2021 Yamaha YZ250FX vs 2020 KTM 300XC, Which one is better?

[@terrywilson1362]

I have a 19 yz250fx, I didn't like how it handled when I first got it, I'm heavy so I got the suspension done to carry my weight, put a 400 cam throttle tamer on it, 53t rear from a 51t, GPR steering stabilizer and a seat concepts seat and now I wouldn't trade it for any bike made, I can lug that bike around just as easy as anyone on a 2t, my bike will start in gear, just don't give it any gas, hit the starter and boom go

[@dirtbikesam]

Sounds like you have it dialed!!!

[@slayer6936]

I just ordered mine and was going to ask about going up to a 53! I did on my 22yz125x..and was looking into a stablelizer to..because I am 62 and am going to race! But me I am 5-11 and 170 and in real good shape so we will see..after I rise it a little!!

[@jimv8669]

How much did the change to the 53t help? I went from a 43t to 50t on my wr250r and stopped stalling. My son took the WR and I have his 2019 FX but never thought to change the rear. I also live in Illinois and never get past 4th gear. Thx

[@christopherbassit2757]

You’ll wear out your starter faster like that

[@steveweilhart2359]

I own a 2021 fx250 - Previous KTM 300 owner also - for what I'm riding now in central Texas fairly tight scramble courses and local Moto x tracks the FX250 is the winner - my buddy just got a 2023 KTM 300 mx I rode it and it's awesome but I love my FX 250

[@tieoneon1614]

I had an FX in the desert, my bud had dunno year KTM 300. I could ride hard and hit wilderness areas with over 95 miles per stock gas tank. Bro couldnt, he could get around 35 miles per tank and we always had to turn back early. I started having more fun riding without him LOL. Putting on a desert tank makes the 300 270lbs wet, no thanks

[@dirtbikesam]

Wow 35 miles is terrible! Yesterday I rode 70 miles of mountain single track on our 2020 KTM 300XCW

[@tieoneon1614]

@@dirtbikesam ??? how big of a tank? Think OEM is 2.25

[@dirtbikesam]

@@tieoneon1614 2.2 gal is the OEM Tank size for the YZ250FXa and the 2020 KTM 300XC is a 2.25 gal tank

[@tieoneon1614]

@@dirtbikesam ah....the TPI probably gets way better mpg.

[@dirtbikesam]

@@tieoneon1614 Yeah the TPI gets pretty good mileage but so does a well-tuned carb. Last weekend we went 70 miles and I still had fuel in the tank.

[@utmx]

Man after riding that yamaha I just can't wait to get back out and ride it again haha! It is just such a fun bike.... now if I could only have 1 forever hmmm it's to hard haha. Probably the 300 for all the reasons you said. It's just such an easy bike to ride when the trail gets rough, but that 250fx might be the most fun bike to ride!

[@dirtbikesam]

Yeah it’s a tough choice for me! The fun factor on the YZ is soo good

[@ShawnBlais]

I just upgraded from 250FX to Husky FX350, it's a great mix of both worlds. Screams up top like the 250, but loads of lug down low which makes everything easy mode. Lighter and easier to turn than the Yammy, and has the better brakes and clutch systems. I also rode a KX250X last weekend and it was maybe even more fun than the 250FX. More torque down low, and the same KYB suspension. Totally underrated bike, talk about a blast on the whoops, it practically begs you to try and double each one with all of that grunt + the KYB forks.

[@dirtbikesam]

@@ShawnBlais awesome! Makes me want to try the FX350 and a KX haha!! If I could only win the lottery...

[@ShawnBlais]

@@dirtbikesam The KX was really surprising, makes the YZ feel a little tame. Not a lot of top-end though, so they're both fun in different ways. Hard to beat that snappy low-end torque tho!

[@utmx]

@@ShawnBlais thos 350s are awesome bikes! i see one in my future haha

[@barryhallsack8852]

I take that two stroke KTM any day of the week, especially what I ride in Colorado. Four strokes flame out way too easy in technical riding. I sold a 2014 wr 450 for xc 300 best choice I've ever made.

[@dirtbikesam]

Yeah the flame out sucks for the slow terrain, I have been and still am a 2 stroke guy but man that YZ250FX is such a fun bike to ride but not in the really gnarly terrain

[@barryhallsack8852]

@@dirtbikesam That's awesome, I would love to ride a yz250fx! It's really cool all these manufacturers are coming out with all these nice motorcycles. I first started to ride two strokes but have been riding four strokes for years. Something about a two-stroke, the smell the noise how it rides makes me feel like a kid lol.

[@dirtbikesam]

@@barryhallsack8852 well if you are ever in Utah you are welcome to swing a leg over our YZ250FX!

[@Davido50]

Depends how you ride! 😏

[@Dat_Sun]

I traded my new 22 te150i off for a new 22 yz250fx. After riding both, the husky/ktm is a little easier on steep rocky trails, not more capable, just easier on the arms with it's slower, more plush suspension setup. But the fun factor, speed, fit and finish as well as overall quality goes to the 250fx. The motor is a reliable work of art that sounds terrific speeding through the gears. Not having to rely on the made in china tpi fuel injection system and the hot mess of an oil injection system is important to me. I only got 17hrs out of my new 22 tpi bike before the problems started, was in the dealership 5 of the 9 months I owned it. Tpi= hit and miss quality.

[@jongib6096]

Great vid!I pick my 22’ FX end of this month! I used to ride lots when I was younger, but haven’t in last 10 yrs. 5.9’ 150lbs. hoping this bike won’t be too much for me lol

[@dirtbikesam]

Excited for you! There map settings that you can use the input tuner to smooth out the power. Also its all about mastering clutch control

[@soupysocksenduro]

Awesome episode, love both UTMX and your riding/content, great review, you can't go wrong with both those bikes! however, for your question, I would pull the Trigger on the 300xc out of those 2 :)

[@dirtbikesam]

Yeah same here the 300xc is a magical unicorn that can do anything well

[@dirtbikesicehockey4788]

2 stroke all the way

[@dirtbikesam]

I hear you but the Yamaha YZ250FX is sooo good that it’s the first 4stroke that has me questioning everything!!

[@jimg9942]

I know you published this 4 months ago, but I just saw this today. My bike now is a 2020 KTM 300 XCW, which I believe is a better woods bike than the XCs for numerous reasons, but the reason I am commenting is my last two bikes were YZ 250 FX's. (a 2015 and a 2017) You mention you can't start your FX in gear. On both of my FX's I could EASILY start them in gear. You said you think you will try a lithium battery, it is NOT needed. You need to adjust your clutch - or depending on how many hours and how you ride the bike, maybe replace it. All dirt bikes today should start in gear. Another way to know if your clutch is working properly is the bike should roll fairly freely while in gear - if not it needs attention. Oh, and my opinion on the two bikes - while I loved my FX's enough to buy 2 of them, my 300 is SO much lighter feeling. I'm a small guy and have LOTS of less tip overs with the KTM 300 XCW - and the additional usable power of a 300 two stroke compared to 250 4stroke is HUGE!

[@dirtbikesam]

My FX when I bought only had and hour on it. It still didn't want to start in gear back then. I will look into the clutch and maybe even replace it. For tight woods riding it is hard to beat the ole 300XCW. We have a 2020 300XCW in the garage and love it. However, I still like the XC platform better than the XCW, even in the woods riding but thats just my personal preference and its not worth arguing over because they both are soooo good. I did not like the 2017 YZ250FX when I first rode one in 2017 in fact I hated it....but this 2021 YZ250FX is one of my favorite 4 strokes. We got our hands on a 22 CRF250RX to pit it against. Thanks for your input.

[@lastmanoffthefield4572]

How is the maintenance on the 300 vs the 250fx? I am torn between the KTM 300, Honda crf250rx and the 250fx. This is my first bike and I want the best jack of all trades with the low maintenance. Live in SLC as well!!

[@peten1887]

Convert to KYB at The Ride Shop, huge difference on my 300xc. Love the 2 stroke in WA

[@dirtbikesam]

I have heard guys going to the KYB, need to ride one that has swapped.

[@richardlennon4148]

One pro for yz is the tunability of the ECU by phone app.Consider a gytr flywheel for technical riding.

[@dirtbikesam]

Yeah, the Tuner app is awesome. Do you have any maps you recommend? Also, I have thought about a flywheel weight as well. Thanks for the input.

[@richardlennon4148]

I run the Kris Keefer map and the torque map.Then switch between depending on terrain.

[@dirtbikesam]

@@richardlennon4148 Yeah I am running the Keefer map most of the time. Is the Torque map one of the OEM maps?

[@avz46]

lower the gearing at the sprockets on the yz makes a huge improvement in the technical. I have the 450fx and its way better on technical climbs. My riding pal says im faster on my 450fx then my 17 xcw300 with sx 300 head and geared down just a little.

[@dirtbikesam]

Thanks for the tip. What tooth # did you go down to

[@dankruger2890]

I am glad you picked the 300xc But my riding skill isn't good so may be the yz would be better for me.

[@dirtbikesam]

Yeah the 300 isn’t all that hard to ride it you shift up but I feel like you can definitely develop your skills faster in the YZ

[@okcmoparguy724]

Just found your channel, enjoy the content. I own a 14' 300XCW and 22' 250FX and agree with everything you said for your comparo. My 300 has Dal Saggio forks which was a huge improvement but still isn't as fun in flowy single track. The quick/nimble turn-in on the 250FX is that good, makes the XCW feel heavy. Guess it all depends on what type of riding you intend to do.....fast flowy get I'd recommend 250FX, slow hard enduro the KTM 300 shines.

[@dirtbikesam]

Thanks for watching!! Yeah the XCW is for the gnarly single track and the FX is for the fast flowy and desert riding.

[@coskier1969]

I'd have to choose the KTM but like to try the Yamaha.

[@dirtbikesam]

Yeah the Yamaha is really good! It’s my favorite 4 stroke to date.

[@andrewchamberlin1358]

Put a Rekluse x in the YZ250fx and forget about the flame out issues. Most fun bike I have ever owned in my 25 years of riding, east coast USA.

[@dirtbikesam]

Thanks for the input! Which part of the east coast?

[@andrewchamberlin1358]

@@dirtbikesam VT and NH

[@taberz1]

250fx for me

[@dirtbikesam]

Good choice

[@ml5955]

I want a Yamaha FX350…… or a KTM/Husky 300 with a kayaba SSS fork.

[@dirtbikesam]

Ooh that would be cool. I have wondered how well a katana SSS fork would do on a ktm 300

[@ml5955]

@@dirtbikesam I’d think it would handle razor sharp 😏😉

[@tracyf7586]

Adjust the TPS it maybe out of adjustment that maybe the starting problem

[@dirtbikesam]

on the YZ250FX?

[@markm1452]

I also have the 2020 XC and want the YZ250FX!

[@dirtbikesam]

Haha man! It’s a sweet bike. It’s not as good in the gnarly single track as a stock machine but that’s not the intended use

[@markm1452]

@@dirtbikesam Totally, I have the XC for the low speed stuff, want the YZ for the more flowy higher than 2nd gear stuff, lol!

[@dirtbikesam]

@@markm1452 Oh yeah thats the way to do it. I have a 300XCW for the slow technical terrain but anything that is fast and flowy I want to be on the YZ. We picked up a 22 CRF250RX to see how it does against the YZ

[@matiasmaldonado510]

@@dirtbikesam I have a 2021 250fx and I'm in love with it, the more I ride it the more I learn about it, and the more I fall in love with it, let's us know the comparison with the Honda rx.

[@dirtbikesam]

@@matiasmaldonado510 Working on it! I jacked up my right arm and am waiting for it to heal haha

[@justinsavs]

For the audio, buy yourself some childrens socks and some of the small hair ties. Cut some holes in the sock and use 2 hair ties to secure it on the GoPro. No more wind noise on the stock mics. Make sure you turn wind mode off and audio on high quality. You’ll have good audio. Only thing is voice audio won’t work well since the mics are on the front of the camera. It’ll still be good audio though.

[@dirtbikesam]

I might have wind mode still on. Thanks for the feedback. I did get a mic for it so we will see how it goes!

[@lastmanoffthefield4572]

How is the maintenance on the 300 vs the 250fx? I am torn between the KTM 300, Honda crf250rx and the 250fx. This is my first bike and I want the best jack of all trades with the low maintenance. Live in SLC as well!!

[@dirtbikesam]

So the KTM 300 has the less maintenance by far, the YZ250FX and CRF250RX are pretty close but the air filter location in the Yamaha gives an edge up in my opinion. You are welcome to email me at Sam @dirtbikesam.com Utah is a great state to ride in!

[@Davido50]

Hard to go wrong w/a Yamaha or KTM be honest!

[@dirtbikesam]

I agree. Its a hard choice for me :)

[@johnchafin3817]

I would choose the FX over any of the KTM's. Why... KYB. Simple as that. There is not as TKM that has good suspension out of the box. It requires thousands to make it better.

[@dirtbikesam]

Out of the box the KYB are hard to beat

[@wyattdog877]

You can't beat the kyb forks....even stock kyb sss forks will be better than most revalved wp stuff

[@dirtbikesam]

For sure! Best OEM shocks out there

[@lostinpa-dadenduro7555]

Do you notice any differences in comfort between the aluminum frame and steel frame when going through constant rock chunk?

[@dirtbikesam]

I would say the KTM 300 xcw is more comfortable but that could be the xplorer 48 forks and the steel frame.

[@Dat_Sun]

My new 22 TPI and 22 250fx experience. I traded my 22 te150i off for a new 22 yz250fx a week ago. After just 17hrs my new te150i tpi bike started running horrible, Colorado area dealers were unable to get to the bottom of it, they would make adjustments here and there but the bike never ran correctly again, gave up on my TPI bike at just 9 months of ownership. For me, the yz250fx is just as capable as the tpi in the slow and rocky stuff, but it does take some getting used to the hard hitting throttle in more technical riding. Building muscle for endurance compared to the softer tpi bikes only took me a few rides. I find myself much faster on the 250fx even though the te150i was smoother and easier on my arms in the rough stuff. The Yamaha quality really shines over the tpi bikes, especially in fit and finish. The tpi bike had a kmart build quality feeling, the Yamaha has a high quality feeling going on. I didn't care for the tpi saddle gas tank, the Yamaha tank is well thought out, and of much higher quality transparent grey plastic that doesn't turn yellow like the ktm's do. The fx is well designed and definitely assembled better (cables routed cleanly, wiring harness tucked away nicely, plastics are fitted better and of a higher overall quality, fasteners and hardware is simply better on the blue one). I feel like the Yamaha is going to last as long as my truck has, the tpi bike didn't give me that feeling with it's made in china fuel system plus the easily damaged and temperamental ccp / ambient press sensors in a problematic mounting tray mount. The oil injection system is horrible and a major weak point on all tpi bikes. Trade-in and resale values of ktm or similar bikes is Horrific, by far the worst I have ever seen in my 40 years. The tpi was great fun while it lasted!

[@dirtbikesam]

interesting....wow thank you for sharing. I have pretty good luck with my TPI bikes, I have owned 3 of them. Mostly just the low idle issue but I agree the Yamaha is...well just amazing.

[@randytidwell5836]

can you fill a difference in seat to foot peg distance. I have really bad knees so what may not make a difference to someone else it can be a deal breaker for me. thanks

[@dirtbikesam]

Not really, it's tough as the really the difference is the Yamaha makes me feel like I am more naturally in the attack position but I do not notice additional room between the 2 others than the KTM just feels like there is more out in front of you.

[@madsoothsayer]

Do you feel like the 250 has plenty of power for the Little Sahara sand loop? Currently on a 2020 YZ450F... just curious

[@dirtbikesam]

I do but it’s not a 450F for sure and sand does suck the power

[@nicolasayer1908]

If reliability counts for you, then Yamaha all the way.

[@b1ackest]

I'm contemplating getting the 250fx I do have one question though do you think me being 240lbs would be too heavy for this bike?

[@dirtbikesam]

Hi Jesse, what type of riding are you wanting to do?

[@b1ackest]

@@dirtbikesam Mainly trail riding and a bit of mx track riding. A friend recommended the 250fx.

[@dirtbikesam]

@@b1ackest The 250FX has plenty of power for most mortals. You will need to revalve the suspension and replace the rear spring. For trail riding your clutch is your best friend no matter what bike you ride. MX on a 250F just means you have to stay higher in the RPM to make the most powe.

[@gkling33]

Sam & Jesse...I have a 22 250FX...I weigh 250 + gear...C rider, rocky trails and some flow...have yet to feel like bike was underpowered at all. It pulls me up some long fairly steep rocky trails. I back off throttle way before bike complains...plenty of grunt

[@ispgravy4233]

@@dirtbikesam how would you utilize your clutch to Stay in the high rpm’s?

[@Dat_Sun]

@16:30 my 22 250fx has not had a problem starting in gear yet. *Did yours always have problems starting in gear?

[@dirtbikesam]

Yeah. I have buddies that have the same issue. It really is annoying but it always starts in neutral. Maybe they put a better battery in the 22's

[@nightrider4370]

Do u believe the 300 puts out 55 horsepower?

[@dirtbikesam]

All I know is it rips

[@nightrider4370]

@@dirtbikesam I wasn't being petty. I was just interested in your opinion.

[@shawnh2590]

Is that the front/back nine trails by cedar fort?

[@dirtbikesam]

Yes its that area

[@shawnh2590]

Sweet some friends and I are planning on riding out there later in the season. Thanks man good video.

[@madsoothsayer]

Love your videos! FYI, I have a new, 0 hr 2023 YZ250X that I need to sell asap. If you know anyone in the market looking for a good deal, let me know 😊

[@dirtbikesam]

Thanks! Where you located?

[@madsoothsayer]

@@dirtbikesam Salem, UT

[@erick5327]

👍

[@billypulsipher1544]

It would be very expensive for you if you rode my bike.

[@dirtbikesam]

What bike do you have?

[@billypulsipher1544]

@@dirtbikesam husky 300 with a kit mx tech blackjacks and a national shock.

[@dirtbikesam]

@@billypulsipher1544 sounds like it rips

[@dirtmoto1524]

Yz250fx is a cross-country bike

[@dirtbikesam]

Yeah I know and it’s awesome

[@slayer6936]

It is made to actually ride both mx and xc!! I have a 22yz125x and it is great on both mx and xc!!

[@NoyesBruce-k4n]

Rodriguez Brenda Martin Paul Jones Cynthia

[@martinestrada3960]

To me Yamaha KTM is Chinese bike

[@dirtbikesam]

haha what bikes do you think are NOT chinese bikes?

[@Prindavan_MV]

Wu ling

[@MR.TOYBOX]

Have you been on the new 23 ktm xc 300 tbi? The new 23 yz250fx or the 23 ktm xc 300 ? Which of those two would be better for hare scrambles in the south east?

[@dirtbikesam]

I haven’t, we do have a 23 ktm125xc tbi in the garage. I hear the new 300xc with tbi rip. If I could only have 1 bike I would go with the ktm300 as I feel it’s a more versatile bike

[@Ronhickmott]

I watch quite a few KZbin riders, you have great throttle control, the rest of them are on and off the accelerator all the time.

[@dirtbikesam]

Thanks Ron, I really appreciate the feedback.

[@Ronhickmott]

To answer your question, you need to answer this question first, what type of country are you riding, and that will answer your question.

[@dirtbikesam]

Oh for sure. the type of riding you do is going to help you make the right bike choice.