Comparing a ktm 250 sx with a honda 650

[mazeco]

It's time for a new bike. I'm 17 average height and weight and I've been riding a honda xr 250 for 2 years. I don't ride too much my xr 250 I'm always riding my fathers xr650 (with wich I do some enduros here in portugal) I love the power it's got but the bike is just too heavy and a bitch too start. I was thinking how whould a ktm 250 sx compare to the 650? I have also thought of the ktm 125 sx but it seems too weak or am I wrong? I'm also thinking of doing mainly mx but i'll also be doing some enduro for fun (with my father) thats why I think an sx will be the most appropriate model! It's kind of confusing to buy a bike these days with the 4 stroke revolution n all. Everyone says that the 4 strokes are clearly an advantage but bubba , carmichael , chad reed , grant langston.... all of them are still using 2 strokes. I love ktm and I have great prices from them and I want to stick with them. plz some help! Thanks in advance

 

[Strick]

OMG, Compare a greyhound to a St. Bernard.

The 650 is good for open riding, and big guys can lug them around O.K., but I can't imagine racing one (other than Baja).

The 250 SX is a REAL machine. It is probably within 5hp of the 650, weighs 75 lbs less, and turns on a dime. If you get one I'll bet you will be intimidated at first. That bike has some REAL POWER.

The 125 SX on the other hand is a terrific bike, but has that 125 2-stroke type of power band. It is a TERRIFIC MX & SX bike (it just finished 1 &2 for the season in U.S. Motocross). It is a little tougher to manage in an enduro though.

 

[Farmer John]

Delta Burk vs Christa Flockhart.

The SX is a great dirt bike
The XR is a large dirt bike

 

[mazeco]

Can someone plz explain this to me??? On all magazines I've bought they rave about the new 4 strokes and that they clearly are an advantage over a 2 stroke but if this is so clearly true why isnt carmichael on a crf? why isnt chad reed on a yzf? It doesn't make any sence why whould the pros prefer to be on worse machines? I don't know anymore if I should go with a 250 sx 2 stroke or a 450 sx 4 stroke. If the 2 stroke are really disapearing I think I'd like to have one before their gone... What do you guys think? How long will it be before the 2 stroke are completly gone of the tracks? Thanks in advance.

 

[CJG]

Mazeco, Four- strokes are not inherently better than two-strokes they both have advantages and disadvantages. It really depends on the track. Big, wide-open tracks tend to favor the 4s, while tight sx style tracks usually favor the 2s.
Reed has switched to a 4s for the rest of the nationals, and Carmichael has mentioned that he may switch to a 4s for next years nationals too. However, I believe that they will both be on 2strokes for sx. The day may come, if 2strokes survive the initial 4s onslaught and the EPA, that riders will ride either a 2s or 4s depending on the track.
I have owned both and I prefer a 2s. For me, 2strokes are just more fun to ride, and they are what I grew up riding. Since you are used to riding 4strokes, you may prefer to stay with a 4s.
If possible, try to get a ride on a 2s and one of the modern high-performance 4strokes and see which you prefer. Either one would be a major departure from what you are used to.
Good luck.

 

[truespode]

Originally posted by mazeco
On all magazines I've bought they rave about the new 4 strokes and that they clearly are an advantage over a 2 stroke but if this is so clearly true why isnt carmichael on a crf?

First, magazines are produced to help manufacturers sell bikes so the magazine gets more ad dollars from them.

Second, RC will be on a CRF450 outdoors next year.

Ivan

 

[mazeco]

I didn't know that but thanks. I will try to ride both bikes.