More Fun? 2017 KTM 300 XC or Yamaha YZ250X - Episode 201

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I know I said before that picking one of these bikes is like picking one of your kids over the others, but here I have to come up with one of the two that is more fun to ride. Remember how your mom or dad told you that there are “girls you date” and then there are “girls that you marry”? That is a little bit how I feel about these two dirt bikes. The Yamaha YZ250X is the bike that I love to “date”, but the KTM 300 XC is the bike that I’m going to marry. Don’t read too much into that little analogy, because I could be totally happy “marrying” the YZ250X!
Getting back to the point here… these two dirt bikes are the most fun dirt bikes I have ever owned but for different reasons. The Yamaha isn’t as refined as the KTM and somehow that doesn’t even bother me! The KTM has 50 more cc’s giving it more low end power, but it also makes the bike rev a bit slower overall. The front forks on the Yamaha are quite possibly the best that have ever been put on a dirt bike, but the new AER fork on the KTM is probably the best air fork ever designed and they are lighter than the SSS forks on the Yami.
None of that really matters though if all you are trying to answer is surrounding which bike is more fun to ride. For me, I give the edge ever so slightly to the Yamaha, mostly because it just feels so light and raw. This 2017 KTM 300 XC is the most fun KTM I have even been around, but the 2017 Yamaha YZ250X tips the “fun” scale about 1 degree more for me.
Notwithstanding the ever so slight fun factor edge the Yamaha has for me over the KTM, I feel the KTM is a more well rounded dirt bike (6 speed, hydro clutch, electric start, 300 cc’s, desert tank, etc), so it’s the one I’m going to keep long term out of the two.
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[@ronaldbronson1285]

I cant wait until 2027 and i can afford one of these on craigslist

[@DirtBikeChannel]

They are rather expensive, aren't they?

[@JoeL-mm2lc]

And people will still be asking $3k+ for a 10yr old KTM

[@ronaldbronson1285]

Joe L most I've spent for a bike is 1k 😂 but in California if you want to ride in the summer you gotta ride pre 2002

[@enduro-parts-aus]

i guess good things hold their value

[@MrThenry1988]

Lol.

[@Jake-tt6mk]

As always ...very much appreciate the time and the effort that it no doubt takes to do these videos Kyle! Cheers mate!

[@flashdrz]

The Yamaha is way more reliable.

[@jerrycollins6305]

The 250x is definitely the most fun bike I've ever ridden! Going riding tomorrow and can't wait! My last bike was a KTM 250 xc-w so I wanted a change. I have no regrets on going blue. KTM 2'strokes are great but man is the Yammie a blast to ride!

[@DirtBikeChannel]

Too bad I'm covered in snow here. I can't ride!

[@lukedvisscher4676]

Almost brings tears to my eyes hearing you guys talk about these like this. also you left the petcock on, on the YZ! lol

[@DirtBikeChannel]

:)

[@jeffbelkwell2113]

Thanks I had a crf450x I thought I liked it but sold it and pulled the trigger on the 2019 yz250x it changed my life like you said it's a part of me when I ride I'm 50/50 track and trail it. I'm way faster all a round

[@Bmxr1991]

This is probably my favorite channel on KZbin

[@deborahchesser7375]

If the Yamaha was a 300 it would be a beast, not to mention legendary Yamaha reliability

[@jackcrute8606]

Deborah chesser nothing compares in my opinion

[@brianmorrison9066]

Well, no not really.

[@Duken4evr1]

Recently rode a '17 KTM 300 with the counterbalancer - what a machine, easily as smooth as any 4 stroke. The '18 model finally adds FI. This is a great time to be a dirt bike rider. I have a '13 'Berg 300 2T and it is awesome, but removing all the vibes from a two stroke is a real eye opener.

[@inlinesick]

I was struggling like you guys, over deciding which one, and like in this video, i CAN'T own both! So the 3K more and all the issue the 2017 KTM has suffer so far, i decided to go Blue! I loved my 2015 YZ 250 and it has been Bulletproof! KTM simply isn't unfortunately, so doing a Big bore and hydrolic clutch and tank on the new 2017 250X, and still under KTM base price!

[@DirtBikeChannel]

Where I live, you can't do all those mods and be under the price of the KTM. Not to mention that the Yamaha will never have e start....

[@inlinesick]

that is true though, no E-start! How come you guys didnt run into tuning issues??

[@brennonschwartz8504]

I think an amazing series for you guys to do is get like a 2014 150 xc or a 200 xcw (or a 125 any smaller bore bike)and you guys do everything to make it the best it can be! Or a mx bike to a enduro bike

[@desertghost3056]

Great video series guys. Can't wait to see what's next, although I think I have an idea where you may be heading based on comments I've read back and forth over the last year. I hope both you and Sam and your families have an incredible 2017. Stay safe and maybe I'll see you on the trail. Thanks again for the vids.

[@DirtBikeChannel]

Thanks for your support. Looking at getting a Beta 300 and a Sherco 300 for testing in 2017.

[@dirtbikesam]

Thanks you too!

[@austinburnham9317]

Hey Kyle! You should do a Camera gear video. Go over your equipment and what settings you use. I love your stuff and keep producing! Thanks!!

[@DirtBikeChannel]

I did one a while back. It's in my video feed.

[@brianmorrison9066]

It's like this: If it's really slow or really fast, the 300xc is a little better. If it is anything in between, the 250x is way better. The suspension and handling is confidence inspiring and trustworthy. Plus the 300xc feels cramped.

[@NigelNaughton]

The answer is NOT arbitrary...The answer IS the KTM 300! ...thanks for watching ;-) P.S. 1st!

[@JasonNaughton]

Nigel Naughton you wish!

[@joepicone6348]

Nigel Naughton they are different bikes you have to put in a little more effort on the 250X. I think both bikes are great for enduro.

[@joshdury3735]

But yet KTM’s are a lot more maintenance it’s been proven over a 4 year span Yamaha 1st and Honda and Suzuki in a tie in 2nd

[@risingeagle915]

Ok which bike: 250XC or YZ250X? If E-start is the big factor would a Rekluse in the X help balance the disadvantage?

[@AnimalMother85]

I'd love to see a Beta X-trainer thrown into the mix.

[@shark11175]

I've got a freshly built 00' YZ250 steel frame with ohlins suspension and FMF pipes 46t rear sprocket , the bike stomps 450s all day it is so fucking fast and capable sounds tremendous aswell

[@morley3810]

I own the 250x and I'm a Yamaha fanboy... That disclaimer aside, I think you nailed it. Good insight as usual guys!

[@DirtBikeChannel]

Thanks Morley

[@oherroprease207]

Just made a $500 purchase on Rocky Mountain through the link on your website! Anything helps right??

[@DirtBikeChannel]

Thank you so much. That helps more than you know.

[@kellybrown6988]

I’ve been using an easy pull clutch system on my yz 250’s and it’s way easier to pull than a hydraulic clutch.

[@matbrown160]

I’m surprised you liked the 250x that much, but I’m happy you did since I’m looking at purchasing one. A lot of people seem to have carb problems off the batt and go to lectron or something. Did you have any issues stock on the 250x?

[@440cubicinch]

In episode 191 you installed a RT Tech head on your KTM. Are you still using the RT tech head?? And now that you have had a chance to ride with it more whats your opinion of it?? Thanks and keep up the good work.

[@suhwateezea.214]

Loved this video man!!! Ride on!!

[@Chera69Kimiko300]

Fun in a dirtbike is great....but when you race one in technical stuff that will be the last thing you care about when rating the performance. There's a million fun bikes out there that only a pro could use in technical...

[@DirtBikeChannel]

Unless you get paid to ride/race dirt bikes, I think fun is pretty important :)

[@lukeford2150]

I've ridden a gas gas xc300e and I can tell you that all 300 motors are good at nothing but technical trails. rocks, roots, logs, any obstacles. yet I have ridden a KTM 250 and a gas gas 250. both are flickable and want to go fast. and yes. are more fun.

[@goodboyringo9716]

If the two bikes are that close , look at the price cause the Yamaha is only 7400.00 vs KTM 9500.00 I just had a dealer tell me 10,000 for the KTM. The only thing gets me from the start is the blue color and the blue wheels , not a great color for me.

[@Cloud-rp4ev]

Take the YZ, add a ESR 325 big bore, 11oz/13oz fly-wheeel, Magura hydraulic clutch, Lectron carb, and then compare again! DO IT!!

[@cribbsmatt]

When do the modifications start on the YZ - tank, hydraulic clutch, etc ??

[@DirtBikeChannel]

I'm not sure I'll be able to make any mods before moving onto the next bike.

[@t_orcutt4621]

Another great vid. No issues with the reeds on the 300 XC? I've seen a lot of chatter about reed issues online about them not sealing properly and even breaking in some cases as they're supposed to be flimsy? I usually tend to take the internet chatter with a grain of salt, but our local KTM dealer had one come back as the reeds broke and have since ordered aftermarket kits for the bikes they have on hand. Regardless, seems like a pretty quick and easy fix and I'll likely be buying a 300, after they put the aftermarket reeds in of course! Haha Any thoughts?

[@motocross211]

My XC has 4.5 hours. I've had them out and seen how they don't seal properly. There will be a Rad Valve and VForce cage for these out by February/March is what I heard. I will be getting these.

[@DirtBikeChannel]

I have about 20 hours on the bike. Reeds on mine are perfect. Just had them out to look at them yesterday. Don't read into all the hype about reeds and carbs and such. Most of it is just talk. Sure, there are some issues out there with certain guys, but most of what I hear is "parroting" people repeating something they read somewhere. Just my two cents.

[@Bryan-Hensley]

My older KTM came factory with a rad valve

[@jasonmcphetridge9322]

great video, thanks.

[@gynn4622]

thought that was connor McGregor

[@GeneMcEntire]

So I'm wondering, you've mentioned one of the reasons you prefer the Kato over the YZ is the 300 "luggability" factor. Well, what if you were to throw a Eric Gorr 300 kit on the YZ along with a 90z FWW and maybe even a Magura Hydro clutch kit? Do you think that might take the YZ over the top? I ask this only b/c I'm considering getting one of those and doing just that instead of buying another 300XC. I've run the numbers and I'm pretty sure that would save me a decent sum over the Kato. I've been on KTMs for so long now that I may have forgotten how to kick start and bike though.... really worried I'd miss the crap outta e-start!

[@zacharycampbell1395]

Did you build your YZ300X yet??

[@GeneMcEntire]

@@zacharycampbell1395 Nope, I did buy a new YZ250X and ran it for about 6months before someone talked me into selling it to them and then I went back to a 450 then back to a new KTM 300 and now back on another 450 :) :) The idea of a YZ300X with a balanced crank is still on my wish list...

[@zacharycampbell1395]

@@GeneMcEntire what 450? What kind of trails do you ride? The stuff that we have here is medium speed, second and third gear, but there are a lot of roots and I want something that I can snap the throttle and lift the front end with easily. I just bought a brand new KLX 300r and I hate it, it's way too heavy and anemic.

[@GeneMcEntire]

@@zacharycampbell1395 I'm in Utah and ride a very wide variety of stuff from high mountain ST to lower DEZ as well as a lot of MX. So to say I expect a lot outta my bike is putting it lightly. Most of my riding is pretty technical which is why I also use a Rekluse.

[@bryanroberts]

Traditionally good riders could make a mediocre bike look great.. With these two bikes the roles are reversed!! I've been fortunate enough to spend some time on a 17 300 and it's by far the best out of the dealer bike I've been on. I hope to get some time in on the yammer soon! Great video as always Kyle!

[@DirtBikeChannel]

Yes, they are both great bikes.

[@nateemmett4485]

Im 40 hours deep into my 250XC now and I'm still in love. Also, have a part number for the Cycra plastic skid on the 300? One more favor if you have an aluminum one any chance we could get a weight comparison between a plastic and aluminum plate? Thanks for the great vids keep it up!

[@DirtBikeChannel]

I don't have a part number for you. Sorry.

[@woods462]

Yz would of been the bike if had an electric start

[@theblishknovk]

I also wish it came with a headlight. Especially when u get closer to winter time and sun is down at like 430. I dont understand why 90% of these bikes dont come with a light.

[@cleanmachineautodetailing]

Do you have the full resolution pictures of the bikes? Would make sweet backgrounds

[@bryce6267]

Why is this not listed as "part 3" of 2017 KTM 300 XC or Yamaha YZ250X? love the videos:)

[@DirtBikeChannel]

Just doing something different.

[@enduro-parts-aus]

i had a yz450f 2014 i also defiantly never felt at home on it

[@drewcole297]

Love the content. Do you know of some older bikes that may be more affordable but still are great bikes?

[@drewcole297]

Something still in the 250 or 300 range.

[@greg657]

Jacob Cole you can find good yz 250 s, best ones from 07 on up. they got the sss forks and those are the same forks as the 2016 yz. maybe some slight valving differences but more or less the same. Pretty hard to find a bad 250,they we're all good. I say they yz cause it's still produced.

[@drewcole297]

Greg Or Jen thanks for the help :)

[@nutzy99ify]

Get a gnarly a shorty and do the 1 stage p.v mod. . And if the yz250x was a 300 like the 300xc the 250x would win.

[@deborahchesser7375]

Daniel La Breche I agree if Yamaha made it a 300 it would be a monster

[@federicogonzalez03]

Will the yz250x be right for hard enduro? Or xtreme enduro?

[@bertilnilsdongguiffu3088]

No

[@butterpanda2153]

im a 2 stroke guy ii have a ktm 300 exc but ii dont get how some one can love 2 stroke so much more. is 2 stroke better yes but i can have just as much fun on my old xr 250

[@justinw426]

Kyle, in your opinion even with the upgrades you had on your previous XC suspension, is the 2017 still superior from a suspension standpoint?

[@DirtBikeChannel]

The 2017 KTM 300 XC is superior to the 2015 version in every way. Just my opinion.

[@RickOrt78]

Either would certainly put a wide smile on my face, but........

[@MrDaniel2394]

Try some hard enduro! :) continue doing this awesome vids. Happy new year!

[@DirtBikeChannel]

I do a bit of that, but don't get cameras out since it's a pain to film and ride. Plus the gopro's make is all look so stupid, that I don't usually put any of it up.

[@Maxvett]

Hey Kyle love the channel! I'm having a hard time choosing between a two stroke or a four stroke. Currently I drive a 2008 400ex that I had for about five years, and I want something different like a dirt bike. I want to buy a trail bike, I mostly drive at st. Joe state park. Which bike do you prefer.

[@johanleroux38]

2 stroke

[@johnfields6603]

what a rookie summer of "79 l was 16 years old l had a Yamaha TT500F stock except for a. white brothers pipe a K&N air cleaner Fox air shocks,and Simmons forks , l made it streett legal and l had a "79 YZ400 almost all D G super radical bike with a Tereflex 5.30x18 tire that would shred anything and l can't remember how many guys l made crash because they ate my roost so bad... I have had 3 CR 500's and many other bikes .... just sayin

[@ZSharkPH]

Kyle help me out brother.. I can't find the video of you riding with the guy who bought your YZ250X. I'd like to watch it again if you could paste a link would really appreciate it.

[@matthewhayden2529]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/mZ6somiclJeJr9U This should be it z shark.

[@kcw1349]

I'd love to hear a comparison between the 250 exc vs the yz 250x.

[@DirtBikeChannel]

And if I owned one at the moment, I'd do it. Alas, I don't have one...

[@FilmREALMS]

If thats a 250x why is it laying on the ground? Did you fall and take out your iphone for a quick pic?

[@5AXISDLOCKHART]

Has anyone done a port map comparing the X to the regular mx yz?

[@kierancunningham5391]

Quick question about my 2 stroke. I have a Honda CR85 and it can take up to 5 minutes to start. Do you have any idea why this may be??

[@MrJones-ue2tw]

Kieran Cunningham ya time for top end!!

[@timdskibum]

Come on Kyle... This is the first video that Sam actually smiled on. Give that guy a break - he obviously would rather be riding then commenting on your silly videos...

[@DirtBikeChannel]

I'll let him know you are looking out for him.

[@dirtbikesam]

haha

[@greg657]

don't think Yamaha was targeting the 300 xc when they built the yz. every time someone compares these two,the 300 comes out on top simply because of displacement. they both have strengths and weaknesses . both great bikes but 250 xc to yzx would be a more suitable contest.

[@DirtBikeChannel]

This isn't a contest :) It's just for fun and I picked the Yamaha for being more fun.

[@greg657]

Dirt Bike Channel I get that, just used contest for lack of better words. I jumped from ktm back to yamaha last year when they introduced the X. great channel.

[@DirtBikeChannel]

I love that YZ250X more than just about any other bike I have tried.

[@greg657]

Dirt Bike Channel yamaha put a lot more into the X than most people realize. again,I came off a ktm. obviously I miss the e start,but the bike starts so easy,not really an issue,most of the time. the cable clutch is flawless, no issue whatsoever,and where we ride, deep woods, a lot of clutch work. I prefer the smaller tank, the ktm's feel really fat to me because of the larger tank .i don't care bout the handguards, my ktm guards are still on the shelf in the shop, I run barkbusters.the motor is magic,may not have the grunt that the 300 does but don't care,slight slip of the clutch is all it takes.W also know the engine is as reliable as a woodstove. suspension is a little harsh over the slow,square edge rocks and roots but pick up the speed and it straightens up and Flys rite. Yamaha did a great job for a first shot of tuning a moto x into a deadly off road bike. it's also the lowest price mainstream off road race bike on the market. glad you like it, have a great new year.

[@noone3633]

Great channel but can y'all review a Kx not a kxl

[@carmane2894]

What happened to the shroud graphics on the KTM?

[@DirtBikeChannel]

New plastic, but the graphic kit had not arrived yet.

[@nealbrooker4295]

that good eh, you might have talked me into putting my 250fx up for sale!

[@DirtBikeChannel]

To me, the YZ250X is so much more fun than the YZ250FX, it's pretty amazing. I'd take the 2 stroke version of this bike every day of the week.

[@r.cic1596]

Neal Brooker the 250x makes my head explode every time I ride it

[@jimmygritz9714]

Neal u try it yet?

[@nealbrooker4295]

@@jimmygritz9714 I've tried the ktm 300 and it's so good but never did ride a 250x

[@shadowlm315]

Sam looks like he's trying really hard not to poop himself or something lol FOCUS!

[@DirtBikeChannel]

I can't stop laughing at this comment.

[@shadowlm315]

Dirt Bike Channel same here, I can't watch this video without laughing!

[@dirtbikesam]

haha I am always trying not to "poop" myself. It's a constant challenge.

[@shadowlm315]

Dirtbike Channel Sam Yeah, I mean aren't we all lol. I can see if now, a screenshot or text message was sent from Kyle to Sam about this.

[@DirtBikeChannel]

Oh, I emailed a screenshot to him right away!

[@jasonholt2741]

Kyle, a cheap bike to review, pitster pro lxr 250.. looks interesting..

[@Freshman24727]

JTH YZ250X why would he review a cheap chinese pit bike that most of his viewers would not be interested anyways, also after him owning 300 two strokes and 450's i don't think he would give a good review on it lol

[@greg657]

jack sisneros a review of the Chinese bikes would Be good . people who were thinking of getting one would owe him money for the pain and suffering he would save them after the bikes break during a ride.lol

[@Freshman24727]

Greg Or Jen If you look at it that way then it's a good review lol

[@FilmREALMS]

Everyone gets a trophy

[@Calculatedrisk262]

I have a 2008 KTM 300xc I am waiting for KTM to get fuel injection before I buy a new bike. But, I don't trust the air forks. I don't want to buy a bike with air forks. I am a heavy guy. Why do you like the air forks. ?

[@benlundgren3760]

Yamahas a nice bike never rode the Ktm would like to

[@howardwoods342]

Rode both, they are both great. I went with the 2021 yz 250x, with the money i saved put a lectron on, v force reeds and full exhaust and still had money left over. Anyway those upgrades brought it to the bottom end power and ability to lug luke the ktm. Its cheaper to work on and more reliable. YZ for the win. But both great bikes

[@tanyamarr7545]

4 strokes have tractable power

[@motocross211]

Go ride a 300 two stroke and then tell me that they don't.

[@RamboProductionz]

nothing chugs as low as a European 300

[@Maicowerk]

Except a European 700

[@RamboProductionz]

Were talking about offroad race bikes not a big ass maico dual sport

[@Maicowerk]

It is an offroad race bike, not a dual sport. There is also a 500 that would out chug a 300.

[@killerkork]

What about the KTM 250 xc ??

[@DirtBikeChannel]

Just rode it for the first time on Saturday. Holy. crap. That thing was amazing. Talking about the 2017 KTM 250 XC.

[@Scruffybiggems]

berad where u at

[@robchesley4591]

Man.. I'm a Yamaha guy but I hate that ugly blue. Ktm is beautiful.. new plastics I guess

[@marcialquinones5683]

yamaha

[@hobidolap]

2017 ktm exc 300...

[@rz350yam]

No E-start = No Yamaha.

[@WHITEHEADTJ71]

rz350yam =lazy

[@rz350yam]

Yep, at 58+, I gotta have that magic button.

[@rz350yam]

Agree.

[@OffroadEffex]

I mean.... KTM e-start never works anyway ;)

[@rz350yam]

Mine do. Just gotta do a bit of maintenance every couple of years, like anything else on a dirtbike. Blessing in disguise when on the side of a gnarly mountain trail, and you stall the bike, using your brakes to hold yourself in position and no place to put a foot down to kick the damn thing. Trust me, having no e-start seals the deal: No Yamaha. Their sales against KTM most likely reflect that. I have yet to see one of these in the Colorado Mountains where I ride.

[@ronibelson]

again// the same vids exc350-350 yam250x.....

[@yellowlight3512]

come on stop with this comparison please

[@DirtBikeChannel]

Done :)