YZ250X vs KTM 250XC TPI

Testing the Yamaha YZ250X vs. my KTM 250xc tpi. The blue bike costs significantly less than a KTM, in this video review I compare the bikes back to back on the trail and discuss why the KTM is so much more expensive.
Thanks to Richard @gone_koastal for coming out and letting me ride his bike.
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[@JohnSmith-dj5gf]

I own a 2020 YZ250X and I’ll concede that the KTM is the better overall bike. I could have bought the KTM but I chose the YZ instead because to me it’s exactly what a dirt bike should be: inexpensive, simple, reliable, fast, and fun. I spent $75 to jet the carb for my altitude and the bike flat out rips. The suspension is so good that many times I’ve hit things at speed where I thought I might die but the bike soaks it up and keeps going which is very confidence inspiring. I never even noticed the so-called inferior cable clutch or wide turning radius, but I ride the deserts and mountains of New Mexico. And out here where help is far away, I know I can fix the YZ on the side of the trail and get home and not need a computer to diagnose my bike. And the YZ’s biggest pro is that it’s just so damn fun! It makes me smile every time I ride it.

[@zachflores1505]

How’s the YZ250x do in the desert?? I’m down here in Las Cruces and thinking of picking one up!

[@jordanonofer3886]

Everything you just mentioned is why I have a yz250x. No doubt the ktm and huskys are very nice. They clearly tractor better. You have to work a little harder on Yamaha. But I also think when you get on trails where your cruising in 3rd gear going faster the Yamaha shines. I think they handle better when you start rolling.

[@joeshawley1626]

Good review. I had a 2018 yz250x did the lectron,gearing, tank,tires etc... and loved it for 2 years. I grew up on motorcross bikes in the woods so the yz felt natural to me. Went the Crf250rx for a wile and didn't care for it. I concidered the husky and ktm, but went back to blue. On a yz125x and i could not be happier. Im 50 btw....

[@jeremy7818]

Great choice! You will have a blast on that bike and be a better rider for it. To me the perfect 2 bike stable would be a 125x and a 250fx... and with the 15k many ktm fans have into their bikes (after they send their forks to race tech to un pogo stick them, etc etc) it’s not that far out to just get the blue machines and never look back. The tester stalled the 250x riding it like a ktm enthusiast rider... both feet on the ground walking up the hill... maybe he could use some time on the 125x... Clutch, stay on the pipe, and only dab one foot when you have too. If I wanted to “tractor” up hills I’d ride a tw200. 😁 I’m 46, 5’9” 165, and consider myself pretty fit... I’ll by a tractor later... but probably not.

[@hemisuperzee1287]

@@jeremy7818 Yep, long time250/300 EXC riders dont learn how to ride a bike on the pipe in the woods, which is how you ride a YZ 250. Fact- not everyone can do that though. The ktm 200's were a blast for faster riders when you added more power, could make them very YZ like. I loved mine. Slow riders could not ride it very easily. Was pipey and fun.

[@smokey6859]

What did you change the gearing to? I'm thinking about lowering the gearing on my 250X

[@dr.x4050]

Can the yz125x do MX as well as a CRF250rx ?

[@glenngertz9429]

I have the 2019 YZ250X . Power delivery benefits greatly with the free 'yz250x power valve mod' and an aftermarket cylinder head . I'm using Apex Technical Innovations CX billet head $230 and I think it's great. Power delivery is now very torquey , linear and smooth. Fuel mileage increased and jetting is more stable with changing temps and altitudes. You didn't mention brakes but the Yamaha looses in this department,. EBC brake pads help the YZX a lot . The simplicity, durability and ease of maintenance by an average diy mechanic helps keep the cost of ownership of the YZX to a reasonable level. Without e-start on the YZX, a handlebar mounted rear brake assist lever is helpful to keep the rear tire locked while kick starting on a steep hill. Lack of e-start is unfortunate on the YZX but I still love the bike . I actually like the bullet-proof cable clutch and 5 speed means less shifting over time. E-start would be perfect though.

[@bones2610]

Ride what you can afford. Get good on it. Upgrade later

[@bikeandfarm2940]

Yamaha pw50 gang rise up!

[@KincadePavich]

7:45 and 8:45 spoke volumes. I recently bought a 2020 250 XC (coming from a 350 XC-F) and I love it. Fuel Injection on the KTM was the main deciding factor for me. That said I've been absolutely blown away by Aer forks and I think that bike handles insanely well. Have not had the opportunity to compare to the YZ. Been stoked so far! Nice video.

[@benbodenhamer]

Can’t wait to hear what you thought of the Sherco!

[@PNWEnduro]

Yeah I'll get to work on that review soon. Video will probably be out in two weeks on the Sherco.

[@Tankerman]

Very well done video. I had a 2008 yz250 and I agree with e- start for trail riding sure beats the heck out of kicking on a hill and the ktm does tractor very well. Stay safe

[@DirtZen]

Great video and fun to watch. Having both a KTM 300XC (granted it's a 2015) and a 2020 YZ250X I openly admit that KTM wins in the tight technical stuff. But what I will say about the YZ is that it's incredibly versatile if you ride different types of terrain. It can do it all. Single track, tight technical, GNCC races and hare scrambles, and lots of fun at the track. The KTM on the other hand is a surgical precision tool for the tight gnarly stuff. So I think it really depends on how varied is the terrain you ride. If it's always like what you rode today, then by all means, get a KTM or Husky. I will also add that the YZ is incredible dependable, tried and true, no TPI and batteries to fail so when you're out miles from staging, you know it's getting you home. As a bonus it's incredibly fun and playful. Keep doing some comparisons, they're fun to watch. 👍✌️

[@clowdy2578]

This comment changed my perspective, thank you

[@DirtZen]

@@clowdy2578 very cool 🤙

[@dr.x4050]

Do you have any thoughts on how the YZ250X does on an MX track compared with 300XC? Similar or equivalent? I like the XC, but availability is very tight and I want to do MX riding about as much as trail riding.

[@DirtZen]

@@dr.x4050 That's a tough question. I think the YZ would do better on the track and as an all around bike, but that depends on what type of trail riding you do. The YZ does great in flowing trails, climbs, and anything that can be ridden a little more aggressively. While it can do the slow and technical trails, it's just more challenging. Think of it more like a GNCC type bike. What I love about the YZ is that it's one of the few bikes I've ever had that was easy to set up. I'm a big guy - 6'2/220lbs and usually it takes a long while for me to get a bike dialed in. The YZ was amazing off the showroom floor. All I did really was a different rear spring for my weight, tires, fan and protection. I also love the price point of the YZ and the reliability is second to none. What I didn't like was no electric start. For track and flowy trails that's ok, but in the technical, it gets old fast. Also the bike vibrates a lot compared to the new KTMs. No counterbalance so you feel it in your feet and hands. For some that's not a problem, for others it wears them out faster. I will say this, the YZ will make you a better rider. If no electric start and vibrations might bother you, you could also think about 4 strokes. They are wicked these days. Honda, Yamaha and Kawa make some incredible 250 4 strokes that are amazing all around bikes. They're bullet proof and can haul in any situation. Lots of great choices these days and in the end, you won't make a mistake buying any new bike. They're all really incredible.

[@lospanchos68]

I’ve been riding yamahas for 26 years so I feel right at home on them but I also like the ktms, ride what you feel comfortable on amd have fun, I purchased a 8.9 oz gytr flywheel weight for my 250 and it made a very nice diff in the trail and surprisingly I like it on the track as well. Be safe have fun.

[@TheStrouds1]

I have a YZ for riding and a KTM in the garage for working on.

[@mt1885]

I have wrenched on MANY a YZ's and will never own another period. You can keep the 20 YEAR old bike along with the VIBRATION - aluminum frame vibration magnet enough to vibrate out teeth fillings... NO thanks

[@dahatchery]

I’d rather ride my YZ250, due to the fact that I get that power on tap in spots that I needed it. Personally, I don’t need an electric start. I like the fact that my YZ parts are almost unlimited in supply and support. When the mountain breaks open to fire rodes and some flat land that KTM will get smashed. The YZ has been rated “best all around dirt bike” by dirt bike magazine and a few others, it’s also rated as best garage mechanics bike due to it’s simplicity in rebuild and exchange of parts. Taking nothing away from the KTM it truly is an ultimate enduro bike just that the YZ in the right hands could be a better bike. It ends up being preference, personally, I’ll always ride a blue bike, been on them since 2000.

[@ddel5240]

You have a smooth/steady riding style that seems well suited to the TPI style power, I can see why you weren't super excited by the YZX. The 250X, set up properly for conditions/rider and ridden aggressively is still a weapon. The kicking stuck on the side of the hill says a lot though!

[@mattchursky6036]

Those yz are fast man! Great on big hill climbs!

[@orBMW]

KTM for me but for some reason I love the sound of the Yamaha. It just sounds more crisp. I can smell the exhaust just watching this video.

[@mt1885]

KTM is way better, those YZ's are SIT on the bike not in it, turning radius of a long bed truck, VIBRATION -makes you TIRED - REAR end hop (or Yama-HOP)... Aluminum frame is the WORST idea on earth... It is cheaper I am sure than steel...

[@447Flip]

Such a beautiful terrain!

[@r_s_enduro]

Love my ‘22 . After leaning out the stock carb settings a bit I absolutely love this bike. Coming from wr290f to this im very happy to be back on 2t. And Yamaha sits between my legs nicer than ktm. Few months away from 40 yrs old and ima keep this bike forever probably.

[@ra64mike29]

I put an apex head with the xc insert on my 250x and it made it much more luggable in the gnarly stuff. I can crawl up stuff no problem now that I would of struggled with before. No flywheel weight, pipe etc.

[@74yammyman]

Agree with just about everything you said. I had a 17 yz250x and loved it . Put a flywheel weight on it 11 ounce done head work and it was better again especially in the country i was riding here in Australia. But then i bought a 20 ktm 250 exc tpi , converted first ride just about. I was unsure of how the power felt , maybe lacking slightly but then thought no its just so smooth and linear. Suspension was better for me and the bike felt lighter as well. Fuel economy way better too which helps with where i ride. Loved my yammy but love the katoom more.

[@modsquad1670]

You said the kyb forks feel better then the older model 4cs forks, but how does it compare to the cc or open chamber forks?

[@PBstx1100]

I came off a TPI and went to a YZx. It definitely needs tweaking out of the box imo. I was originally disappointed but once I tweaked the YZ to make it even more woods focused I am having much more fun on it then my TPI. The YZ is just more exciting to ride. I changed the gearing, installed a flywheel weight, and a Rekluse radius CX. The bike is a blast to ride. It just paints a smile on your face the entire time.

[@joeydirt420]

How come you got rid of your tpi? My tpi came from factory with low compression and has been shit to ride. Thinking of making this switch

[@PBstx1100]

@@joeydirt420 it was expensive, complicated, and so smooth that it just wasn’t exciting. I bought it after selling my 05 kx250. The KTM just didn’t have the excitement of a raw two stroke. The YZ just paints a big smile on your face. It needs a few mods to wake it up but once I got it dialed in it’s the most fun bike I have ever owned

[@codys8932]

Just sold my 19 tpi as well. So happy to have it gone. Things are just too much of a hassle. Buying a yz250 tomorrow. I've owned 2 in the past and loved them both. Best do it all bike and cheap and easy to work on. KTM tpi's are not backyard mechanic friendly. Full weekend top end job versus an hour or two on a yz.

[@PBstx1100]

@@codys8932 that was my exact experience with the tpi. I just assumed that was life on a modern two stroke. The YZ is so much more fun. You will be glad you switched. I also don’t feel bad beating up the YZ. It’s tough as shit. Only thing I hate are the blue wheels. They scratch easily.

[@Gregg0112]

Nothing like the ktm with it’s balance shaft. So smooth

[@PNWEnduro]

I'm interested to see if the 2021 counterbalanced Sherco's will be as smooth.

[@kevinstaves8906]

Where in Washington is this? trail looks beautiful. Would love to ride here when I visit the PNW this year Thanks for the great content!

[@PNWEnduro]

I don’t post locations publicly. Contact me on social media for info.

[@Brianhahahaha]

This is the comparison I was wanting to see thank you soo much for going into so much detail. Have you ever rode a wr450f? I loved that tractor but at 275lbs I get a hard on just thinking about a 230lb bike lol it seems like the ktm and the wr as far as power would be comparable. Will the ktm whiskey throttle much the wr is very forgiving and the ktm looks pretty smooth.

[@PNWEnduro]

I have not rode a WR450f, not many guys riding 450's on our trails. The KTM tpi bike has very smooth power, almost four stroke like.

[@gilvietor1918]

Great video, I had a 2020 TE250i and really loved it on the tight stuff, trails, but when I came to a hill with no runup? Not a fan. Sold it and I don't think I will ever buy another one (TPI of that size). When I mentioned to my wife that I was thinking about trying a 300 tpi (I have a gas tank, skid plate other stuff that works on them) she said, you're going to get frustrated and sell it just don't. Get something else THEN get a 300 for tight stuff. I took her advice, it is really frustrating how great the KTM et al, handle and act but I am going to blame the Gretas for why it isn't as good as it could be. I'm tempted to try a Sherco 300, but that is a lot of nickels.

[@jeremy7818]

Hmmm - must have forgot to mention the 1200+ he spent redoing the valving and set up on his WP pogo sticks on his KTM.... 😂 Ya - don’t worry about including that in the price 🤔

[@PNWEnduro]

It’s my ktm and if you watch the video I do mention what has been done to the suspension. It is really good in stock form and I rode it stock for over a year before any major service. While the Yamaha suspension is good it’s still nowhere close to what it can be with how they have valves the kyb’s set up and if it was my bike it would be getting a full revalve to be more like how the Shreco’s are set up so the suspension price if is a wash as far as I’m concerned.

[@jeremy7818]

PNW Enduro - how much was the bill? That’s all.... in the interest of letting people decide value. Cause as an example - your opinion is that the yz needs a ktm style clutch but pretty much zero percent of people put the hydraulic clutch on their yz. Just put all the numbers up instead of deciding what to rationalize and why... it’s your channel but I’m just saying. The bikes as ridden in that comparison should be dollars spent as of that day on the trail. Otherwise why bother riding them on Camera - You might as well just tell us KTM is better value... thanks for watching... PS.. the $$$13,000 “I” have into my KTM is just personal preference and nothing to do with value 🤣

[@terrywilson1362]

I have a 19 YZ250FX, the cable clutch on it is easier to pull than the ktm's I have pulled, I can go 80-90 miles on a 2 gl tank safely, I know this is all opinions, I just love my FX and wouldn't trade it for anything

[@jeremy7818]

It’s a great bike and estart etc. The FX is as good or better than the KTM 4t for sure. And probably a better bike for most riders in reality than a 2t. No one talks about how the KTM has bolts falling out and needing to go around the bike to reloctite everything. Never had that on a yz. And that the new rad config on the 2t has hoses blow off at the slightest touch... This review started with watch me prove I didn’t overpay for a ktm. 😁

[@MrPerattzi]

My 17 250fx is an excellent bike. Love it in the flowy faster stuff... for really technical singletrack though it is no way as good as the KTM and Beta 2T I’ve tried. FX is kinda wide, top heavy, stiff frame, realllly tall seat. 250x to me, was slim and light, but vibrates like crazy.. no estart...antiquated design. C’mon Yamaha you guys can do sooo much better.

[@grudgetank3127]

about the bottom end grunt.. did you have sales rear pressures on both?

[@grudgetank3127]

at beginning of vid it looks like the ktm was sitting much lower..

[@ThatGuy-kf7fo]

Current YZ and carbed Husky (same as KTM obviously) owner but my next bike will be a TPI KTM XCW. Best thing about the Yamaha is it’s sheer reliability. They’re bombproof.

[@singlehackenduro8877]

Sweet video! Hopefully I can ride my bike as well as you did one day 😂

[@brendonchilders3063]

These YZs have the same stickers on the rear fender. Hmmmm

[@singlehackenduro8877]

Brendon Childers Yes, it's my bike he's riding.

[@PNWEnduro]

@Single Hack Enduro thanks for coming out for a ride and letting me try out the YZ!

[@willmcgregor7184]

Vibration-where on Yz do you feel it more so than KTM? Lo end-wouldn’t a flywheel, exhaust mod, sprocket Change fix most of that?

[@vitiate111]

I've heard complaints about the KTM 250xc tpi running to lean. Evidently you have to purchase a "chip" to make it run a little richer. Have you had problems with this?

[@PNWEnduro]

The tpi runs a perfect mix, that’s the advantage of this technology. The do run leaner than a carb bike off the showroom floor but they do not run too lean. Aftermarket ECU’s and such are not necessarily at all. There are a few people out there saying you need all this expensive hardware but they are often the same ones trying to sell you those products.

[@endurotruckererniedesjardins]

I spent the last 40 years kick-starting my bikes, but I would like E start, If you add a 13oz flywheel weight on the yz,, tractor like torque and mellowes out the mx feel of the powerband. As for hill climbs, I go everywhere my friends on ktms can go. But I'm very use to my bike, you didn't spend very much time adapting to the yz. I also run a shinko mx216 fatty up front, and softened my clickers 2 clicks softer then the yz250x calls for, this helped alot for square edge hits and roots. Cable clutch is all I know, so it works for me. Fasst anti vibration inserts in mt protaper evo woods high bend bars feel so much better then the stock yamaha bars. I also run a Clarke 3.2 gallon fuel tank, clear,, your so right about clear tanks, my wifes 2018 kx100 has a black tank, hard to tell where the fuel level is looking through a gas cap. Sucks,, ims clear tank is on the wish list. Would I buy a new ktm,,, hmmm That would be a tough tough call for me. I love the simple things about the yz250 that make it cheap to run, easy to fix, parts are overly supported by the aftermarket, and I'm at 125 hours on my original sparkplug and piston running 32/1 on Yamalube R. Everything is like new and in spec. Its been apart and measured to be safe. So run it ... I'm very happy with the 2018 yz250 I converted to a woods bike.

[@robmccauley1073]

These guys with E-Start. if you are a good rider you really shouldn't be stalling the bike. I can honestly say, vary vary rarely have I stalled a bike. My father taught me years ago if you stall you aren't riding it correctly. its called clutch control boys. I am with you, You cant beat a YZ. Had a KTM. Vary sluggish on power, and unreliable. No thanks.

[@dormantmenace]

@@robmccauley1073 sounds like your not riding challenging enough terrain. Reminds me of when I was a teen and only rode fire roads, desert and big jumps. Pictured technical riding as old dudes on drz an xr's. I dont care who you are if you are seriously challenging yourself your gonna stall it. In the rocks .. on steep climbs. .. mud .. sand.. flame outs. Even Jarvis hits the button and when you are teetering off camber or just short legs. Button is alot easy to push when ur exhausted then kicking. Or just had the wind knocked out of your lungs. Alot of people think they are good riders cause they only do riding that's easy for them

[@jbenduro4604]

Yeah I ride a yz 250 you can have a look in my KZbin channel but for me the biggest problems with the yz is that no e start the forks are to hard that's probably because I am 14 and that I need a hydraulic clutch if the yz came out of the factory with that it would really compete with the Ktm just my thought

[@jeremy7818]

Josh Dieffenbach - and no one has ever been stuck in the bush with a dead battery and no kicker... it’s just two sides of a different problem. I’d rather have a kick. I know I’m getting back to the truck. If you ride hard as you say then you are just as likely to break something. And there’s a lot more to go wrong on the KTM electrics. They are two stroke bikes - they are old technology full stop. TPI and oil injection and electronic everything is because it’s that or no more 2 strokes in Europe. Not because it’s truly “better”. But I’d take a 2019 KTM with a lectron or smart carb though - and a kick with estart. But if I had to pick one. I pick kick. To each his own...

[@jimbo4203]

I always put a fly wheel weight on the yz250's , way better in the tech. I put one on my yz 450 f also and its better too

[@CamAteUrKFC]

Hard choice tbh...I plan on getting a bike at the end of the year, theres just so much to choose from haha. 2 strokes are back alive and well. The yz, Husky, KTM, GasGas, Sherco etc

[@bystander15]

looks like some fun tracks

[@binstunting1]

Did you install the KTM fan on that TPI?

[@PNWEnduro]

Tusk fan.

[@skillet6098]

Much better comparison then a 300. Last time someone compared a 300 to a 250.lol. Good comparison.

[@commanderroddi7742]

The yammys are unchanged not form 2016, ubt basically from like, 20 years almost. I like the new yz250FX bikes, but the YZ250X needs a MAJOR update! Alos, the TPI on the KTM makes a HUGE difference (especially since hwre I ride, I change altitudes quite often and TPI (in my opinion) is worth the $2500, along with a lot of other new tech on the KTM.

[@malky525]

In Australia the yz250x is $12300 And $13045 ride away for 21 250xc tpi. I ordered 21 yz250fx with fan 13k.

[@Ltlazyass]

Holy shit, thats ludacris. Im in Aus too and they want 16k for a 300 KTM/Husky. Ended up going with a 21 Beta 300rr 13k able to rego it and all the other modern gear. Keen to see how it goes compared to my yz250.

[@tomcumby1118]

Where is that place u r riding?

[@richardsmith3350]

Look like the yam is more suited to traditional enduro or GNCC style racing.. KTM/Husky are designed for the latest hard extreme trials style enduro.

[@yamanator10]

Its just the rider. These bikes are so similar it makes no difference

[@paulvanhout9695]

Would a Rekluse on the Yamaha provide more tractability?? Nice balanced review and very helpful.

[@PNWEnduro]

I don't think a Rekluse would help with that personally. Thanks, I'm glad you enjoyed the review.

[@gpaull2]

I believe it would help. Rekluse turned my high strung 350xcf into a first/second gear tight and gnarly single track machine. My riding buddy also put one on his old KX250 2 stroke with the same results. The KX was previously unbridgeable in the tight stuff.

[@hairyyeti21]

everyone bad mouths the rekluse, I've had 4 so far and always set up a bike with a rekluse.... just makes riding fun, can ride up any gnarly hill or mountain

[@paulvanhout9695]

Brian Langhorst - Any scenarios where the Rekluse limits you?

[@gpaull2]

Paul Van Hout - only situations I’ve found is that it’ll freewheel backwards if you fail on a hill climb (a little throttle will keep it engaged...it won’t stall), or when you have the engine off and want to walk the bike down a steep hill it’ll freewheel. Everything else can be done just like you have a normal clutch, but it won’t stall if you want to lug it down low.

[@davidtkiwixtrainer2045]

Yamaha had a great opportunity to leverage all the good things they did on the YZ250FX and take some serious market share in the 2 stroke enduro space to give riders a choice as KTM buys up everything that moves. They must have had some serious budget and passion back in 2015/16 to create these bikes that have remained virtually unchanged all this time - the Yamaha brand is synonymous with reliability and quality. Having just upgraded my YZ250fx to a Beta xTrainer I concur with your comments - oil/fuel injection, electric start, counter balance and bigger fuel tanks are basic these days and I am sure Yamaha could do this in their sleep! Great video again thanks.

[@MichaelAbramo]

The panthera e-start is not a KTM starter copy. It's in the same location as the old KTM but according to panthera the components are totally different. Not that I think "you can add e-start aftermarket" is a selling point. Some major appeals for the YZ250X: Cheaper, parts availability (engine design has been virtually unchanged since 1999, frame since 2005, suspension since 2006), KYB suspension, and the simplicity. It is a MX bike with changes to the cylinder porting, head, exhaust, PV, clutch springs, and suspension valving. That's about it. Yes, I have a wishlist for yamaha. But I like this bike and I don't have Sherco money.

[@endurok39pnw]

So basically Yamaha is fundamentally selling 15 -20 year old bike for $7500. Gotta like that ROI. They could probably sell the thing for 5K and still make a killing.

[@MichaelAbramo]

@@endurok39pnw Yup and somehow it's still an awesome bike

[@electricbraaap]

What is your best recommendation for a front tire for the terrain you ride?

[@PNWEnduro]

The most popular tire here is the Bridgestone M59.

[@electricbraaap]

90/100 best dimension then?

[@PNWEnduro]

I use the stock 80/100/21 but either is fine.

[@billmauerman5113]

A flywheel weight help the yz lug a little better without diminishing the top end. And a Rekluse would improve the clutch situation in gnarly stuff. Ad a seat Concepts seat and larger tank and you'll have an awesome woods bike.

[@PNWEnduro]

This YZ already has a flywheel weight installed. I am not a fan of auto-clutches at all. Biggest deal breaker for me is the lack of e-start, it's a must for the kind of riding I do.

[@davidvelez7176]

Great video! To start let me clear, it’s my opinion. It’s noticeable you own the KTM... you are riding the YZ to slow. I had a KTM 300 and went back to a YZ 250. KTM suspension requires lots of upgrades, feels good ir riding at slow speed. To make the KTM a great bike suspension need to be upgraded, it’s already an expensive bike then add $1500 on top of the price, something I don’t like. To me the YZ is a great bike of the box and with mods it’s a better bike, and still cheaper than a KTM. That’s the reason I sold my KTM and bought a YZ... just my opinion 👍🏼

[@jingelsby]

I am thinking about trading in my 21' TE300i on a yz250x..I ride Single track/Enduro in NJ..Would you give me your blessing i n making the switch? I want the simplcity and the Crispness of that Cabureted engine!!!

[@PNWEnduro]

If you want to switch to a carb bike I’d recommend Sherco or Beta over the Yamaha if you want a true enduro bike.

[@daryllenjau7283]

Bro you have nice bike 👌 absolutely my soul more too the Blue Cru 👍.

[@PHXGlock]

I just bought a 2021 250XC, Picked it over the yx 250x and the Husky 250. Well see how it goes

[@mt1885]

Right choice, the YZ has some sort of mythical club (wow Yamaha has a 20 Year old bike) - pom-poms engaged (KTM actually has a NEW bike with Research/Development and WINNERS from Hard Enduro riding them and winning). Not lot of ancient light switch (on/off) wheel spin/vibration like a 80's model with people waving pom-poms it is a YZ 'X' model wow - it has an 18" rear wheel (wow)......

[@jeremy7818]

Aris Torm - lol... ya and any one of those factory riders would kick anyone’s ass on a bike from 1985 too. And having the budget of a lifetime of bikes to win a single race isn’t making a weekend warrior faster or better. Their is no mythic following. There are people who don’t care about a wiz bang hydraulic clutch and can wring out as much from the yz as the KTM... ever see Graham Jarvis with both his feet on the ground peddling his legs up a steep hill like PNW enduro was doing when he stalled the yz... umm no. The KTM won’t make you a better rider OR a happier one. Just a poorer one. Fact - the maintenance cost and bullshit with a KTM is higher than the Yamaha’s. It just is... There are those that want latest tpi and a whole computerized oil injection system and LOVE taking their bike to the shop and paying 150. /hr for service. And ones that can rejet a bike in 20 minutes... which one are you? I ride blue now because I got tired of reloctiting every bolt on my KTMs (and it’s not unique). AND recent years KTM rad hose failure bullshit (if you don’t believe me check our “dirt bike channel”) (they moved the rad lower and didn’t bother to redo the lines so it comes with a kinked failure point at the power valve). KTM now partly owned by the Chinese... for the privilege of paying 30% more to ride. There are people that value simplicity, reliability, and value inherent with a 2t. And those that want to pretend everything is an improvement and will pay any premium to get it. Then toss half of it in the garbage customizing the bike over 2-3 years anyway. If you want to pretend every weekend rider on a blue machine will be 5 minutes behind his KTM friends then go ahead. But it’s just not the case. It’s the riders ability - and always will be. PNW enduro failed to mention that his KTM as “tested” in this video is probably closer to $$$13,000 dollars... not 10k. He’s had his suspension revalved and tuned twice. Cause it was so awesome and “ready to race” just as one example. Why not test a fully race tuned yz with a lectron or smart carb and 30 hours of tuning work vs the fully sorted KTM. Then pretend the KTM is just inherently faster and more capable 👎 It isn’t...

[@ibrap7715]

You had problems with yours? I've owned 16 250xc, currently own 18 250xc 18 250xcw tpi and 300xcw. Run 2 as snowbikes. Haven't had any problems whatsoever? The KTMs are a little tall is my only gripe.

[@mt1885]

@@jeremy7818 Not sure if this is some dear abby write in or what but KTM is where it is at and the races are all KTM/Husky or other Euro bikes. I am done with the big 4 brands they do not innovate just rehash big expensive 4 strokes with aluminum frames with NASCAR engines that cost THOUSANDS when they let lose. Save the YZ nonsense on the 20 year old VIBRATING washing 'blue' machine they DO NOT SHIFT under power absolute the WORST gearbox clutch and Turn like a 18 wheeler. They are 🧻🚽

[@craigsteinman9807]

2016 had a 15% smaller front rotor..I know I have one..wish I had the larger one it is noticable

[@EngineerK]

That cable clutch on the yomamma is like salty butter

[@gophop]

I can't believe it's not hydro!

[@terrywilson1362]

I don't know what you mean by salty butter but my 19 YZ250FX the cable clutch on it is easier to pull than any other bike I have tried KTM's Huskies Honda's it's easier to pull

[@user-qx1zt8mq4q]

OK Guys , I grew up with bikes that you always had to kick start. My 1 bike was a Harley Davidson 250 , 2 RM 400's then a husky 390 ( which i loved ) and finally a CR 250 (which i hated ) They where decent for the time. So that i'm out of the stone age i've been watching all these shoot outs between the RM's KX's ,YZ's and the list go's on and on. Good God so many to choose from. So my pick and the bike i'll be buying will be the KTM 250xc TPI. And NOT because i have the cash to do so. For me Electric start is the ticket and who cares where you ride the ES is worth it's weight in Gold ! Fuel injection hello i'm sold ! Todays bike ( for me ) are far more better than the bikes of yesterday . Man i loved the Husky and i miss it. I've been out of the game wayy to long. But i would like to Thank ALL of you for giving me the insite on these bikes. You've gave me the spark i need to get back into the sport.

[@edking9336]

Nice comparison.

[@PNWEnduro]

Thanks!

[@bystander15]

where are you riding?

[@jasontoff4991]

I bought a brand new 2016 yz250x jetted it properly done the free power valve mod put a Rekluse in it and put 250hrs on it while only putting two pistons in it ! Bang for buck best bike I’ve ever had I’m now on a sherco 300ser factory and like it but would go back to the Yamaha And I’ve owned over 5 KTM bikes over the years now they are just over priced imo

[@railduke68]

Non-counterbalanced bike preference...Beta 200rr or YZ250X?

[@PNWEnduro]

Beta 200rr, no E-start is a deal breaker.

[@codymusgrave1152]

do ya think you'd get the low end grunt if ya swapped some sprockets on the YZ?

[@PNWEnduro]

Not much, it will not change the power delivery and you cannot adjust the power valve.

[@mikeschlup5279]

No power valve adjustment...?? Why have one then?

[@endurotruckererniedesjardins]

@@PNWEnduro yes you can adjust the powervalve.... the cove has to come off , and there is 2 washers on the governor that opens n closes the powervalve, remove 1 washer and it really softens the delivery. I tried it, I found it too mellow for me with a 13oz flywheel weight.

[@endurotruckererniedesjardins]

@@mikeschlup5279 because yamaha invented the powervalve, ypvs has been around since early 80s, 84 I think was the first year on the yz250 . And yes they are adjustable. Just not from the outside.

[@mikeschlup5279]

So adding washers keeps it closed longer..or opens later.?

[@Saa45MIV]

Best thing I did for my Yamaha was put a 13 tooth front sprocket on and an fmf gnarly pipe.. after that it was awsome but I still don’t think it stacks up to the ktm. I will say this though, I think I could hill climb better on the Yamaha.. it was a beastly machine when it came to hill climbs

[@KoltFin]

You should try a flywheel and/or clutch weights(I have both lol)

[@kellybrown6988]

New updates on yz means more expensive bike. That’s the best part of the yz250 is the price for a great bike

[@kenbishop2455]

Thanks for the video. Dont forget about resale. The KTM will return much of the price difference. I see some online adding a stator for lights too. There goes more $. I owned a modded YZ for years and have ridden an X. Id think the X compares even worse with an xcw than an xc.

[@gophop]

You should add the best thing you can do to a carbed bike to make it closer to an injected one - auto-metering carb. That's another $500-$800.

[@PNWEnduro]

I would have but then I'd get all the "learn how to jet" comments. But yes add that in and the bikes are almost the same price.

[@jessarellanes6648]

I grew up riding motocross on trails.

[@letsride614]

I bought a new KTM 250XC and I'm extremely disapointed. The KTM suspension is horrible if you do anything other than creep along. Its now for sale and I'm going back blue. You have to sink a lot of money into the suspension of the KTM to even be close to the Yamaha at race pace. then you've got $3500 more invested in a supposedly ready to race bike. If you do nothing but very slow hard enduro KTM is ok or if your a smaller lighter guy but if your bigger or A class or faster go Yamaha. Just my experience with both bikes.

[@PNWEnduro]

The KYB stuff is really good for sure but I think Yamaha dropped the ball on that too. While the YZ suspension felt good stock it's nowhere near as good as it is on the new Sherco's. My tuner said the YZ setup is leaning more toward an MX bike while the Sherco's have really good woods valving out of the box.

[@mt1885]

That is comical - as all hard enduro and other riders are winning on them. Evidently it must be a paid 20 YEAR old YZ250 owner who is mad because his bike vibrates so much he can't ride it.

[@jonathondavis170]

Join the REAL Blue Cru like I did and get a new carbed TM EN300ES!!! I own a 2020 Husqvarna TE too, and my TM spanks it! The KYB forks and TM shock (an ohlins replication) are actually really awesome as it's the same as the Sherco models that are tuned for GNCC/Enduro! I can outgrunt a KTM and outrun a Yami with this sandcasted, heavy-duty powerplant! ...ok I CAN'T! But the bike could with a better rider! Haha lol jk not sure if it could or not but it IS VERY fast, and also, just to clarify that I was just joking to catch attention and get people upset, it's not really better than my Husky or a Yami - I believe all bikes are awesome these days, and it just depends on what characteristics you want and enjoy! I cherish both these awesone new rides for I'm truly blessed...and hopefully we can talk about riding again PNW Enduro, once this COVID passes and I can drive up to Canada for that trip I have been wanting to take! The new TM is getting loaded up on parts for it right now so it can withstand these brutal PNW steeps, slips, and slides! 🤘💪😂 lol ...

[@PNWEnduro]

@Jonathon Davis, I'd love to try a TM bike out! Once the borders open up, load that bike up and get up here and I'll show you around.

[@jonathondavis170]

@@PNWEnduro You can COUNT on that my friend! And by then I will have some engine upgrades to make it go even FASTER! Lol We'll have a ball, man! And you gotta come back down here and ride in the Cascades again with me too...maybe we could ride in eastern WA, Idaho, and Montana as well later? I'm medically retired from the military now so I'm free most of the time. 👍👊🤘💪

[@grudgetank3127]

website saysyz250x 229lb wet , di you weigh this one?

[@PNWEnduro]

I got the weights from Kyle's (dirt bike channel) website. Bikes were weighed full of fuel and ready to ride. KTM in particular is notorious for having inaccurate information on their websites.

[@grudgetank3127]

@@PNWEnduro I've heard that. im tempted to take my shipping scale bike shopping haha

[@nathansouth7375]

This felt more like you wanting to say how much you liked your bike.

[@canblueFz1]

No e-start would be a deal breaker for me too. Would be great if Yamaha made a real "out of the box" enduro bike. For a better cost comparison the KTM would need a kick starter or a jump starter battery pack added on.

[@PNWEnduro]

I see no benefit of adding a kick start as you can’t kick start it if the battery dies. My xc can already be bump started without the battery however as it comes with a capacitor installed from the factory.

[@canblueFz1]

@@PNWEnduro That's weird you can bump start it but not kick it. Had a dead battery (not enough power to crank it) on a 2017 Beta 430 FI, it kick started with no issues.

[@tonymcdougall9430]

Great video. I have the 2020 yz250x and I love it for what it is, but I have a strong preference for fast and flowy over tight and technical. It may not technically be the “best” bike, or the easiest to ride, but I’m damn sure it’s the most fun for me. The motor absolutely rips and the suspension keeps its composure while blasting through whoops and the rough stuff. I rode my buddy’s 2020 tx300, and while it was definitely easier to ride, and clearly superior for the technical stuff, on your standard intermediate single track, it just felt plain boring compared to my 250x, and the suspension was not as confidence inspiring. I didn’t really notice the vibration difference between the two while riding either, was kind of let down by the counterbalancer after reading all the hype behind it. If I was in NW Washington though, no doubt my bike of choice would be European. Those trails can be hard to walk up, let alone ride up!

[@PNWEnduro]

Yes the suspension is good and has the potential to be amazing as I found out when testing the Sherco. I would have liked to test the YZ on more flowy trails if I had the chance as well, I can see it being fun there.

[@jeffburch5903]

Ready to race, or ready to trail ride. That, IS the question.

[@scotta.weaver7299]

It appears the KTM is better for your terrain there, the Yamaha looks better than I thought it would, and on fast/open terrain it might be better than the KTM, except for the small tank.

[@endurok39pnw]

Yamaha ergos are always strange to me. I can see where $7500 vs. $10k for a new bike is appealing though on first glance. Counter balancers, e-start, fuel injection, hydraulic clutch and AER forks. Tough to beat that. KTM obviously spends way more money on R&D for the enduro market and it shows in the performance of their bikes.

[@mt1885]

That Yamaha is like riding a Aluminum framed VIBRATION magnet on wheels plus they DO NOT TURN - you SIT on it and it is squirrely with LIGHT switch power reminds me of 2 strokes from the by-gone era.

[@blobfish7159]

Different bikes for different people, buy whichever suits you the best. I’m glad Yamaha is keeping it different

[@endurok39pnw]

@@blobfish7159 keeping it the same, you mean? haha

[@mt1885]

@Sinister Veritas That is why KTM wins and all of the top bikes are EURO try again

[@mt1885]

@Sinister Veritas 1990's called and you can buy a used one for $1500 or so as they are 20+ years old. I don't pay retail either.

[@SL4US]

11:35 its literally the same bike as the regular yzs that havent changed since 05 with just a longer 4th and 5th gear and a kickstand

[@KoltFin]

And a 18inch rear rim and different head and I've heard different ignition mapping . And there is a reason they are still around they work you can do a trail build like my 01 or keep it as a do all well but not great bike. My yz has a full wr transmission ,lower 1st and 2nd gears and the taller 4th,5th gears flywheel, clutch weights. Yes it lugs better then a buddies tpi 250

[@7thirtyseven]

Is that squamish? Yamaha clutch is better... the counterbalancer on the KTM is priceless AER is as good as the SSS now, just a feel thing.

[@gophop]

@@seanwahl1000 Counter-balancer has nothing to do with the balanced crank.

[@skillet6098]

The ktm has electric start. Polished hubs. Hydraulic clutch.

[@tomcumby1118]

Ktm has adjustable power valve. And it works

[@skillet6098]

2.500 different cost but the ktm comes with a 6 gear polished hubs fuel injected electric start hydraulic clutch. Plus bar mounts . anyone of these things i have mentioned is worth 2.500.

[@scottgaskill4896]

Why is it useless to add Kickstarter on a TPI bike?

[@PNWEnduro]

Generally people want a kickstart in case the battery dies but on a tpi bike If the battery dies you will not be able to kickstart the bike because the fuel pump also needs power. So the only time a kicker would help is if your starter fails and that is unlikely.

[@davidudy467]

If you ride in a area with water crossings not having a kick starter would worry me . Would a estart have enough grunt to start a drowned bike then what ? Also Yamahas are very durable my 09 has done massive hours and is still good to ride it has offroad mods . There are many well priced parts for yzs as they have been around for a while . I have ridden a 17 Ktm 250 xc back to back with my bike it was a very nice bike to ride smoother motor , more nimble but twitchy handling at speed and the suspension was on par . What shocked me was the KTM had a lot of wear like loose plastics droopy footpegs it looked more worn than a bike with 5 to 6 times the hours .It looked like its life span is about half of a yz . My bike has done over 500 hours maybe alot more as the hour meter stopped working when I had a long break from riding the KTM had just over 100 hours . The main thing is to get out and have fun . I think if you are on a tighter budget the yz250x wins if not get a Ktm or Beta. Cheers from NZ .

[@MrFPSWisconsin]

I agree that the Yamaha hold up to massive hours better than the euro bikes....

[@MDM1992]

I hate electric start, no problem kicking the bike over and the hydraulic clutch just isn't needed, i've never had a problem with yz clutch pull in my life, i bought into the ktm hype and sold a yz to buy a ktm, 5 months later i sold the ktm to go right back to a yz250, in my opinion you're far better off saving 2-3k by buying the yamaha then spending the money saved on a larger tank and a smartcarb 2, things like exhaust can wait until you can afford them because stock yz exhausts are great and the engine performs amazing, as long as you know how to slip the clutch second gear will tractor up anything you want it to. I would love yamaha to bring out a tweaked ktm killer model though, 300cc or bigger, high output stator for lighting and battery charging system, heavier fly wheel and tweak the power valve a bit to suit, make the turning radius a little tighter and i reckon they'd not only sell like hot cakes but piss all over any ktm 300, i ride along side ktms all the time and none of them can leave me behind on my yz250, and that's IF they can pass me to begin with, and i don't even have the wr gearing that the x has just a standard yz with a bigger tank and jetted right.

[@DerekandMiki]

Biggest advantage the yamaha has is that it doesnt look like every other bike on the trail.

[@noduh736]

A flywheel weight fixes the bottom end problem

[@PNWEnduro]

This YZ already had a flywheel weight installed.

[@mikeschlup5279]

Sounds like the yam needs a flywheel weight.

[@PNWEnduro]

This YZ already had an 11oz flywheel weight!

[@mikeschlup5279]

It sure revs quickly with that flywheel weight.

[@dr350xr]

i have a 2016 yz 250x. i put the GYTR flywheel and it turned the bike into a modern era KDX. their just as capable as the euro 2 strokes their just not nearly as refined.

[@mt1885]

It blows, over rated how many times can a person ride a YZ 250 it is the *SAME BIKE form 15-20 YEARS period*

[@sekacity3425]

You don't like the YZ 250X for your type of riding and you love your personal KTM bike. It's all cool but you don't care about the ripping around fun factor, you apperciate the slow crawl technical stuff . Not surprised which one you heavily favored .

[@PNWEnduro]

Yes I prefer the KTM over the Yamaha. People always point out how much cheaper the YZ is, I'm trying to point out the reasons the KTM is more expensive.

[@badgumby9544]

GPX Moto TSE250R. Two stroke enduro, with more standard features than either of these over priced bikes. I paid $4400 for mine. Brand new 2021.5 bikes just arrived. Best value available for this type of bike.

[@rootsofenduro239]

I have a friend that just bought a GPX 300 4 stroke. The quality of machining, materials and build is not even in comparison to a Euro bike!!

[@badgumby9544]

@@rootsofenduro239 $7K difference in quality? I don't think so.

[@rootsofenduro239]

I'm not going to deny the value, because it's is a good value.

[@skillet6098]

The reason the ktm made it up that trail easier is because the ktm had les air in the tire.

[@chrisbrewer3090]

Right off the bat, price diff isn’t real. On a YZ you can negotiate, katos don’t move on price.

[@PNWEnduro]

I've owned three KTM's and have not paid msrp on any of them. Like I said in the video, pricing will be different depending on where you live and how high demand is for bikes.

[@alpinethor]

33% price difference fro a yamaha to a ktm

[@kadenwilliams2161]

Makes up for the lack of r&d over the last 10+ years. I have rode both ktm and yami 2 strokes. And being a short guy that runs gnccs the e start is the deciding factor. And I like the lug and tractor ability Of the ktm.

[@Aliencreep369]

Driving a 92 harley davidson i can tell you i dont feel vibration on my yamy

[@bikeandfarm2940]

So the real answer is get both!

[@douglasyoung3992]

Laughing when I see you kick starting it on the Steep Hill. Factory electric starter is a win-win

[@PNWEnduro]

Gives me new appreciation for the magic button!

[@skillet6098]

Ktm bar mounts move.

[@CbassGSX400S]

I can't believe you didn't mention needing a flywheel weight? it would be the first thing I would do to that YZ.

[@PNWEnduro]

This YZ already had one installed.

[@krispewkrem3]

Reasons the KTM is a great option: electric start for when you’re stuck in a bad spot and need to hold the brake to restart and try again. I absolutely cannot figure that out on a YZ250. I have a Rekluse handbrake and it has made life much easier. Headlights. I have yet to find any legitimate options for lighting on a YZ250. Yamaha, for fucks sake: put some damn lights on the 250X. We all get stuck riding later than expected and need light. Or you wanna ride at night. Now for fuel injection, it’s obviously great. Better efficiency and tuneable power, apparently. But also a major pain in the ass when it goes wrong. I honestly prefer carburetors because it allows you to run a Lectron or Smart Carb. It just works. I’m always weary the TBI/TPI bikes may fail and stop mixing gas. No thanks. The YZ250, assuming you mixed your gas and poured it in, will never fail. Just mix some gas n kick some ass. If you have the extra money, get the Euro bike if you know you’ll need it. If you’re on a budget, go for a YZ. And if you’re on a budget (as I’m sure a majority of riders are, BUY USED). Especially 2 strokes. They’re just so easy to fix. In the used market, you can find YZs for basically pennies. (People can’t sell their YZ250s for over 3k where I live unless it’s new) KTMs sell for higher but they’re reasonable and for sure cheaper than a new YZ.

[@hairyyeti21]

can you call it a yzzzzz

[@noduh736]

I'd rather leave the yz alone it's a good bike and cheaper I like the price

[@dannelson3432]

I will stay subscribed because I love your single track vids but your opinion on the YZ is way off. You can set the yz up to be a billy goat or set it up to shriek a sand track. The KTM TPI design is a time bomb and a terrible design. People are destroying their motora every day because of the oil pump failing. The KTM suspension even when revalved and money sunk into it, is still not great. To anyone challenging my message. I paid $6,800 new, no tax out the door. I put springs in for my 230 lb weight and $325 of valving for suspension. My bike has a Rekluse auto clutch, Clarke tank, Lectron carb, 51 tooth sprocket, gnarly pipe, and a scotts damper. It is WAY better bike than the new KTM300 tpi I just sold. Thank god i never sold my yz250x.

[@PNWEnduro]

I mean no disrespect but the thing about opinions is we can differ and one person is not right/wrong. It's great you love the YZ, as lots of others do. It's just not for me. I just sold my TPI with 190 hours and other than the PV leak most 2020's had it was trouble free. It still had the original oil pump and spark plug when I sold it. I did the top end at 150 hours I've never seen a piston look so good. That being said the new bike sitting in my garage is not a TPI. I've seen a lot of brand new TPI bikes with problems lately and the warranty process with KTM and the dealers is a nightmare so, for the first time in a while, I've switched bike brands this year. Thanks for watching and commenting.

[@MrFritz6940]

I have a 2019 250 xcw and a 2022 300 xcw. Rode my buddies 2021 250x and just wanted to get back on my orange bike. 🍊. Yamaha is cheap and reliable. That's all

[@skillet6098]

You can put as much money into the yz as you want. But it will never have a 6 gear or electric start or hydraulic clutch.

[@PNWEnduro]

Technically you can add a hydraulic clutch and an E-start to the YZ but yes you still have a 5 speed. Another consideration is to be on the same level as far as mileage and compensation for elevation changes you would need to put a SmartCarb or Lectron on the YZ.

[@skillet6098]

@@PNWEnduro the best comparison is the price.

[@kamilofficial5235]

I love ktm

[@eddiekelley527]

Had a YZ 250X Bought a 2020 Husky TE 250i.. Sold the YZ 250X.. Haven't looked back.. KTM/Husqvarna is just a better overall bike...

[@PNWEnduro]

I agree. It's too bad Yamaha put in such little effort, people would buy tons of them if they made a few updates. At least other company's are giving KTM/Husky some legitimate competition these days.

[@davidsciulli7549]

Eddie Kelley how does the suspension, motor, and gearbox of the te250i compare vs yz250x? Is there anything you miss from the yz at all?

[@eddiekelley527]

David Sciulli The suspension is plush and stable. I do not miss the touted KYB suspension. The motor/power is smooth and linear. Even though I had a flywheel weight and a throttle tamer in the YZ, the power was still a little to abrupt. Don’t miss anything on the YZ

[@davidsciulli7549]

Eddie Kelley was it hard to adjust yo wide ratio transmission? I always hear people talking about gap between 2 and 3rd gear

[@robmccauley1073]

Rob McCauley 1 second ago Isn't that funny how different people are. I had a KTM and went to YZ250X. I wont ever have a orange or the orange/white bike in my garage. Just to flat on power. I never realized how sluggish it was. Its good that they have so many bikes out now to suite everyone's taste. Ride a Sherco. They are Amazing.