Two-Stroke vs. Four-Stroke: KTM 150 SX vs. KTM 250 SX-F

When it comes to two vs. four with the small bikes, a 125 will pretty much always be outgunned by a 250F. Last time, we had a Yamaha YZ125 that was built up by Pro Circuit versus a completely stock YZ250F to see if that gap would be a little smaller. To check out that video click here - • Two-Stroke vs. Four-St...
This time, instead of modifying a 125 two-stroke, we just went with a bigger bike. The KTM 150 SX is nearly identical to the 125 SX, just with 143.99 displacement achieved by a 58mm bore cylinder. And the 250 SX-F is your standard lites class race bike. Both of the machines have full FMF exhaust systems, but other than that, are bone stock.
As you will see in the video, both bikes have things they do better than the other. Our resident ex-pro tester David Pingree and content manager Sean Klinger represent the fast end of the spectrum and the “working class vet-speed guy” end of the spectum, respectively.
And let us know which Two-Stroke vs. Four-Stroke video you want to see next.
#motocross #dirtbike #2stroke #dirtbikereview #4stroke
MB014KJVD8LTVPT

[@autohog]

For anyone who has never ridden a 2-stroke, you're seriously missing out. Props to all the manufactures that continue 2-stroke development, especially KTM.

[@Sers0812]

@Frane Bakulić you cant compare an aprilia to a Ktm or a yamaha or other big manfucators

[@jacooosthuizen3593]

@Thaddeus Oakley Amazing the password came back to what a lame looser you are!

[@jacooosthuizen3593]

@Zain Melvin Yea worked and came back saying you one toshead.

[@jrod1076]

👍

[@samoliverio7455]

So basically just KTM? 😂

[@JustMatt221-w6x]

150 is the most fun bike on the market, not once have I got off one without a smile on my face

[@Kyle_gallegher]

If going ktm what are some deciding factors between small bore 2 smoke. 125sx, 150sx and 200sx?

[@fetpoes259]

Except the time you fell on it on your profile pic😂

[@torwinland7152]

Kyle Rice 125

[@Kyle_gallegher]

@@torwinland7152 I was leaning toward this I have a lot I wish to learn. I can ride but I'm used to quad

[@ianblencowe9269]

Unless you crash😳

[@ciaremfe]

Nothing can beat a 2t fun factor

[@wyatt3896]

Hitting that powerband is an amazing experience

[@Rodri-SaKi]

Thanks for the spoiler xd

[@mixalis6168]

Hmmmm, i have fun on 2T and 4T !!

[@dman2053]

These guys are babies if they can't handle a 2 stroke

[@eatnpooter1634]

Ping gotta do a 250 2 stroke vs 250f and 450 ...

[@topspeed902]

People always arguing which one is best just have fun

[@MatthewC137]

Comparing is not arguing and they ARE just having fun. However, both guys thought the 150 was more fun so the comparison proved its value.

[@HWG-wm8ld]

That was a legitimate evaluation. The pros and cons left out were cost and maintenance. Jody said it best about a two stroke “I can work on my two stroke with a butter knife”. If mommy is paying your racing fees, go 4 stroke. For those like myself a 250 two stroke is the best way to go. Excellent video gentlemen, I’ll look for the other with the built up 125. I love my bone stock yz125! In the 40+ intermediate class, if the track isn’t sloppy, I’m not losing due to the bike and most guys are running a 450.

[@alexzanderarmstrong]

I like how much you guys broke it down. I kinda wish you did this kinda review on the garage builds. I know you gotta list off aftermarket parts but this style video is my favourite so thank you so much for free entertainment!!

[@1973f]

I raced against Pingree in 1985-1986 on KX 60s. He was in on a different plane entirely than anyone else in Montana back then. Insanely fast, nobody even came close to keeping up with him. Pure talent and an excellent rider. We all knew he would be a pro.i remember in Great Falls Montana he raced 60s, 80s and 125s and won every race.

[@powerhouse1981]

2 stroke weighs about 30 lbs less , mixed with the flicky, twitchy power, it makes it feel really responsive and jumpable. That's the benefit and fun factor. Also pulling around 30 less pounds for 6 - 8 hours is really nice, especially when trail riding and dealing with hairy situations. Have an Rm 125 bored out to 144.

[@lottolinks6394]

Ama switched for company profits and that's all. everything is twice the cost on 4T,heavier makes no sense

[@freddanhsmaskin6740]

Perfectly executed video. Sounds was clear, background music wasnt to loud, good quality microphones and the camera man got some sick angles. NEW SUB :)

[@freddanhsmaskin6740]

I got the 4 stroke btw :D

[@markmagness3693]

6:06 SPIDER!!!

[@Bryankimsey]

We have both, except in '19's and we like the 250F on the track and LOVE the 150 off-road. We've got the tank from an XC on it and it is a blast in enduros, hare-scrambles, etc. The more flicking and weaving you have to do, the better the 150 is. A guy on our minute at the last enduro did Day 1 on his 250f and then switched his 150 for Day 2. We lined up and all four of us on the minute on Day 2 were on KTM 150s. But on a motocross track... the 250F sure tracks thru the corners nice and that equals faster lap times. Totally agree on the "control" aspect mentioned here.

[@chrismerricks2175]

Did anyone notice he called the 150 a 125

[@robertwason9094]

He was saying he tested the Yamaha 125

[@robertward2777]

Yes

[@dman2053]

I don't think they understand the yz 125 and 125 sx have 2 totally different power bands

[@twistedjigco.548]

He said they tested a YZ 125 pro circuit did up vs a YZ250f ..... he called this a 150 dummy.

[@foonigan3571]

yeah clicked cuz i thought it was 125 vs 250 looking for either one im 14 kinda leaning twards 250 tho they expeeeennnnsiiiiive tho

[@PowersportsAT]

Watched a ton of 2stroke vs 4stroke dirt bike comparisons. This one did did it...2 stroke it is!

[@alexchavez9083]

Ok let's go 250 vs 250 2 stroke 4 the win

[@chriz_lbclr]

Great insight on these two bikes... really liked the comparison of laptimes of a former pro and a „normal“ guy who likes to ride and each opinion of the pros and cons...

[@reedgalbraith6508]

Did he just say 5 seconds quicker on the 4 stroke is not much of a difference per lap ..lol.. Thats huge...

[@Bruce.Wallace]

Not when you're as slow as he is. He's 30 seconds a lap slower than Pingree.

[@Harry-TramAnh]

Think it just goes to show that you are faster on a more familiar bike.

[@jlee9149]

Ya but 250 has more cc should be faster it’s all in the rider

[@Deadly1996]

@@jlee9149 no, a 150 2 stroke can be quicker with the right rider, it puts out way more power for the 150 cc than you'd expect. Don't forget a 4 stroke piston does double the work than a 2stroke

[@hunterbriggs5247]

In the period of a 3 min lap time its not that big of a difference now if it was a 55 60 sec long lap time thats the difference in 1st and 3rd place

[@12volttavern]

That is actually the most fair comparison I have seen between 2T and 4T. Kinda need to ride both and decide where and why you are going to ride it

[@eatnpooter1634]

That solves it... gotta have both in your arsenal.. 2 smoke and a 250f thumper ..#winning

[@sirhuntntersteelsirhunters2248]

Exactly

[@HochstartHarry]

Ive got a 2 stroke hard enduro bike and a 450 beast... Love both.

[@jwentz530]

A 2020 Honda, Kawasaki or Suzuki 250f vs 06/07 same manufacturer 250 2 stroke that’s dialed. My Yz’s are night and day different with the same controls and exhaust like the KTMs. Tons of fun though, keep up the great videos!

[@nickbutler411]

R we just gonna ignore how good these shots r. Like goddamn is this a review video or a movie???

[@andreasstefanou5898]

A shootout between 250 2t and 250 4t would be awesome. Overall very nice video Thanks Vital mx.

[@baby-sharkgto4902]

Pfffft no competition....... the KTM will win

[@aatumakkonen8753]

ktm best. Because its very powerful and made in europe. In america they dont do any dirbike

[@1996Takis1996]

Awesome series. Please do a 250 2stroke vs a 450 4stroke. Thank you.

[@Hasangurbiyikli]

They oll now 250 is 4 fourstroke comfert twostroke

[@dirtbiketv1]

Your both winners. But don’t mess up my track.

[@benfairhall5331]

Dirt Bike TV lol jay

[@rickrossi4468]

Yes, I've blocked all Brian Deegan and his kid dangerboy from my u tube because one day they filmed him blowing out all the berms on some California track and thought it was cool. Ur right don't f... with the track!!

[@benfairhall5331]

Rick Rossi yeah I remember that seemed pretty crap

[@calebhoffman3784]

@@rickrossi4468 y’all are quite feminine if you can’t handle someone blowing out ruts for fun at the end of the day🤣

[@paultselembis4255]

I defo agree with your comments especially fun and feel not a passenger on 150 after a couple laps is big..I ride a works 125 from suspension to motor..and I'm smiling at the end of the days riding more than my mates especially when I bet them ..I've had 450's ,250s ..wouldn't go back..$160 rebuild boyz cant beat it.. 1hr work ???

[@kyleforrest8506]

I’m just about to get 2016 Ktm xcw, so excited

[@Jamesfurtado128]

Do the ktm 350 four stroke versus a 250 two stroke.

[@kylepoe7409]

Nice review and test guys! How about a 250 two stroke vs 250 4 stroke. It would also be cool to see a 300xc vs a 350xc on a natural terrain track like the one you just used.

[@robertward2777]

A 250 2stroke would mop the floor of a 250 4 stroke yad need a 450 to stay in the race

[@Cody2nd]

Man a 250 2 stroke is not comparable to a 250f....it’s a whole other animal. You need to compare the 250 2 stroke with 450’s.

[@vaughanhodgson]

@@robertward2777 its 2022 now not 2005 a 250f and 250 2t put up very similar times as for the 450 leaves them both for dust

[@robertward2777]

@@vaughanhodgson I'd like to see it on track ur trying to tell Me a 250 2 stroke dosnt stand a chance get the 2022 yz 250 vs 450 I'd think for nearly twice the engine displacement it's as good as or greater

[@DB-fn3fz]

@@robertward2777 modern 450's are in a class of their own. No 2-stroke can touch a 450 on an mx track. CR500 with modern suspension, brakes, expert rider maybe but that's it. You're living 20 years behind. And if you want to talk about a competitive 250 2-stroke don't mention Yamaha because KTM is lighter and makes more power. Yamaha 2 strokes right out of the box are good for the wallet, not for laptimes.

[@two_stroke_abuser]

2T until you can't buy them anymore! Sweet vid 🤟🤟

[@waynemarcotte1654]

Whenever you here these kinds of comments about comparing2t and 4t . It becomes clear that riding 2t for a good long time b4 going to 4t makes u a better rider overall.

[@flacco1679]

Growing up riding banshees on the street , I always felt like hitting the power band was like a nitrous scene from fast and the furious 😂😂

[@deepwebbands5574]

Hey, love the video! If I had to choose, that 2 stroke 150! Amazing test, but I have just one question. What is the intro music PLEASE?

[@dangabriel8246]

I’ve had my 2017 ktm 150 for about 2 months and the things a blast!

[@titusmexia9249]

It’s 2024 now! How would you rate that bike out of 10/10? What was your favorite experience on it ? I’m thinking about buying a bike real soon

[@nicholasmorris617]

I wish you could put a STIC metering block in a 2 stroke and do a back to back with the stock carb

[@NYSparky705]

Yea, both! 250 v 250 yess!

[@supersubes]

How cool is that 150? Gotta be the perfect track toy. Kudos for Ktm sticking with the smokers.

[@andyk4688]

They make the best. I have had 3. I’m on a 21’ 250 best bike ever!

[@supersubes]

@@andyk4688 ive had two 300 xc-w’s, and current is 20’ six days. Found a track nearby recently, just might have to spring for a SX.

[@michaeldixon6619]

Please make a video with same engine size 2t and 4t 250

[@nathanielostrowski2437]

I see a lot of comparisons videos but I have never seen a KTM 250 SXF vs. 250 SX? Would love to see the difference. Would be a true comparison

[@TimTheMusicMan]

What was the weight difference between the two ?

[@renski8976]

They're both great! Stop fighting lol.

[@jimpanzer07]

I ride for fun so the 150SX, premix/race gas combo is very tough to beat!

[@stpfarms]

It’s fuel injected I don’t think you need to premix

[@RinaldsH]

Thx guys. Can you make video 450 vs 250 2stroke.

[@eddiegilson5201]

Did you try winding the powervalve adjuster in to give the 150 more bottom?

[@alexandrakingi8502]

Do the 250 sx v.s 250 sxf next or the 250sx v. S ktm 450 sxf

[@cleanmachineautodetailing]

as a vet id really like to try one of those 150's. my rmz450 is fun but like you guys said at the end of the day I feel like I'm just there holding on and not really riding it. plus the weight savings would be sweet.

[@timopoindl1584]

Where have You bought that awsome numberplates?

[@graememcelligott8874]

Cool comparo! Loved the YZ version too. It would be very interesting to see how the 250 2T and 4T compare - from what I've seen the two stroke doesn't produce THAT much more power than the four stroke in the 250cc displacement. Great point about ease of riding, I am 61 and ride a YZ125 and love how I am not always behind the bike. With my mediocre skills that counts for a lot.

[@connorbrxy6556]

A 250 2 stroke does definitely have more power than a 4 stroke 250

[@weesmokeythe2strokey352]

The 250 2t has a little more power but alot more torque, that makes it "pull" alot harder but the 4t revs higher allowing you to pull a lower gear for longer giving it a mechanical advantage and has smoother power, that being said the 2t should pull away slightly but the 4t may have more manageable power and be easier to put the power down, that's my opinion and I'm a 2 stroke fan

[@dennygamble4520]

Mod 250F vs stock 250 two stroke and stock 350.

[@slopetechno]

Which FMF expansion pipe did the 150 have?

[@TeoZMuff313]

Worse thing about 2 strokes is their fanboys

[@dennismillus4581]

I think the Dyno #'s are closer than you think.

[@seyha4001]

Amazing

[@cyrillincoln]

Great comparison review of these 2 bikes. For my money, I wish KTM was still making the 2-stroke 200 - probably the best all-round displacement for enduro / technical fun riding. The 150 is too close to a 125, and it lacks a little on the bottom end. I would be interested to see your lap times on a 125 compared to the 150?

[@manoliswec5674]

200 was a mess for technical terrain. all the power of the world in 100 rpm range, you got to be 1 gear up all the time. its an 125 with bigger cylinder so not a clean sheet bike, i would go for a bata 200 instead even though i love ktms (except 200). 200 was great for mx. for enduro you had to put a sx 200 exhaust to make it ridable but it leaves small clearance on the rocky trails... i had one switch to 125 and im a happy rider!!!!

[@lottolinks6394]

you ever hear of a 150 mod lol

[@Aqzuahl]

Before I buy one of the two , can anyone explain the difference between the 125sx and the 150sx in terms of how they both ride differently?

[@quadcityracing]

Joeyt We have a ‘19 Ktm 125sx and a yz250f and a crf250r with a big bore. I’ve ridden many 150sx’s at Ktm ride days and the are harder to ride but do offer more midrange. The 125sx feels like it has more bottom just cause it’s on the pipe so quick, even though it probably has less. I would say the 125 feels seem less, where as the 150sx is more light-switch like on and off the pipe. They ride the same as far as handling/suspension.

[@donaldjones787]

Where can i get those plastics????

[@jasonvoorhees2701]

Those 150's rip ... great bikes ..

[@gitasusnjara6637]

Which one is better(crazy,faster) sx150 or sxf250

[@copisetic1104]

I had the KTM 200 two stroke, never had problems getting around any 250f.

[@bigram7235]

Ping, I would love to see the “GREEN GOBLIN” KX 250 vs a 250f kawi.

[@bigram7235]

Michael Pullins I hear ya but that’s a 2013 kx450. The 2019 and beyond are much faster. Want to see the goblin race a new 250 and 450. I have a fully modified 03 KX 250. It’s a BAD MOFO!!!!!

[@tanjamuller3664]

Is the 2 stroke lighter?

[@kvvonga8016]

Y didnt u guys used the 250 2 stroke?

[@tofamous2163]

What has more power

[@thor6264]

I like two strokes and 4 strokes because there both fun

[@gamerscockpit]

Sorry......did he says it is PINGA and KLINGA here at the intro??? What a great team.......pop em down and never let go!

[@sqlb3rn]

I grew up on 2 strokes, now I have a CR125, YZ250F, and 350SX-F.... hard to pick a favorite. My YZ250F is almost as light as the CR125, and just feels like it has way more power... with the CR I bog out a lot because it has to be ridden wide the fuck open all the time. The KTM is a lot of bike, about 25 pounds heavier than my YZ, it's a blast and I know it has the power to chug me up any hill, but I have to respect the throttle and weight of the bike more.

[@vincentbarrios3527]

My 19 150 is amazing but it’s only got 16 hours and I’ve chipped 3 reeds on it already all at different times

[@dennismillus4581]

Get your hands on a Steel framed 93-01 CR500. Along with a CR500af. Then your Best 450.

[@DjSice]

250 2 stroke vs 250 4 stroke aint a competititon lol

[@craigf7188]

True comparison is 250 v 250 as only reason 125 v 250 were compared were due to the ridiculous concessions granted to four strokes by AMA. Excellent review though but a 250 v 250 please.

[@2DclanSnipingTeam]

Stop! It's been 20 years. Power stroke displacement is the same at any given RPM, 125 2t and 250 4t. Educate yourself.

[@davidjdunham]

why dont these two race?

[@quavo2326]

That 4 stroke screaming round the track sounds expensive, Ill stick to 2 stroke there made to be pinned

[@JETZcorp]

150 vs 250. That tells you immediately which is the better design. If your car has a 1.5L engine and you can run with a 2.5L, the smaller one is just a more advanced design. But we know what happens when they're allowed to be on equal footing. 4-strokes were the standard until the early 70s, when the 2-strokes came in and seal-clubbed them.

[@IBOO57]

It has nothing to do with a 2-stroke being more advanced. It's simply because a 2-stroke has twice as many power strokes.

[@JETZcorp]

@@IBOO57 Well "advanced" is really just a meaningless term. I'm just tired of hearing 4-stroke people claim it for their underpowered and overcomplicated contraptionry.

[@enochvance2497]

Do a Ktm 250 sx vs ktm 250 sx-f

[@CharlesHeitzler]

What's the song please ?

[@ablejohnson738]

I have a 6000SU-XCW TPI. It's bad ass! I'll buy that for a dollar.

[@waltwalt9632]

Wish y’all would have Dyno’d them yes the 250 makes more power, but it would have been nice to actually see the charts side by side or something so you can see how the 2 stroke makes power in different parts of rpm range compared to the 4stroke, that would help ppl understand why a 2stroke has to be rode on the pipe all the time an all the shifting you have to do. And a lot more

[@thebullbog]

Love 2strokes I have a 98rm 250 and love it.

[@thebullbog]

@Michael Pullins my son rides a 99 kx250 I'm kinda jealous love kowai's

[@robertrishel3685]

So how would a 150cc 2 stroke compare to a 150cc four stroke? That is the true reality of the matter, this arbitrary cc handicap (and it IS a handicap) placed on two strokes is nonsense. Compared equally, cc to cc as they rightfully should be, there would be NO comparison. Less moving parts, better power to weight, less rotating mass, less expensive to maintain and build.....two strokes are superior for pure performance off road. If they had been developed with the resources, time and commitment as four strokes had been, they could be so much better right now.... just imagine. We have been done a grave disservice by the AMA, with this ludicrous handicap placed on 2 stroke race bikes.

[@brane1872]

Idk pal 250cc 4t single cylinder bikes are making 60hp in moto3

[@drunkdonkey1009]

Go with the 250 xc or 250 sx

[@IkeHowell]

should i go for the 150sx or go for the tc125?🤔

[@aliceinchainslessons8713]

My dilemma too. Did you decide?

[@michaeldixon6619]

If you testing any more bikes have a 250 2stroke against a 250 4 stroke then tell me which bike is better

[@midnitespecialist4872]

not fair. a 250 2t vs a 400 4t would be the fair comparison in a fantasy land

[@maxandreev27]

250sx vs 250sxf ? )))

[@petrolheadfamily6465]

Brilliant content i allso do videos

[@damonjones9270]

Unfair comparison, do a 250r vs 250f

[@Kyle_gallegher]

If you had to go small bore 2 stroke - 125sx 150sx 200sx which and why?

[@_the_low_gold_gamer_2501]

Kyle Rice honestly Proud owner of 150 rode 250 f soo much more enjoyable makes you a better rider too

[@petergriffin4629]

Just one cool Detail they missed, those 150s are injected now, if I am not mistaken, so you don't even have to think about premix anymore.

[@poullinneberg7767]

they are not dude

[@petergriffin4629]

@@poullinneberg7767 Sure? That what does the "I" in the name stand for?

[@kirkthepimp1]

Peter Griffin the sx ones are not trail model yes

[@petergriffin4629]

@@kirkthepimp1 ahh that's it, I wonder why they don't put the i engine into the sx. I went to the eicma and they had one there. Though I mean, I think for most amateur riders the Enduro is the better choice anyways.

[@kirkthepimp1]

Peter Griffin the carb bikes definitely pack more of a punch as of now that’s if the carb is set up properly and tpi I believe adds like 7+ pounds or something like. The more tpi develops the better it will be. So maybe in the future

[@noahleyba8057]

Why don’t you guys put a 2 stroke against 4 stroke with the same engine displacement? Ex 250 v 250

[@2DclanSnipingTeam]

Stop! It's been 20 years. Power stroke displacement is the same at any given RPM, 125 2t and 250 4t. Educate yourself.

[@jpross_1128]

Would be no comparison

[@mariusandersson1639]

Can someone help me? Looking for a bike, just for fun - nothing serious driving or anything, some trackdays and so on! Is the 150 the right one?

[@justinwhittaker3819]

Ya for sure I just picked up a new one in may and it is a thrill to ride, it’s plenty capable and I love it at the track and Desert

[@benfarr6049]

The 150 is a blast and way more fun factor. I got rid of a 19 250f and don't regret it at all.

[@mariusandersson1639]

@@justinwhittaker3819 Perfect, thank you!

[@mariusandersson1639]

​@@benfarr6049 Amazing, thanks!

[@BUDI_PURNAMA_VLOG]

Good

[@gavinhucks2869]

Why not 250 vs 250

[@spark60412]

Do you need to worry about regulations and the places you can ride when you get a two stroke? For example are there states that have outlawed two strokes from being in their state parks? How about private tracks banning two strokes?

[@michaeldixon6619]

Use same engine sizes makes it even

[@kenharris8743]

Why are they comparing two bikes when the Porsche what's 100 cc's bigger? Want to take him pair of 250 4 stroke to 250 2 stroke since four strokes sold good?

[@toddoverby5538]

I've had my 2008 144 since new. It still looks and runs great. You gotta know how to use the clutch for sure but it is a ton of fun and sounds awesome. I'd like to get a new bike but I just can't think of a good reason since I love my 144 so much. I'm sure I'd be faster on a 300 but I don't think it would thrill me like ringing out the 144.

[@jasonlewers6396]

250 four strokes are so good even if they were 200's they would still prob beat the 125 and 150 ! Does KTM still make the 200 two stoke ? just wondering because they make a 350 four stroke which is probably perfect bike however 200 two banger vs 350 for stroke would be Epic !

[@ousaboyfake8027]

125 How much

[@delectablydiabolical340]

Why aren't you comparing the 250sx to the 250sxf? Why do you guys always compare bigger four strokes to smaller two strokes? Just that should tell everyone the 2 stroke is better.

[@roosterguerrero2234]

It looks like the 150 is the same size of a the 250

[@crimsonMX]

nothing beats a 2 stroke, believe me it all boils down to the rider's skill and not the strokes of the bike, an experienced rider can kick ass on both machines.

[@fullnoyz7670]

150 everyday of the week