Would You Rather? KTM 250 XC Vs Yamaha YZ250X

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I get this question a lot in my email. So many guys love the YZ250X since it’s a great platform, great motor, great forks, and it’s a cheaper bike than some of the others.
Lets get another thing out of the way, I didn’t like the YZ250X, I LOVED my 2017 YZ250X… go back and watch the review I did on it. GLOWING remarks at the time.
Lets set aside the fact that the Yamaha YZ250X is literally a 2004- 2006 YZ250 (16-18 years old) with an 18" rear wheel, lower compression motor, a little extra flywheel weight, Kickstand, and a weird spaced 5 speed gear box that doesn’t really work that great anywhere.
$7600 vs $10,000 - $2400 cheaper but it’s 18 model years older!
I’ll take the KTM 250XC any day of the week and twice on Saturday!
Don’t get me started on the bolt on starter kit making the bike much heavier overall and giving us the same design of starter that everyone complained about on the KTMs for a decade. Not interested in that. You’d blow half the amount you saved by buying this bike and end up with a Frankenstein bike. No offense.
Motors
* The KTM motor makes smooth power over a wide RPM range - pulls hard everwhere
* The KTM motor is counter balanced - smoother than some of the 4 strokes I’ve ridden
* The Yamaha motor lacks bottom end and signs off sooner on the top end
* While the Yamaha motor doesn’t vibrate as much as some 2 strokes, it’s a rattle box compared to the modern (2017 and newer) KTM 2 strokes
Forks
* This is where all the Yamaha Fan boys think they are going to win!
* Yes, the KYB fork and valving on the Yamaha is good. Yes, it was better than the WP fork for a LOOOONNNGG time, but in 2020, I’d take the WP Exact fork for the adjuabitly and balance. It’s that good.
* I like that I can adjust the air pressure on my 250 XC to suit the terrain we are going to do. More versatile to me.
* Yes, I have some great KYB forks, even in this room right now on the Sherco, but they Arne’t “better anymore” IMO.
Frame
* The KTM smokes the Yamaha here. It’s just more modern and more balanced. Yes, the Yamaha feels good in the whoops and high speed, but it’s more sluggish and stubborn in the slower more technical terrain.
Weight
In 2017, it was 1.5 lbs heavier than my 2017 250 XC. Now with the 2020 TPI, it’s 2.5 lbs lighter, but it’s missing a battery and electric start.
* Yes, it’s 2 lbs lighter but about half of that weight is in lesser fuel it has
* It’s carrying a 5 speed tranny vs 6
* No battery for running headlights or other accessories
* No Electric start for doing hard enduro stuff or hanging off the side of cliffs when kicking the bike is nearly impossible
In short, I feel that the KTM 250 XC is superior to the Yamaha in every measurable way I can think of. The motor is better, the clutch is better, the gearing is better, the power is better, the balance is better, it’s more capable in technical terrain. The only thing I wouldn’t fight you on is on the forks because I can go either way on those, even though I prefer the adjustability on the AER forks.
I love the YZ250X, but I want Yamaha to put up or shut up. DO SOMETHING with this bike to improve it. It's getting embarrassing for you trotting around with your 2003-2006 technology these days!
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[@howardwoods342]

I've ridden both. I bought the yz 250x. Put lectron and reeds on it. Best bike ever. Cheaper to work on, easier to work on, more reliable. Nuff said

[@solarshooter]

Having just made the transition from a YZ to an XC, I agree with all your points. However, the YZ is extremely capable, and still beyond the skill level of 90% of riders. It is also extremely reliable, well understood, and easy to work on. I think that for all terrain except the most extreme, it is just fine. E start alone would fix that.

[@wipperwil]

E-Start man… ‘nuff said.

[@TheStrouds1]

YZ250X for me - I like that it’s simple and reliable. I have an 18 250X and 15 250XCF (bought both new) very disappointed in the KTM’s reliability.

[@thatfast3002]

75 hrs on my 2019 300xc and it has been flawless doing harescrambles and all

[@moto3moto419]

@@thatfast3002 how are the wheel bearings holding up for a example. Our buddys ride them and it seems there is 1 experience like yours to plenty of examples that do have repairs needed by 75hrs and alot sooner seen first hand from new even . Throttle cables stators wheel bearings reeds , carbys , bar mounts cracking, rear shock seal pressure loss prematurely, brake fluid boil loss of brakes wire loom issues. How it is for a lot of owner's, 4t a whole new list with some of the same common parts.

[@thatfast3002]

@@moto3moto419 my wheel bearings are still zero play surprisingly. I changed the rear brake pads already and front pads are coming soon. Chain and sprockets are just about due. One problem I had was the rubber seal for the clutch reservoir leaking a little but that is literally it the bike is tight still and runs awsome.

[@thatfast3002]

@@moto3moto419 most my buddies are on ktm too and nobody has had major problems but one buddy changed rear wheel bearings at 50 hours

[@moto3moto419]

@@thatfast3002 yeah mine have had some major problems , mostly lots of problems in general. Fuel filters fuel pumps stators starters bearings oil leaks throttle cables electrical parasitic drain etc etc etc. Low hrs.

[@Charlie-qb4sy]

I was going to get the KTM, until I went to my local yamaha dealer and got a brand new 2019 yz250x out the door for 6700.00

[@trevorjameson3213]

Yeah, the YZ is the way to go I think. My friend Seringle De Bradgoff just got one, very nice bike.

[@kojack635]

That's That's good deal

[@Motor-City_Ben-Diesel]

Exactly me too. I just saw how cheap the yz250x is and I’m definitely getting a new one

[@brandonespinoza111]

@@Motor-City_Ben-Diesel did you get it I just got a 2022

[@panic-revv85]

@@brandonespinoza111 love my 17' it's a beast!

[@94concours]

That's a good chunk of change in the price difference. I don't want the fancy stuff, I'd be happy with the YZ.

[@franzv3172]

The yz 250 is like a cash cow to Yamaha. People keep buying them and Yamaha just keeps cranking out the same parts. I wish I could sell the same exact thing for 18 years 😁

[@chrisclifford4109]

Would you ride a 2006 KTM? No, cause they were junk until around 2011. I own a 2020 250 XC TPI so I’m not a fanboy, but Yamaha killed it with the YZ 250X. The fact that it’s still competitive with bikes that are updated every year just shows how good it is

[@billyboots3730]

@@rdsrf if you were to keep that mindset we would still be riding air cooled 2 strokes, yes the yamaha lineup is great bikes, yes i would have one, but if they do want to keep up with the euro brands in the enduro market they will have to update the x bikes.

[@tbvids3920]

Theresca reason they dont change also anything ktm breaks the bank sorry we all dont got that ktm money

[@WVUMeyers]

This guy was previously praising the yz250x and saying how it was so close and a tough toss up to a ktm besides estart and the clutch and now 100% bashing it, nothing good. He's getting paid by ktm for this one boys.

[@sekacity3425]

He was worshipping that YZX like it was Jesus Christ himself. It's a great overall bike ... not everyone can afford a computer generated pumpkin and not everyone wants to. If you can't jump on a yZ 250x and have a great time for a less cost then you should should consider therapy .Not everyone is climbing rocks at idle speed . The Yamaha just has magic in a cross country setting and makes a decent bike to rip around the track . I'm not Jeremy McGrath so I don't sweat the triples. I just want to have fun and avoid my depressing wife on the weekends and not go broke paying for weird injection problems while I do it.

[@OutdoorsEveryday]

@@sekacity3425 this the comment of the century

[@jamesking4225]

Lol I’ve started wondering about this myself

[@steliosapergis]

This i think too!!! K.t.m Κάθε Τετάρτη Μάστορα !!🤣 (Translate from Greek to English and you understand me perfectly 😂😂

[@douglasyoung3992]

Kyle never really bashes anything he has honesty in him.

[@randywhitcomb80]

When Yamaha updates it will take other manufacturers 18 years to catch up again.

[@dreyn7780]

Yeah He's just creating controversy. No one takes a rock driver seriously accept trials bike manufacturers. The guy is insane. This bloke out grew racing dirtbikes 30 years ago. Just make the moon rock bike He's been asking for and we'll throw him up there and these insane comparison videos will end.

[@DirtBikeChannel]

haha!

[@bigdaddywheels2677]

@@dreyn7780 get a clue

[@dreyn7780]

@@bigdaddywheels2677 oh, it’s the human surprise behaviour with disrespecting added in. You introduce yourself to humans.

[@bigdaddywheels2677]

@@dreyn7780 Everything you said was disrespectful. doesn't matter what kyle says, it will cause controversy. And the "rock drivers" you speak of are definitely taken seriously. They generate hundreds of millions. They have dozens of models to choose from for this type of riding. Why so much hate

[@jasonstephenson9959]

Excellent details and presentation as usual. You rock Kyle

[@mackames1603]

Kind of sad how he’s putting the yz down, for his kind of riding the ktm is a much better bike. The Yz250x is the Swiss Army knife of bikes, you can ride it well in any application, track, trail, desert. It’s not the best hard enduro bike and it’s not the best track bike, but it’s an awesome bike when you can only have one. I used to buy 2 strokes for simple motor work and the fun of the powerband, now they are making a more useable power and more things to break, which is quite boring and easy to ride, that’s what four strokes are for.

[@bradmiller8361]

By putting a rekluse on the yzx you could make it even better. No stalling, means not kicking unless it's a planned stop. Also less clutch work. All I hear is e start and hydro clutch arguments from the euro crowd.

[@sfsf9954]

@@bradmiller8361 estart and hydro clutch are pretty significant features

[@bradmiller8361]

@@sfsf9954 Meh... to some people, I'm sure they are. To me it's just more chit to go wrong at the worst moment.

[@spudrunner2692]

Yamaha could produce a brand new bike and he'd still have a reason why the ktm is better.

[@sfsf9954]

@@bradmiller8361 meh...if it goes wrong i fix it. Not like im leading a battalion of moto soldiers against the new world order.i just ride for fun with my daughters

[@thatalaskaguy]

I’m planning to buy a 250X this spring. It’ll be my first brand new dirt bike since 2000 and I love that it is still very basic; no stupid air fork, no battery,no fuel injection, great reliability and it comes with a kick starter. I’ve got an ‘06 YZ 250 that I modified a bit for off road and it works well for what I do. Plus we like to ride on our local MX track and I like that the YZ is an MX bike. I like the snappy power, I like the feel, it’ll work great for me.

[@sekacity3425]

That thing would be a blast on the Homer Spit but they ruined it after the 80's. I had a lot of fun riding up there on my old RM 125

[@matthewblank214]

Right with ya on the 250x keep it simple and make it work all the time

[@ironthumb3048]

The reason Yamaha doesn't change the bike is because it sells out of it every year. For the money it can't be beat for most riders.

[@mt1885]

It is 20 years old and it shows - vibration, notchy shifting, wild power and selling at a 2021 price - NO thanks.

[@Briancbell121]

Aris Torm mine has none of those issues 🤷🏼‍♂️. If someone is complaining about vibration or notchy shifting they’re doing something wrong? Wrong trans fluid...

[@mt1885]

@@Briancbell121 They are notchy shifting YZs are notorious plus vibration aluminum frame - 20 year old bike. Cable clutch, light switch power, and 2021 price tag. KTM owns Enduro and it shows they actually spend money making their bikes better not selling something ancient. Plus, the YZ can't turn like the KTM sure don't see any 'YZ's in hard enduro....

[@panic-revv85]

2021 price tag?

[@mt1885]

@@panic-revv85 Correct, 20 year old bike with a 'new' price tag. KTM owns off-road and it shows they actually spend money not reselling a defunct MX bike.

[@MyEhansen]

The Yamaha’s aftermarket is untouchable because of its long run

[@sfsf9954]

Only thing my ktm needs aftermarket is a skid plate...lol,

[@yamanator10]

@@sfsf9954 and radiator fans

[@LizardMane]

and in the end you gonna spend even more money than if you were to just buy the ktm

[@spookyjase3082]

I’ve never had an issue ever buying anything I needed aftermarket ... ever. For any of my ktms.

[@mountainvalleyfrost5777]

I am just glad that Yamaha is still making 2T. But there are two areas that Yamaha has it all over KTM. Parts and reliability. OEM Parts for the Yamaha are much cheaper. Piston, rings, circlips and pin are 173 for a 20 KTM XC250. It's 116 for the Yamaha. If you look at cranks, the Yamaha is almost 150 cheaper. I just looked on RMATV as my source. You can't even say they are comparable. And reliability isn't even a question. Have you ever asked how KTM can make their bikes so light? Their frames keep getting thinner and thinner. At some point, you're sacrificing longevity for weight. You're increasing complexity vs. Simplicity. I get it, not everyone wants an old school 2T. But my YZ's keep on running while you figure out why yours won't run (remember... blown fuse)

[@kylecampbell2719]

I love all of your videos I only have a drz 400 but it's a dream of mine to have a really nice bike like all of these that you talk about. I appreciate and thank you for your content!

[@tudorcotoi7011]

Yamaha all the way. More oil in the mix, more parts and rock solid reliability. And for my cross country style of riding it fits me like a glove.

[@jasonscott5043]

I can’t wait for a few years to go by and come back and watch this video..... You remind me of the time I recorded my son a few years ago describing how the new gaming computer he had just built with the best, most premium, cutting edge computer parts that were ever available....

[@SomeInfoSecDude]

I love these types for comparisons/reviews. Keep 'em coming. I agree with you that Japanese conservatism make them sit on a recipe for decades. You make an excellent point: they have all the parts, they just don't have the vision to use them to make a KTM killer.

[@dylanbrown8711]

I’d rather have a Cadillac then a Chevy. Not everyone needs or can afford the KTM. It’s awesome that there is an entry level option that doesn’t have all the bells and whistles. I wish Yamaha would keep the yz250x as is and come out with a race edition to compete with KTM.

[@yz450megaman]

"I want my Yamaha to handle like a KTM"...Said no one EVER. There's a whole after market industry devoted to turning the WP air forks into KYB SSS. Kyle makes a lot of great points here, but not buying the suspension story

[@fox7007]

More to handling than just suspension. My 18 XC-W handles the tight technical stuff better than my 05 YZ.

[@sekacity3425]

@@fox7007 You're comparing a 18 xc-w to a motocross bike ?

[@novemberrain8667]

I've owned three KTM's and have had nothing but problems with them.

[@carlatamanczyk3891]

Unlucky 3 times..... I've owned Husqvarnas, KTMs, Betas, Spanish bikes, Japanese bikes, you name it, and I have had just as good of luck with all of them. Actually the bike that was the most durable was a 2013 GasGas 300 that I sold 3 years ago to my nephew who works for Starting Line Products.... He won't sell it back.... I wished I kept it now.

[@billyboots3730]

Thats too bad man, my 08 125sx was an excellent excellent bike and ill be getting another ktm this summer, preferred that little 125 over my rmz450

[@themikew7]

Well-said Kyle. I have owned a lot of Yammies over the years and I too would like to see them update the yz250 2 stroke to make it competitive with the updated competition.

[@01camarosspower]

As soon as I feel more confident in the KTM fuel injection I will own one, bur not until. I replace alot of fuel pumps at work on these. My current bike is a 2011 YZ250

[@ianthompson9653]

I love my 07 yz250, the most versatile bike I’ve had. Hitting the track one day, swap a few parts and I’m on the trails the next day.

[@DougNMarcum42]

this vid was up top.thank you Kyle.

[@prestonr.hannula8819]

I currently have a 2020 KTM 250 XCW, a 2019 KTM 250 XCF, a 2018 Gas gas 250 XC and I sold my 2016 Yamaha YZ 250 X. I trail ride and and race the occasional sprint enduro. I absolutely agree with your points. I LOVED my YZ 250 X till I started riding the counterbalanced (2017+) KTMs. I hadn't planned to buy a 2020 KTM, but a good deal came up.......Don't ride one of these bikes if you're not planning to buy one. I can only tell you about my own experience, but in my opinion these bikes are really game changers.

[@keith_hudson]

I do not understand why Yamaha will not update this bike. They could absolutely make a run at KTM and they just keep selling the same old bike.

[@coloradodirtbike5930]

Too much money and the laws like emissions. Doesn't pay yamaha to focus the attention on a two stroke at this day and age.

[@PHXGlock]

The Japanese manufacturers are not about being the first one to invent. They let other manufacturers figure it out before them and then come out with a dialed in product. The Yamaha is long in the tooth sure but it works. I chose the 2021 250 XC over the YZ250x and think I made the right choice. The YZ would have been just fine in my dessert conditions and is for sure a good bike, the KTM is more expensive for sure be certainly more refined. The EPA has the manufacturers looking at 2 strokes a liability so they are not putting in the R and D into them like the Euro Bikes. I forgot to mention how smooth and vibration free my 250XC is. It's a treat that you forget about until you ride a bike with more vibration. You can't go wrong with either bike if you ask me.

[@keith_hudson]

@@coloradodirtbike5930 Well they've got the motor. Like he already said they have the WR 6 speed. Put an electric start and maybe a hydraulic clutch and that's a killer bike. No emission or cost issues there I wouldn't think.

[@keith_hudson]

@@pghdave420 Idk what's going on in my used market right now but the 250x is going for around 6 and the kato's are right there or just a little more. People want way too much for the yz's in my area at the moment.

[@scottgaskill4896]

Agree and that's all Kyle's saying. He's on point.

[@ra64mike29]

I ride a 17 250x and absolutely love it, but I have had an itch for the orange bikes for awhile. I rode a 2020 300xc last weekend and the ergonomics were just terrible to me. I felt way more comfortable on the 250x. Just my 2 cents. the counterbalance motor was nice on the ktm though. And as far as not having the lugability on the 250x, throw an apex head with the xc insert (this is what I have on my 250x) for $180 and the bike tractors up anything.

[@juniortrevizo4023]

That was pretty good 👍 and I have to agree that a new 250 x should be like 3k less at least. I was noticing the vin numbers on the yz 250 at my dealership is up to like 41966 thats alot for one run of the same bike

[@ddel5240]

Spot on review! I concur with the WTF Yamaha?! I grew up on blue, er yellow...um white (wish they had stayed with the 1980's yellow). YZ300X E start with a baby sister YZ150X please!

[@richardhartley7094]

Cant argue with that review spot on i reckon👍🇬🇧

[@jessegarrett7215]

I don’t think many people would honestly argue the KTM was worse than the Yamaha, or that they don’t want an estart. The main reason I’m considering the Yamaha is because the KTM costs about a third more and I can make a few sacrifices to save $2500. $10k for a toy is a tough pill to swallow for some of us. That extra could be used for a couple of bikes for my kids to ride or a family vacation. If money wasn’t a factor then I’d ride an orange bike every day and twice on Sunday

[@fatchance1973]

I totally agree, you pay more to get a better motorcycle, but is the KTM 33% better than the YZ? 2500 dollars is a lot of extra money for gas , tires and consumables that could get you more seat time on the YZ.

[@jackmasterdick]

This is the reason why the YZ still sells.

[@jamesgrint1307]

I bought a brand new gas gas ec300 back in 2015 because it was £1500 cheaper than the KTM the bike was decent 2 years later when I wanted to trade up I realised my cheaper alternative was then worth nearly £2500 less than a used 2015 Ktm.... the bike was good but in reality no cheaper when you factor the extra depreciation

[@chadrides914]

And let us not forget KTM’s exorbitant prices are inflating the rest of the market. It’s getting silly.

[@jg6209]

Completely Agree! I was going to get my 14 year old son the Y125X...that was until KTM unveiled the 2021 KTM 125 XC... e-start, lighter overall bike, better turning bike, better more tunable motor with adjustable power valve, better clutch and brake components, hand guards, easily adjusted air fork. Honestly, if you're already ponying up for a new bike, it's no contest, there is no good reason to go with the Yamaha - as much as I hate to say it.

[@khowdyshell6606]

I did same for my son! Glad I did.

[@4K_Production_4K]

I mean yamaha has far superior reliability and now yamaha has updated there bikes so they are good

[@scootypuffjr.]

@@4K_Production_4K not the x models yet.

[@McNewMotoTech]

thanks for another great video Brother!

[@SSYoung125]

... we are comparing a 15 year old bike to a brand new bike and it's still being competitive you have to give Yamaha credit for that at least Plus at the end of the day I don't have enough money for a KTM even though I do agree with Kyle so I go Yamaha

[@danielshown2045]

well described. ive spent considerable amounts on both as well and can agree with motor characteristics at the least.

[@ZSharkPH]

You make all very good points.. But with that being said.. I am extremely happy with my YZ250X.. Its not leaving my stable anytime soon.

[@kaysleekayser1912]

same just picked up a 17 used, was worried at first i wouldn't like it, got seat time in and its a great bike cheap too!

[@suzuki06g]

Totally agree that the YZX is a VERY good bike, if I couldn't quiet afford an XC then I know that I would be a happy man with a YZX. But still, you can't deny that the balancer, electric start and oil injection makes living with the XC that much nicer.

[@josephc3249]

I'll take the simplicity and reliability of the YZ over the KTM any day.

[@shinyribs2178]

I'm riding my KTM RFS while my WR450 is sitting with a blown up engine. All my Honda's got sold after needing constant tinkering. KTM , over the past three decades of riding, has been the one brand that been the most reliable for me. It wasn't until the internet came along that I discovered that I was supposed to view KTM as unreliable. Sorry, my personal experience is the opposite.

[@bernhard8540]

Because honestly Yamaha and some other brands don't care.. they dont realize that mx isn't the thing every rider does anymore.. and Enduro is slowly taking over

[@jefftuttle9530]

kyle you ride some real gnarly terrain but i think for the ex racer/ trail guy the x is a good option for a long term motorcycle

[@bernhard8540]

God bless KTM for keeping our 2 strokes alive and well :)

[@tbvids3920]

If yamaha dropped there affordable reliable 2 strokes , everyone was hoing to push for the Austrian manufacturers to stop making 2 strokes. Because of yamaha we still have 2 strokes

[@nwhuckin7761]

sold my ktm 350xc because of the air fork. Too much to upgrade all the suspension to feel right, no kick start was a worry, couldn't get the motor to feel right... now considering a yx250x after i rode my buddys, holy crap it was fun, planted and steering was phenomenal so light and powerful

[@maxfried5328]

I think you definitely have to mention the price on the parts for the bikes. The ktm tax is absolutely ridiculous. The yz parts are so much more abundant and cheap.

[@JoseDiaz-dm8kb]

You forget a little detail my friend, reliability wise that 18 years old bike that you mention kick that 5 months old KTM every day. In your case is easy, because you replaced it every year, but for the regular rider the Yamaha will last a lifetime while the KTM you need to get rid over it after two years top. I agreed with you on most of your video, but do not disrespect a platform that has been proven to be very reliable for a very long time. Keep on riding my friend and Happy New Year.

[@mtnseekerone]

Own the 17 250xc. Came with carb, magic button and kick start. I have put a Lectron carb on. Air forks took some time to set up right for me but this little bike rocks. Only wish they made the sear mount like my 12 500xc-w.

[@elcincero321]

Nice review

[@fishtailfuture]

Doing hard-core Enduro and some of the stuff he's doing, I get it. The start looks like a must have. And I admit every time my buddy he starts his bike on the trail a small part of me gets jealous. But really for the trails I am writing it's far from necessary. Get a recluse clutch and you'll never have to start your bike in an awkward position. The only time you'll be kicking it over and being jealous of your body is after a five minute break when he just hits the button and you have to kick it.

[@jpaul5387]

Kyle: Yamaha please fix the bike. Yamaha I don't care that it's cheaper it's not worth it. His Yamaha 250x video: Its like a toy You can't wait to play with as a kid and you can't stop thinking about it. For the price you can't beat it! A simple and reliable design everyone loves! 🤣🤣

[@juddmaddix8640]

I may be wrong but the Yamaha seems to me, a lot more trouble free as the years roll on.

[@DirtBikeChannel]

I've owned both. Both are very reliable.

[@juddmaddix8640]

@@DirtBikeChannel thank you for the reply, I agree KTM is better in most ways.

[@scottgaskill4896]

@@DirtBikeChannel same here Kyle.

[@samcurry8730]

What’s up Kyle! I reached out to you awhile ago about the xc and xcw KTM. I went with the xc and absolutely love it, my favorite bike I’ve ridden so far! It’d be crazy if we could ride together some time!

[@joshf8097]

I'd like the Yamaha. Parts, and the bike itself is much more affordable.

[@DirtBikeChannel]

Parts aren't really more affordable for the Yamaha. I buy parts for both. Watch the video. I talk about the price difference.

[@joshf8097]

@@DirtBikeChannel really? I was always under the assumption that they were?? I mean I can only go by what I was looking up though, at the time, I was looking for a brake master cylinder for the front brake of a KTM 250 SX and it was like $359 from the factory where are Yamaha was lot more affordable. That's just from memory though, and just one thing I could be wrong maybe I should look into it again see what the factory prices for parts are going for? I can be wrong sometimes, you know? especially if they are not that much more of a cost, maybe I WOULD be interested in a ktm?? I don't know, I guess I got to look at it now thanks for the tip though man I guess that means there is something for me to check out. Cuz if I am wrong and the parts aren't that much more costly, then there really isn't a lose-lose situation I just always assumed that the cost was more to repair a KTM because it's a European bike and parts cost more money in general. But if they don't, then sure a KTM would be a great bike I mean there's no argument there you know? You make a good point if that is the case though.

[@joshf8097]

@@DirtBikeChannel I would imagine you would know more than me. Just a hunch you could call it LOL

[@seanwahl1000]

@@joshf8097 oem parts are more affordable for the yz. That's a fact.

[@offroadcanadian807]

The only reason I bought a Yamaha is because the bike is so simplistic and that's why I think Yamaha hasn't changed anything; they know what works and is reliable and don't want to change it and have it be unreliable, but they definitely have to make some changes to keep up with the rest of the dirtbike community.

[@tself77]

I love everything about my YZ250X except for the lack of electric start. You'll quickly get jealous in soft enduro when all your KTM friends mash the magic button and take off after a taking a break. :/

[@ronaldoc.4866]

😢it be like that

[@DirtBikeChannel]

True story.

[@joshf8097]

Oh, I do like that automatic start t though I'm not going to light and that's really easy to overlook until you're out in the Trails huffing and puffing trying to kick over your bike. You make a very good point LOL

[@tcmx712]

@@pghdave420 obviously you don't ride technical steep hills because if you did you'd know how difficult (sometimes impossible) to kickstart on a side of a hill is (especially on the off side)

[@suzuki06g]

Last weekend I stalled my bike in a slow corner but before it came to a stop I was able to hit the button and take off again without even putting a foot down, now how cool is that!?!

[@jameskoskinen6763]

We're ready for Yamahas finest engineers to put the off-road segment in their sights and refine the 250x into something that modern enduro riders use. With KTM scooping up other brands I hope it leaves market share for Yamaha to fill the gap with a new blue offering! I'd love to see a yz300x with electric start, adjustable bar positions, headlight, 6 speed transmission and smooth fuel injection. Hey yamaha, I used to ride blue 10-20 years ago but there's a reason my last 6 bikes have been orange!

[@slipperedoak8727]

My yz250x does everything my buddies 300’s do. Easily!

[@cgreen1599]

I have and love my YZ250X, if I had a 250XC I’m sure I would love it too! That’s of course because I’m coming off a 450XCF, only miss the e start from time to time.

[@TroutNTrees]

I like the gnarly rattle box feel came off a ktm 200 to a modern 300. Just recently sold the 300 and picked up a 250x. For me, this is the bike for me.

[@JeffreyJim09]

Nailed this.

[@ericalexander3661]

I would agree in the gnarly technical stuff the KTM has an edge everywhere...except the forks. Now in GNCC or national enduro settings the Yamaha is very very good and super easy to set up the suspension.

[@samoliverio7455]

I get that only if the Yamaha wins that stuff, but it doesn't the KTM does

[@johnohair4070]

For somebody who does light enduro and lots of demanding trails would you still recommend the yz250x as a good bike? Also does it come stock with a skid plate?

[@pressley10r]

You call me a Yam fanboi, I call you a KTM fanboi. Love my estart YZ250. Very clean kit, not "Frankensteined" at all if installed properly. Have tried KTM, the chassis, suspension, air forks etc., are not for me. KTM air forks on par with KYB SSS? Yikes. All joking aside, enjoy all your vids and reviews, looks like you've got some great places to ride. Keep it up.

[@gedz44]

1st great review again

[@DaCodesMan]

Japanese reliability over European any day.

[@mt1885]

Another fable, KTM owns all Enduro and off-road sure don't see no 20 year old YZs vibrating in the race.

[@yamanator10]

@@mt1885 yeah just check out the 20 page long recall sheet from ktm. Yeah that's "winning". Any modifications at all and warranty is void

[@mt1885]

@@yamanator10 KTM owns it and big 4 can't compete.

[@yamanator10]

@@mt1885 that's why I'm buying a new yz250x today 👍 overpriced ktm and husky + breaking

[@yamanator10]

@@mt1885 I still think yz125 should be $5000 usd, yz250 should be $$6200. Ktm is nuts.

[@craigloomis20]

40 year old Eastern B rider. If you want to save the $$ and don;t care about electric start, or hydraulic clutch then the YZ will work just fine you won't be at any disadvantage to your buddies. If you prefer e-start, latest tech then XC.

[@user-se7vt5ow4e]

I have had YZ250’s, xcw 250 and 300. They are all great bikes. If I was going to buy a new bike today it would be a Rieju 300. Definitely the most bang for your euro. Here in Spain you can tag a two stroke plus you get a warranty .

[@xman21196]

I have been watching you from some time, I’d love to see you get a Yamaha WR

[@jondoecan]

I looked at the KTM pretty hard. I went with the YZX (2023). I’m not a super technical rider, I enjoy forest trails and go to hollister a couple times a year. I’m old school and no problem tuning carbs. I couldn’t spend the extra money for E start.

[@mike062689]

You know your stuff that’s why I subscribed

[@Mike-uh2gw]

Bought a 2019 YZ for $4800 with 34 hours on the clock today. I can't afford to run my bike over cliffs or do helicopter drops with it so I chose the cheap route. There is zero dealer support for 200 miles and the one dealer I did know of closed their KTM shop because they couldn't get anything to sell. If I had unlimited funds or used the bikes as a write off for my company I would be happy to buy premo everything but alas, I live in poor world. Yamaha makes an excellent product for the normies and they know exactly who they are selling to so they keep doing it. Love your videos, just thought I would give some voice to us folks with tighter budgets.

[@jetdr]

I have never had anything even come close to the YZ’s suspension without a lot of work, right out of the box the Yamaha is almost bullet proof. I like them both, I will give it to the KTM for innovation on the engine and Fuel Injection.

[@mr.midlifecrisis8547]

I love my 250x, but this is a fair review.

[@GNR325]

And maybe a video to distinguish between the KTM 250 and 300 XC and XCW. I recall you saying that the 250 had become your favorite at some point, but lately perhaps that has changed to the 300 XCW. That would be my pick for my riding, but interested to hear you talk about the differences given that you ride them all.

[@DirtBikeChannel]

Good idea. I'd still pick the KTM 250XC over the other bikes, but it's closer than ever!

[@obi-wan7067]

Agreed, discussing the differences between the KTM 250/300 & XC vs XC-W would be very beneficial.

[@krispewkrem3]

I’ll share some experience from trail riders I’ve met on O’ahu. Many of them start on Yamahas and they’re fine. E start is handy when you need to restart the motor on a hill and cover your rear brake and take off again. But it be honest, you probably dumped it and tumbled down the hill and so you’ll probably restart at the bottom. Convenient for sure. Many of the guys that switch ti KTM often miss the lively nature of the YZ. They’re just raw and fun and crazy.

[@nickhughes5579]

What do you think about GasGas since ktm bought into the company I believe and do you have plans to review one?

[@jeffreymoran6234]

I have a KTM 250sx but I'm glad Yamaha is still making 2-strokes.

[@shawnbrandon778]

This applies to the yz125x too. The difference in price between the 125 xc and it are minimal when you consider what you get. The Japanese manufacturers are happy to play ball with 4 strokes but are stubborn to innovate 2 strokes

[@robertbaker9329]

We’re talking thousands more not a little bit you really think the ktms are worth that much more? The 125x=6700 vs ktm 125=10,000 maybe I’m just poor but that’s a giant amount of money but your choice in the end

[@shawnbrandon778]

No, its more like 6700 vs 8100. Plus you get a elect start, hydraulic clutch, and a bigger fuel tank

[@robertbaker9329]

Shawn Brandon I just looked and your price is correct I was looking at the top of the line model but 8100 is still a lot compared to 6700 to me and my kickstarter doesn’t bother me I’ve yet to not be able to start my bike I’m sure the ktm is a great bike I just can’t justify paying that much more

[@shawnbrandon778]

@@robertbaker9329 I think they are both great bikes. I like Yamaha and would be proud to own one too. The important thing in the end is how fun it is to ride.

[@robertbaker9329]

Shawn Brandon that is a good point sir

[@dominickjohnston5881]

Can you do a yz125x review and all that please ?

[@fishtailfuture]

Everybody says to upgrade the bike and your cell way more. I think Yamaha knows what they're doing. So they build $9500 $9500 two-stroke and how many KTM people leave their brand? How many people do they really get to buy it? And how many people don't buy there's $7500 Kweisi that probably cost them $1000 to make it this point? I'm glad KTM still pushes the envelope but I'm not mad at Yamaha. They are a business after all. They probably sell a shit ton of 250s and it doesn't cost them a thing to make them anymore.They have the market 100% to themselves. You can either buy an expensive KTM Husqvarna or gas gas or whatever or you can get a brand new bike for $7500 and make it everything you want it to be. They know what they're doing. Especially since I'm about to buy one next week. I've done my research and I'm gonna get my brand new bike this year enjoy it, and then I'm gonna buy that you start next year. I have a brand new bike that I can make in the whatever I want. Without dropping over $12,000 after tax.

[@legowolf22]

To go-button or not to go-button...That is the question. I have to kick mine. For a short, old guy with a beer gut, I wish I had it. If I could do it all again (and could afford it) I would have gotten the TX300i

[@rickywitherspoon2861]

Would love to see a comparison about the yz250fx

[@hung1396]

Can you make some more videos about Husqvarna TE’s? I think we need an update

[@agoogleuser7784]

I am a die hard Yamaha fan but this review is true..... sadly Yamaha hasn’t put anything into updating the yz250 in general. It makes me sad because I’ve owned several yz250s and absolutely loved them, but that doesn’t justify never updating.

[@mathews0618]

Whatever bike you spend the most time on will feel like home to you. The ktm is a better equipped bike and the price isn't bad at all. Atv's are near $15,000 out the door and a premium atv is pushing $20,000. Money is a factor. Most people would struggle to come up with $8000 and it might take them years to do so. So waiting until you got another $2500 could mean a couple seasons without a bike at all. And the Yamaha is cheap to own. For a couple hundred a year in fluids, chains, tires and bearings you can keep the yz in top shape. And thats for a bike that you can be proud to own. Nice video and I agree, unlimited budget, why not get the best.

[@SSYoung125]

I wonder if the Yamaha got a 6-speed if that would naturally give it more gearing torque down low

[@noControl556]

A lot easier to put a set of KYB's on an XC than trying to put a starter on YZ

[@felixrodriguez5847]

Personally, I prefer the Yamaha yz250x and ended up buying one over the Ktm 250xc. The main reason is if you work on your bike and put plenty of hours on them you'll find that as the bike ages its easier to find parts on the Yamaha; also, they have better aftermarket support. For example, you can find a new oem replacement cylinder on a 2005 Yamaha yz250; on the other hand, finding a replacement cylinder for a Ktm 250 sx can be a nightmare.

[@billyboots3730]

I have to disagree, with the large market share ktm holds i personally have found it easy to source parts when needed.

[@masterbeta343]

If i had to choose one over the other i would choose the ktm but i want to get an older yz250 and rebuild it so i can have a second bike that is snappier and better for the faster stuff. I can save my Beta for all the technical stuff.

[@Bubbleuprubberdown]

YZ. A noob can afford it. Learn and progress on it. Throw it down and not worry about the rad breaking. Or paying a grip of cash for busted brembo bits. The YZ still works. It’s just a bike. Yamaha doesn’t need to, ‘shut up.’ If my opinionated advice paid for my next bike I’d have a Ducati.

[@gpaull2]

The counterbalanced KTM 2 strokes are so good that I’d love it if they just made the same one from now on and I could get it for cheap in 20 years.

[@danieldemayo6209]

Dude but Yamaha revs your heart! Lol

[@2strokeatv_bro248]

exaCTLY

[@TroNPopz209]

I think you've said this many times before, its the arrow, not the Indian. So a kid in college buys a cheap used bike and learns clutch control, rather than an old guy buying a 300xcw and plowing through some nasty on his butt. On a side note, kicking a bike over and blowing a cloud of castor is alot cooler than pressing a button in front of females.

[@colbybarton3205]

for riding on rocks in my opinion the yamaha forks can't be beat, maybe I'm just still not used to air forks, but I much prefer spring forks. Is there some sort of secret to making the air fork more comfortable?

[@JeffreyJim09]

Also, super nice move at 6:15.

[@Chase_01]

I just have to have kick start one important thing I need in a bike

[@westernslopedualsport3986]

the thing you missed on the yz is the cost of rebuilding crank and piston is about half the cost of the ktm. But you are correct on one thing if your going to buy a new bike the better bike is the KTM. im still on my 2001 yz but i have done everything to it except the wr transmission and i did go to a eric gorr 295 woods port and its got grunt for days, If yamaha got off there hands on the yz ad really built it it would far surpass the KTM. most of us though prefer not to has a payment on a bike yz is an awsome platform for a low coast woods bike

[@melaniemarks6359]

I just got a 2023 KTM XC-W 300. After riding riding it back to back (so important for comparison) with other two strokes, including a 2022 Beta XTrainer 300, I look at the $11,199 msrp as the best VALUE on the market. The KTM felt like an E-bike after riding the Beta and it supposedly is counterbalanced. When people refer to a product as being "cheaper," they are absolutely correct, it is indeed CHEAPER and most of the time less expensive as well. I prefer quality. Just the hardware alone on the KTM screams quality. When I walk up to the bike before every ride, I am grateful that I have a capable, comfortable machine that many engineers worked hard to deliver the best machine. I have a 2003 RM 125 and 2004 KTM 200 EXC. They're excellent bikes but don't hold a candle, even a paper match, to the new KTM. It was my first new motorcycle ever and I don't regret it one bit. Almost went with a 250X to save some money. For what I'm looking to do, that would've been a mistake. The other two bikes are up for sale now! Thank you KTM for always working to improve and thank you Kyle for doing an honest review/comparison.

[@minkusmcminkus7598]

Comparing oranges to kick start ,cable clutched blue oranges

[@MrAdam-kp3en]

I got it. The 18 years old Yamaha is still comparable with the modern KTM bike and some stuffs are still better on YZ250X. Good job Yamaha! But, I really want to see the new and updated one and best Motorcycles from Yamaha.

[@lauriL90]

how is your acl doing. il have it done in october, unable to properly ride since 7 july...:(

[@cooptroop5]

Kyle, we need to do a YZ250X vs KTM 250 XC. Modified test? I have the X if you have the time?

[@joetalley192]

1 point I feel you forgot is to support the manufacturer that's still investing r&d into the 2 stroke tech.