Crafting a KTM Killer - Episode 4: A Diamond in the Rough

So, not the inaugural electric start Yamaha YZ250 2 stroke first ride I had in mind… But nevertheless, we resolved to battle on with this epic bike build, and once the missing regulator had arrived, met back out in the woods to finally put our modified old YZ through its paces! I wasn’t expecting it to be any sort of a ‘KTM Killer’ just yet, but my hope was that this testing would at least reveal a thin ray of sunshine glimmering upon the horizon…
This episode is sponsored by Shipito! Enter my discount code AZL362 in the referral code box when you sign up for 15% off your first order!
rebrand.ly/sowman_films (if you sign up from this link the code will automatically be applied)
THIS SERIES is PROUDLY BROUGHT TO YOU BY
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Yamaha Motor New Zealand (www.yamaha-motor.co.nz)
Panthera Motorsports (pantheramotorsports.com)
Shipito (www.shipito.com)
Whites Powersports (bits4bikes.co.nz)
MTF Finance Nelson (www.mtf.co.nz)
Josh Coppins Racing (www.joshcoppins.com)
AXP Racing (www.axp-racing.com)
SUPPORT SOWMAN FILMS
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Click the link below to become a Patreon supporter of Sowman Films and gain early access to the next episodes when they're ready for viewing + Unlock exclusive behind the scenes content! It's the best way to support the channel: / sowmanfilms
FOLLOW SOWMAN FILMS
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
/ sowmanfilms
/ sowmanfilms
/ sowmanfilms
/ sowmanfilms
CREDITS
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Starring:
Ash Sowman
Kynan Ayers
Dave Sowman
Nicola Fleitas
Directed/Produced by:
Ash Sowman
Nicola Fleitas
Written by:
Ash Sowman
Edited by:
Ash Sowman
Camera Operators:
Ash Sowman
Nicola Fleitas
Melanie Fleitas
CHAPTERS
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
0:00 Title Sequence
0:14 Bike Testing Session #3
9:38 Back to the Drawing Board
12:43 Bike Building Session #3
23:26 End Screen

[@ashsowman]

A lot of delays behind the scenes led to this one being a bit late sorry guys, including me moving house! (hence the new *yellow* office) But at 12:30am on a Friday night, here I am finally posting it. The editing on this episode also took a lot longer because the script got thrown right out the window with that whole regulator hiccup... These videos aren't scripted word-for-word or anything like that, but we have a plan and when it goes south I have to scramble and shoot extra stuff, not knowing whether it'll work then basically just having to make it work in the edit which is way harder and more time consuming than you'd think... Not to mention the whole stock and shipping situation the world's currently in, and living right down here at the bottom of the world... nothing ever comes quickly (unless of course you use Shipito 😉) Anyway, all worth it in my opinion... This is my favorite episode yet! And now I'm buzzing to get out there and try this new suspension setup and SmartCarb out! First ride video dropping next Wednesday, subscribe so that you don't miss it! Final comparison coming soon.

[@yo-mx9re]

Respect Ash, such awesome content, so much quality editing, and filming you deserve so much more exposure. It really annoys me supper good content like this does not get the following that it should

[@endurohuntfish8865]

Hey it looks like someone is trying to copy your account or something

[@joeldepas9928]

This is such a relatable series "i was hoping he would do it" lol I've thought the same thing so many times haaha. Big fan from the US here!

[@SlipperySalamanders]

I have a YZ250 that I've been turning into a hard Enduro bike for a year or so. If you're looking for more mid range the YPVS governor spring from the YZ250x definitely made a noticeable difference. For clutch pull the 250X clutch springs and bolts fit and make the clutch a lot lighter, I also run a Magura Hymec system as well (much better feel). I have an FMF Gnarly which I didn't really notice a difference from, but your pipe looks shit compared to the rest of the bike so you should change it lol!

[@ericbulic8589]

Also maybe try a fast way kickstand??

[@WujoCaZa]

Im talking about spring since episode one, and still doesn’t bought it

[@JoaoSilva-gs5jb]

I was going to comment the same thing! can also remove one washer from the YPVS governor assembly like InNoWayfamous explained on his power valve mod

[@leonly6877]

You could also add the apex head with xc cylinder. Thing does wonders!

[@JoaoSilva-gs5jb]

@@leonly6877 valve mod a lot cheaper to try first and on all years 😅😅

[@highlandcycles]

Stoked to see you watching my video! Super cool!

[@highlandcycles]

And it was super simple but I do it for a living. That was a great little section man.

[@kevinlanglois5701]

Half the battle on learning to work on your bikes is committing to trying. You’ll be surprised how quickly you’ll learn if you’re willing to screw a few things up. Keep it up! 👍🏻

[@ericbrandt829]

Old Dinosaur here....I'm kind of shocked @ lack of mechanical skills.....Glad my single parent mother allowed me to ride & race Dirt Bikes as a young teenager...older bikes were great training ground for an aspiring mechanic....I became a building tradesman and made a fantastic living building & installing mechanical equipment....Made far more$$ than many friends who went into debt going to college and was able to buy a decent house and nice motorcycles. Looking at a 250X now because I don't want to go the KTM route again....Rode YZ's when they were black & yellow.

[@RorydriftmansxrsilviaWilkinson]

awesome mahi mahi mahi mahi ash sowman on the Yamaha YZ250 2. STROKE DIRT BIKE BUDDYY SICK VIDS BRO

[@tylerdobdob23]

*Ash looks into the camera despairingly* "I still don't know if i was blowing into the right hole before.." *Girlfriend nods in agreement* "It's the same story in the bedroom."

[@benjamin1031]

Ash, loving the content!! For the record I live up the road from Highland Cycles and Morgan is the salt of the earth GREAT dude!! If you ever get a chance to ride in the US make it a point to get to Colorado and ride with him. Again, keep doing what you're doing and we will carry on enjoying it!!

[@nickofcambodia2980]

The wait was 101% worth it ! The bike looks sick

[@thematerwelon178]

Nice to see a fellow KDX owner

[@nickofcambodia2980]

@@thematerwelon178 gotta love the old KDXs 👍

[@nickofcambodia2980]

@Ashsowmanonnicegramm piss off thx

[@STHusky]

i love how you record its like a dirt bike version of top gear but the OG top gear

[@albertschinderman]

OMG FINALLY I WAS GETTING WORRIED U DIDNT POST

[@wirth315]

Enjoying this series! Your wrenching skills are improving each episode and I appreciate showing real time your struggles and set backs that we all face when tackling our own bike mods. Suspension tuning is the game changer for sure! Can't wait to finish watching the episode to see how the smart carb works...

[@njmxjunkie3128]

I love what your doing, I just can’t believe you’ve spent so much money and done all this but haven’t tried a simple flywheel weight

[@michaelbarnett2077]

4:12

[@marnov.dmerwe8904]

Im loving this series😫🔥

[@advancedmtb4836]

Iv put lectrons on both my 01 cr250s and they have worked amazingly in the mountains and on the track.

[@allistervangeffen7995]

Really enjoying this series, and your production quality!

[@Dom34007]

Couldn't wait for this video, so keen to watch it

[@toddharrison7130]

Enjoy the build enjoy your ride🤙

[@jessybonsant5181]

This is a great series. Freedom!

[@maxiur39]

Hello,you must change rear wheel to 18 inch with tubliss,exhaust valve to yz250x one- that gives you more bottom and midrange power,muffler to yz250x longer muffler(that gives you more bottom)😜💪🏼💪🏼

[@zimbabweyouthoutdoors4613]

The ktm killer is on its way

[@lessshgooo6949]

The carburettor building part cracked me up 😂

[@Bluegroove47]

Apex head! Apex head! Will transform that bike in a huge way.

[@stevencrosland581]

You should put the 250 x gears in the gearbox flywheel weight and moose’s in the tyres so you can run lower pressure in the tyres and your find it will ride a lot better in the slower parts and then there’s not much more you can do other than a light on the front good luck with the project I understand y your doing it tho the yz is a awesome bike I have the 125 and it’s a blast to ride . Great video can’t wait to see the next 👊🏻👊🏻

[@nzmarkb8713]

Scott’s a top man, I’m sure your suspension will be mint now👍

[@auskilluminati333]

Loving it

[@EratiCManiaC]

God damn that’s a sexy bike! Awesome work mate, amped to see the test ride on the next ep Please go for tubeless and change your sprockets to 12-52! Makes a world of difference for technical riding

[@crackleman753]

My brother has done that same to his yz. E start etc but has also put a wr head light on. And has also gone with a xc head. And God it makes the world of difference in the tight stuff

[@enduro-parts-aus]

This is a cool build good stuff ✌🏻

[@landondean5751]

Love the videos! Watching from the US. Awesome video series on the yz250 can’t wait till it is “done” but when is it ever really done lol

[@blown7k]

Apex cylinder head xc dome and yz250x governor spring will sort your midrange issue that and a rejet would have saved buying a sc2

[@tonygee3284]

I have added a 13oz stealthy flywheel weight to my YZ250 Its made a huge difference Not so quick to light up the rear wheel out of corners as without it Also in the mud its so trackable

[@simonmoat7311]

I don't know what pipe your running but a FMF gnarly will help with more low to mid

[@plushbraap9156]

Great to see another panthera equipped yz here in nz !.Just my 2 cents but I've put the apex xc head on mine and it made a huge difference,much smoother and torquey down low/mid yet it pulls much better up top - more over rev. Definitely narrows the gap between the euro enduro and the yz 250 .

[@browie316]

Awesome, looking good. Interested to hear your opinion of the smart carb change, Ash.

[@jasonking8937]

Yup change the power Valve spring to a yz250x is an excellent way to sus the mid. We did this on My brothers bike and got the lecktron version 2 carby and now it is a different bike. Fuel economy and rev range had huge improvements. That carby stings the wallet a bit though

[@kbsrfilms903]

you could always chop the old chain roller bracket off so you can run the 250x stand.

[@RorydriftmansxrsilviaWilkinson]

YEAH IAM GOING RIDEING WITH THE LADS TODAY THIS WEEKEND AS I HAVE BEEN BUSYING MOVING HOUSE TOO MY NEW LIFESTYLE BLOCK FARM WHERE I BEEN DOING THE MAHI MAHI MAHI MAHI BUILDING MOTOCROSS TRACK AN WORKING ON MY NEW GARAGES AN NEW WORKSHOP AN. 3 BAY OR 4 BAY OR 5 BAY SHED BUILD FOR MY SUMMER TOYS LIKE JET SKIS. DIRT BIKES OR DIRT BIKE AN MY DRIFT CARS. AN VAN AN UTES.

[@Godxillaaa]

A new expansion chamber and an r304 shorty would look, sound and feel amazing

[@hihi-zl1ko]

Wow thats a really nice bike, have you ever done the Berm Buster Trail ride in Taupo?

[@barra245t2]

Hi comp head with the improved squish will make heap of difference to the mid range.

[@ShawnBlais]

I'd love to see a deep dive into the differences between the X suspension and the 250. I wonder if you guys could get a set of shocks from an X, and see if the 250's can be DIY'd to be in the same ballpark.

[@monocogenit1]

love my 2016 yz250x. best mods were Apex head, fly wheel weight, FMF gnarly exhaust/turbine core pipe, and tuning the carb. also did 270mm front rotor, suspension spring rate for my body weight. need to sharpen you wrenching skills there a bit....ehhh??? lol

[@gala83filmstaylorg7]

Looks like you need an on/off and reserve switch :p

[@DmenDuroRider]

Flywheel weight, 18in rear, correctly tuned suspension, large fuel tank, lectron or a smart carb and maybe a big bore kit to get more from the bottom.

[@kbsrfilms903]

Any updates on your bike mate? bloody keen on the next ep! cheers

[@Ronhickmott]

If you have a Keihin on the Yammy check out the stic metering rod conversation. Too late!

[@anonymousanonymous8306]

God bless you for dealing with George.

[@tomspring300]

Try putting in another cylinder base gasket in, raising the comp ratio, build the torque up maybe…

[@Ronhickmott]

Adding another gasket will lower the compression ratio, but raise the top of the exhaust Port in relation to the piston, in my foggy old head that would make the top end peakier.

[@tomspring300]

It’s a trick we do in nz that works well.

[@jaketaylor8830]

New series idea - building a killer ktm

[@SuperNomad14]

A few people in the comments mentioned the YZ-X power valve mod. Maybe the CDI of a YZ -X could be something to look into additionally yet.

[@finlaypryor9400]

Epic

[@alexanderlarsson6283]

Did you trim the airbox four the venturi port on the sc2 Carb?

[@travismcgarry]

So glad I found your channel. Any chance that lead in song version from Lil Nas but on a 2stroke is available. Be an epic ringtone

[@tobyslater1984]

Lets go

[@lucasgraham4762]

Oh bull shit. Those KYBs are fine. RIDE FASTER. Jezz!

[@codymac1759]

I want it !

[@njmxjunkie3128]

Did you put the heavy flywheel weight yet? 10+ oz weight will make the huge difference

[@miketursky1410]

Would like to see a YZ250X w/e-start run up against the Husky.

[@craca96]

the question now is how much have you spent vs just buying a ktm i love the series and the yz250 haha

[@ammechanical7660]

Thought about jumping back onto that yz450fx?

[@Yamaha38XCRacer]

👌🏻

[@samuelfink1619]

For the 250x kickstand, just cut that tab that’s blocking it off?

[@garyk3112]

Has anyone got a link to the handguards plus mounting brackets please? Thanks

[@ashsowman]

They're called Acerbis X-Ultimate handguards, you can get them almost anywhere

[@michaelwendler5589]

Not quite a fair comparison.... You really need to get the jetting sorted on that Keihin. It's obvious that you're running way to rich on the needle, which is killing your midrange.

[@nandoenriquezt]

This bike would definitely benefit from a heavier flywheel!

[@rztrzt]

So what's the total cost to date?

[@clarence302]

WR

[@nonoantonio98]

even a properly machined head will get you better fuel efficiency over the standard one

[@JB.buds.]

Wtf can’t wait for update

[@johnaustin6673]

I take offence to the dinosaur comment... hold on, my tetradactyl has run a muk. No worries, I still enjoy watching children (who shouldn't play with tools) play with tools.

[@endurohuntfish8865]

i have heard that the WR gearbox will fit these apparently

[@endurohuntfish8865]

@Ashsowmanonnicegramm what ???? Sounds like an imposter scam account

[@lucasgraham4762]

No chest protector???

[@njmxjunkie3128]

Ash! I didn’t know you where such a mechanical newbie! Lol GET A HEAVY FLYWHEEL WEIGHT PLEASE

[@singletrackmarc819]

Nichols couldnt snag a podium on the honda so what makes you think he will on the beta

[@charliebone552]

Get some wheels and a new exhaust and she’ll be looking dandy

[@mrrecliner7675]

Black rims?

[@EastKyTrails]

Running out of fuel.isnt the bikes fault

[@EarlBrapp]

Any update??

[@icationYT]

Just wondering why do you not like KTMs?

[@michaelhiggins1634]

Please replace that chain and front sprocket lol

[@adamnorton9701]

Time a for a 300cc big bore kit

[@whiskeythrottle333]

ive tried turning cr500 and cr250 into enduro bikes to have a cheap bike but still have fun. in the end there are to many areas where you wish you had a proper enduro bike. I'm talking lights, road legal (with insurance), kickstand, electric start, 6 speed gearbox, bigger tank, fuel injection (for cold weather rides).....to mention a few. I even crafted my own kickstand for a 95 cr250 (inspired by ktm). Now i own a ktm exc 300 and you cant made a enduro bike better than ktm. Bike has it all. Buy a used enduro bike instead of turning a mx into enduro bike, its just not worth the money or time.

[@orseting8377]

A lectron carb would be as efficiant as a brand new fuel injected 4 stroke

[@SmartCarbFuelSystems]

Not with that power jet it won't. Only the SmartCarb with its patented single circuit metering rod + integrated float bowl venting design has a chance at that.

[@dustandmtb2211]

when are you planing to up load a new video

[@johnmicallef684]

I think you wasted your money I that carb. The airstryke is good. I think correcting your cylinder head would have been better if efficiency and mid range is what you seek.

[@samoliverio7455]

The only way to "kill" a KTM is spend like 20k on a Japanese bike, buy a sherco, tm, or beta, or just bite the bullet and buy a ktm

[@maxbell5094]

Is that Husqvarna a 350

[@firemenonbikes]

Not even close, it's a 2 stroke for a start! 250

[@maxbell5094]

Bro what

[@firemenonbikes]

@@maxbell5094 you asked if the Husky was a 350... The only 350 that is made is a four stroke.

[@maxbell5094]

Alright its a 250

[@danburby7936]

ASH..IF YOU WANT A KTM KILLER,JUST GO OUT AND FINS A 1980 S YAMAHA YZ 465..IT WILL KILL ANY OTHER DIRT BIKE AND MOST LIKELY THE RIDER TOO..AND ALL YOU HAVE TO DO IS START IT

[@lucasgraham4762]

Are you wearing knee guards?..??.?

[@xxxamuel]

Just buy a sherco tbh

[@anonymousanonymous8306]

Can you translate this to English? Thanks 😊

[@JB.buds.]

💥💦👁

[@jasonmccarthy3695]

Great series but I'm baffled you can grow up with bikes and be this mechanically incompetent. Ahaha

[@sbbeowulf8296]

So, your admitting KTM's are better? lol I've ridden KTM my whole life if you can't tell

[@teddyf9438]

shes getting uglier but a better ride every episode.