26-Year-Old 250 Two Stroke Race Bike vs Modern 2 Stroke!

We race a steel frame 1996 YZ250 against a modern aluminium frame 2022 Yamaha 250 two stroke, what's the difference? and which is fastest? Let's find out!
You guys know that we love a retro 2 Stroke shootout and in this edition we put a 26-year-old Yamaha 250 two smoker versus our brand new two-stroke dirt bike! With MX2 Pro racer Tom Grimshaw on board to let it rip this is going to be a fun one for sure :-)
YZM 500 Project EP1 - • Crazy New Big Bore 2 S...

[@watkinsrgv]

Hats off to Yamaha for keeping the 2stroke dream alive.

[@johnsheetz6639]

Yes sir! I wish Honda would come back out with a CR 125 I had a 92 it was a dream!

[@hefic]

I agree. My yz250 also.

[@AT-wl9yq]

One thing to consider is the manufacturers haven't been putting the R&D in 2 strokes like they did when they were popular. If they had, the 2022 would probably be faster. Also, who knows how much more you can get out of a 2 stroke at this price point? These are not exotic machines with no limit on price. If forget, but I think a 1996 250 was under 4K.

[@MOTO809]

@@AT-wl9yq That's kind of it. 2 stroke technology doesn't seem to be able to really advance any further. We have fuel injected, oil injected, electric start 2 strokes now, and plenty of after market pipes and reed cages. But people want 2 strokes so bad that they will pay $11,000 for a new one, which does make you wonder, why don't the other companies get back into it?

[@kylebutler7142]

@@MOTO809 so where are we at currently with 2 strokes? Yamaha only one left besides Chinese stuff? Or China only making 4 stroke?

[@tylerschmeling4537]

For me this says a lot about how awesome the new bike is. Stock, off the show room floor bike, is everything the over built, custom 1996 bike is. That to me shows how much engineering Yamaha has invested in their stock bikes.

[@yoboo6167]

Focus has been so heavy on 4 stokes the last 20 years that 2 strokes have gone by the wayside. Its great to see the 2 strokes making a comeback, especially with the hard enduro scene.

[@justrockon426]

At this point ktm and yamaha have all the 2stroke market for themselves (huskvarna and gasgas too, but they are pretty much rebranded KTMs 😅) and god knows if your not pro or have pro budget your probably better off with a 2 stroke)

[@SSRacing66]

Not surprised . the 96 has been upgraded with suspension and engine mods. Full race trim 96 against a showroom stock 22 on a dry, slick track , almost like a coin toss. nice video, thanks for sharing !👍

[@PinkuStyle]

ALU MIN NUM 😂 Man he was dancing on those things. Awesome video.

[@joshmc1989]

Great vid, goes to show you can work up an older bike a little to be just as competitive as the newer stuff, for probably half the cost

[@gasdive]

I still find this so strange. I started riding in the 1970's. The idea that a bike from 1970 would be competitive with a bike from 1996 is totality bonkers, obviously. Yet that's the same gap as between these two bikes. I just can't get my head around them being so similar. But when the older bike was faster.... WTF?

[@gasdive]

This is what 1970 bikes looked like at the most elite level. kzbin.info/www/bejne/bKS3fZKDnr-kZ6s

[@phenri4809]

Once suspensions topped out at 12" then it became refining the suspensions and power. A lot of advancements for a decade but after that progress has slowed dramatically

[@swedish_sadhguru3854]

Yeah its crazy. I have ridden snowmobiles since the 90s and if you compare a 1996 snowmobile to 2022 it would be like at least 30-45 seconds slower on the same track. Its weird how advanced motocross was in the 90s compared to primitive and stone age snowmobile tech.

[@justincoats7236]

I feel like technology has leveling out. The technology on how to build the perfect dirt bike can only go so far.

[@coreysteady]

my first bike was a 1983 yz125, it was very fast, was the first year of the duel rad set up ( year before was behind the number plate ) once tried to do a wheely and the bike did like 3 backflips second bike was a 05 yz125 and couldnt for the life of me get the front end up. now have a 03 yz250 and couldnt be happier

[@wtfftw24]

Absolutely agree on the fact that if two strokes was developed till today it would be by far more competitive than 4 farters.

[@96jpaulo]

The problem is the cc. 250 4 stroke vs 125 2 stroke is not balanced and thats the honest truth.

[@nxdboi]

I genuinely don't understand this argument. If 4 strokes are left to develop for that long they will likely also be faster too, no?

[@gixxxer1k]

ktm

[@wtfftw24]

@@nxdboi Right, but two strokes it's a more simple technology that allows you to have lighter bikes; less dangerous then. Not less important you can have much less expensive sport and motorcycles as well.

[@KoltFin]

2 stroke have to narrow of power band really work with. ktm has done a little to make the transitions smoother but it still can't eat like a 4 stroke. I have a yz250 a wr450f and a te250i and if I want to go fast its the 4 stroke. if I want to feel fast the yz250. if I want to go slow the te250i.

[@wisecampmotorcycles8258]

Shredding those two strokes man, that's what I love to see and hear. Great video as always. I'm looking forward to seeing the big bore build!

[@999lazer]

Thanks, the 500 engine kit arrived yesterday so you won't have too long to wait:)

[@DoctorMotorcycle]

I rode a '06 YZ250 from age 13 to age 24 (the same bike), over all those years riding, even after having the forks revalved/resprung for my weight, there was always something "off" about the aluminum frame of those bikes that I could never put my finger on. They would just randomly wash out the front or get headshake when you least expected it. I still to this day prefer the Steel frame YZ's. My 00 and 01 YZ125's were my favorite bikes out of all I've owned. This video reminds me that I need to scoop up another one for dirt cheap. You're not missing out on anything!

[@khaccanhle1930]

I've got an 05 WRF. Steel frame, and I love it. Lots of my friends prefer it to the aluminum framed bikes.

[@MG-up5mh]

Incredible story, I have myself a 1998 in *crates* and waiting upon my 2023 this video inspires me to get going on my rotisserie restore.

[@russellhelms2835]

That 1998 will be very nice when completed! Stay with it! I’ve a r-e-a-l-l-y nice 1998 YZ250 and it’s a fantastic machine. Make it nice!

[@jak5008]

That track is fairly smooth. it would be interesting to compare on a more challenging supercross type track. I think that's where the more modern bike will shine.

[@seanodwyer5536]

that track is like a dirt road you take to get to the track ,, I think there is a whoop some where .. haa just breaking your bollocks !!

[@rfvc600r]

Modernized or even worked suspension is all it needs.

[@seanc4750]

There's a reason why all the fastest 2 stroke dealers today KTM, gas gas, husky, beta, all using steel frames. While Yamaha is slacking with the aluminum frame

[@EarthSurferUSA]

How about a MX track that is not groomed for road bikes?

[@EarthSurferUSA]

@@seanc4750 OK, what is the reason? I know, it hurts to think about what we say today.

[@Davido50]

Now that's a proper comparison ! Enjoy. 🇺🇸

[@Tumid1]

Not surprised by the outcome. Not to make you feel bad, but the '96 250 will have an even bigger advantage after you convert the new bike to 500.

[@bryson1992]

Frl unless you weigh like 240 plus you dont need a 500 at all

[@guyonabuffalo100]

@@bryson1992 im 190lbs and love my kx500. You always need more power.

[@bryson1992]

@@guyonabuffalo100 I bet if you done lap times you would be quicker on a 250

[@guyonabuffalo100]

@@bryson1992 probably all it does is spin. Im.not a track guy anyway. It is great for the long steep coal hills here in PA

[@bryson1992]

@@guyonabuffalo100 Hell yeah there great hill climbing

[@brettsharbono3022]

I'm 39 years old and my favorite throughout my dirt bike career was a 2000 YZ250 two stroke. Bike of the year back in the day. It worked good for me way back when 😎

[@cyclemoto8744]

I still have a 2000 Yz250! I''m 46 yo now and just want a modern Yam or KTM 2 stroke as I only ride trails and motox bikes require too much effort for trail riding.

[@russellhelms2835]

I’m 52+ years now myself, and still ride regularly! Still love riding just as much as when I started (1979 KX80) back in 1981! Keep enjoying riding! Eat right, hydrate, stretch, stay active! It’s an enjoyable pastime that still gives the goosebumps. Braaap

[@stephenmitchum5864]

I was a multi line motorcycle dealer most of my life and there were a few things that we never wanted the buyer to know A) the yearly changes mean absolutely nothing. B) most the the changes are nothing but marketing. C) almost all after market products are not at good as OEM. Thank goodness the media convinced the public into believing that smoke and mirrors of aftermarket parts and new bikes.

[@marktavcar567]

I have a 2000 model and picking up a 2022 next week, will be good comparison for myself, great video 999lazer

[@motomatt6752]

Man what a great video Max. Sorry I was a way for a bit work had me unable to enjoy your videos. But on the flip side I just bought a 2024 yz250 2 stroke. Again thanks for keeping the smoke in the air and putting out great content

[@999lazer]

Welcome back! And thanks for watching Matt :)

[@JayLee-od8ob]

That was awesome. Thank you maxi and thank you Tom

[@EkonRekon]

WOW! SO COOL! I've still got my 96' YZ250 I bought in 96'! Did the wrench report stage 2 mods, ported by a genius, custom weighted flywheel, boysen, pro circuit, etc. If that tells you how much I love it!! And I've never been on anything faster. Not that something isn't faster.. but I have not found it.

[@ΛουκιανόςΚωστοπουλος]

I have a yamaha wr 250 1996 and it's a beast

[@TheShift1313]

Very cool!

[@EarthSurferUSA]

Who did the porting?

[@EkonRekon]

@@EarthSurferUSA DJ racing. He was the guru of porting three wheelers for sand mountain. I've got a TRI Z cylinder he did as well with the added boost port

[@russellhelms2835]

Agreed…same, but I’ve a 1998 YZ250. Impressed as well. I not sure if there’s anything at all still stock on mine?! Wait, the fuel tank! That’s it…right down to the titanium subframe. The YZ’s are really great bikes! Enjoy & agreed.

[@subconscious.com_usa6691]

Love YZ's, especially the bare-bones stock 1993 YZ 250's In my opinion they're perhaps the most gorgeous Motoxbike ever designed.

[@johntomasik1555]

Had those bikes back in the day. They were good, but gotta tell ya they were nowhere near the handling of the '06 RM250 I had. That RM would turn on silt covered hard pack like any other bike would need the red soil of Cooperland to turn like that.

[@subconscious.com_usa6691]

@@johntomasik1555 All the manufacturers make great bikes. i had a couple of RM's back in the 90's around 1993. a 1988 RM 250 which was like a limousine but had a great smooth motor and good suspension. i also had a 1992 RM 125 which handle and felt like a BMX to ride it was awesome.

[@johntomasik1555]

@@subconscious.com_usa6691 I'm just saying those early 90's YZ's never "wowed" me like that RM did. It was kinda vanilla in its performance.

[@subconscious.com_usa6691]

@@johntomasik1555 I believe you, buddy i have never owned one or ridden a YZ I have only ever owned RM's and CR's. I have always lusted over that particular model though the 1993, its the styling more than anything

[@johntomasik1555]

@@subconscious.com_usa6691 Been riding since the70's, with a short break during the 80's (military). Had numerous bikes, and I'm no pro or expert, but I do know what stood out to me about all of my bikes....some good, some bad. Fave bikes: '06 RM for turning. Wick it up and it would swap, but at MX speeds, nothing could turn with it. ' 08 Service Honda CR500AF. It was weird how you could change the behavior of the bike simply by engine RPM. Lug it, and it felt like a 250 smoker. Wind it up, and it was a 500 dez racer. Hit it's sweet spot at the wrong time, and it was a broken tailbone (been there, done that).

[@jeradbennett5030]

Great video, loved the comparison. As any 2 stroke fan will tell you, it's a shame that the Japanese manufacturers gave up on these bikes. I have a 22 Gas Gas MC 250 and I love the thing.

[@tomvanheeswijk5560]

I have I think 10 250 2strokes from the 90,s they are just as good as a modern 2stroke … only the forks have gone a lot better in the years

[@paulmryglod4802]

Oh man you are right. My sons stock SSS yz forks are as good as my revalved 97 forks and are actually a little better on chop.

[@thorstenwanoth6774]

My TY 50 was pretty slow back in the day in 1979, but then classmate Shirley brought out her dad's playbike for us to play. PE400 was its name

[@georgecooke9010]

THAT MAN PLAYS THOSE BIKES LIKE A VIRTUOSO! BRAVO!

[@TheShift1313]

Love it. I remember when the 96 and 97 came out my 95 looked like an 85. But i loved my 95 yz and wish i still had it. The motors were good but needed a little help to be great. Mine has a longrod gytr kit and made a good difference to me. I think the chassis up to 04 was amazing. I had an 06 and preferred the steelie. If you could build an 04 with SSS suspension you would be in dream land. That 22 sounded so crisp!

[@ls1_cammeroh]

If you go back and check out the shootouts from 95 and 96 the 95 was a way better bike

[@TheShift1313]

@@ls1_cammeroh 100% but the rider position on the bike is more different than todays bike. 96 was the tipping point for yamaha and the 96 feels more like a modern bike. If i had to pick one id have my 95 for sure. Toss an old ohlins 360 kit on it :)

[@ls1_cammeroh]

@@TheShift1313 I’ve been trying to find a 93-95 yz250 forever but all I ever come across is a 96 and up

[@TheShift1313]

@@ls1_cammeroh the last one i found was rough.....

[@EarthSurferUSA]

@@ls1_cammeroh If we compare a MXA shoot out from the mid 90's, (or earlier), to today, they are so vague today, after you buy the bike you are sure the new MXA didn't even ride it.

[@se11459]

I have a 2002 YZ250 and an Alta Redshift. I take both bikes to the track. The YZ is a rocket here in SoCal when the tracks are fresh and ripped but it becomes a real handful when the track dries out and becomes choppy - both the the (Enzo) suspension and power delivery become problems. The Alta comes out then and it soaks everything up and is much less tiring to ride. Also the battery lasts longer when it’s not having to pull through the thick stuff when the track is chocolate cake.

[@96jpaulo]

26 year old bike vs 16 year old bike you mean 😉 awesome anyways 😁

[@noahdaily7897]

18 he old, they haven’t Redone them since 04

[@fishersoll2080]

@@noahdaily7897 I’m 2005 they went from steel frame to aluminum frame and then in 2006 they want to the KYB SSS forks

[@96jpaulo]

@@noahdaily7897 go back to Google and do your home work again please...

[@motox2051]

Are you putting in the BRC 500 kit in it? Brappp

[@jdirt1982]

All you guys are in the same gay porno....

[@scottmckenzie1162]

Loved this one, being the owner of a 1997 yz 250 what a surprise out come. Would love to see it redone in damper conditions. To see what one would come out on top. Great work guys

[@hugieflhr03]

I started on the late 70s dirtbikes and it was an amazing transformation going into the late 80s dirtbikes as the found all the secrets for suspensions, power and brakes. It was day and night within those 10 years. Now the improvements are small and they chip away at niche rider complaints and wants. IMHO

[@elusivemite]

Not an Mx rider but trials there was a moment around the late 90s where they hit that sweet spot. Everything since has been refinements 2t still going strong in the trials world despite the rose of 4t

[@russellhelms2835]

Yep, same! I still love riding MX bikes…if it’s got 2 knobby tires, and a throttle to twist…I’m having fun. Personally, I only own 2T’s but have ridden some nice 4T’s. I prefer my old 2T’s😁

[@WildStyleWorks]

i have a 25 year old suzuki RM 250 and i take her to the track weekly 🙂 she is great and runs like a rocket. old but gold! also got a steel frame. I just lov etwo strokes and the bikes form 1995 away look pretty good in my eyes. If you ever come to Austria, we can go for a ride if you like to. i can show you the tracks around my area.

[@lumpasaurus4431]

I've always said that in the mid to late 90s were where we hit peak performance for dirtbikes so ill keep my 20 year old bikes thanks guys

[@dormantmenace]

It just explained it was a fully built race bike dude

[@kevinmee3501]

Great video Max, tom was making both bikes fly round the track, both sounded great , top quality work again Max, waiting for the next one already.

[@999lazer]

Thanks Kevin, I always appreciate you comments

[@kevinmee3501]

@@999lazer pleasure is all mine with the quality you put out.

[@jacobhendrickson8935]

I loved my 94 yz250 so much, possibly more than any 250 since. That bike was just so awesome. Since then I’ve had a 98, 00, 01 , & a 2013 and I’m not sure that I’ve liked any of them any more than my 94. After watching this I remembered one of the main reasons I loved my 94 so much and that was how low to the ground it set. Even lower than the 96 in this video. It made for the ultimate hares scramble weapon and took me to my local track 1994 Eagle creek hare scramble champion.

[@JacksonD489]

Those pebbles on the UK practice tracks takes some finesse to get round on. I rode a practice track in Reading, UK back in 1999 while visiting my friend Mike Brown when he was racing for Thorpie... I was humbled by trying to go fast on that terrain. Great vids as always, Max!

[@bobdillon2642]

To be fair it's very rare for a track in the UK to be in that condition now (all ripped and rutted now) but yer loads of track were like concrete back in the 90s

[@EarthSurferUSA]

@@bobdillon2642 Which is why we would be lost on a man's track. :)

[@yeti8it396]

In the late 70's when I got started Yamaha was my first and STILL my fave. I eventually got a a sponsorship from a local dealer.

[@xipingpooh5783]

Tom clicked off some fast laps considering how hard, dry and dusty that track was. I honestly thought he’d be faster on his steel frame bike if only because he has built it to suit him vs. an out of the crate new bike. I agree that it would be interesting to see where the development for these bikes would have went had they continued.

[@MG-up5mh]

they did continue, this engine design ran until 1998, then the new motor came in 1999 pretty well same internals today.

[@xipingpooh5783]

@@MG-up5mh that’s my point. Yamaha left it in suspended animation. The 2022 for all intents and purposes is the same motor as the early 2000’s.

[@jakessmallengines]

That guy is a heck of a good rider !!!!!

[@bikebuilder17]

I think what would be interesting is if you used an 02-04 YZ250 and compared that to the 2022. The engines are virtually the same between the years and the only real differences between the two is the frame, suspension, and maybe the subframe. Great video though!

[@jpesicka492]

Airbox is different now

[@dormantmenace]

Got a new straighter air box in 2022 making like 1 more hp

[@lloydbooth1307]

You're page has blew up 🎉 I message last year saying love the vids and clearly everyone else did 🔥🔥🔥

[@keelangerken5154]

Everyone thinks newer is better... Even Chad Reed who helped develop the modern yz aluminum frame prefers the 03-04 steel frame. Find an 03-04 bike swap SSS forks on it and you'd have a very good bike to compare the 22 to

[@craigsteinman9807]

My friend has a 02 and I liked it better than my'16..felt like I could feel the suspension settle into corners so much better there was actually a split second when u could feel the shock compress as much as it was gonna and you knew you had good trip and you juice it at that very moment and rocket outta turns..the 2016. Not so much..though it is a little more stable at speed

[@johntomasik1555]

LOL....his intro of, "This, is...." reminded me of Chopper...."This is Stefan. His name is Stefan. Harden the fuck up, Stefan."

[@thinkandrepent3175]

I remember those days and these bikes were every red blooded mans dream. In my eyes this was epitome of sports competition. At one point in America, these races were more popular to the younger population than Football, Basketball, and Skateboarding.

[@natanpierce495]

I had an raced a 89 YZ 250. Very fast bike but I figured the new bike would tear up the 26 year old bike. Never figured it would beat it one second faster... Hmmmm. Love it!

[@tessbushell5489]

I had a weird feeling the old yz would beat it but thought nah it couldn’t surely ✊🏻braaaaaaaaaaaaaaaap

[@descendantofphineas7785]

This is fun to watch, for a old motox guy. Lol. Mine were 70s and 80s , I even got to race against the AMA 250 MOTO Champion Ron Sun. The advancements in tech back then changed month to month. I was thrilled when 12 in front travel came about. And 9 in rear. The 96 is the pinnacle of moto x advancements, sure different engines or gearing ect ect, but at this point they are ALL great race bikes. New or back In 96... cheers.

[@philellis386]

Cracking video Max, hope to see you at Foxhills on Sunday. 👍

[@999lazer]

Thanks Phil

[@markbrynteson5141]

That man can ride! He ripped the shit out of both them beasts

[@loomspace]

Yeah he did, clearly experienced on the dry hardpack.

[@MrLeeson660]

Such a cracking vid loved seeing the old bike ripping round. The gopro setup was terrible though, stick it on a chin mount on the right settings and it won't look like he's going at 2mph

[@keithfenwick5502]

Steel frames have that little bit of flexibility especially on 250s I never got on with the Hondas when they changed, but they seemed to work on those horrible 4 strokes though yuk lol great video again thanks 🇬🇧🍀👍🙏

[@leonrawls892]

Have you ever seen a aluminum frame KTM?

[@keithfenwick5502]

No I’ve had plenty of ktm’s

[@levisylvester]

I guess the old bike! I heard they are a bit easyer to ride. These shootouts are always some of my fav vids:)

[@stoneybaloney5950]

They most definitely are, other week my buddy and i were riding, i was on a 22yz125 and he was on a 96 cr125r and i gotta say, i kinda perfer the 125r if it had the 22 yzs suspension, power delivery was great, feathering the clutch was amazing and it was just overall comfier to ride

[@buggadugg]

The rider is a 2 stroke dedicated work ethic rider. He is accustomed to putting the harder work to get the best out of the machine. Modern riders that has never 2 stroked 200 plus pounds around the track, will not be better on the older bike.

[@cristianotansini1302]

I was sure that it was pretty close time lap and the oldest would bit the new one. What a sound!!! WoW

[@sheaolofson1638]

3:10 best clip

[@ragnarironspear1791]

Love this channel makes me miss my 98 YZ250

[@999lazer]

Thanks - They are awesome bikes:)

[@diggs345lr]

how are you liking the 22 yz250 , i love mine and i also made it into a chesterfield rep with a few tasty mods .look foreward to seeing it in 500 form .

[@tonyarsenault4256]

I might be old school but there is just something with the the way a 2 Stroke sounds over a 4 Stroke !

[@brendanhartley8203]

I knew straight up that the alloy to steel frame would of made the difference,the steel meant more ground game and the alloy meaning Power to weight ratio.....what a great video ,there's thousands of answers in this video.... love watching the nostalgia critic though... unbelievable. I'm a subscriber after this video,as I am two stroke Yamaha life.💯💯🤜🤛

[@nickg2431]

For what its worth i have a 2008 husky 450 enduro,the biggest difference i think is that the modern bikes i,ve ridden (2019 onwards) vibrate less and are much smoother and less tiring to ride.This is a big advantage over a long day

[@carlosocatavious3363]

I want to thank the camera person and the editor for those amazing, tastefully down slow mo shots, reminded me of the good ol top gear car porn days.......not the let me lure u with thumbnail of my auto and then just showcase my face for 20minutes that plagues KZbin.

[@tcrides2137]

The old steel frames handle better, but like he said the power delivery is maybe not as good. That was awesome and I'm a Honda and Kawasaki guy

[@4touchdowns1game29]

The old steel frames do not handle better.

[@4touchdowns1game29]

They give that illusion on hard pack because they do hook up a little better because of the flex. Take that steel frame bike onto a supercross track and you'll definitely see a difference. I'm hopping back and forth from my aluminum frame Honda to this same generation YZ 125. The steel frame bike handled great until you got caught up in deep ruts or blitzed a whoop section. These old steel frame bikes or way more prone to swapping out and in a whoop section.

[@savage22bolt32]

In 1996 my first kid was 10 years old. I used to race a 1966 250! Although it was a Spanish marque, not Japanese.

[@Heddanofarsan]

I'm renovating a Suzuki RM 465. Got it for "frre": Swapped it for a mountainbike ;). I was a 2-stroke offroad motorcycle driver in the Swedish army in the 90's so it will be nice to get in it.

[@user-vx7zl6kp9m]

My 02 yz250's steel frame always seemed to feel more planted on hardpack compared to the 2007 and 2010 yz250 I used to ride. An 04 yz250 with the kyb sss suspension would be killer.

[@rkennedy926]

This may not mean much but ,you told me were to go and get the stuff I need to turn my exc "now" motard into something more streetwise. So thanks

[@joshuaross4644]

Please tell me you’re going to run white plastics and the OG red & black graphics on the YZM build 🙏 It should look like the prototype YZ400F

[@999lazer]

It won't be long to find out. The engine kit landed from Canada today :) and graphics are being printed this week :)

[@AddictedtoProjects]

I'm really not surprised by this. The changes the manufacturers make can often only really be exploited by Pro riders, not us mortals. So for a normal person, riding an older bike is more than good enough. Owning the latest and greatest won't make you faster (as a normal person). It will simply make you feel better. All psychological :)

[@paulsimpson2232]

I know we are talking yz here but I do remember in 1979 my yamaha IT 175 felt so quick and smooth but in 1983 I had ago on honda 200 endurance bike and the suspension ride was unbelievable it ironed out bumps etc so much it was like rinding on flat grass, love to know how the suspension handles with today's bikes ..but i do find todays crossers are too tall ....

[@scottdries1106]

I had one of those👍. When the pundits explained the power characteristics and why they didn’t like it, I went out and bought one. Yup it fit me well. Underpowered means it never I mean never made me let off the throttle on a start. I got 4 hole shots the first race day. To be honest the same guy got by in all 4 motors . Damn 3 hour woods racer

[@motox2051]

Are you putting in the BRC 500 kit? Brappp

[@johnpaulgarrett1]

I had a 1976 YZ125X and a 1980 YZ250G. The 125X was an air forker. That same year they also sold a YZ125C with standard forks. I had been riding a Suzuki TM125 before the YZ125X. The Suzuki was slower than the Elsinores. At first i was upset that i had asked Dad to get me the Suzuki because the CR125M Elsinores were faster. When i got the YZ125X i realized buying the slower bike MADE ME FASTER THAN THE OTHER GUYS! Sounds crazy because on my Suzuki if it really made me faster why was i losing to them? The Elsinore engine was more powerful and the suspension, handling, and braking were all better too. Because i am an extremely competetive type-A person i raced to win, so on my slower bike I TRIED HARDER. You couldn't tell i was riding better than the other guys because they were beating me. So even though i was BEHIND them i was taking turns better and conserving momentum better and shifting better and strategizing better just to keep up and all they had to do was gassit on every straightaway to stay ahead. When i got the Yamaha i had a superior bike and i immediately started winning races because of the fast bike and my high level of riding learned on my old steed the Suzuki TM125. (TM Suzukis were the precursor to the highly successful, very fast, excellently suspended RM's) The whole bike switch was precipitated when a fast "A" class rider named Terry Joell visited my father and i in the pits to inform my Dad that i'm fast but i need a competetive bike to start winning. That very next day on a Monday morning My Father took me to Wheel World, a now long defunct motorcycle dealership on route 40 in Maryland, and we bought the YAMAHA YZ125X. It looked like it had speedometer and tachometer with the BADASS dual pressure nitrogen canisters bolted atop the fork legs. It looked so radical it actually SCARED other riders on the start line! Not long after i got that bike i was promoted to "B Class" from "C class" and in 1978 i earned promotion from B to "A Class" on a 1978 Honda CR250R. My next bike was the 1980 YZ250G. I took a decade off and my Father bought me the top 250 of 1990. This bike came STOCK with 52 horsepower, insane midrange burst, ladder aluminum frame, disc brakes, water cooled, Unitrak rear suspension, and upside down forks. No other 250cc mx bike in HISTORY has EVER made more horsepower. This firebreather was a KAWASAKI KX250A1 that was so smooth and fast it was like being on a works bike. Instead of being all top end like all my previous bikes this one came on the pipe at about 5,000RPM in a display of immediately onrushing horsepower that was the doom of anyone nearby because when 52 horses hit the pipe everyone else was in slow motion!

[@robertcarey3383]

I also had a 1980 YZ 250 and they were fast as hell for a 250. I raced desert and the 6 speed gave them enough top speed to keep up with or beat damn near anything in the desert.

[@AT-wl9yq]

Since were talking about bikes with a steel frame, Kawasaki would have been an interesting bike to test. They were the only brand that used steel perimeter frames. All the new bikes have aluminum perimeter frames. I had KX 250's from that era, and they felt very different compared to the other brands.

[@terrymoore6302]

You are not wrong. I had a 94 kx250 and it could without a doubt compete with newer bikes.

[@dormantmenace]

Ya like a horse that didn't turn lol. Naw good all around bikes but didn't Excell anywhere. I had a 99

[@0ptimal]

Cool track. He was rippin it. Awesome video.

[@kevm9724]

Not surprised at all, My guess was the reverse, new bike a hair quicker,,,, I can watch this stuff all day👍

[@64maxpower]

The 96 was soft in power when it came out. I liked the 95 better. Your 96 looks and runs crazy good.

[@dormantmenace]

So did everyone. Lol 96 to 98 yamaha could get that engine right. Replaced with essentially current platform in 99

[@seanmccarthy7760]

Call it Blu-Core-leone !!!! great job Max !!!

[@kennethhewish2455]

I swear that my 90's mx bikes were definitely faster than every later model I've ever ridden especially a rinaldi tuned 98 yz 250 that thing was unreal.

[@dormantmenace]

I have a 98. They sucked on the track in anything but slick conditions.. all bottom end. 97 was all top end. Motor was replaced with current platform in 99... my 98 rips. Super fun. Very smooth linear power for a mx 2 stroke... but lacking in hp compared to competitors that year

[@EarthSurferUSA]

He said the old bike had less power, that helped him hook up on the dry track. But i have that newer YZ250, and his lap time might have been lower because the old bike comes on the power earlier. Plus, the bike is lower for better corner speed. The KTM and Husky 2-strokes are faster than the best bikes of the mid 80's and up, but not this bike IMO. plus, you really have to jet the carb well to get it running like it should be. It makes a very noticeable difference because they come from the factory on the rich side to be safe in different air quality and type of riding as much as they can------with out fouling a plug. :)

[@michaellee1663]

I'm sort of hoping you might go a bit old school with the colour scheme for the YZ250 build. White plastics & red seat, or..... a US style Yellow plastic and black seat 🤞. Just a thought to ponder Max....

[@999lazer]

It won't be long until you find out Michael ;) The engine kit landed from Canada today and graphics are being printed this week .....

[@rayf534]

Experience is the key! both bikes are great but the experienced rider will get everything out of each bike that he or she can push the bike to its limits . He will probably prefer the newer bike just because its newer & more advanced and easier to ride.👍✌😎

[@notavailable8227]

I reckon the onboard footage would look better if the GoPro was mounted on the chin piece of the helmet so you can see the handlebars/front of bike. Just a humble suggestion

[@garethjohnstone8662]

I bought a 2000 YZ250 (in 2000) which had a steel frame when Honda etc went aluminium. I remember not liking the CR's exposed frame lol.

[@williamstone6818]

So, test a tuned steel frame against a stock aluminum frame on a track that wouldn't have challenged a four-year-old on a PW50? Great test!

[@joeyholthusen6495]

Steel frame on that terrain is more ridged hence better betting its more stable and faster by almost a second.. I'm old and love 2-strokes!

[@wayneshaffer4372]

Other way around, steel flexes and aluminum does not

[@terrykelsey2472]

I was told at a young age that (generally speaking) open throttle on the ground is usually faster than launching in the air. Kinda like penny pinching - every second counts. I haven't rode in years, let alone these new bikes, but it seems like the extra weight in the older frames helps keep that back tire down and the acceleration up. If the rider can handle it. Again, just inference, but it seems like the industry/riding has shifted a little away from what the rider can handle/do to what the bike can do. The old standard of "if you can pick it up and start it then you can ride it" seems wayward with these electric starts and aluminum frames.

[@EarthSurferUSA]

"I was told at a young age that (generally speaking) open throttle on the ground is usually faster than launching in the air." That was the idea before longer travel suspension and double jumps. That was when "The Bubba scrub" would have worked even better than it did for James Stewart. But they were only 2 feet off the ground. :)

[@christophersanders5007]

I do not know about those steel frame bikes VS. aluminum alloy box frame bikes. Back in 1980 I was at Saddleback Park (in So Cal) on a week day on my brand new 1980 Suzuki RM 125. After my first warm up lap I was going to open her up to see what she could do. Right at that moment Jeff Ward blew by me on his Kawasaki factory works bike. I went WOT to stay right with him. Only about half a lap later the goose neck broke right off the frame on a jump. Suzuki had a 90-day warranty on these bikes, and my bike was only about 30-days old. Suzuki replaced the entire bike under warranty.

[@Workerbee-zy5nx]

Both equal on power out put...both frames work the same, the luminum frame is a schosh rigid, but basically techno weenie add on to keep you drooling..Where is my dam 88 YZM500..🤠👍😂👍🇺🇸

[@seanc4750]

There's a reason why all the fastest 2 stroke dealers today KTM, gas gas, husky, beta, all using steel frames. While Yamaha is slacking with the aluminum frame

[@grosspapa1679]

I was surprised. I have a well set up 98 and its no slouch. But I would never think it 2 be as fast as a new YZ. Awesome video.

[@dormantmenace]

It's not! I have a 98. Rips but it was actually a bad year for yz. 96 through 98 yz were off par with competition power... Engine replaced in 99 with essentially current platform... 98 smooth power does make it a great off road bike thoe. Super fun on single track

[@JROC734]

When I went from an 01 to a new 05 YZ250 I quickly realized that I missed my steel framed bike. The steel frame was just noticeably more predictable and forgiving. When pushing the aluminum frame bike would be feeling great, but occasionally it would get upset without warning. When it would get upset it was a very sudden thing and you didn't have as much time to correct or prepare for it. Don't get me wrong overall my 05 was a great bike that was very solid, but that might have been its problem. It was noticeably more solid than my 01, and it was way quicker to do some snap oversteer or understeer. I'm sure with better tires, and the right setup on the suspension, that those issues could have largely gone away, but I found the 01 to be a funner bike simply because I trusted it more, and in turn I was willing to ride it harder. I had always wished that I had waited another year and gotten an 06 with the SSS suspension. If I was looking to get another bike I would look hard at the 2 strokes under the KTM umbrella.

[@DoctorMotorcycle]

I rode an '06 YZ250 for over 10 years and I thought the same thing. In 2014 I tore the bike down to the frame, re-valved/re-sprung the forks, all new bearings throughout, new wheels/tires/motor, everything. It still had those random spooky events where it would just do something unpredictable. I listed it for sale after my first outing with the new setup. I'll never own those aluminum framed YZ's again. The Steel frame Yamaha's are just better.

[@joshuaross4644]

Another great video 👌

[@999lazer]

Thanks Joshusa

[@travishicks3503]

How long are you given yourself and what's your budget or is their one I know I'm 8 Months late but dealing with some stuff and now I'm doing good for now I'm trying to get back into what I always used as my outlet

[@crazypaul3997]

To get it a little more accurate. They should add another round just because The 1st several labs are meant to get familiar with the track. He spent those laps on the newer bike and then was already a little more familiar with the track. I bet if he did more laps on the new bike his time would be better.

[@verlaineleautaud]

I thought the same, that's why ,I would say, tthat's equal

[@Equinsu_Ocha]

Sacrilegious changing the front fender on a classic

[@rixogtr]

Great riding. But I gotta say, this is not really comparing frame material. The older bike's got tuned custom suspension and so that definitely skews the results

[@EarthSurferUSA]

For not being a 2-stroke rider, he was doing really good. He might have been competitive in the 80's. :)

[@danstevens2204]

I’m a Yz owner among other Yamaha’s and to say that it’s the latest two stroke technology is a little deceiving considering the engine itself has been basically unchanged for almost 20 years.

[@eamh2002]

Thats a very good rider when he can setup a 26yr old bike to be faster than factory with over 50years of experience of making bikes :) And proof that you really dont need latest tech to be on top of your game. I got a 1995 swiss hutless racing kart that has a 1986 cr125 engine on it and it could hang with 100cc 16 000rpm racing karts from 2002. Just kept on their bumpers all the time but couldnt pass them because I was 11yrs old without experience and they were semi pro rich parent kids just having practise runs :)

[@bobwreck3775]

IF I would have known these old 2 strokes were going away I would have bought a bunch and stored them without riding them. Damn

[@kaiadi4609]

old 2 strokes are definitely faster then new one powerban on the old ones are hectic