My stepson had a KX85, and my 225lb butt was clocked at 60MPH on it. Then he stepped up to a steel framed YZ125, and I swear the front tire had been filled with helium. One day, I hope to graduate from my starter bike, a 2022 KLX300R, to a 2stroke. As a 43 year old just getting to know dirtbike life, I really enjoy this channel.

@rickkramer4504

4 ай бұрын

I went from the klx300r to a yz125x and i love it, super light, super agile, makes you a good rider fun-2-5 is where its at, im 235lbs pulls me around no problem

@garysavala665

4 ай бұрын

Once you go two stroke you won’t regret it cheap and fast and fun . Never too late .

@koolridecar68

4 ай бұрын

At 200lbs I went from a 2018 kx450 to a 2023 GasGas mc125. The 125 pulls me no problem and is much more fun and usable in trails as well.

@riccochet704

4 ай бұрын

I had a 2022 KLX300R as well. At 47 years old, and coming from riding 2 strokes my entire life, that bike was just way too heavy. It flat out wore me out on trails. Picking it up from a dump was a chore.

@rickkramer4504

4 ай бұрын

@riccochet704 agreed the thing feels like riding an iron anchor incomparison i mean its obviously do able , but riding them back to back wow what a wild difference, also a learning curve if you havent rode 2 strokes before but yeah what a tank with lack of performance, although the klx torque is wild compared to a 125 lol

Great perspective, sometimes you forget about the type of bikes you grew up riding and it’s fun we can still buy them new.

Owned the YZ250X. Have also owned a KTM, Honda, Suzuki and a Beta. Went back and purchased a 2024 YZ250X. Love the simplicity and RELIABILITY! I'm glad they haven't changed the bike!

@kaisuhina8024

4 ай бұрын

I have been riding ktm for 7 years now, exc 125, exc 200, and now exc 250 tpi, never understood why they talk bad about ktm’s reliability. Never had one of them blow up or even not start. No electrical problems at all with tpi.

@SeasideStrangler

4 ай бұрын

Whats the flywheel like on these? Are the factory weight or would the benefit from a weight?

@deborahchesser7375

4 ай бұрын

@@SeasideStranglerdefinitely if you want to tame it down just a bit, also keeps them from stalling as easily so yes, it’s a good idea on this unless your racing it. For trail riding you’ll want some weight on the FW. There’s also a power valve mod that mellows them out. Hope that helped I’ve had 2 and need another lol. I just wish they’d make a 200 I’m getting too old for the crazy hit.

@SeasideStrangler

4 ай бұрын

@@deborahchesser7375 ya ive gotta 04 KX250 that i trail ride, its got an 11oz FW on it as well as a bunch of other trail stuff. Big tank, skid plate, handle bar covers the usual. I was just wondering how out of the box ready these YZ250Xs were for enduro compared to a KTM.

@SeasideStrangler

4 ай бұрын

The 18inch wheel is nice tho ive still got a factory 19inch wheel on my KX and factory suspension. If i can never afford a KTM300 i may make those changes to my bike and possibly a rekluse clutch someday. At that point it would just be the bike i ride for the rest of my life. I never rode a new KTM but the KX is pretty sweet.

I am 48 yrs old weigh 205 and I ride a 2020 yz125x and I love it. Bike handles great and enough power for me. The suspension is way to soft for me on a motocross track but perfect in the woods. Highly recommended Yamaha's X models.

This video is what I needed! Picking one up this week!! Getting back into bikes.

My 2017 YZ250X is the best bike iv ever ridden and has never let me down. Im never selling it because im honestly in love with it

Thanks for doing this video, Kyle. I haven't been watching much of your content for a long time, but this is great! (I have a 250x)

I was able to buy a used 2019 yz 250x. Its my first big bike in 10 years, and I love it, I literally can't get enough of it

@davidduval5566

2 ай бұрын

Same here

Thanks for coming on this side of the country Kyle! Its cool to see different parts of the country.

I am nearing 60 and bought a 2024 in November last year to race in our local GNCC series in the vets class here in South Africa. It is an absolutely brilliant bike! And I am leaving it stock. It is good enough.

@EarthSurferUSA

Ай бұрын

I am 60, and bought a 2019 YZ250 2-stroke MX bike, and what a terrible bike stock it was to me. Way too tall for one thing, and the engine power is like a strong 125 in a effort to keep up with a 450 on a MX track---makes the bike great---for nothing. My mods. Lowered the seat 1". Lowered the suspension .75" on each end. (about the same height as a 1985 Works Honda now). Correct springs of course. FMF pipe Gnarley. Lower the cylinder by not using the cylinder base gasket (seal it well, with a good dealer). Raises compression (need 100 octane fuel), so exhaust port time better matches lower rpm pipe target. Big low end boost there. V-force reeds. The stock reed plate blocks off the 5th transfer tunnel about 50%, and the v-force reeds open earlier for more low end power. I can now short shift this bike with no clutch (190 lbs and stock gearing), and it won't fall on its face. Great, but not too explosive low end power now. Not sure if I need a flywheel weight, but I don't think so, or I would buy a trials bike. Now---I can ride this bike, and it is a dream. The bike does not vibrate as much with the engine mods (Use the Weisco piston), and my 60 year old had circulation does not numb my hands,---just a tad. Was pretty bad.

Even without the auto start and the TBI I have been on rides with so many KTMs and huskies that have broke down from all the new stuff they added. Sometimes the new stuff isn’t better.

@EarthSurferUSA

Ай бұрын

Today, most of the new stuff is not better IMO, from quality to design.

And it still has a kick start 😉

Love my '23 YZ250x. It could use some updates like E start and a lighting set up from the factory. but fantastic bike overall

@patrickkearney8774

2 ай бұрын

Panthera motors is making an electric start and a lighting coil for '03 and newer yz250s. Pretty expensive though.

@EarthSurferUSA

Ай бұрын

You want a 10 grand bike?---buy a KTM. Heck, I have cancer now, and had a hard time starting my bike after I got out of the hospital. I did squats, and saved money. Will the crying you kids do--raise the cost of this semi affordable bike? Get another bike. Leave our wallets and manhood alone. How about you modify the bike the way you want it? (you might learn something valuable) I don't want your bike. Costs too much, causing a dying industry.

I really like my 23 250x. Pulls my 220lbs all over Colorado with a lectron!

@motominded5275

2 ай бұрын

how's the lectron do on that? easy to install, setup and adjust for altitude?

@matthutson880

2 ай бұрын

@@motominded5275 install wasn’t bad, just removed subframe and it was easy from there. Out of the box it ran better with the lectron at my altitude, only had to lean it out a bit.

@EarthSurferUSA

Ай бұрын

@@matthutson880 Stock on my 250 YZ, the jetting was so rich, I thought the nmew jerseys did not clean dirt well when washed. They are oil droplets that came from the silencer! I modified the engine for more low end power, and raised compression, (have to run 100 octane.), and that cleaned up the stock jetting quite a bit. But I need to jet it a bit more. I bet, if you learned how to jet your stock carb, (and they are amazing metering devises), you might like the power delivery better than the lectron. Usually, a main jet and needle position change does a great job. I make little washers to go under the needle clip (1/4th the actual clip movement with each washer thickness) to fine tune the needle. There should be no drool, coming from the pipe, and only smoke a bit on start up.

@matthutson880

Ай бұрын

@@EarthSurferUSA I’m sure you are right. I chose the lectron due to my needs. Lots of elevation changes 5000-9000 feet, can have 30 degree temp swings exc. I tried a bunch of settings and adjustments, could I dial in summer riding at 7500 feet, yep, would it run good at 5000 when it’s cold out? No I couldn’t find a combo, so for me the lectron works better across all my conditions without tinkering. For me that’s better.

Love seeing Connor in yer videos Kyle 👍

The 250X are great bikes, but I think its time is up. Point and case, I snagged a 2023 EC250 for 8300 otd last year. Zero issues, and for tight woods I think its hard to beat, although my buddy with an '05 250X still smokes me. Thanks for the review.

@johnnydoeboy9301

4 ай бұрын

So you’re saying it needs to be updated but a bike almost 20 years old still smokes you… righttttttt

@zm12341

4 ай бұрын

@johnnydoeboy9301 I'm saying for the same amount of money you can get a bike that is immensely updated. But yeah, he smokes me lol, but he'd smoke me even more if he had my bike!

Bought this bike as my first bike, had rode a little bit before but finally got my own. I will admit, it’s a lot of bike to learn on, had my fair share of eating shit lol. I’m at the point now where i’m comfortable on the bike and can actually ride. It’s the most fun I’ve had in a while, every time you twist that throttle around it just puts a huge smile on your face, and the smell don’t even get me started on. I don’t think i’ll ever buy a 4 stroke🤙🏻

Had a 85 125 and 250 2 strokes. Love my Yamahas. Very snappy

I hope Yamaha always sticks to simplicity for the 125 and 250. Always. Let the aftermarket handle anything the market may want. Want estart? Great, order a kit. Want a headlight? Great, order a kit. Simple as that.

@EarthSurferUSA

Ай бұрын

But these poor terribly educated sabotaged kids today---don't know which way to turn a screw,---and they don't want to learn.

I agree with everything you said this was a good presentation and that looks like a good piece of gear

When they E-start it , update the frame and all the other stuff, they'll take away the bikes biggest advantage : value. Yamaha sells every one of the X models. These bikes are all over the place because its thousands less than a Euro bike. Mx Action said it best" innovation is overrated " .98 % of riders will never know the difference in the frame. It worked good in 06 and it still works good now. I came off a KTM. I didn't miss the hydraulic clutch. The YZ clutch has light pull and great feel. Won't lie, I do miss the E start but the bike starts so easily it's not a deal killer. Suspension is the reason I'm still on my 16. I've had alot of bikes since 1986 and this one(yzx) is by far my favorite.

Simple, light, reliable, powerful, and awesome suspension out of the box. I’ll gladly sacrifice e-start for that. And it’s affordable by current standards (I guesss😢). It’s an amazing platform to build from!

The value for money is off the charts. It it the best if money is no object? No, but it can compete against anything at any price and win, it just won't be the most luxurious.

Setup -Apex Head -Apex jetting chart -GYTR Yamaha flywheel -14/51 gearing -Set sag /make small adjustments to suspension settings

Can you add an electric start?

I would love a dirt bike channel floor mat 6 x 12 if you make them?? I love watching this channel I learn a lot! The stuff you talk about on how to ride trails and stuff right is very appreciated and informative!! Thank you again and Leave a single track 🤙🏁

Great video!

Hey Kyle, Great review, but im curious why you're not reviewing your giveaway bikes? Do you guys still have a ton of snow or something?

Fisch Moto has a pretty sweet electric start kit for the 250!

My first 2 stroke was 1976 yamaha MX 400. They just sound like "Freedom" 😊

I really love your channel. What i would love to see if possible for us guys who do not have a huge budget is a GPX 250 and 300 2 stroke review. I would love to own KTM or Beta but.... the YZ-X definitely is closer as a budget minded bike. Thanks again for all your videos and as always ill be buying something hoping I win a bike.

I have a 2011 CRF450R that has rekluse clutch and EVO air suspension. However im thinking of getting the 250X for trails bc the 450 is just to heavy to move around. What are your thoughts on this bike with the rekluse for PNW single track?

Love these bikes!

I have 16' YZ250X. It's pretty excellent. Just add pipe/silncer, head, heavyweight flywheel, setup your suspension, runs great. Lugs down low, great mid range. And two strokes start easy. One kick.

Awesome!

I'm looking to get back into riding at 57 years old. I know what I'll be buying now.

HITLIS offers a smooth no hit powerband kit for tour power valve. Makes it electric smooth. More power below mid hit. More control for mild to wild climbs.

IMO , it just needs a e-start. i never had an X but i had on 07 that i essentially built into an X before the X existed. there was literally nowhere the bike didn't perform well. i didnt sell it until last year in exchange for a 300 GG The only reason i went to a gasgas 300 was for electric start. i also got the GG because i wanted the non composite sub frame , linkage rear , and spring front fork. (aka as close as i could get to replicating a YZ lol) fuel injection i feel is an added benefit , but as someone who grew up riding carbed bikes and turns his own wrenches i could easily live with out FI and separate fuel/oil tanks. but.... cant live with out e start now days. a few years ago i would have never noticed. Everyone was riding kickstart bikes too. but when your riding super knarly stuff and everyone around you is just pushing a button and taking back off and your trying to re start a dropped or stalled bike in a tricky spot you realize quickly how much more effort and time its taking you. effort being the major factor. if yamaha announces they are putting on a E-start , ill sell my gasgas and go back as soon as my order is reserved.

@JB-th4bx

4 ай бұрын

^this.

Thank you for the video. I am 58 years old at 210lb's. Do you mind sharing your weight and if you put a stiffer spring on the rear suspension. I am getting ready to buy a yz250 vs yz250x and trying to decide. Thanks, Roger

How about a small sample of how great they sound?

Great review best bike for the weekend warrior on a budget, cost effective like you say. Buy this and just ride it, put many hours on it and then buy another.

The best part about the YZX bikes is they cost less than the competition. A lot less. Just over $8k for the YZ250X versus it's nearest competition of the GasGas EX250 at $10,300.

@traetudor4103

4 ай бұрын

I just got a 24 GG ex300 9500 out the door

@tcmx712

4 ай бұрын

The Austrian brands have great deals for prior year models which brings it back down to yz prices though

Sometimes simplicity is bliss, why? Easy to understand, and up keep!

I have written 2 strokes for more than 45 years. Still the best bikes there are for off road

Kyle, since a ton of people want a YZ(X) with electric start and all the goodies, can you get your hands on a Fantic for a giveaway/review? Also, do you ever ride NM? I’d love to go for a rip!

The YZ250 is nearly the perfect bike. Incredibly bulletproof and reliable, incredibly widespread and cheap parts, and there’s nothing more fun to ride than a 250 2-stroke

Seems like a good vet bike. (As you mention as I wrote it) 67 yr old, used to race a Honda elsinore250 back in the day. Currently thrash a drz400s. Looking for a solid, value bike I can work on to go to the track. This may be it.

@MotoKY-yz250x

3 ай бұрын

Man you must be in damn good shape to thrash a drz around. I’m 28 220 and half decent shape and that bike is a handful. I have the supermoto and I’ve brought that everywhere. That being said I also own a 250x, I’ve had it for 3 years. Bike owes me nothing. 136 hours and only one piston at 120 (didn’t need it) and tires and fluids and filters. Plenty of power. I just have an apex head with the xc dome and thing is docile when you want it to be and angry when you want it.

This isn't available as a 2-stroke in Europe? Same with the KTM XC model it seems.

Simply a great cheap capable bike👍

I wonder why you said that you would prefer the newer aluminum frames? What exactly do those frames offer that the current YZ250 doesn’t? If we are going by performance, everyone from McGrath to Reed have said that the steel framed YZ250 was the best of all of them.

Was this a public event or private

When is the beta gonna get a video

Hi nice video i love yamaha. If you dont know Fantic just made XE 300 version wich is yamaha with starter hydraulic clutch and TBI. And one is still 5 speed transmission. The reason why is that yz 250 engine is tight so they cant fit 6 speed, they need to desing new engine and yamaha doesnt want to do that... but nice video

Kyle, I am curious if 2 smokers have to meet any emission standards in the US or EU? I thought there is the compliance rating, is this correct or my fading memory? Also, is there an electric starter retrofit kit for the YZ250X? Thx.

What’s the Maintence schedule on this bike? Would love to have one as a trail bike with my son but don’t want a ton of Maintence every time I ride.

@badcompany1313

Ай бұрын

It’s as easy as it gets. Keep the air filter clean, change the gear oil every 15-25 hours, and a simple top end at 150-200 hrs. Besides lube the chain and very occasionally replace fork oil/fork seals that’s about it.

I had a '96 WR-250 and it was one of the best bikes I've ever owned or ridden, real shame that Yamaha isn't offering that transmission.

Why can't we buy the X models in Europe or the UK?

I think the 250 needs to come with the gytr flywheel.

This is how I feel about the Honda CRF 250F I wish they offered their air cooled EFI trail bikes with better suspension, a brake like, hand guards, and a head light and a quick access air filter like the old Honda XR250 had…

I bet it would be heavier with the 4t frames

I wish the 250X had a 6 speed transmission, headlight, but kept the kickstarter.

Make it electric start just got into 2 strokes. Got a husky te 300 2024. I love it. But if Yamaha did electric start,I wouldve done Yamaha

But I want to hear about the Varg😂

these things rip! They are so reliable.

what is the best way to get into buying a dirtbike?

@enduro_j

4 ай бұрын

Fb marketplace

Is it more reliable than Austrian 250s or 300s?

@kaisuhina8024

4 ай бұрын

They say they are more reliable than austrians, but i havent had any reliability problems in my 7 years of riding ktm’s. My 250 tpi has alot of electric thing for sure like e start, fuel injection etc, but they never have gave me any problems. Never blew up either.

@christianpettit1897

4 ай бұрын

Same here. 2017 300xcw never had a problem

Unfortunately not available in europe

Hard enduro with a no starter is a no go.

I considered the Yamaha but no electric start, that made it a deal breaker. Just put an e-start and I'll buy a Yamaha

👍👍

If it was electric start it would be great. Yamaha is really missing out on a lot of sales because of it.

Dude at the dealership told me it's a 6spd. Like sure dude. If you count neutral as a gear

Ya updates would be nice. And people complain about the price if it from a technology vs dollar perspective. But they ignore the price to build it and supply it. Isn't significantly less just because of its lack of r&d. Inflation for cost of everything since 2006.. 99.. w.e Raw materials, labor, parts vendors, shipping, tarrifs, dealer fee's.. ext.

Make sure you dont smile at all, Connor...

It’s still is blue. I wish they would come back with yellow.

I just bought a 250X 2024, and i SWEAR its more snappy down low than the 2022- less model!! Something they did about the new airbox, and also sounds different!

@MotoKY-yz250x

3 ай бұрын

The airbox redesign actually added some hidden horsepower than the previous airbox!

4 strokes are so much better for desert riding/racing.

you can pry my YZ from my cold dead hands

The Panthera E start kits for those bikes are MONEY

I wish the yellow would exist

I never heard anybody "reason" when we rotate our bars so far forward, (starting after freestyle took off in the mid 90's. Are we sheep?) I guess we think we have better control going into corners with a high freestyle set up that was meant for trick clearance. You don't. Our handlebar/lever set up has become dysfunctional, and that is why nobody can explain why a high bar set up gives more control, while we crash more. Try rotating them back so the ends of the grips are pointing down a bit, (Your natural hand position actually, as the bars are designed), and lower your level levers about 10 degrees, (straight line from your fingers on the elvers, to you high elbows, as best you can.), and you will find it is much easier to keep you elbows up, the front end will be less twitchy, and your corner speed should increase. The damn bike is too tall for the woods also, (probably the tallest bike made today). So your corner speed and control could be much better that riding this sky scrapper. I have never had to do so much work to a 250cc MX bike, to make it ride able. But now it is way better than the stock YZ250 today, that is not really great for anything. My motor mods turned my YZ from a 125 like screamer, (not going to keep up with 450's on a modern track anyway.), to a lower end "short shifter" (can shift fast with out bogging, 190lbs, stock gearing.), that does not fall on its face, banging the next gears with no clutch. I think I have the best woods bike set up for the YZ250 2-strokes. So easy to ride well. :) Doug in Michigan

That's the set up me and my son were on for 8 years. Now he's on the YZ250 and me well I'm on a Sur-Ron Ultra Bee LOL almost 70 so...

It takes a 450 4stroke to compete with a 250 2stroke.

Yamajunk

Tx300 all day

@KingofKahkis

4 ай бұрын

As a new owner of a TX300, I’d agree 😂 love this bike

@braap_biglunch

4 ай бұрын

@@KingofKahkis 💯🤘

Just needs an easy button to be a serious contender.

On single track that bike will wear you down super fast without suspension work. Engine is super strong, no argument there but the suspension is not single track friendly in stock form, it’s way too hard. But agreed, tried tested and true bike for sure. Put electric start, bark busters, a headlight and soften the suspension then it’s a real enduro contender.

Please no electric start. Kick starting a bike is not difficult.

No thanks. Sold my X and bought a KTM 350. E start and fuel injection are worth the extra money.

A steel braided clutch line? They maybe used for hydraulic lines to fight expansion,--but this is a cable clutch. Really, how qualified are you? The bike is too tall----rookie. :)

That was a great bike 25 years ago. Who would buy anything without electric start or full injected. Welcome to the real world.

Can they just give us electric start 🫡

Call it a simple motorcycle if you want. But again, I am sure you can not engineer/design/make any part of it. All I have to do is ask "How is your math?", to define a "simple", mind.

Too much music.

I only buy yamaha because they don't have a stupid electric start.

@Moto619films

4 ай бұрын

When you're stuck on a hill and in Hare Scramble race You'll wish you had that electric start

You don’t need a 300. 250 2 strokes were the premier class in motocross/supercross before 4 strokes took over. You’re delusional if you think you need more power than JS7, The Goat, and Showtime needed. 😜

@mxgryan

4 ай бұрын

Tell us you don't understand what a 300 is for without telling us.

@KingofKahkis

4 ай бұрын

It’s not about flat out power. That’s what 450s are for. 300s are for tractoring. They lug incredibly well like stupid low. Guessing you haven’t ridden one, no offense at all but until you ride a modern 300, it’s hard to grasp how good they are when it gets nasty.

Yamaha is losing the plot. The fact that they still sell bikes without starters is rediculous. The market share they are losing is substantial by not having starter motors. Get up with the times. People want to ride Yamaha but buy KTM's and Husqvarna's because of the 2 strokes have no starters. They must fucken wake up and produce a YZ 300 X with hydraulic clutch and a starter.

Why do you want the bike updated to a 4-stroke frame? Do you think you will notice the performance difference, maybe more vibration? I have this bike, and would rather have the steel frame, to curb vibration. Stop crying for the upgrades,--that only raise the price in our dying industry.

I unsubscribed for some unknown reason!

Still using basically the same motor, guillotine exhaust valve, same crappy port geometry … for goodness sakes just take a page out of KTM and make a decent head