Nice to see an e start option for current yz250x owners. Imo Yamaha has a following. They need to raise the bare and make their own e start version and geared more to hard enduro. Ultimately a 250 and 300 that would compete against the KTM market. Riders would be happy !! Until then, the KTM will have the most bang for the buck imo.
Ive seen a lot of guys over the years try to convert any year YZ250 to a enduro/HS race bike but I would still would take my trusty 08 250xc-w over one. A decent used KTM 250/300 goes for about $3k and most have a title already too, which is a really big deal if you want to register/plate any bike these days just to do a turkey run, enduro, or ride local legal riding area. Long ago before KTM had the current rep it does, I converted/registered a 98 CR250 for off road/enduro use and loved it for many years but you cant convert the MSO to a title on the Jap bikes anymore in most states. Imagine how good that CR would be today if Honda still made and developed it. Kinda hard tounderstand why Yamaha took so long just to get the 250x where it is now.
I'm glad there's finally an option. But it would be great if Yamaha put on their game face and go a proper e-start, sixth gear, hydraulic clutch, and lights for those countries where you can register two strokes for road use. I know many of us riding eurotrash would change over in a heart beat. 😢
So true. I bet there’s people at the company that would love to work on the 2 strokes but probably company politics or revenue growth elsewhere that just have the yzx 2 strokes on the back burner
All this tec and no how is sitting on Yamaha shelves right now, they admitted to it 20 years ago already, clean burning 2 strokes, e- start, hyd. clutch,..etc. I'd drrop the money in a minute. Hey throw on the WR lighting kit as well, I'll take it off to race motocross my self. YAMAHA WAKE UP!!!! SALES PROVE IT!!! YOU KIND OF ADMITTED TO IT BY THROWING US A BONE WITH THE YZ125X, SCREW THAT OVER PRICED KTM STUFF.
And then pay as much as a euro bike because RnD and more bits. But with a super stiff aluminum frame instead. Oh wait, we were in fantasy land weren't we? 🤔
I think all they would need to do with the 250x is add a e-start, counter balance and a heavier flywheel and Yamaha would easily be able to go head to head with the European bikes. I would be all over the 250x if it came with an e-start.
What's with 2 stroke bikes that aren't counter balanced these days? Hell my 1992 yamaha WR200 was counter balanced. Get with the program. Years ago I bought a cheap broken 1999 250exc and once I got it going I sold it after 3 rides due to all the vibration.
Lot of butt hurt comments. Check my channel for a HONEST 2018 Beta 300RR review. I really like mine. I think it was a good buy and I have not had any major issues with it.
Michael Tucker agree. If you want something cheaper than just buy a Sherco that has almost all of the same parts. The YZ is just so far behind the times.
Here’s a mental note with ktm parts... KTM Doesn’t change too much parts between different size bikes... for just 1 example.. my radiator was $300 for my XCW well I ended up ordering the radiator for a 125 spent $114 and fit like a glove same exact measurements.
MotoMadMan 45 it looks like they accomplished something like that with the new 125X. Let’s see if those changes make their way to the 250X in the future.
It doesnt have a wide ratio gearbox 1st, 2nd and 3rd are the same as the moto version, 4th and 5th are wider but going fast doesn't matter when your in the thick technical stuff. If I want or need to go that fast I'll buy a street bike.
@@trentcarter616 3rd is not the same as the moto. It's closer to second. My point is, fifth is so damn tall you can gear it down to get your granny gear and fifth is still tall enough for the straights. I know this because I own one, I'm not just speculating like the rest of you.
A mate of mine bought one for his new YZ250X and had to wait 6 months for it to get to Australia .. then after fitting it up, the spark is so week with the replacement stator that it won't start .. and its not like he can just take it back to the shop to exchange the faulty item for a working one, cos it comes from Canada .. its a total debacle
And to think- that I thought that Yamaha finally moved up into the 21 century, not. Guess I have to stick with my 2013 Husky TXC 310R, e start and kick start, EFI 4 stroke, mapped for unrestricted power, KYB suspension, Excell rimes rims, Brembo brakes, hydraulic clutch, 6 speed wr tranny and it was only $2500.
From what I’m hearing there are some issues with the e-starter. It appears to be a fairly complex install also and it’s the first generation, so myself, I’d stay clear of the first iteration. I own a KTM 300xc-w and haven’t ridden anything that compares (including Yamaha). If your concerned about price then by all means go with the Yamaha, but if you want a true expert bike for tight trails then you need the KTM. My 2 cents.
almost got excited. Thought that Yamaha got off their bums and brought the bike into modern tech....'as I am about to move from my WR450 to a Husky 300TX....would have preferred to stay team Blue, but...looks like it isn't going to happen.
That's a pretty tough pill to swallow. I'd love to buy one, but at $1200+ then purchase the battery and finally install it yourself. I can see spending $1200 installed with battery, even that seems a bit excessive. I'll keep an eye open for price cuts, would be nice to have, unfortunately too high a price tag.
I spun my right leg around on my 1991 cr500. I unfortunately will never Kickstart anything again. Want to buy a 250r atc or tri250 and no electric start.
2020 YZ250X in Australia $12 999 😝ouch. Then to add decent size fuel tank, and this e-start kit ( with the price conversion to U.S. dollars for us Aussies and shipping) definitely not worth it for me👎 when you can get a 2020 KTM 300EXC for $15 500 in Australia. Also no registration availability in Australia for the YZ's or YZX's 👎👎👎
So I would have to say no it's not worth it there's still a lot of things these bikes need to make them a true 2T enduro 1. No more cables needs hydraulic this is huge for me. 2. Like you said power delivery needs to be way more manageable. My beta 300 lugs up most stuff in second gear making it way more easier getting traction compared to pinning it. 3.gearing needs to be wide ration. Just my 2 Penny's
If you like the bike and it really fits you and your riding style could be worth it especially if you bought the bike used. If your buying a yz with the intent to make it as close to an xc-w as you can forget about it..definetly not worth it. Just go buy an xc-w
NICKDOG154 I do get salty hearing that estart on my buddies rides. Especially when it stalls in awkward spots. I think a auto recluse will solve most of my problems
I love the YZ250X. Estart would be a boon but I'm not itching for it. They should put the old WR 1st and 2nd gears in. Give us a true granny gear. Install an aftermarket head like from Apex Technical Innovations. I got mine for $4500 last year super clean and 60+ hours and I'm not looking back. I have put on about 90 hours this year so far
A 4Th gear from a 2000 YZ250 fits a 2019 250X and the WR400 and WR426 from 1998 and up. Might get lucky.. Iv been wanting to do the DR gear swap in my 2006 RM250.. The RMX trans wont work and the DR is not compatible anymore I don't think. Some day tho! Lol
I'm a yz125x and YZ250x woods rider. I prefer kick start only bikes for the simplicity and reliability . I'm a weekend warrior and not an Erzberg candidate. I work a lot and travel and time is precious. I also own multiple street bikes that add to the motorcycle maintenance time suck. With my yz's they're always ready to go. Just gas n go. I like that. No chasing corroded grounds or replacing batteries or starters or any parts like that for the life of the bike. I tend to keep my bikes 3-5 years sometimes a lot longer . I do all of my maintenance and keep the bikes in good condition. Now I know someone is going to say how reliable their Euro bike is and I totally get it. If I just owned 1 or 2 bikes and rode hard Enduro exclusively then I definitely would get a European bike. But I am so thankful that Yamaha offers a high quality plain old dirt bike without bells and whistles. I am VERY thankful that the YZ 2t bikes are exactly like they are. My bikes run flawlessly and I need nothing more than what they are. Carburators and Kayaba and I don't want anything else . My 2 cents. Great Channel TrailBound 👍 p.s. I like all bikes and all brands, were I to get say a KTM I'd go for a SX model and modify for woods for the same reasons that I stated above. If that makes sense.
I think it’s awesome we can go out and buy $2500 yz250s all day long. Spend $1200 to get the estart and now you’ve got a bike you can really go out and thrash in the nasty stuff and not feel bad about it. Just buy another $2500 yz and transfer the estart. It’s brilliant!
I see myself destroying that expensive, exposed unit first drop. I still think Beta or a left over KTM is a better deal overall that is built for what I do. It would be nice to see Yamaha give birth to a bike that doesn’t have MX in its gene pool.
For guys with an old yz or buying a cheap used one this is a great option. I love the unlimited places to get parts for these bikes. Love to see one for the 125 as well.
Not worth it for me! I would much rather own a lightly used 250 xcw tpi than pay that kind of scratch! If Yamaha doesnt get with the program, I will be forced to go with KTM just for the e start. Getting stuck on a steep hill, while trying to kickstart.....getting too old for that mess.
First, at 1:43 you have video of my KX500, so I may have a unique perspective. Do I think it’s worth the upgrade and does this put the YZX on KTM’s level? It depends on how much you love your X as to if it's worth it. The X's are well made, comfortable, and reliable. That said they are outdated when compared to a KTM. Bolting a E-Start on the X will not make it perform like a KTM. You will still have a bike stuck at a Y2K level. If you want a Yamaha that performs on the level of a KTM, buy a KTM, Put blue, white, or black plastics on it, have a custom Yamaha graphics kit made and go confuse people with it, it's fun. But if your a true Yamaha fan and love your X, it's worth every penny.
Do a little research. Panthera doesn't have a great name. Also they are using a PVL ignition. I had one on a kx500. they are great until you get them wet, then the next time they get hot they will die. trust me on this. I failed two. kept a spare one ready to go at the truck at all times. if you can keep your coolant temp under 175F you will be ok.
If I already owned a YZ250X I would be very interested in this e-start kit. It looks like a good option where there was previously no option, but on it's own, not a reason to buy a YZ250X in my opinion. Now Panthera needs to get to work on a counter balancer kit.
Got an update the kit does not come with a battery because they cant ship International. "The kit comes with a battery box made to receive the antigravity ag-801 battery"
It seems like Yamaha is waiting for more riders to buy their "X" series bikes before they really go after that market. Instead of pulling all the stops and making a Yamaha that gives nothing to the KTM. If they would just go for it and use the KTM recipe maybe the sales would be surprising,IMO.
Now it will be another 2 years before they give it a juice clutch and another 2 after that for counter balanced. And I’ll be dead before they have a 300. 😂😂 Yamaha just isn’t investing in these bikes like KTM, Husky, Beta, Sherco.
They are in the 20+ year YZ250 club where MORE VIBRATION is better they still believe the myths KTM is not reliable bla bla bla. Meanwhile KTM is #1 in all of the Enduro events with Husky/Beta/ and all of the other EURO bikes.
Totally appreciate the effort this company is making but Yamaha should take serious note! With this add on, your nearing the cost of an Austrian bike, maybe more after brakes and hydro clutch. Adjustable power valve is a plus as well. I’m a big Yamaha fan but until they step up, most riding Singletrack or enduro will look elsewhere. Come on, Yamaha, step up!!! Ca emissions BS may put the brakes on any potential remodel too. Bummer.
Lmfao $1200...people rave about how cheap and reliable these bikes are so I can't imagine this being a big hit. Even better yet this is an E-Sart kit from the enemy (KTM) that already has known issues!! Hahaha It's cool that the company released this kit though! Those 500cc start up vids sounded soo good
I dont ride a yz250x but I do hard enduro my 2018 yz250, E-start would be nice, 1300 usd is a bit much. I think it would be awesome if we got the Australian version of the yz250xR , they get a road legal version that comes with on-off lights, yup signals and high low beam horn and key switch, BUT IT STILL NEEDS A 6 SPEED, theres times I wish I could crawl a bit slower and go way faster up top. My suspension would be stiff if I was lighter, (I'm 230lbs) so that part I find ok. Counter balancer to smooth out the vibrations would also be lovely, as for the power, I wouldn't ever change that. I love my yz250 s power. It's nice when you gotta grab 2nd gear n get up a gnarly slippery hill where ktm guys are taking off in 3rd.
enduro trucker Ernie Desjardins the X gearbox is pretty good. 1st and 2nd are exactly the same as your YZ but third is lower which sounds weird but makes that gear of choice through most single track. I’ve clocked the top end at 90MPH. If you need more than that I can’t help you lol. 4th-5th gap is big but really it’s just for cruising.
*KTM/Husquvarna all the way - how about they update the 20+ year old YZ250 first ----- KTM is still 20+ years ahead and TPI will save the 2 stroke!!!!*
Itd be nice to have for sure, but for what it is its way to expensive imo. I own an x with a lectron carb, She kicks sooo easy and honestly with the right fly wheel weight set up, if your stalling the bike you should probably turn around and go home. Lectron carb + FWW = no need for electric start on this bike, because you wont be stalling. Unless they can get the price down around the 400.00 range.
Coincidentally Chris, I was looking at these again today to see if there was any reviews yet, and nope. I'm just not sure I want to be the $1250 guinea pig. It says the complete kit with the battery weighs 5,7 lbs. but I'm not sure that it comes with the battery either.
Rizzo44 Rizzo yeah they only told me the weight didn’t answer when I asked about battery 🧐 I haven’t heard anything bad from the CR and KX guys so might be solid??
It’s a great idea but the quality isn’t there using a Chinese starter motor off a Chinese quad. Also the gears coming off the motor wear out quick. Unfortunately all round poor engineering at a high cost.
After reading all the comments, sounds like everyone wants a ktm or husky. Seems to me counter balance and e-start from the factory I going to the price tag right up there with the Euro bikes. So I say pick your poison.
Yamaha has been behind the ball for years. Sure you can pay $1200 (overpriced) and do their job for them but you still need the clutch brakes transmission and adjustable power valve. Oh and counter balancer too. Yamaha isn’t even in the game anymore
Jaime my 13 250xcw definitely vibrates less than my 06 yz250 did. Even if you factor that out the Yz still isn’t even close. I used to love the yz until I tried the xcw. I’ll never go back
I have a Panthera starter on my CR500, if their system can reliably start a 500 starting a 250 will be a doddle... I'll be the first to admit the Panthera kit is far from perfect, but the ktm failed because it was very poorly designed/built, not the layout. (Think cheapest option on the most expensive bike, WP suspension anyone...) Have you looked at a YZ250? Where else do you think Panthera could put a starter and gear reduction? Putting a starter underneath, or anywhere else requires a complete engine case redesign. Then a new YZ would be the same price as a KTM as they recoup the developement costs.
As soon as Yamaha comes out with a real enduro bike I will buy one! I have no interests in the x model I want a real enduro not a mx bike with some little changes!
I thought that Yamaha was finally putting e -start on the bike not an aftermarket option. Doesn't surprise me tho. As much money as KTM makes in the Enduro market you'd think Yamaha would invest in some R&D to have a E-Start ,hydrolic clutch, better gearing. I know the frame and suspension feels right so it wouldn't take much they have a good foundation. Just doesn't make sense to me guess they just love there motorcross which KTM kicks there ass most the time there too
The yamaha needs a 6 gear and a more WR gearbox. if yamaha get that i whould have no problem paying 1200¤ for a e -start. but not worth the money the way the make the bikes now. I`l stay with my Gas Gas. The perfect bike for me :D
I love my 21' yz250x. I put a hydraulic clutch on it. I've done alot, but I'd love to have estart. Yes it's more maintanace with a battery but idk if over 1000 dollars is worth it. I'd really like a 6 speed like the yz125x, and a headlight and estart. Same Bike with a 6 speed and headlight would be perfect for me
E start is nice. But I can't believe the pussification of riders nowadays. E-start was necessary because when 4 strokes became popular, they could be a bitch to restart if you crashed or stalled. But that is not true of 2 strokes or at least to a much lesser extent. Somewhat related to this topic I also find humorous is that if you bring up a Rekluse auto clutch, the same riders pining for the necessity of e-start will claim a Rekluse is cheating. But e-start is ok? LOL!
Yamaha NEEDS to make us a 2 stroke WR. I really want a Yamaha trail bike. WR 200, electric start, fuel and oil injected. Take my money! I have a hard on for the TE 150. The Beta 200rr is not Fi (oil injected tho) and has a crap turning radius.
