beta 300, and the last generation of KTM 150 and 200. Ridden plenty of YZ250's, including the bike I own which is basically a steel frame YZ250X.
Just my opinion, and everyone is going to have one. It's really going to come down to what important to you and what your budget is. Next year is the last year we will be able to buy a new from the dealer two stroke in CA, so its been on my mind as well. If a new to me dual sport/desert/Baja KTM 500 EXC-F or Husky equivalent wasnt higher on the list of must haves, I'd be shopping right now.
How important is fuel and oil injection to you? Do you have to have e start? How much time are you really going to spend on a track? Is budget a consideration and how much of a consideration.
Personally, I don't see the need for oil and fuel injection on a two stroke (four stroke yes.) Its so easy and MUCH cheaper to actually modify fueling on a carb'd bike than any fuel injected bike. Ask some serious guys riding them if they have modified the mapping, how its down, and how much is costs. It should be consideration.
Two strokes are so damn easy to start, e start isnt huge unless you are a rider doing to some extreme stuff. I have to admit, e start would be really nice on the YZ. Nothing at Hollister even remotely qualifies in my opinion though.
Are you really going to be riding much at the MX track? If so, none of the Euro enduro bikes suspensions are set up for that. You would want the KTM XC versions that are a bit of a jack of all trades.... like the YZ250X.
The TE's, Betas, and XC's I've ridden are great bikes. Beta seems the smallest and lowest of all of them, and easy to dab a foot on. The TE's suspension and geometry is fantastic on single track. You could buy one and just ride it without having to modify the suspension right off the showroom floor. Money no object, that's the bike I'd buy (but maybe a 17 or 18 with the new motor but still carb'd.)
Depending on who you ask, the YZ250X is going to be 85 or 95% of the modern XC or TE. It is supposedly is a better crossover bike to MX as well if you are to believe what you read (motocross action.) I don't ride MX, so not qualified to even provide an opinion. It does have the forks, KYB SSS, that are still the benchmark for all production forks.
SIGNIFICANTLY, its also $3k cheaper when it comes to its MSRP. Thats a huge difference. Major OEM engine parts are also cheaper on the YZ250X than the euro bikes. Cases, cylinders, cranks, rod kits, pistons, gaskets, etc are more unless you find an aftermarket alternative. Before the Orange/White/Yellow koolaid mob piles on, thats OEM parts and yes I have had my fingers inside one of these motors and done the pricing for the parts online.
You could also find yourself any YZ250 used and build yourself an "X" version for a little over $1k in parts and suspension mods. A racer or even casual rider isnt going to be at a disadvantage on a YZ250X unless the estart comes into to play.
The end of the red sticker is why I am looking. I was thinking about buying a 2020 model if they go in sale here shortly when the 2021s come along. I am 35 so I figure I get a brand new 2 stroke while I can.
Is it wrong to think any of these new 2 strokes are refined? I'm just looking for a smooth feel. Clutch, brakes, throttle(feel), transmission. As refined as a 2 stroke can get lol if that is possible. I havent ridden any 2 stroke newer than 2003 so not sure what to expect.
I dont need electric start at all. At this time I dont see myself riding in big elevation changes. I wouldnt need the fuel injection really. Need my wife to get more experience before we start travelling to ride.
I saw that bike on dirtbike magazine. They only offer a 300 but I see ktm has a XC 250 with linkage on the rear shock. Didnt know they offered that bike
Betas and Shercos are interesting, but there will be way less aftermarket goodies and you'll take a beating when it comes time to sell it.
I'm not a 150 fan for our area, you gotta run the snot out of them to get anywhere, way more work than on a 250/300.
The YZ250 is really sort of an evolution of your KX250 ... so of the Yamaha's I'd say YZ250X as many things are already done for you to make it nicer to ride off road.
So YZ250X or Husky 250. Not sure if the Husky is worth the extra $$$$.
I was staying away from ktm due to no linkage on the rear shock. I figured I dont need the ground clearance and would prefer the linkage setup. I did just now see the XC 250 though with the linkage.
I was staying away from the 300s because I just figured i enjoy the characteristics of my kx250 engine and didnt want the extra unsprung weight. Never rode a 300 though.
Yeah man we will have to go. I have the next 3 weeks booked with different riding buddies along with my wife. We should shoot for July on a cooler week
I own the 2020 300XC-W that I bought just about 2 months ago. No linkage. You won't feel a weight difference. At all..... In the air...or on the ground.... It just does everything "light".
Compared to my 2018 450 SXF (almost twins with the 450 XCF), the SXF with linkage feels smoother and softer in the rear end surprisingly. Also seems to sit a little lower. I prefer the linkage rear end and never had an issue dragging it on anything. While I love the low end creepy crawly slow power, I miss the grunt of my 450 at all speeds but was terrible at extreme slow speeds because of gearbox gearing and the forks beat me up at the small bumps but was a rock star on those big hits. Rear end was always amazing.
A perfect bike for me would be a 450 XCF-W if it existed. If they made one for 2021, I would buy that one also and probably ride it more than my 300XC-W. That being said, you should consider a 350 XCF-W or the Husqvarna version if made. No pipe to smash, low gearing, lights, power, kick stand, fuel injection and lightweight. I'm always worried about smashing my pipe. Oh and side note, it really bugs me that KTM doesn't include a spark arrestor in any of their bikes. So the list of MUST buy items rack up fast.
I would love the Beta 300 Xtrainer but the deals are rare. I think everyone else is carb and I really enjoy the luxuries of a modern FI bike. My friends get absolutely JEALOUS of my magic button, any condition, no matter how tired I am, beat up, hot, cold, wet, I push the magic button and she fires up. No carbs to flood, no kicking on awkward hills. Especially while riding with groups and kids. When we stop for a second, I shut it off while others are worried about starting back up so they keep it running. Then I hit the magic button and off we go.
I own the 2020 300XC-W that I bought just about 2 months ago. No linkage. You won't feel a weight difference. At all..... In the air...or on the ground.... It just does everything "light".
Compared to my 2018 450 SXF (almost twins with the 450 XCF), the SXF with linkage feels smoother and softer in the rear end surprisingly. Also seems to sit a little lower. I prefer the linkage rear end and never had an issue dragging it on anything. While I love the low end creepy crawly slow power, I miss the grunt of my 450 at all speeds but was terrible at extreme slow speeds because of gearbox gearing and the forks beat me up at the small bumps but was a rock star on those big hits. Rear end was always amazing.
A perfect bike for me would be a 450 XCF-W if it existed. If they made one for 2021, I would buy that one also and probably ride it more than my 300XC-W. That being said, you should consider a 350 XCF-W or the Husqvarna version if made. No pipe to smash, low gearing, lights, power, kick stand, fuel injection and lightweight. I'm always worried about smashing my pipe. Oh and side note, it really bugs me that KTM doesn't include a spark arrestor in any of their bikes. So the list of MUST buy items rack up fast.
I would love the Beta 300 Xtrainer but the deals are rare. I think everyone else is carb and I really enjoy the luxuries of a modern FI bike. My friends get absolutely JEALOUS of my magic button, any condition, no matter how tired I am, beat up, hot, cold, wet, I push the magic button and she fires up. No carbs to flood, no kicking on awkward hills. Especially while riding with groups and kids. When we stop for a second, I shut it off while others are worried about starting back up so they keep it running. Then I hit the magic button and off we go.
Just found out about the no spark arrestor today. Thanks for the info.
Right now I am leaning heavy on the KTM XC 250 TPI. Finding all the left over 2020 models. When the 2021s are coming or arrive they should mark them down
I own the 2020 300XC-W that I bought just about 2 months ago. No linkage. You won't feel a weight difference. At all..... In the air...or on the ground.... It just does everything "light".
Compared to my 2018 450 SXF (almost twins with the 450 XCF), the SXF with linkage feels smoother and softer in the rear end surprisingly. Also seems to sit a little lower. I prefer the linkage rear end and never had an issue dragging it on anything. While I love the low end creepy crawly slow power, I miss the grunt of my 450 at all speeds but was terrible at extreme slow speeds because of gearbox gearing and the forks beat me up at the small bumps but was a rock star on those big hits. Rear end was always amazing.
A perfect bike for me would be a 450 XCF-W if it existed. If they made one for 2021, I would buy that one also and probably ride it more than my 300XC-W. That being said, you should consider a 350 XCF-W or the Husqvarna version if made. No pipe to smash, low gearing, lights, power, kick stand, fuel injection and lightweight. I'm always worried about smashing my pipe. Oh and side note, it really bugs me that KTM doesn't include a spark arrestor in any of their bikes. So the list of MUST buy items rack up fast.
I would love the Beta 300 Xtrainer but the deals are rare. I think everyone else is carb and I really enjoy the luxuries of a modern FI bike. My friends get absolutely JEALOUS of my magic button, any condition, no matter how tired I am, beat up, hot, cold, wet, I push the magic button and she fires up. No carbs to flood, no kicking on awkward hills. Especially while riding with groups and kids. When we stop for a second, I shut it off while others are worried about starting back up so they keep it running. Then I hit the magic button and off we go.
I went down this same path late last year, I ended up picking up the 350 XCF-W in early January and I cannot be more satisfied! Ive been on 250 2T and 450 4T for the past 20 years, and the 350 was the perfect fit that checked all of the same boxes that you have - and it does come with a spark arrestor stock! Green sticker, e-start, kickstand, lights, FI, 2 ignition maps, Traction Control - and the wide ration 6 speeds is incredible in single track conditions! In 6 months, I have only bought gas and oil for the bike, it came with every accessory available (hand guards, frame guards, skid plate) and I plan to race it in completely stock form this fall.
This bike is now replacing 3 bikes in my garage (125 2T, 250 2T and 450 4t) because it will do everything they can and a lot more!
I went down this same path late last year, I ended up picking up the 350 XCF-W in early January and I cannot be more satisfied! Ive been on 250 2T and 450 4T for the past 20 years, and the 350 was the perfect fit that checked all of the same boxes that you have - and it does come with a spark arrestor stock! Green sticker, e-start, kickstand, lights, FI, 2 ignition maps, Traction Control - and the wide ration 6 speeds is incredible in single track conditions! In 6 months, I have only bought gas and oil for the bike, it came with every accessory available (hand guards, frame guards, skid plate) and I plan to race it in completely stock form this fall.
This bike is now replacing 3 bikes in my garage (125 2T, 250 2T and 450 4t) because it will do everything they can and a lot more!
Is it legitimately stamped USFS Approved Spark Arrestor? My 18 450 SXF did not have the stamp but it did have that rounded screen at the end of the exhaust, like a regular legit spark arrestor. It passed the stick test every time at the ranger stations. Then I sold the bike to a guy in So Cal who took it out to Hungry Valley SVRA and it failed at the ranger station because NO STAMP. If that's your case also....then be aware.....
I always wanted to try out the 300 and I was lucky enough to have found a deal on my 300 XW-W. I think I might need to buy a second bike though like your 350 XCF-W. However...... my buddy bought himself a 2016 350 XCF-W and I'm not entirely certain it's the W, he claims it is but I didn't feel that the 1st gear was much different from my 2018 450 SXF first gear. The seller he got it from was sketchy as hell though.
What year is your 350 XCF-W? Stock skid plate??? Crazy my 2020 300 XC-W didn't come with that.
I have the new 2020 model and Yes, 100% USFS approved sparky :teeth
Having rode both the 2019 300 TPI and the 350 EXC-F, the one thing that they absolutely fixed in the 2020 is the front forks... the 2019 have a compression adjuster that is basically useless (bad design in the adjustment curve). I can now ride everything from MX to Hard Enduro with the stock forks... the 2019 models hit their limit on basic trail riding, so that is a big deal I personally feel.
So first gear, is the shortest gear I have ever ridden on a bike... I wasn't convinced of the difference until I rode the EXC model back to back, it is much shorter (they are also 6 speed) - I ride most single track in 3rd/4th gear, but 1st is an absolute tractor when you need it!
Ill throw up a pic of the exhaust, and yes it came with every possible piece of protection (minus disk guards), no extra costs - but I did buy the extra 2yr engine warranty package :ride
Where are you getting your resources stating that red sticker is being eliminated and how you will not be able to buy a brand new 2 stroke after the end of this year or so? Can you please provide a link? If true, I'm jumping on the bandwagon too
I have the new 2020 model and Yes, 100% USFS approved sparky :teeth
Having rode both the 2019 300 TPI and the 350 EXC-F, the one thing that they absolutely fixed in the 2020 is the front forks... the 2019 have a compression adjuster that is basically useless (bad design in the adjustment curve). I can now ride everything from MX to Hard Enduro with the stock forks... the 2019 models hit their limit on basic trail riding, so that is a big deal I personally feel.
So first gear, is the shortest gear I have ever ridden on a bike... I wasn't convinced of the difference until I rode the EXC model back to back, it is much shorter (they are also 6 speed) - I ride most single track in 3rd/4th gear, but 1st is an absolute tractor when you need it!
Ill throw up a pic of the exhaust, and yes it came with every possible piece of protection (minus disk guards), no extra costs - but I did buy the extra 2yr engine warranty package :ride
Wow, nice! I'll have to look at the pictures when I get off work.
My 2020 300XC-W is geared so low in first that I accidentally dumped it in a shoulder high rut 6 feet wide sideways, and the back tire slowly idling in first dug a hole in the hard red dirt trying to claw itself out on it's own, uphill, under it's own weight. But yeah, I found myself blowing through the fork travel pretty easily trail riding. I saw that they now sell a preload adjust for the 2020 and saw that they now are standard on the 2021. Maybe this will help since I'm a little on the fat boy side but prefer the caddie suspension
Where are you getting your resources stating that red sticker is being eliminated and how you will not be able to buy a brand new 2 stroke after the end of this year or so? Can you please provide a link? If true, I'm jumping on the bandwagon too
Isn’t proposals anymore, been a done deal since last fall. Not just two strokes either, non Carb compliant four strokes ie race bikes are affected too. You won’t be able to buy a two stroke in CA after 2021. Non compliant four strokes will still be sold, but you won’t be able register them and ride on public lands.
Butch has posted a ton on this. Been multiples threads, but everyone seems to focus on the fact that current red stickers bikes will now be year round green stickers and forget that we won’t be able to buy new two strokes OR ride competition four strokes on public lands.
Senate bill 1024 is in the transportation committee may allow us to register four stroke competition bikes...... but it’s probably got a 1% chance of passing all the way through.
It’s huge and the general public, including users on this forum seemed to have very little interest when it was all going down. It’s a done deal now.
If buying new I would go with a Beta 300RR or Husy TE300i. I have about 220hrs on a 2016 Beta 300RR and it's been bulletproof. Plenty of aftermarket and they also come with a 6 month warranty.
