KTM 300XC vs Yamaha YZ250X on the Trails

[@morley3810]

I'm admittedly a Yamaha guy. I ride with guys that have KTM's. I bought my 250X new in 2016, and have never regretted it. It's been perfectly reliable, it's easy to find parts for, and the kick-only starting has rarely been an issue. Knowledge base is huge online. I get it why people like the orange bikes, nothing against them, but I'll stick with tried, true, and blue.

[@russdemello8029]

@Morley agreed 💯 got me a '17 yz250X and it's a beast

[@panic-revv85]

2nd in line for the 2022😀

[@drakerhys7533]

you prolly dont care but does someone know a method to log back into an instagram account? I was stupid forgot the login password. I love any help you can give me!

[@merricknixon1826]

@Drake Rhys Instablaster ;)

[@drakerhys7533]

@Merrick Nixon I really appreciate your reply. I got to the site thru google and Im trying it out atm. Looks like it's gonna take quite some time so I will get back to you later when my account password hopefully is recovered.

[@TheCarlejoseph]

I think there are a lot of loyal YZ fans that would love to see Yamaha continue in the right direction. I think people who have switch to Orange over the years would switch back if Yamaha would step up their game.

[@Nathan-sp2mh]

I absolutely agree with you. I’ve got a 2020 YZ250X and plan to pick up a 2021 KTM 300XC as soon as they are available at the dealers. I’ll keep the YZ as well for a backup bike. But if Yamaha would put E start and a hydraulic clutch on the bike, I would see no reason to buy anything else. EFI would further sweeten the deal, but a Lectron carb is good enough.

[@rodjbosch]

Add electric start.....that would clinch it for me. The Yamaha clutch has super easy pull,so that is sorta irrelevant for me. Same as the brakes....KTMs may be better but the YZs are as good as any average dude needs. The price difference here in Canada is 2k plus....but being older and conditioned to the magic button....any bike that doesn't have it is a non starter for me.

[@chasehoneycutt4045]

This explains me to a tee. I race cross country and was on a 250x, love the bike but couldnt ever gel with the aluminum frame. Super rigid, didnt handle well. Ktm blew me away with the handling, suspension on the yz is great obviously, but I switch over to a 350xcf. If Yamaha did a full update, even with aluminum frame, but one not as rigid and handles better ( like the new yz250fx) I would probably go back. For now its euro bikes. Ktm, beta, sherco 2 or 4 strokes I've enjoyed the handling, more planted feel which has been a big help over me riding my yz. My yz is still a "fun" bike and I still use it as a play bike.

[@chadrides914]

@@chasehoneycutt4045 Well just simply go buy a 2004 steel Yz frame and be done with it. Not a hard thing to do. Everything bolts up except you'll need different swingarm linkage bolts.Bam. Better than a ktm.

[@JS-ny8sn]

Don’t you guys think if Yamaha put an electric start, hydraulic clutch and better (brembo) brakes it wouldn’t be so much less than a KTM 🤔.

[@premixpeter1972]

$3500 is a hell of a lot of parts, gas, and premix. Which is why I prefer it!

[@jackbower8671]

Yeah, that got me too lol

[@jimmygritz9714]

Ya.. I wanted it super bad.. but rn in Fla and Ga all Yamahas are going for 9k.. It was a tough choice. But I’d rather pay 10 for a 300 then 9 for a yamahA 😞

[@NEFloridaDirtRiders]

@@jimmygritz9714 9k?? I live in Florida as well and have never seen a YZ 250 for $9000 I bought my 2021 down in Miami for $7500.

[@jimmygritz9714]

@@NEFloridaDirtRiders ya man.. there was only a couple in the state tho.. the shipments were wayyy backed up Cuz the w.e. But ya that’s honestly the only reason I got a Ktm.

[@nickpalazzi2121]

This is what you get for $3500 that you couldn't put on a yamaha without substantial effort 1) electric starter, stator, battery and wiring for lights. 2) hydraulic clutch 3) counterbalancer 4) fully adjustable on the fly power valve 5) fuel injection (which I'm still a little on the fence about) 6th gear 7) it's not a a warmed over 05. 8)registerable in most states

[@JohnSmith-dj5gf]

I grew up riding off-road and was out of the game for years, now I’m getting back into it and all these people are whining about electric start on a dirt bike. When did people get so soft?

[@carlatamanczyk3891]

I did mind not having estart until I had my right knee replaced.

[@justindwyer3832]

I never understood the big deal about electric start either.... Until I bought ktm450 xcf. Now my yz collects dust

[@Richard-Burdett-Bow]

I think it depends on your talent and what kind of terrain you ride. If you ride fast open trails where you are less likely to stall or get stuck precariously then kick start isn't so big of a deal. If you ride more technical stuff where you stall easier and the intensity of the riding is more likely to tire you out then the lack of e-start is more of a big deal. If you're more talented then less of a big deal. Less talented more of a big deal.

[@6226superhurricane]

wouldn't matter unless you were a beginner or a racer a race can be lost in the time it take kickstart a bike.

[@fox7007]

Go ride some knar and you'll be crying like a little bitch for a e-start. And if you don't know what knar is, don't bother.

[@rickstrom6097]

Agreed... Love to see Yamaha update the YZX with a hydraulic clutch possible counter balancer and better gearing . Hope they will listen to someone.

[@dirtbiketv1]

I hope so too!

[@90saussiekid38]

Bugger that I love the clutch on my yz250x I hated the hydraulic on my 450exc felt like a on off switch

[@brandonespinoza111]

@@90saussiekid38 right I feel I get more feel of the engagement point with a cabled

[@jordanonofer3886]

Difference of opinion here. Hope they never do. Not a fan. I like the cable

[@agoogleuser7784]

If yamaha would just put electric start on the 250x it would destroy Ktm. The yz250x engine is bulletproof and been around for ages! And their suspension is always phenomenal.

[@ironmonkey1512]

+ 6 speed

[@carlatamanczyk3891]

Add E-start, 6 speed true wide ratio, little more flywheel and lighting coil, lights, computer, larger tank. Add choice of 200 or 300, then Yamaguchi will be there.

[@fox7007]

@@carlatamanczyk3891 Turning radius is sh!t on the YZ so add that to the list. Also the YZ motor doesn't compare to the KTM xc/xc-w when lugging up a steep switch back hill. Oh and a hydraulic clutch. The YZ has one of the best cable clutches around, but again it doesn't compare to the brembos' .

[@onesuperwan199]

i agree with your opinion...and yamaha spareparts more than cheap by the ktm.

[@sfsf9954]

@@carlatamanczyk3891 and a hydro clutch, lights, external clickers on forks.....when tou add up all the extra tech on the ktm its actually cheaper then the yamaha....actually now that i think about it , the yammy is a rip off !!! Lol ! Even the pipe is better on the ktm, nickel plated for gods sake....im half jappanese and naturally bias towards the yammys, ive owned 2 and they do not compare to the austrian bikes....not even a close 2nd.....

[@jeradbennett5030]

Great video man thanks, been looking at both bikes and this does clear a few things up.

[@KAIcntShort]

I perfer old tech which is why I want a yz250x no hydrologic clutch no electric start, super basic bullet proof. Great review

[@billh4984]

If you ride gnarly stuff the e-start is a must! That being said, I don't like the new bikes doing away with the kick start! I like the E, but the kick is a must in my opinion.

[@carlatamanczyk3891]

I agree.

[@firemenonbikes]

Ride gnarly stuff then put a Rekluse on the X... Boom.

[@marcialquinones5683]

lagree to

[@WD-sr8qz]

Want that kick starter!

[@yamahaxs6501]

This is exactly what I'm down to with buying a new bike. Hard to argue the value of the Yamaha.

[@Anonymously.1]

Gear the yz one tooth down on the front and it “tractors” just like a 300. I’ve had three 300’s up to and including the 2019 . The yz just feels so much more “flickable” and the suspension is fantastic. Both great bikes that being said but don’t tell me that you can’t lug a yz 250x .

[@firemenonbikes]

Get the squish corrected for the best gains

[@ZSharkPH]

Couldn't agree more.. I just got a 2016 250X with 13 counter sprocket and a FMF Gnarly pipe.Also fly weight. It feels just like a 300 down low and mid.. its amazing.

[@apostate4apostate494]

No not “just like a 300” lmao nothing is as good as a 300 mate

[@eastwood4006]

Unless you have a big bore kit, no way a 250 feels just like a 300. There's a reason why they bother to build the same bike 50cc bigger... The 250s do feel a bit more 'flickable' regardless of brand. Depends on what type of riding you do. Can't replace the ultra low RPM tractor that the 300 seems to offer over Appalachia slick wet rock with moss

[@m.a.8789]

I've owned both bikes, but converted the YZ250x to a 300x. It was a 2016 that I dumped a ton of money and effort into and it ended up costing more than a 2020 KTM 300 XCW 6 days - I ;liked the YZ300x to a point but IMO the 300xcw is a much better bike overall. Until Yamaha produces a factory 300, 6 speed, with an e-start the Austrians will continue to get my money.

[@eastwood4006]

Agreed, the new TPI 300s are insanely good performance/tractibility wise. Hard Enduro guy's dream

[@michaelahumada285]

I have a yz250x and absolutely love it....the bike rips.... I ride it both on vet tracks and trail. Reliable, excellent power, and great suspension. I am buying a 2nd yz to set up one for track and the other for trail.

[@trianedtog0417]

Think of getting 1 for the road in 🇬🇧 uk any advice

[@firemenonbikes]

You had the squish done yet? Good gains there...

[@HyLifeSociety]

I have a six days KTM 450 and a yz250. Both with rekluse clutch’s, and the yz has a flywheel weight, I love them both in trails. But they’re different enough to really appreciate both.

[@spencerclark2269]

I say the 300XC all the way but the price of that yz is hard to beat.

[@leftyeh6495]

You spend most of the difference to get the yz updated, and it's still never going to be as smooth.

[@carlatamanczyk3891]

In my backyard in Central Idaho, the torque of a 300 is much more desirable on steep technical terrain .... hands down.

[@mymotheris4sale]

ktm da best

[@andreasstefanou5898]

Plus the Yz250x is beter for motocross also. A lot of guys ride mainly off-road but they do like to do motos also... If you want a slow technical hard enduro bike though Ktm is better But overall if it was my money, Yz250x would be my choice easy

[@bryantculler3468]

As a yz250 rider...I totally agree. KTMs are "better". Depends on needs and wants though. I can afford a KTM....but just love my YZ. I don't race and I have rekluse so the electric start is not an issue.

[@badluck6969]

I love my yamaha. I was a ktm fan, but today I hate ktm with all my heart. They are good bikes but, they are too delicate and required much much more maintenance than yamaha. Yamaha is cheaper, simple and bulletproof.

[@marcialquinones5683]

yes Im yamaha man ktm its expensive popular but not I stay whit yz

[@londonw182]

I love when people say “ktms are so much more maintenance” lol. Like how? Do you not change your oil in your Yamaha or what?

[@badluck6969]

@@londonw182 In a few simple words, they fail more than yamaha. I don't know why, but at least in my and my friends experience it is like that.

[@leftyeh6495]

I have had the exact opposite experience. But 90% of my broken parts come from wrecks, nothing to do with the bike at that point. 😂

[@Mediocre_Bass_Player]

As a YZ250 owner who converted his bike to X spec I concur! For the money it's a great bike. I'm 58 and yeah there are times I wish had eStart but overall it's an easy bike to start once warmed up. Added a Lectron and have ridden this bike at 800ft all the way up to 8kft and it's been pretty consistent. BTW where did you guys film this?

[@brandonespinoza111]

Even when cold it’ll start first kick

[@collinweinheimer1056]

​@@brandonespinoza111electric start is huge the more technical you get. If you're off the bike pushing it. Or on a big hill you can just hop on the bike and kick it over.

[@jimwil6972]

You forgot reliability. Yamaha wins that department too?

[@gpaull2]

I have both brands in my garage and reliability has been great on both. The Yamaha had some missing bolts right from the factory. Chassis bearings seam a little longer lasting on the KTM.

[@ironmonkey1512]

ktm used to stink but their motors are real solid now. I've know people to have problems with shock falling apart even seen a shock spring crack in half.

[@leftyeh6495]

I see more 20 year old KTMs cruising around than I do any Japanese bikes....

[@rexo2501]

Just spend the additional money and get something that is specifically tailored for riding this kind of off road terrain. Originally I road Japanese bikes and was hard pressed going to a KTM just because of loyalty. But, when I rode a KTM XC-W 300 I was completely sold. I also think any of the Euro bikes hands down are great! Realistically, how many Yamahas or Japanese bikes do you see at Erzburg or at the Romantics?

[@timowsley]

Idk at those events but when I line up for a hare scramble half the line is blue, the other half is orange... I'd say Yamaha has a very big presence in the amateur racing scene.

[@kylemagnuson537]

Yeah but here in the states how much of what the average guy rides looks like erzberg

[@martyscossabaggi7118]

you need an enduro bike (street legal) to race in EU. thats why you dont see many japanese bike. moto spa made it street legal (wr250z in 2016 that was it).

[@mdoneill789]

Erzburg is in Europe where all orange is made for one

[@artvarnson8009]

A couple of weeks ago I was doing some knarly enduro on my YZ 250X..... A couple of days after that I stiffened up the compression and rebound then raced it cause my 450 was out of commission... It was the most fun I had racing in years, Even with the 11oz flywheel weight I was hanging with the 450's pretty good... That's where the YZ really shines it's a very versatile bike that's relatively easy to ride to a wide variety of riders in a wide variety of conditions.... In my opinion there ain't many bikes out there that can do that.... And to top it all off they are super reliable and easy to get parts for.

[@davedesmon9470]

It sounds as if the TPI isn't totally dialed in yet and could be a hassle. If the YZ had electric start it would be an easy choice.

[@brandonespinoza111]

You don’t need a electric start it’s easy to kick over you don’t have to kick it 10 times all it takes is one

[@joeshawley1626]

I had a 2018 yz250x and loved it! Went to a crf250rx good bike but I liked the yz better to be honest. Then......I rode my buddies ktm300......you know were this is going now yep! Now just deciding ktm or husky? Chime in guys..

[@eddiekelley527]

Same thing happened to me.....I picked up a TE250i Husky, and sold the yamaha. KTM/Husky is just a better tool for the job...

[@carlatamanczyk3891]

You won't go wrong with either KTM or the Husky.

[@garthlundquist8316]

Both are good bikes and choices. You get what you pay for. The Yamaha was great 15 years ago, and is still a good value, but the harder the terrain, the better the KTM. First gear is too high on the Yamaha, no 6th gear limits top speed, no counterbalancer, less torque, and no lights to get home in the dark. The charging system will not support good aftermarket lights. The stock tank is pretty small. The KTM suspension works better in extreme terrain, the Yamaha closer to Motocross suspension works better in fast open country and handles jumps better. Quality and durability is equal. I have 300 hours on my stock 2019 TE 300i and it shows no sign of wear: original piston, etc. Several in our ride group have run the Yamaha, but pretty soon tire of kick starting in the gnar. The E start really saves your energy over a long day of technical singletrack. The vibes also get to some. The Yamaha guys also foul plugs frequently, and most carry a spare. I haven’t fouled a KTM plug in 10 years. Yamaha needs to spend some money and update the old design, solving these problems. But we are still waiting for the T7, so don’t hold your breath.

[@dirtbiketv1]

Great comments. I would spend the extra $ for a better bike. 300 hrs on top end is amazing. Keep on riding!

[@brianmorrison9066]

I got my 250x with 25 hours and a pipe, skid plate, springs for my weight, radiator guard, tubliss, tires, jd jet kit, exc for 5k A eline/hodgkins stator and a 3.2g fuel tank was $800 I've been running the same plug for 150 hours through 2 top end and mix 28:1 the only thing I had to do was jet it. Easy. Now I get over 100 mile range. The ktm might be better but not 2x better. It is 2x the price that I paid. My wheel bearings last more than 12 hours and even if I spend over 11k on a new ktm, I'd still have to deal with the suspension.....which is 2nd best and that's being generous. Top speed is over 80 mph and I wouldn't want 1st any lower.

[@carlatamanczyk3891]

All KTM and Husky need to do is start putting KYB on them. It's the gold standard.

[@donbrashsux]

WP remember was a joke ever since PDS

[@samuelyeet6006]

The KYB on my 2009 yz450f was trash, the stupid plastic piston cylinders are the cheapest delicate things ever

[@leftyeh6495]

No love for Showa? 😂 Anything can work well. 99% of the time people just put little to no effort into tuning.

[@brandonespinoza111]

Anyone else love the feeling of kicking over a bike rather than pushing a button

[@moreliquorinmycoffee]

Nope

[@MotoPooch32]

Yup. It’s like lightning striking or a whip cracking !

[@noduh736]

It's piece of mind for me but I also like steel frames and carburetors and the old school acerbis aftermarket plastics and neon vinyls the older rounder front fenders and number plates

[@cripgang8100]

No

[@dough3208]

Yamaha yz250x needs the following to compete fully: 1. E-start 2. Counter balanced motor. 3. Lighting options (+ larger stator to run it.) 4. A 300cc option =) 5. Optional would be gearing tweaks, color schemes & a hydraulic clutch.

[@jridenour31]

The only one of those things I want is a counterbalancer.

[@jonathondavis170]

And my new TM EN300ES swoops in for the win!!! Haha It's basically these two guys combined with some added feel and glory! 👍🤘💪

[@bmdbigfeet1031]

TM builds expensive junk . They're typical Italian motorcycles. On paper they should be untouchable ,in reality they're fragile garbage. Keep your TM. The Yamaha and the KTM will run circles around the TM cause its broke waiting for parts.

[@moonzy11]

Great review. Currently on a 2021 250 XC TPI. love the bike more every time I ride it.

[@dirtbiketv1]

Right on!

[@RebelBmxCrew]

Personally I have both a 19 300xc with kyb internals in the suspension, and I have a 03 yz250 I just finished building four trails/enduro and honestly I have found myself having an easier time on the Yamaha. Yes I miss having the button but the point is with my comment and I’m sure this video is, both bikes are amazing and you won’t go wrong either way

[@GCSimons]

Hey Jay, great vid! In your “can a yz250 make a good trail bike” vid I asked if you thought the crf250x was a better single track trail bike as I know your a secret crf250x fan like me. Your answer was you would still rather trail ride a crf250x than a yz250 off-road. How good is that yz250x? Would you say it makes a better trail bike than the crf250x? Is it significantly easier to ride off-road than a standard yz? Or is it just a slightly tweaked yz? Thinking about getting one, thanks so much!

[@damolux3388]

Easy choice in Australia. The ktm comes plated and can be ridden on the road which opens up alot of riding areas. YZ.........not so much.

[@chrispotter2948]

My 1992 yamaha wr200 had an internal counterbalancer. Why can't they smooth out the yz250x some 28 years later?

[@hayes831]

that wr200 also had an electric power valve. it's too bad they did not continue that bike.

[@HorsepowerHouse]

I don't see why Yamaha does not offer an EFI and E start 2-stroke. It's not like there's some sort of crazy futuristic technology. It's been around for years. Just do it for Christ's sake. And I am a Yamaha guy through and through. But my Honda 450RWE gets the nod every time simply for Simplicity of fuel system and Electric start.

[@andrewhenshall8653]

I ride a yz250 2 stroke 2010 with a billitron lectron carb and recluse clutch and pipe it's always crisp and liner power is way better fuel economy is awesome and it only cost half ktm

[@dnrg62]

Have you guys tried the 113A Stic module in your Keihen carb with a JD jetting kit ,I just tried one in my 250 exc ,I don’t do any elevation or big temp changes so I can’t really comment to that but the torque and ride ability is what I have noticed the most ,very close to my TX 300 in that regard ( that runs a stock Keihen) how it stacks up against a lectron or smart carb depends on what you are chasing .cheersd👍

[@BackcountryLife]

Monks Hollow!! I helped build that trail a very long time ago!!

[@dirtbiketv1]

Thank you!!! :-)

[@ddrowdy7666]

If the clutch and e-start bother you there is always the Magura and Panthera option's and you are still way cheaper AND you know it will get you back to the truck at the end of the day.

[@rob.granger]

I bought a 4T after riding a Sherco 250sec, not a big Sheroc support system here so I got a 250xcf 2020. The suspension on the 2020 is way better than my 2018 AER forks.

[@mecalpsha4473]

*KTM counter balanced engine, steel frame, better suspensions, more torque, lighter weight, actually NEW not 20 year old YZ - electric start on the KTM*

[@Mediocre_Bass_Player]

Actually the YZ is lighter and I'll argue that the KYB fork is far better out of the box than the WP unit.

[@daverossignolful]

Yes hands down that yz suspension is far better...after 181 hours with the wp fork on a 2017 tx300 I havnet yet found a happy medium , I'd have to run 110 psi to get better feeling in the choppy rutty small stuff, initial stroke is harsh, but than any obsitcal a few feet high and you blow right through it. 121 psi and it'll stand up to most but then its back to feeling a bit harsh on the initial stroke in the small stuff. Compresion / rebound set to soft -2 and 170lb rider. Not complaining just the one area that could be better...I'm grinning whether riding or maintaining it just the same. All praise 2strokes (or any dirtbike, motorbike, bike bike, 2 wheel momentum wheeling fun buggy)

[@codenamenoob4973]

@@daverossignolful agreed I've only had a few samples of air suspension and it just doesn't cut the mustard

[@kylemagnuson537]

Better suspension? Ride a aer fork and spring fork back to back lol

[@truthsetsyoufree77]

Ride a 4 joke if you dont like the 2 banger vibration 😆

[@jwhyt94]

I've been looking at getting a bike and it's been between these 2. I haven't had a bike since I graduated high school, my last bike was a cr 250 and I loved it. My main concern is I am like 250lbs now and am concerned that a 250 doesn't have the lug to pull me the way a 300 would. any experience with that?

[@dirtbiketv1]

Definitely. Email me to go over it. Contact info in About tab.

[@crispincurtis8585]

Go Yamaha 😎👍 So brake up grades n sum light engine tweaking would be cheaper than 3k I'm guessing,, not that KTM is a bad choice cuz they rip😁

[@Moosewoodworks]

Thanks, I think this video was “pretty dang good”.

[@mariotorgie5085]

Hello! I want to buy a motorcycle to be used for walks through the forest and climbs, descents but I want to have power under me. I thought about 250-300 in 2t over the year 2015! Would it be good on carburetion or injection? And which model would be more suitable and reliable?

[@ftsboys9825]

Moving from a 2021 WR250F to a 2022 Yz250x tomorrow, feel like I’m just going to struggle with the kickstart but hey I’m 17 still got plenty of life in me to kick 😂

[@DirtBikeSingleTrack]

I own a YZ250X, and I agree with everything you said. I love it, but I envy the nice KTM's

[@TheStrouds1]

The KTM has all the bells and whistles, problem is those break. The YZ is very simple and that’s what I like about it.

[@curtiscollins2174]

Very well said.

[@aaronmcelhinney1436]

How would the KTM 250 sx compare to a yz 250 for trail riding? Could it be set up for woods riding, and if so, how much would it cost? Neither bike has e start, but the KTM sx is dramatically cheaper than the TPI bikes, plus it’s counter balanced, has a hydraulic clutch & Brembo brakes stock.

[@leftyeh6495]

How much do you want to spend on suspension 😂 New springs, valving, and as a bonus when you feel the need you can toss a 300 jug and top end on the KTM using factory parts. (I realize there are big bore kits, but unless they're factory parts support sucks! Just ask anyone with a 10 year old big bore that they can't buy a piston for...😢)

[@codenamenoob4973]

In the UK the price difference is so small that the KTM is the obvious go to, why is Yamaha charging that much for a bike that has had zero R&D put into it since 2006

[@sciencemilitia1853]

Better suspension, and cheaper.

[@DanDan-xr4ke]

If it ain’t broke don’t fix it

[@LukeMorphett]

@@sciencemilitia1853 I would dispute its better suspension. It does depend what kind of riding you do though.

[@mixalis6168]

@@DanDan-xr4ke ahaahahahahhaah bullshir !!

[@mixalis6168]

Because fools will pay for it, and state its soooooo good !!

[@SANDS78]

I'll never buy another bike without e start.

[@cgreen1599]

Thinking about pulling the trigger on a 17’ 250x next week to replace or add to my 13’ 450 XCF, a little nervous about the lack of E start been quite a while since I had to kick, but if it’s not for me I’ll just send it down the road 🤞

[@timowsley]

I kept my 450 for a week after getting my 2020 250x this summer... Lectron carb and the X runs like an injected 450 and if you know how to ride a 2 stroke it's so fast and flick able. The 250X is a race bike not a trail bike, it likes to be ridden on the pipe and hard, it lugs well but its happy place is when it's being flogged.

[@chadrides914]

I weigh 129lbs. I'm 5'7". I can kick start my new yz250x with my right leg, my left leg, sideways, laying down, upside down, you name it. It starts first or second kick every time. Takes little force.

[@samuelyeet6006]

Hows that go?

[@3BrothersExtreme]

That Yamaha looks fun!

[@Mark-rk1gg]

YZ all day!

[@timfixinstuff]

I'm not a small guy at 6' and 230 lb. The last bike I had was a 94 ktm 300exc, ported and high comp head. That thing was a handful for trails. I'm gonna get a 250x next... getting to old for that kind of powa.

[@jimwil6972]

Yamaha wins on starting because it has a kick starter.

[@dirtbiketv1]

You like to kick start?

[@jimwil6972]

Yes if I was serious trail riding deep in the woods I’d definitely rather be on a bike with a kick starter then one without any day of the week. A track bike or backyard bike I guess I could do with no kickstarter but not a trail bike.

[@jimwil6972]

Why couldn’t ktm of kept the backup kick starter? that -1 for them

[@bmdbigfeet1031]

@@jimwil6972 Weight savings.

[@JS-ny8sn]

I think both is great 👍. On my 2017 300XC I always hit the button instead of kicking 🤙

[@snowrider4495]

Yamaha all day!!!

[@cwg1998]

Wouldn’t a better comparison be against the ktm 250xc?

[@dirtbiketv1]

Or against a YZ300X -- oh wait they dont give us that option

[@JohnLewis-tf4lg]

ever do a 6-day conversion of this? lights, flywheel?

[@jonsmith9708]

Yamaha for the win!

[@taylorbeams2929]

Are you running a 13 tooth on the front of the yZ or is it the stock 14? Curious which is better on that bike.

[@dirtbiketv1]

Stock is good

[@HorsepowerHouse]

Whichever one suits you.

[@NEFloridaDirtRiders]

Personally I don’t understand why so many people find a need to have an electric start. If I stall my Yamaha it kicks over and restarts with very little effort. This question is for the KTM guys, if your battery goes bad do you have a kick starter as a back up?

[@superg8018]

If you've ever been stalled out on a steep hill and it's impossible to even kick start the bike because of the position you're in then the E-start is a life saver. The E-start KTM's a few years ago still had the kickstarter as backup. I don't know why they decided to take it off.

[@NEFloridaDirtRiders]

@@superg8018 I made that post about 11 months ago and since then I have purchased a Yamaha WR250F and it has electric start only without a Kickstarter. While I do enjoy the ease of the electric start it still concerns me that if I am in a remote area and the battery goes dead I have very few options to get it restarted unless I can somehow bump start it but that will all depend on where I am.

[@Greenguykdxkxf7]

Here in Canada the Yz250x sold for $8600.00 I just put my hand on a left over 2019 ktm 300 XC for $10 250.00 $ instead of $12 250.00. With a 6speed, e-start, bigger gas tank, hydro clutch and with all the R&D KTM constantly do year after year it was a no brainer. If Yamaha would adresses those issue the story would probably have been different.

[@dirtbiketv1]

great point- _I ride a 2019 300XC for myself :-)

[@ironmonkey1512]

really smart to compare pricing of this year yz with last year xc

[@JS-ny8sn]

If Yamaha addressed those issues it would cost the same as the KTM😏. Maybe more.

[@ericc90]

I like how you guys just tractor through the old citrus grove. Reminds me when I was a kid riding all the avocado groves 🥑

[@dahatchery]

If you love the o get your parts almost next day, absolutely go Yamaha YZ, if you’re ok with spending big money and wait for quite a while (Europe), then you should go euro bike.

[@willmcgregor7184]

I’m new to dirt bikes. Ridden various street for years. Hydraulic clutch, sprocket changes are not difficult or am I missing something?

[@throttlebuff]

Yep. Hydraulic clutch and estart

[@philipsmith6152]

Put estart on it Yamaha !!

[@mushstash7660]

Kick start has never been a problem unless in tight ass spot

[@augie186]

I paid 7k for a new 2019 husky te250i and it was the best decision I ever made

[@Richard-Burdett-Bow]

Wicked bike!

[@cgreen1599]

On that 250x was he using the stock gearing 14-50 or something else? I went to 13-51 and running out of gearing on top

[@carloscristoffanini1971]

The Yamaha is also lighter and handles better, the new 22 ones don't brake better than the Ktm but they do have better brakes than the huskies Magura

[@LukeMorphett]

I enjoyed your review. I'm not disputing that the 250x is a good bike, they both are. But the XC is leagues better. I disagree about the superior suspension on the YZ. Its better at taking big hits, like coming off a jump. But short sharp ones, like rocks and roots it handles like a motorcrosser. That is not a win for an enduro bike. Yes it is cheaper. But in my opinion Yamaha is taking the piss charging as much as they do for a almost 20 year old bike. No E start. Tiny fuel tank. Cable clutch. 5 speed gear box (a killer when you have to road bash home on a two stroke) The same frame for 2006. The engine puts out less power, in a less manageable way. Yamaha doesn't even make a road registrable 2 stroke. (I'm Australian) I used to be on the Yamaha coolade, but no more. They are taking the piss. I bought a 2020 TPI 300exc and comparing it to a mates "2020" YZ250x is a joke. The EXC cost $15,909.00. My mate paid just over 10 for the 250x. I still think he got ripped off, you can't even legally ride it in the bush here. People don't trust TPI. I disagree, but respect your opinion. BUT, TPI will save two strokes. It will have to happen. Love it or hate it, emissions laws must be met. KTM is trying spending money on R&D and charging for it. Do you think Yamaha will when the time comes? No. Because Yamaha is taking the piss.

[@donbrashsux]

Yamaha all day

[@apostate4apostate494]

300 KTM Ofcourse - no brainer

[@SJS_Family_Racing]

Yamaha needs to put a e starter on the yz250x and the ability to put lights on it. If Yamaha could do those two things at a minimum they would sell much more.

[@rodan2852]

Id love a KTM but my bikes get put through the s##t. Yamaha 2 strokes are tough, simple and parts are plentiful 🤔

[@throttlebuff]

No need for tpi as you can get a smartcarb for it for 600 with the money saved. The 300 is gonna lug hills awesome but a flywheel weight will help

[@bradmiller8361]

So for those making the point about the hydro clutch and e start. What about putting a rekluse on the yz? I don't mind kicking a bike when it's a planned stop.

[@mikewalker3713]

Absolutely, Rekluse. I put one on my 250x, it never stalls. I only kickstart it after I kill it on purpose.

[@pokebass1]

Coming from the standpoint of a cross-country racer, I don't think this video does either bike much justice. Your viewpoint is based on the slower side of things. My question is which bike does better in a racing condition where there's tight woods, whoops, and knarly terrain.

[@dirtbiketv1]

Email Jay with questions. Contact info in About tab.

[@crispincurtis8585]

How's the service intervals on the ktm starter

[@crashlann]

Why don't you see Suzuki in the trail game as much? I have an 03 RM 250 would like to do more trail riding like your other video where you rebuilt a similar bike for that purpose.

[@TC-iz6xe]

Because they no longer produce 2 strokes

[@timprice8877]

Great review on both bikes bro!

[@dirtbiketv1]

Thanks! 👍

[@Gnome_Ramone]

I wish the ktm had a kickstart. Always the best back up

[@enduro-parts-aus]

The yz definitely feels more like a race bike . id rather buy a 2nd hand euro bike with 20/30 hours on it then have a brand new 250x

[@justicebdone7]

little unrelated but what can I do to my 2013 wr250f to wake it up, it has a lag in 1st gear, I want it to hit immediately

[@dirtbiketv1]

They can use a lot of help if its still stock-- plenty of videos-- Exhuast mod- Air box mod and then jetting will make it up for sure.

[@BlueDawnEnduro]

The FMF 4.1 woke up my 2015 WR250F!

[@zachgreene6328]

Love my yz250x the only thing I would change is have electric and kick start

[@peekingtom8337]

With the title it's not a surprise I expected that

[@mcscotty325]

The KTM never wins....literally. Check out Yamaha's racing heritage. Not to mention the reliability.

[@zacharycampbell1395]

Anyone have any experience with a big bore YZ 300X? That would be interesting

[@dirtbiketv1]

Email Jay directly with any questions. Contact info in About tab.

[@seanwahl1000]

*The yzx does not come with a larger tank. 2.1 gallons with a reserve.

[@J.white409]

The regular yz250 has 8 litres the x has 10 litres

[@seanwahl1000]

​@@J.white409 No, it has 2 liters of reserve but it's the same size tank. www.yamahamotorsports.com/cross-country/models/yz250x/specifications

[@chadrides914]

@@J.white409 this is NOT TRUE. Both use the SAME TANK

[@miloraca]

KTM is a no brainer!

[@jetdr]

The yz engine is completely bullet proof, suspension is top notch, saying that I would spend the extra and take the KTM, that engine is smooth and powerful

[@mountainvalleyfrost5777]

You need to add another thing to compare, and it's a big one. Cost of maintenance. Compare KTM parts to Yamaha and it isn't even close.

[@jordanonofer3886]

I concur. Just got a yz250x. Love it. I really like the ktm and husky also. But the yz keeps it simple. How a 2 stroke should be. I agree. Parts there is definitely a wide margin on price. just look at clutch comparisons. And brakes. That exc 300 has brembo brakes!! Also have heard the fuel injected ones run lean

[@codenamenoob4973]

In the UK for me the cost of OEM parts are much the same

[@mountainvalleyfrost5777]

@@codenamenoob4973 it makes sense that in Europe, a European product would be at its cheapest and Japanese products would be more because of shipping. Here in the US, KTM parts are 30-40% more than Yamaha's.

[@codenamenoob4973]

@@mountainvalleyfrost5777 here in the UK the price of parts is silly expensive on what ever you buy 😂 bike parts seem alot cheaper over all in the US especially going by what I see on eBay

[@mackames1603]

You and I have the exact same thoughts, keep a 2 stroke simple, why I chose the 250x over the ktm 👍🏻

[@peterga3658]

i like Yamaha for me is better in everything ... KTM are costly.. and my exp with KTM was problimatic..non stop 3 dif bikes... till i went Yamaha im not changing yamaha .

[@marcialquinones5683]

yamha cheaper give the same result and better

[@jsned2502]

I read the comments and see a lot of guys saying they went with the KTM because they could plate it. I don't know how the European bikes are able to get plated but that is a huge factor for a lot of people I know. Sales would be a lot different if this wasn't the case All the bikes are good but if this wasn't a factor the district 17 Enduro wouldn't look like a KTM owners group meeting

[@kenharris8743]

Yamaha's motors better who wants a two-stroke that rides like a four-stroke what's the point.

[@joeyriveira6697]

I hear e-start , balance shafts , hydro clutch . Yet all I hear is better . I must say hmmm why why why . The hydro clutch is not superior in the sense of reliable yes it does have a slightly better feel but requires routine maintenance . Yamaha clutch simple pull and go . Balance shafts yes smooth out vibration . E-start is nice not with the elimination of kickstart if ur far out and ur battery well dies hopefully ur on the top of a hill & not in the bottom of a ravine . So for most that aren’t lazy and just truly love to ride “Blu crew” for the win . Yamaha has made a solid platform yes no real updates in a min yet it just works . Tune the suspension with adj & your fast and efficient . For the savings u have u can easily add a smart carb to combat tpi this would make the starting efficient at any altitude and smooth out all power across the power band . In the end the ktm will cost so much more in overpriced oil and overpriced hard parts plus the maintenance is higher on the ktm from hearing my buddies who ride Orange . I’d rather have more time riding then wrenching as we all know these bikes even with trail riding will beat them down and the Yamaha will be simple and trouble free . My $.02 rant based off my findings .

[@rdgsupafli]

Basically if you want a true 2 stroke bike grab a Japanese 2 stroke and you will smile or shot your pants the whole time riding especially single track. If you want a 4 stroke feel on a 2 stroke with a heavy fat bike for hill climbs and easier riding grab a euro bike.

[@davidjohnston8863]

Modern ktm reliabilty is not like them old ones from 30 yrs ago

[@dahatchery]

I’ll take the YZ forever! I own 5 YZs. Orange is great! When it comes to parts acceptable! Orange bike are piles of crap!! Besides the orange guys spent millions in R&D where the blue crew has the best package.