2020 KTM 250 SX vs 2017 KTM 250 SX-F || Moto Academy Bike Reviews

A just-for-fun dirt bike review of a 2020 KTM 250 SX, a 2017 KTM 250 SX-F! These are reviews that aren't biased and are based on spending just a couple minutes on each bike, without making any adjustments or changing any of the owner's controls!
Subscribe to my online motocross training community!
themotoacademy...
Sign up for class today:
tour.themotoac...
Ally and AJ KZbin Channel:
/ @allyandajcat5995
Supercross Companion Activity Book:
amzn.to/3i9xSZb
Instagram: @ajcatanzaro
Intro Music: open.spotify.c...
What I film with:
Skydio2 Drone www.skydio.com...
GoPro amzn.to/2JyyRFr
Dango Design GoPro Mount amzn.to/39K1N7X
Panasonic GH5 amzn.to/39IrPbI

[@DerekHallman]

wow that 250sx sounds CRISP!

[@derailleurmind0454]

Sure does

[@dormantmenace]

Definitely Definitely

[@RichLaffertyRacing]

i thought same

[@wendroidhunter43]

Yupp

[@rosone51178]

Last week: the 2002 kx 250 is sweet! This week: 5 year old dirt bikes are basically dinosaurs.

[@AjCatanzaro]

Hahah! 4 strokes don’t typically age as well. I liked this one though!

[@ryanflood635]

I have a 20 250sx. The bike is a spaceship compared to anything I’d ever ridden before. It handles like a knife in butter and has the craziest power band/ torque curve for a two stroke. I love it.

[@NitroTurtle9000]

I've got the same bike. The midrange pull is insane, I just wish I didn't flatten out so hard up top.

[@pawmotorsports6849]

Love my new 2017 husky tc250 I completely agree

[@jabariwinters8742]

@@NitroTurtle9000 drop a tooth or two on the rear, that should help

[@djirish7]

my 2016 is ❤ 2smoke

[@christophervillarreal8565]

@@NitroTurtle9000 pro circuit pipe will fix that. I wish the stock forks weren't so bad even when working perfect. I got that thing dialed everywhere else. So good the billetron carb is also the tits.

[@thomash4047]

Ayeee I was at that class! Such a sick place, you absolutely ripped!

[@AjCatanzaro]

👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼

[@kylejonesUB]

4 year old is old...as I'm racing my 2000 KTM lol. Great video!

[@KosmicHRTRacingTeam]

Yup. I’ve done a bit of a (re)Build on my 2005 CRF450R. I’m sure it’s not gonna smoke a 2021 CRF450RWE, but with the right mods, a lot of riders do well on those 2005-2008 CRFs at local races. Of course I have to still kick mine AND use the choke 😉

[@Tcurry04]

2008 YZ250F here. Still kicking and using the choke as well but the thing is still a blast! Hoping to upgrade at some point but haven’t been particularly motivated to upgrade yet

[@sqlb3rn]

my local stealership won't work on anything more than 10 years old.

[@thektmguy1902]

I have a 2009 Ktm250sxf

[@yamahaxs6501]

always love these 2 stroke vs 4 stroke comparisons! For us who just ride moto for fun, ease of maintenance is always a big factor for owning 2 strokes, too. I'd like to see you compare a 125 2 stroke to a 250 4 stroke soon, too. Keep up the great work!

[@гипноденс-379]

Нет 250 и 250😡

[@eldonsmith56]

We all knew you were gonna score the 2stroke higher🤠👌

[@otisjordan5613]

I'd love to see you compare an early FI 4 stroke 250 to a newer one, maybe even throw a carbed 250 4 stroke in there, would be so cool

[@willn8590]

Ye that would be sick

[@emersonvarley5069]

never ceases to amaze me how many people have no idea how to start dirt bikes haha

[@mkruge9076]

Am failed like a noob for sure, but he knows 2s, 4s definitely start different. My 450l starts funny if you give any throttle, it likes zero throttle to start then a quick blip to squirt the fuel back in, Easy mistake.

[@DonutFilmsCo]

You should put both time laps at the end because we don’t remember the exact time from the first bike

[@rboote7232]

AJ, get a wind slayer or a foam cover on your gopro to get better sound and remove that wind nose, whistle sound. Good riding tho, awesome vids dude.

[@justpotatt5595]

4:54 AJ: "A 4 year old dirt bike is pretty old" Me with an 04 yz: 👁️👄👁️

[@TheJelf10]

My 01 cr125 must be ancient 🤣 Liking Brian's creativity ✊🏻✊🏻

[@brettkenney6464]

What's up Aj Portnoy one lap everyone knows the rules. I feel like you were faster on the 250 sx but started off slow in the beginning.

[@ryanxmx31]

Love the comparison videos very cool

[@LesterLara818]

Aj: a 4 year old bike is pretty old Me: Ow sh*t I'm still using a bike that is almost 10 years old lol

[@jamesmeagher3107]

And then there’s me on the 1990 yz250 ahahah

[@LesterLara818]

@@jamesmeagher3107 yz250 2stroke right? mine is 2012 ktm 250sxf 😂 worst bike that year 😂😂😂

[@troyhodulik5542]

'Hello.' Great combination of POV and wide angle action! That's the way to present these videos! Toodles!

[@taylorshytle]

A man’s bike = 2 seconds slower A pit bike = 2 seconds faster This man = I’ll take the faster lap time all day

[@DavidJDiehl]

The subtitles just say "music" when the 250sx revs up. Accurate. Haha. 😅

[@Freedom-dq7tl]

If you get the chance please review Yamahas new yz125 . They finally changed it up after 20 years .

[@AjCatanzaro]

I’m excited to try one!

[@jaredleavermx94]

He just made a 1:55 look so easy.

[@AjCatanzaro]

😜

[@mightystreaming933]

it is compared to my 1:15 :)

[@boost219]

The sxf should not have that hard of a time starting lol. Maybe needs a valve adjustment

[@8akino]

doubt it, rarely need to adjust valves on the newer KTMs. Guessing because of the valves being titanium, had mine for 5 years and put over 100 hours on it without the valves needing adjusting.

[@flowersthewizard9336]

I have the same bike and it's had problems starting a few times but once it's warmed up it's usually fine

[@OGPokey151]

The Throttle position sensor (tps) needs adjustment That’s what the hard starting is

[@vtecmossy]

Nah the 15/17 had crap starters even the generation before them12/15 had starter issues 2 stroke or 4 both had terrible starters that were hit and miss

[@blakeohlson6582]

I have the same bike and have had 0 issues

[@sharrieffliddell7469]

1 lap really means a 5 min moto w AJ🤣

[@issam3976]

“4 year old bikes are like grandmas” my 92 cr250 💥🌏🦖☄️

[@mkruge9076]

Aj rides smoother on the 4s, jumping and cornering, he’s more comfy on the 2s clearly, but the linear pwr band suits him.

[@Kyle-pl6rl]

Kind of a big difference. Funny how you thought you were slower when you made your best lap.

[@AjCatanzaro]

Yep, I was surprised!

[@gailyoung9911]

Your right about that 250sx being a mans bike, mine felt like a rocket compared to the old 17 250sxf. both are great but the 2 stroke is intoxicating.

[@jmccomish2416]

You were at Winchedda???? I would have TOTALLY gone, how do i get in on a class in New England? Thanks AJ!

[@AjCatanzaro]

themotoacademy.com and you can check out where our tour is making stops 👍🏼

[@bradeastin7927]

The 250 two stroke will be a lot less expensive maintenance wise. You have to ride a 250 4 stroke a lot harder which means more money for up keep.

[@KosmicHRTRacingTeam]

Which is another reason for a 450 😉

[@Mr10usdad]

How does the two stroke compare to the 1995 CR250 you rode?

[@AjCatanzaro]

Good question. I would love to compare them back-to-back. I can’t remember exactly what the 95 felt like!

[@ryanravosa5414]

Damn I wish I knew you were at winchester. I've been wanting to go to a class but you barely come to New England.

[@bloomerb4162]

Have you ridden a newer ktm 250sx with 300 kit?

[@dougchilton6611]

I wish I could just jump on any bike I see and run a sub 2 minute.

[@bobriley000444]

If you went a bit more aggressive on the 2 stroke I bet you could make that difference up

[@user-sp8eb6iz7f]

What were the lap times?

[@theroadracer6897]

250 2 stroke vs 450 4 stroke thats a good comparison

[@chalo212]

Arm pump from 3 laps? Like... how? Why?? Hanging too tight, coach?

[@user-wk9bu6xm7y]

Get some dead cats for the go pro to stop wind sounds

[@AjCatanzaro]

The problem is I have the shotgun mic media mod on it while riding! I took it off and I’m going back to chin mount

[@randombuilds8336]

Wow my 08 250sxf would start 1st or 2nd kick cold. Turn on the choke, twist throttle 2 times and kick, idle about 30 seconds and give it a rev and the choke turned off.

[@KosmicHRTRacingTeam]

You looked quicker and smoother on the 250f. I’m not sure how the model years work out for KTM, but many bikes use 3-4 year MY runs, so if the 2017 isnt clapped out, comparing a 2017 to a 2020 isn’t all that crazy. That being said, one year difference can make a HUGE difference if the MY just changed. Specifically with what I am familiar with a 2004 to 2005 CRF450R and the 2020 to 2021 CRF450R. (But as I mentioned earlier, a 2005 and 2008 CRF450R shouldnt be all that different, some minor tweaks). The 250 2t sounded fresh!!

[@nissan_6828]

U could race the old 250 2ts against the new ones cause yamaha hasn’t changed since 06 and ktm has the best engine and most refined bike but the older 2 strokes are super raw and they still tend to handle great and rev out more, for the four strokes the years mean much more imo

[@wenisinvietnam]

The follow-cam @2:33 has potential

[@grimmriffer]

4 years old is old? I have a 2007 YZ.

[@ZmannR2]

That 17 would start easier if he adjusts the idle screw better....my 18' 450sxf did that until I did and now it starts no throttle just button and when cold everytime

[@SHUTUPCHICKEN2]

I'm going to try that, everyone's saying a valve adjustment but I know it's just the idle or set my tps again

[@cadillacmoto]

Who does your helmet piant/wrap?

[@jessemacneil2723]

Im still torn on which I want to get . 2 or 4 stroke

[@Landonmoto39]

2-stroke 100%

[@zesupercrappers]

Why are we comparing a two stroke 250 and a four stroke 250? They are in completely different classes, no matter how old they are.

[@SHUTUPCHICKEN2]

250 2t and 250f can race in same class now

[@zesupercrappers]

@@SHUTUPCHICKEN2 Since when? That makes no sense to me cause two strokes of the same engine size are way more powerful.

[@whatbruz4202]

@@zesupercrappers not really

[@hurelllucieer6225]

250 2 strokes and 4 strokes have been racing in the same class for several years here in Australia.

[@mcchoco1019]

@@ryanflood635 250f can reach 44hp stock and 250 2 stroke 46 48 hp if u are on the peak rpm all day with the 250f u can keep up plus higher reving engine more speed , but I prefer the brutal power of the 2 stroke

[@christopherbrown1183]

Great job

[@damon2000976]

“A 4 year bike is old” 😂😂 I’d love to see what you would think of a 05 yz250

[@chloemx7534]

early squad where you at?

[@jmedic8373]

Sitting here with 2014 YZ250f and 2011 250 sx f thinking I'm bad ass 😂

[@paulotradovec681]

I was thinking the same thing I think of my 2016 yz250f as a brand new bike😂

[@abulskywalker7294]

Hey guys I might buy my own dirt bike soon what is a good bike for beginners

[@derailleurmind0454]

I battle with and get passed by ktm250sx. I cant give my 01 Cr250 up though. It rips just takes all you got.

[@Revelation22_5]

Your answer would help me a lot. Do you think you could still race without peripheral vision on one side? I used to race when I was younger. Life happened and I quit racing. Years later ended up going blind in one eye. Would love to race the vet class now but worried I may be a danger to myself or others. So basically would you feel safe with one eye closed/covered up? Would make a good vid.

[@DumpySkittles]

Maybe ride first and see if your a danger to yourself? Sure some vets are half blind anyway so might not have any issues fitting in haha just maybe avoid cutting any lines especially on your bad side? I dont know think if you love it do it ya will always come across some douches but many people would be understanding

[@niklassvensson9119]

To just cover one eye and ride is way different then living with it for years first. Your brain lerns do deal with it in ways that a quick test will never do. Just try and see what happens, you dont have to race the first thing you do.. If you dont want to buy a bike just to try, then try running on trails or mtb to gett a feeling for it..

[@DumpySkittles]

@@niklassvensson9119 agree and if it's a first should make a youtube channel called the one eyed rider could crack and start something bigger then ya could ever know haha I'm sure theres alot of people that feel the same way if there vision impaired or other stuff. Sure iv seen paralyzed dudes riding in those caged bikes before. So yeah rooting for ya if its something you love do it champ

[@jessemacneil2723]

Valves need to be prolly set

[@txnaves]

I`ve spent 5 minutes plugging and unplugging my headset at the beginning

[@AjCatanzaro]

My bad! I messed up something with the mic setting 🤦🏻‍♂️

[@crazychad2720]

Made me laugh him struggling to start that fart machine. Why i ride 2 stroke!!!

[@eldonsmith56]

Yes sir!

[@SHUTUPCHICKEN2]

Ok bumblebee

[@crazychad2720]

@@SHUTUPCHICKEN2 i have a 250sx with full pro circuit exhaust with the race shorty so i think you mean screaming eagle but your forgiven.

[@snowfuller7599]

Not really a comparison when they are both 250s! To get power comparison together you need to put a 250sxf up with a 125sx. Of course the power is going to be down in the sxf in this video. 🤷‍♂

[@AjCatanzaro]

Thats kind of the point of the video is it not?

[@knolysjohnson7244]

I ride a 2017 YZ250F and I am ready to buy a new bike. I want better handling and a little more power! Would you recommend the 2022 KTM 350 SXF or 2022 YZ250 2 Stroke?

[@Conandestrya]

Ktm 350 sxf 100% best bike I've even ridden I just swapped from 250sx.

[@jimbo4203]

Ya 350 sxf is so good !

[@knolysjohnson7244]

@@Conandestrya Thanks man!

[@sqlb3rn]

Bigger bikes are generally heavier and handle worse. I have a 2014 350 SXF and 2010 YZF 250, I usually ride the YZF.

[@jimbo4203]

@@sqlb3rn i and my son had 2 yz250f s that i loved . Also just sold my yz450 f . It was killer too , but im a big guy and just faster on the 350 sxf then the yz250f. Had a few yz250 2 strokes also. You really cant go wrong with either imo

[@thebiz4683]

Table to bump on the inside damn dude your nuts

[@christopherbrown1183]

My bro

[@NoahMazraani]

AJ: a 4 year old KTM is pretty old Me with my 8 year old Suzuki 😐

[@tbg_racing806]

u say the 250 f is old but my brother rides a 2003 cr 125 and its better than the 250 f and 250 sx so dont tell me any bike is old :)

[@AjCatanzaro]

4 strokes don’t usually age as well as two strokes!

[@dormantmenace]

Um.. you didn't pick one

[@tankstravelz8217]

at 3:38 Awesome

[@damoncatlin734]

haha 17 is old try riding my 12 crf 250 with a tuner and a cam that bogs up the jump face

[@AjCatanzaro]

Haha yup the carbed four strokes can be scary!

[@damoncatlin734]

@@AjCatanzaro bad part is it isnt carbed rip

[@mightystreaming933]

you can fix for a few dollars. put a T in vent lines close to carb. run extra vent line.

[@mightystreaming933]

@@AjCatanzaro not for a master mechanic and suspension tuner :) EASY FIX

[@KosmicHRTRacingTeam]

@@AjCatanzaro not if it is tuned properly 🤦🏼‍♂️

[@ferider8728]

8.7 really. Easy 8.9 haha i love my sxf-250 she's a beast. I think so

[@dominicpayne23]

Nice video bro but a ‘17 is not old haha

[@florianlamarque1017]

250 sx 2017 is so fun and hard😍😍, sxf is easy

[@greysonriegel9403]

Four years is not old bro I had a 2013 kx

[@landenwhite1531]

The 250 wouldn’t start because if it was fuel injected you were giving it gas, ut was just flooding the bike

[@AjCatanzaro]

I was trying to turn the throttle to the stop backwards, trying a little gas, i tried it all

[@mototodd]

2017 forks where not too good.

[@timetter7062]

Barstool Sports

[@paulwatkins4868]

"is this thing safe" lol

[@rssmotorx]

😎🤘

[@danblekeberg2470]

A.J. makes everything look easy.

[@Hooeygaming]

How is a 17 old to him? It’s all about the maintenance. Oh wait he don’t have to

[@coreyploof217]

Even with perfect maintenance if you track ride and ride hard a bike can look and be beat by 40 hours on it which can be done in a year. If you got a bike 4-5 years old with 100+ on it she’s done for if it’s track riding

[@SoulDevider]

Love me some Scott gogles.

[@mototodd]

It’s a KTM it’s probably a weak battery.

[@robertdenton6936]

4 year old dirt bike is old. Shit. I have a 02 cr 125. Lmao..

[@WheelieBoyAndrews]

2017 ktm250f 🍋🍋🍋🍋🍋🍋

[@ryanbarker4422]

If u can ride a 2-stroke you'll beat a 4-stroke everytime.

[@HendyHauler]

Delusional lol they can no longer compete. I love my 150sx and I rip on it but my 250sxf is much easier to go faster on. Especially when mistakes come into play.

[@ryanbarker4422]

@@HendyHauler that's why I said if you can ride a 2-stroke. There hard to ride perfect throughout the whole race. But when u have a good 2-stroke rider he wins everytime.

[@mcchoco1019]

Yeah ur right but not the 450f no 2 stroke can beat 450f on the track

[@t.a.t8780]

Whatupp

[@lukedelport5191]

Second

[@koledalton337]

First

[@lisacatanzaro3517]

✌🏻

[@64maxpower]

First