#yz250fx #singletrack #enduro #Yamaha #dirtbike My opinion on purchasing a YZ250FX as a "NEW" Dirt bike rider and if I made the right choice?? A Tip from a Newbie to dirt bikes and singletrack/enduro riding. Time to buy a 2 Stroke?
For single track here in the Northeast 2T is the way to go... But the 250FX is capable and you're going to learn a lot riding this bike. Balance along with clutch throttle control are the name of game no matter what engine you have under you.
To save you a bunch of money a 2 stroke won't be any better. I have spent the last year riding and racing harescrambles and learning to ride woods. The feeling of needing a bike to be able to lug down more is a sure sign you just need to ride faster, and yes I know that sounds dumb but the way bikes work is they work better the faster you go. To a point of course, but I went through this same thing of hitting rocky areas and wanting to slow down and lug through it...killing the bike...losing balance....dabbing a ton and just feeling like the bike was no good for that stuff. Till I started just hitting those areas 2, 3 or 4 mph faster and keeping the throttle turned on a little. Now they are nothing and I see my mistake. hope this helps.👍
I agree with you...I see rock gardens and I slow down...doing all the things you mention dabbing..losing balance and momentum. Thanks for the advice and the input about the 2 stroke....my thinking is way off now that I am hearing experienced riders giving me input. Appreciate it.
You bought the correct bike especially being new. This is the exact bike i would recommend to someone getting into the sport. You did a good job on the choice. 2 strokes are no easier than that, i promise you!
@@pete8149 Your welcome and check out dirtbike channel on youtube the guy Kyle test all kinds of trail bikes and your bike is the one he can put the fastest lap times on.
I personally have both and I can tell for enduro, woods and single track riding my ktm 300 xcw 21 is my go to bike, it feels lighter, more maneuverable and a power delivery that is more useable. I love 4 stroke too but I feel like they perform better on the track or in the send.
I've ridden off and on for sixty years. The FX is a wonderful bike for going fast. I, like you, have not found a setting for going slow without really working the clutch and throttle. I bought a Beta 300 and now the FX sits in the garage. Slow going, rocks, no problem. Just put it in third gear and enjoy your ride. Stay safe!
Glad to see your still out riding....I wish I would of started years ago when I was younger but I am just glad I found woods riding. Thanks for the reply....appreciate the input.
I ride FRO as well. 2T vs. 4T in the rocky single track really won’t make a difference, as others have mentioned. Dial in the suspension and you’ll be able to chug along with little to no stalling. I had a ‘20 FX and didn’t like the handling much until I sent the suspension to Factory Connection and got it setup for my weight and skill level. Then it was awesome in the rocks and roots! Rarely stalled it because then I could blast the rough sections. Plus you just can’t beat a 4T on rough/slippery uphills. I’m now riding a Husqvarna TE150i but there are times I miss that 250FX!
Thank you for sharing... I have owned and ridden over 60 different bike so yes I agree with you that a 2S bike is going to be easier to ride tight gnarly single track especially when you are new. But once you progress your skills on a 2S you will do equally well on the 4S. What I would suggest if you can is get an older 2S for cheap and ride it on the same trails and master your skills. When it comes to 2S not all bikes are the same. If you get a motocross 2S you will face exactly the same issues with a light flyhweel and the bike will want to be on the pipe all the time and will end up hurting you. I would recommend a 2S woods bike like a KDX200 or Yamaha wr250 or RMX250 or an older KTM 200/250/300 EXC. Now this may sound dumb but an even better choice would be a trail based 4s like TTR230 or CRF250F to learn on as those machines are designed with low compression ratios and immense bottom end (but you give up top end power which you dont need anyway if you are a new rider)... A slow bike will give you the skills you need and then you would be very fast and very comfortable on a fast bike on the same trails... My first bike was an RMZ450 and I almost hated dirtbikes immediately. I switched to an old KTM 250EXC and it was like magic... Never looked back.
You could go up on the rear sprocket and get some more grunt. I own one but I am a A level rider. It's a great motorcycle. I also ride MX and the bike is great on the track. I went from the stock 50 rear to a 48 and rip through the woods. Find some friends and have fun. Just a reminder for you as an entry level rider go up a tooth on the rear sprocket should help you with the slow sections.
I started off on a 250FX and I just recently bought a Sherco 250 SE 2 stroke. The difference is night and day on single track. The FX is fun in the fast flowy stuff like you said... but so is the Sherco and it feels WAY easier to ride the tight stuff. I wish I would have started off on the Sherco. Also it has a map switch and the tame map is very manageable for a new rider.
Still like the bike it will be a year at the end of February. I eventually want to move on to a 2 stroke because there is some slower stuff I would like to try to get into....and this bike not a good fit for that....thanks for the reply and input. Enjoy the new bike!
Four years ago I got back into riding after nearly a 25 year layoff (work, kids, travel sports, etc.). I purchased a new 2019 YZ250FX and ride the same type of trails at AOAA, Mountain Ridge and other Pennsylvania areas. I have my bike setup with a G2 Throttle Tamer, different link and the Torque Map and my bike is pretty good in the rocks and tight trails. Different tires will also help since the stock tires are not a soft compound. My bike can lug and is way more difficult to stall over a stock bike. To get better at riding tighter trails I added the G2 Throttle Tamer and Torque Map and rode in slow figure 8s in my yard for weeks. Learning throttle and clutch control while getting use to your bike will change your mind about the YZ250FX. For hard enduro a 2 stroke may be better but for the trails around us the YZ250FX is pretty versatile and can handle most any terrain. Join the ThumperTalk Forum and go to the YZ250FX page. I started a Map thread that is posted at the top section of the YZ250FX Forum. Other riders have added their Maps for different setups and conditions. Its also a wealth of information for all things YZ250FX. Don’t get rid of the bike just yet…….
What are you talking about "different link".... you mean lower the suspension linkage? You run the torque map that came with the bike, I have that one plus I downloaded another one off the FX mapping page on FB. Also, joined Thumper talk...appreciate the suggestion.
@@pete8149 The 2019 and earlier models of the FX have a bit of a stink bug effect being a bit higher in the back than the front. I changed out the suspension link lowering the back about 20mm and then played with fork height in the clamps. I never rode my bike on MX tracks so I had no issues with the suspension. It lowered the seat height about an inch and turns better than the stock setup. The YZ250FX has been a great bike but now I’m looking to sell it and buy a new bike. I only have 43 hours on my bike and I babied it so it is in great shape. My son has grown out of his bike so we are looking at possibly getting 2 Beta 200rr. I want to get back into a 2 stroke and the 2023 200rr model looks to be a good bike for my riding and a great step up bike for my son.
After 10yrs of road racing I bought a 21' YZ250FX. Suspension was perfect for MX, but way too stiff for trails. I revalved and that helped a ton. I then resprung the front and that helped more. Resprung again this week so hopefully that'll allow me to use most of my travel. Out back the stock spring and my revalve is really good. I'm a c class 165lb rider and the stock suspension is setup for a much faster larger person. Get your suspension done. As for the rest... well I feel the bike is perfect. I want the throttle to be aggressive and responsive.
I got hooked up on suspension guy my Yamaha shop referred him. I got to drop it off getting it done over winter, only 45 minutes from where I live. So I am going take the whole bike, he said he will get me setup cause I am clueless with suspension setup. Thanks for the reply...appreciate your input.
@@garysmith5394 I just bought the same bike and it was hard as hell to manage on tight single track . Constant flame outs and I'm coming from a WR. Ordered a Rekluse and that will fix all when I install next week.
Try raising the idle to reduce stalling. Try a higher gear for lugging. The Yamaha 250 4-strokes are capable of pulling 3rd in many places. It’ll smooth out the power. Spin your clickers out so you not deflecting off everything. Great bike.
Bike choice doesn’t really matter honestly, being completely comfortable on whatever bike you choose is way more important than having a better bike. Put in more hours riding and try to ride faster, that’s the best thing you can do to ride better
Just keep ridin a d practicing. It'll come together. Thats a nice bike and can handle most everything you can throw at it. Like others mentioned maybe a sprocket change and/or revalve the forks to get a better feel... 😉
Thanks for the review! Really appreciate your point of view. I'm in northeastern Canada, almost the same conditions as you ride in, and I bought a 2013 YZ125 about 3 years ago. Although it was lots of fun, it was a lot of work in single track situations. I sold it this year and got a 2021 YZ125X, which is incredibly better for woods riding, but still requires a lot of clutch feathering. If you go 2-stroke, I'd try the YZ250X.
Thanks for your input appreciate it. I have liked the bike the more I ride it...but I am looking on going to a 2 stroke later this fall. Been on this bike a year now and it has grown on me and now I want to move to a 2 stroke. The rough/rocky terrain has done me a lot of good learning woods riding....so after all said and done the bike is great....it was the lack of experience and skill that was/still is the problem. Thanks for the reply. Don't you like the yz125x or just wish you bought the 250?
@@pete8149 - I did a lot of researching before getting the 125X model, but I knew I wouldn't go for a higher displacement - I ride tight trails, so too much power can be a bit hard to manage when you have to give it just the right amount of throttle. I am also very light for a 50-year old. I'm 5'9", but only 145 lbs, so a 125 has more than enough power to haul me plenty fast 😁
I have a 2019 YZ250X and just put it up for sale. It is an absolute beast but riding in tight trails and rocky hill climbs it's hard to manage. It would be great out west where you can run at speed. No electric start, hard suspension and having to tinker with jets are also some downfalls to riding this bike slowly. The closest and best riding by me is Barnwell Mountain in Gilmer TX. It's an old iron ore mine and there aren't many places where this bike really shines there. Yes you can add flywheel weights, Lectron carburetors, throttle tamers and even e start but that cancels any benefit to getting one in the first place. The best bike for this type of riding is the KTM XC-W 300. 2 stroke with fuel and oil injection. PDS suspension. low weight and good dealer/parts support. It will lug all day and not flame out. It gives up some top end power but is smooth in the really rough stuff. They aren't cheap but you only live once. I have been selling my other toys and I am looking for a gently used one to replace my YZ.
I have the same 22 yz250fx. It's a race bike, needs suspension revalved, heavy flywheel, throttle cam and hydraulic clutch for what we are using them for. I uploaded 2 videos on this bike explaining the mods for rocky singletrack.
I have the same bike mine is 2021, and let me tell you that is a fantastic bike, the first few rides that I did on it I stall it a lot but now I'm feathering the clutch and rarely stall it, riding on rocks is very difficult, you just need to ride as much as you can and that's the key.
Thanks for the reply, I am working on my clutch control when riding and also, every time I ride at the end or beginning, I will do some drills on engagement point on boulders/logs. Appreciate the input.
I have a 2019 yz450fx and i ride it in some super tight steep narly mountain trails in british columbia, rocks, roots, slick wet rain forest. Completely stalk with 200 hours on it. Its all about the clutch and getting used to that first one percent of throttle. These bikes are meant to stand up and charge and bounce and jump up and over everything. You got this!!
Thanks for your input appreciate. Yes learning throttle and clutch control is key ...this bike has grown on me since I made this video. I still struggle with the charging part Especially when I come up on rock gardens....it's a confidence thing that I still haven't grasped to charge through them instead of slowing and crawling through them. Thanks for the reply. Appreciate the feedback.
The 300 2 stroke is probably the greatest bike to own if you mostly ride woods whether fast and flowy or tight. They are also very good for the occasional MX open practice days. I have a 2020 300TX Husky and I ride that twice as much as my 450 4 stroke mx bike.
I'm in the same boat. Owned street motorcycles. Now own a dual-sport motorcycle. I have some extensive pedal mountain bike riding experience under my belt. That took a good 6mo to feel good and 2 years months of riding trails for an hour or so almost every day after work, on weekends 4 hours or more to master. Plus had to build up my leg strength for the trails. There's no sitting on my ass on the trails mountain bike riding. I am sure the same goes for motorcycle/dirtbike trail riding. No, I can't throw around my dual-sport motorized bike as I do on my mountain bike on the trails. At least not yet. My suggestion is to watch some RU-vid training videos pertaining to dirtbike riding, do the exercises with the bike and train the body shown in the videos. Keep searching for advanced videos after your skills increase. Maybe search your local area for a private enduro track where they offer coaching. These days I go out almost every day with my dual-sport, and do the exercises, ride a little, and repeat the exercise. Nothing crazy. I can tell that I'm getting better at handling the dual-sport on the single tracks, and road. It'll take a while longer before I'm ripping it up on the trails. Until then it is what it is, and it's a slow go. I'd rather keep my bones intact. You know it don't come easy.
Appreciate the advice. I think some of my problem is mental confidence when I do get to hard obstacles/rock gardens. I have been working on standing more and been working in my yard just on a balance drill technique...got small yard so can't do no riding practice. (Rich Larsen has some good training stuff...but still a little advanced for me to try, I like his clutch control and balance tutorials.) Thanks for the input....there is a lot of useful suggestions to take from it. Thanks.
I have a 22 FX and I ride some serious rocky stuff. Stock form the bike is not setup for this. I have re-valved the suspension to make it more plush. I fitted a weighted flywheel as well as a traction disk which you fit to the clutch basket. Man does this bike lug now. It's got bottom end for days. I leave it on the standard MX map and never even use the mapping switch. It's just perfect. Doesn't stall unless you to lazy on the clutch sometimes but then it's your own doing. When I crack the throttle this bike is still very responsive and exciting to ride.
Since your running a traction disk on one side, is there a specific weight (oz.) of flywheel you need for the other side? Sorry if that question sounds dumb. Don't have no experience in dealing with either. Appreciate your reply and your experience with this bike. Thanks.
@@pete8149 it's around 200g. Basically the most you can fit to it. They have pretty small flywheels. I have had no need to change the stock sprockets either since doing this. Honestly a game changer.
Thanks for the review. I am a beginner as well and was debating between the WR250F and YZ250FX. I do wooded trails , rocky creekbed and forest roads. First year riding bikes at 44 years old and coming from a TTR230. I went with the WR250F but have yet to get out and ride it. Picked it up 2 weeks ago
I originally wanted the wr250f but called few dealers within few hours of where I live and they had no delivery times or any idea when they would have any. So I went and put deposit on the YZ250FX because I would have a delivery date to look forward to. I was to get it in June 2022 ..but got it earlier in February 2022 so it all worked out better for me getting the FX here in PA. I wanted the WR cause I wanted to put Tags/License on it.....but the new WR's here in PA you can't tag them anymore cause how the new models are titled now in PA ....so that is also another reason I went with the FX.
@TJTodd604 can you tag it where you live? Is it "uncorked"? Yeah let me know how you like it....to this day I have not seen any of the newer models here in the Surrounding states where I live.....I watched "Ash Sowman" videos on his 2021 wr250f and also "ARiemann1" has some good vids reviews on the Wr250f and that is what initially made me want a WR. I would love to ride one someday.
@@pete8149 I am in Vancouver, BC Canada. My channel has a ton of videos of my jeeping days showing our terrain. We are basically a rain forest beside the ocean, surrounded by mountains, creeks and lakes
I have a 20 250fx. Put an 8 cell antigravity battery, turned the idle up 500 rpm, and put a gytr flywheel on it. Bike rarely ever stalls after the flywheel, and idle adjustment. I run the Travis Pastrana tune most of the time.
Where you get the flywheel? When I search everywhere is sold out of them. I do have idle bumped up now and been running Woods 2 map but still has little more engine break than I want. Are you using the TP map for singletrack? Thanks for the reply and info.
I own a shop and get to ride pretty much everything. I personally own a 2019 KTM 250XC (because its the last year of carb bikes, with Kickstart, kickstand, and electric start) buy for reasons that matter not nuance differences in handling. I think you are right in your thinking that it's the rider not the bike. The rider that rides everyday and has built up his ability will walk away from both of us on a CRF125F. Just get out there enjoy the ride. Let the bike be the bike and enjoy the struggle. When you get better it will be more rewarding that you started on a "more difficult bike". Then switch to a 2 stroke and learn a new struggle. They all have ups and downs nothing is perfect or we would all have it.
Thanks for the advice. I wasn't going to post this video originally, but glad I did. To hear everyones opinion, tips and advice has been great. The struggle is real...but I am enjoying every minute of it.
I have 2015 250FX was my first dirt bike bought in my late 30s. The echo others the suspension is going to make a huge difference. The service manually should show the default rebound and compression values (clicks). I would just try going all out (clicks) and make the bike super soft front and rear. This is super easy to do (even trailside) and undo and you don't need to spend any money. Put a zip-tie on your front fork, you may find you are getting nowhere close to utilizing the full travel. I did this to my bike after some more experiences riders suggested it while out riding. My bike holds my line so much better, instead of getting bounced off the rocks its absorbing the hits and keeping me on my intended path. There are times it too soft but its usually some atv trail at a much higher speed, never in the single track i ride. As for a map, some people have suggested some maps that may be a better fit. I played with maps a little bit and the map that was the most forgiving to ham fisted throttle was the rain map. If you are getting bucked around and accidentally twisting the throttle and lurching forward that map may be more forgiving.
Not familiar with that map.... I contacted a suspension guy yesterday, waiting on return call, my local Yamaha shop suggested them so planning on getting it done soon as they can schedule it. Will do the zip tie method and see how much suspension I am actually using...Thanks for the tip and your reply, appreciate it.
Once you are comfortable, I’d recommend getting into 2T. 250-300 carbureted 2T is the way to go. Find a good deal on an older one in good condition, then spend some on the savings on a SMARTCARB and you’re set for life with no headaches. Also 2T super easy to work on yourself.
That is the direction I am heading. Love the bike now, but I do believe 2T will benefit me more and I agree on looking for a deal and I have rebuilt many sportbike/bobber carbs so familiar territory there. Thanks for your input...appreciate it.
You will be fine. I bought a "race" four stroke as well and ride in relatively tight single track. My goal was to compete so I have the bike I want. It takes quality seat time and more seat time. Not garbage time on the bike. You can't afford it riding only weekends. Word of caution, let someone know where you're riding. Notify them when you start and when you finish. A garmin Inreach is not a bad idea. I too ride alone. On a training ride I crashed and broke my neck. I was able to ride out of the woods, load my bike and drive to the e.r. I was fortunate, it didn't have to turn out that way. Enjoy that fx!
Dang broke your neck.....how long was that recovery? The wife knows when I go and I tell her how many hours I will be out. Appreciate all the advice thanks.
@@pete8149 LOL Still off the bike. Broke my neck July 17th (C2 and C5). Bones have healed but they are misaligned. I start physical therapy Tuesday for hopeful results. One more piece of advice if I may. I was not wearing a neck brace. My injury is the exact injury neck braces are designed to prevent. I was not against wearing one like many are but I had spent so much on gear I chose not to purchase "optional" gear. It was almost a fatal mistake. I try to share my story when applicable without preaching because I'm not. I do feel safe saying the only people against neck braces have never broken their neck. Cheers
These are great bikes it will last a long time if maintained! And like you mentioned, most of your trail difficulties would be the same on any bike. To help with the stalling give this map a try on your power tuner map. It will be basically detuning the bike a bit but it helps it not stall and is way softer and easier to ride right off the bottom/idle, then ramps back up to "normal power". Ignition: 0, 0, 0, 0 -1,-1,-1,0 -3,-3,-1,0 -5,-3,-1,0 Fuel: 0,0,0,0 0,0,0,0 1,1,0,0 3,1,0,0 This map should give a softer more rideable bottom end, be more stall resistant, easier starting, but still keep a ton of performance in the mid to high rpms.
I had a four stroke 350 Husky and loved it but struggled in the rocks, like you I live in a hilly rocky area. I ended up buying a 300 two stroke. Just be careful trying to ride at a level where the four stroke will work in the woods. BTW: Sold my Harelys for dirt bikes too.
Your name...youns enduro..... are you from western pa originally? I originally am and we always said "what are youns doing" and when I dated a girl from Philly she always said "what are youz doing"....was a west and east PA thing ...I still say "Youns" today as a adult it has stuck with me..... So did the 2 stroke help you ride better in the rocky terrain?
A 2 stroke is no better in the rocks? You guys have hit your heads too many times, or you're trying to ride a MX bike in the woods. Go ride a current 300XC or XC-W then come back and say that.
Re valve the suspension you can send it to fastlap … the suspension is way to stiff for that I did mine it is a game changer …. A recluse should help with th luging
I have a newer WR250f that I rode for a little over a year before getting a beta 200rr. Riding the Beta made me realize how stiff the WR's suspension was. The Beta just floats over rocks. Both are great bikes though.
I was looking at the wr250f first...but was almost a year wait at my local shop and said not guaranteed then even. Guy I met riding suggested the Beta also. I want to go to a 2 stroke after having this bike for a year now. I am wanting to learn more slow stuff now and this isn't the bike for that.....but otherwise I am happy with this bike....I think I was trying to find an answer that blamed the bike instead of realizing my skill set is/was alot of the problem. Thanks for your input. Much appreciated.
I live close to wheeling wv and the biggest thing with the singke track is being able to ride a trail and maintain it and its a hell of a lot of work alone or even with just a few guys ive been working on one for over a year and honestly its been built out of luck for the terrian it just worked out
@@robertbaker9329 no actually lol everyone keeps telling me too and my aunt lives right near it. I ride thru smelters and up the hill to Rodriguez out roberts ridge
@@broughttoideas I’ve never been out there I wish I knew exactly where those trails were I’m always searching for new ones lol we should go ride sometime back in October I bought a 2023 yz250x
@@broughttoideas heck yeah I’m down but I’m a fair weather rider lol come spring I’ll be your guy lol seriously though I will go rip with you for sure man
I also got a Torquey map that came in maps plus I downloaded a second Torquey map....like them both and do run it back and forth with Woods #2 map. Thanks for the reply, appreciate the input.
Sweet!! I'm looking to buy one just not sure if I'm going for 250fx or 450fx. I ride open desert/desert trails and hill climb. I weigh 188lbs. Would that 250fx carry me around no issue in softer sand??
@@EPT915G I never road sand/desert conditions. I ride singletrack here on east coast. So I wouldn't have any knowledge on riding in that terrain. I weigh 195 lbs....and bike has no problems with my weight......but I am not riding the conditions/terrain and speeds that you would be. There is utube channel... "Dirtbike Sam"....I think it is....I think he does the desert stuff on a yz250fx might want check it out. He would have knowledge on those conditions. Thanks for the reply and best of luck on the new bike.
Old vid but also change sprockets maybe 12 front 51 rear work the tuning more you can help it there but your right it would take a whole garage to hold all the bikes u need lol but the one you have is fine the auto cluch really do work great ,but I prefer a manual,I also have installed a recluse all steel cluch basket which helps w crank weight mine is a 2018 450 so I also have a detuned map that kinda helps a little but not much but it helps ,also there are throttle tamer out there that calms down the jumpy throttle. So it can be good but maybe a trials bike or ktm much lighter.too
I know what your sayin, i got into enduro with a 2015 YZ 250F and had to learn a lot very quickly with zero prior experience on a bike. It was rough, lotta stalling, falling over n such. Eventually I got the hang of it and it ended up paying invaluably for my career as a rider.
You still on the 250f or did you change bikes? The last 5 months since I made that video I like to think I got better...still stall periodically...and the falling over is alot less but still happens occasionally....lol.. Have grown to really like the bike and happy I found woods/singletrack riding. Thanks for the reply and input.
Did you have the suspension set up for you? Usually stock these suspensions are set up a little stiffer than what I’d want to see for a harescramble bike. It’ll feel more luggy if you set it up for a woods bike that spends its time in 1st-3rd gear.
Today after work I called my Yamaha Dealer down the road. They gave me a place that people use around here. Contacted him and waiting for reply. Thanks for the advice. Appreciate it.
The 2022 YZ250FX is the bike I wanted to buy when I finally parted ways with my 2003 KTM 525 EXC but they were unobtainable at that time so I ended up getting a 2022 Husqvarna TE250i and to tell you the truth I’m having mixed feelings after being on a four stroke for 20 years. I have owned quite a few 2 stroke MX and enduro bikes over the years as well as 4 stroke enduro and dual sport bikes. Each engine type has its pluses and minuses, quirks and things you must deal with. Right now I am still fiddling around with getting my Husqvarna to not foul plugs or run rich which makes it prone to loading up and fouling the plug. I think I have it sorted out now with the correct spark arrestor, spark plug and an ECU reflash from Slavens Racing. My 4 stroke bikes never fouled plugs and run cleaner than the 2 strokes do. When you can get a 2 stroke running right they are awesome for all real dirt bike situations and almost all of the hardest and gnarliest rides I’ve been on were on 2 strokes. They are lighter, more flickable, instant power, great luggability and are just a blast to ride. But if I could do it all over and get any bike I want I would probably get a new KTM 350 EXC 4 stroke. For my age (66) and for the kind of riding I want and am able to do these days. It would be a better all around bike for me these days but my new Husqvarna is fast, light, very powerful and makes me feel like a young guy not afraid to tackle any trail. Dirt bike riding is about have fun and exhilarating thrills. You sound like you’re a little burned out on your YZ so sell it while it’s newer or keep it if you can afford it but buy yourself a proper 2 stroke trail bike like a 2024 KTM 250 EXC TBI and start grinning from ear to ear when you attack the trails in your area on your new bike. Best of luck to you and let us know what you decide to do.
Thanks for your advice and input. That is what I worry about getting a 2 stroke is getting it dialed in.....not real knowledgeable on them. Jetted many a 4 strokes over the years. I live this bike now because it is only dirt bike I have known. I have many a street bikes since I was 18. I do want to make a switch to a 2 stroke and keep this bike. I want to buy a used one that is couple years old.(not sure if that is a good thing or not). But would like to keep this bike and with that is why I would like to find a used one. Thanks for your reply it is good to hear from people who have the experience on both 2strokes and 4 strokes. Hopefully at the end of the riding season I can find a deal on a used 2 stroke.
@@pete8149 also I didn't really read through the comments so idk if anyone mentioned it or not but try turning your idle up a bit it should help with stalling. I was stalling a lot on my new 4 stroke when I got it till someone told me to do it it makes a world of difference.
It is hard to switch over from the street, I started off on a 2015 yz250f for trail riding. Make sure you idle is fast enough, and unlike the street you have to slip the clutch all the time in the tight stuff and learn throttle control, you got a good bike to learn on, just give it time, 2t are hard to ride also. Now I have a yz450fx and that thing is a monster you have to tame with a cluch. If you are in PA, go to rush offroad in eastern KY, fast flow trails so you can get used to it. Also think twice before you go recluse, yes it makes it easier to ride tight stuff but also keeps you from learning the cluch, my yz250f had one, I will not put one in my new bike, takes the snap out when you pop the cluch and sometimes it will disengage and you will lose engine breaking at idle. Also you lose using the transmission as a parking brake when you are not riding. Hang in there.
Appreciate the info. I haven't installed a Rekluse and haven't did a flywheel weight either. I appreciate everyone's input...but I figure if I am going to learn to ride offroad might as well keep everything how I bought it. Also haven't done the throttle tamer either.....I thought about them all but came to conclusion that like you said .."learn throttle control and learn clutch control" .... I have messed with some more detuned maps and stuff. Appreciate the input.
Where is this at? I live in PA and what your describing is exactly what I'm looking for, I have plenty of trails but I get sick of sneaking around on private property
This is Famous Reading Outdoors. They have properties in a few different locations that you can ride. It requires a membership but it is year round access. They have website you can look at. I am not sure of what part of state you live but this is in Pottsville, PA area.
I’m over in NJ. In a few years I want to move into PA. Some of my family is over there already. I got a CRF450RL but would like to get a dirt bike once I’m over there. In NJ there’s no places to ride so I had to get a dual sport. How is it riding in PA without a plate? Thank you.
Only Experience I got is riding Famous Reading Outdoors. I am from western PA originally and I know a couple places out there, but they are like here...pay $$ to ride. I love Reading Outdoors as far as a place to ride. Only have road couple of there properties, but each one has a little something different to offer over the next. Lots singletrack, rocks, technical stuff, hard enduro type stuff and some lots are more known for the hill climbs. So a variety with a membership here.
@@pete8149 that sounds pretty nice. Rather pay to ride than ride and run. I don’t want to have to be looking over my shoulder while trying to relax and enjoy my time. Over in NJ we have our state forests with a lot of single track and sand pits. The sand can be challenging. I’m starting to get better at handling it but I have to make my bike more friendly to off roading as I’m still running the stock tires and have been recommended to switch out the pipe and ECU.
Sounds like your trying to sell yourself on it. You know deep down you’d rather have a different bike so sell or trade it for a yz250x 2 stroke. you’ll be having way more fun on a 2 stroke. Don’t feel bound to your first decision I pretty much get a new bike every year cuz I get bored and want to try something else plus it gives me content for my channel.
I run a 21 FX, I run with the 300’s all day long. It’s a very capable bike. For stalling don’t be afraid to get into the maps. For tight slow sections I run the bigger flywheel and have made a map that works for my riding style. It doesn’t stall, it’ll tractor along. For both fuel & ign on the maps: 10% 20% 40% 80% 2500rpm 5500rpm 8500rpm 10500rpm Fuel (left to right, top to bottom): -1, -2, -1, 0,-1, -2, -2, -2, -1, -1, -1, +1, -1, -1, 0, +1 Ign: +3, +3, +3, +3, +2, +2, +2, +3, +2, +2, +2, +2, +1, +2, +2, +2 Granted this works for me in my area (I’ve done a bunch of tweaking to this map) but I’ve found this map pretty resistance to stalling. The flywheel really helps too.
Hey thanks alot...I am going to type it in and give it a try. I can't find flywheel for the 2022 yet. You remember where you got yours from? Appreciate the input and reply.
I suggest finding a local group with the same interest its more fun and you will learn more skills riding along with the "high level" guys and you would have people to celebrate with when you'll learn skills like climbing a steep hill. The struggle during the ride is the fun of it I mean yes it can be easier with bike modifications but in the end it is the time spent riding it is the best.
Did your bike come with the tuner app option? If so screw around with different maps. I'm currently building a good map option for my 2023 wr250f and these bikes are very similar. I cranked the low fuel up to 5 bottom left corner and the next set to 4 for the surrounding. Basically the bottom 4 squares. And then retard the ignition down to -4 and -3 for the surrounding 3 squares, that and brought the idle up to 2000 and it almost fixed the slow speed stalling option completely. Still working on the rest of the map but it made a noticeable difference.
Yes it has the tuner app. I currently run the Woods 2 map (for singletrack) and the Keefer Aggressive on Map1. Have experimented with alot of them but usually end up back to these two. I also found the 2000 rpm range for idle makes a big difference. Thanks for the input will look into your suggested settings . Thanks for the information.
My lack of knowledge from the beginning was where I went wrong from day one, as explained in video. I Don't know anyone with dirt bikes and I ride solo. I don't regret this purchase, love the bike and learning every ride its just a steep learning curve, wish I would have found woods riding when I was younger. Thanks for your reply.
@@pete8149 THe USa version of the WR250F does not come with a programmable ECU or the CCU communication module which is "WIFI" basically so it can't connect to the powertuner app.. The competition Ecu that makes the WR250F run as it was designed is expensive and sometimes hard to get due to the politically dummies running the world. The FX is one of the best bikes made, ultra reliable, solid bike, the suspension is a little stiff for the rocky slow sing track, but it's very versatile bike and HIGHLY undrated. the ktm300 is awesome, but you can go just as fast on the 250FX. I like both bikes, and have owned multiple 300s and 15, 17, 18, 19 and 20 FX's.
@@goneridingparts Appreciate the reply and your experience/knowledge. Checked out your channel "YZ250FX Crash", I've had a lot of crashes...but not that face first straight shot to the ground like that.... You got some editing skillz also.
@@pete8149 Thank you for the nice comments, my editing skills have a LONG long way to go.. lol. really appreciate that though.. I would enjoy making some videos just because I like to ride, but I work the other 99% of the time...
I agree with the folks how are saying all bikes are going to require the same skills to ride in technical terrain. You can stall the gruntiest 2 stroke. You can slip the stalliest four stroke through the rocks. The more technical the terrain the more balance/brake/clutch/throttle, often under simultaneous exercise, you will need to exhibit to succeed no matter what bike you are on. I have been racing a KTM300XC for 4 years now in every discipline but hard-enduro. I think it really depends on what kind of riding you are doing. If you are not racing there isn't any reason to have enormous explosive power. Some of the Beta 300s like the Xtrainer have wonderful torque and mild manners. I have a 2006 CRF250X that refuses to stall at low RPMs even more so than my 300XC (but the crf250x has a few mods). A smooth clutch means more to me than the perfect engine. We racers do A LOT of clutch slipping, so if your finger(s) are fatigued on the clutch, that is more an indication that you are doing it right. We will carry 3rd gear sometimes down to almost stopping and slip the clutch instead of downshifting. We will put pressure on the clutch to increase the engine rpm even at relatively fast speeds (nowhere near stalling). We dump the clutch into a revved engine to lift the front end over rocks, roots, small downed trees, mud holes, ditches, etc. LOTS of clutch use. Go to some of the many good RU-vid trainers and study. Then go practice. You will improve. Your confidence will go up and you will have more fun. You will crash. That is part of it. Ride with the Knights, MotoAcademy, Chris Birch "Say No to Slow", and Tyler Livesy are some of the best teachers on the internet.
Thank you for taking the time to write a detailed reply I really appreciate it. Alot of good info in this response. I always downshift thinking I will bog the bike down to much but am going to try to learn to use the clutch more. I am not a racer...never will have the skill or speed to do so....got into riding later in life here but just would like to be able to ride a steady decent pace while being able to hit obstacles (logs/rocks) on the fly. Lot to learn yet and am enjoying the slow process of learning. Thanks again for the info.
I entered my first dirtbike race just 5 years ago when I was 48. I currently race in the 50B class. It's been a long intense awesome journey. I love to trail ride and enter dual-sport events as well but knowbody wanted to ride as much or as fast as I did so racing was the answer for me. @@pete8149
The WR250 would have been a better choice for rocks climbing rough trails. Softer sprung with wide ratio transmission. As your skills progress on the fx you should be able to make it work for what ever .
Yeah that's a Damn Good Bike - Its Kinda Heavy in tight stuff - Maybe spend a few hundred to Revalve the Fork and Shock to ENDURO specs and Just Ride........Worth a Try - The Compression Valving Is the KEY to that bike - Go Way Softer - ALSO ADD 2 teeth to the rear sprocket makes the bike feel Peppy everywhere - First gear is like a granny gear and you'll find yourself always near 3rd gear where the power is - With a 6 speed Tranny you won't miss Top End Speed - Also Remap the fuel might help - in Idle or Mid area - You add fuel but reduce timing a Tad to get torque - as I remember.....ask Yamaha or Ask some dude who knows. If all that doesn't help look into new KTM 250XCF with Air Fork.......I hear lots of good things...They are around 16 lbs lighter as I remember ? GAS GAS "Red KTM cost a little less but its the Same Bike - less Bling CHEERS
Thanks for the information. I need to find where I can get my suspension done at here in PA. Will also look into the sprocket too. I need to talk to couple of the racers that ride the properties I ride and see if they have any suggestions on where to get suspension work done at. Thank You.
I've had four 300 2ts since 2016 and now a 21 250 fx. For starters, like others have said, get it resprung for your weight.... I resprung mine and even went one softer than my weight.... by doing this ... which is cheap... and putting the compression clickers at full soft and leaving rebound at standard... I didn't need a revalve, 350 bucks total. When I'm riding gnar, I just throw on a 12t front sprocket and for desert run the stock 13t front. Plenty of grunt that way. I also went up one in the back but just because I already needed a new one. The front 12t will cost you 15 bucks. This bike climbs hills as well as any bike I've ever had with the 12t up front. if your regularly doing super gnar, look into buying a used rekluse auto clutch in your local online classifieds, whatever people use there. They pop up from time to time cheap.
@@pete8149 Its in the manual.... there's something liike 20 total clicks.... then you go full slow rebound until the clickers stop and then go back to something like 7 clicks the other direction... faster rebound. I've done everything, no problem, I did on my 300 2t's on my 250fx with a 12t front including trails like five miles of hell and other such difficulty and there are very few cases the 300 does better... and there are many cases the 250fx does better.... it gets better traction in general with it's linear power and doesn't light up the rear wheel as much. If you do alot of gnar you'll want to get the gytr fan kit for 80 bucks.... or just be mindful and after doing a few minutes of legit gnar turn the engine off for a bit or after a long wot 2nd gear hill climb... keep the engine rpm's low and keep moving to cool off. The 300s do run cooler but unless your doing gold level hard enduro races a 250 with a fan kit and just being mindful does the trick. In general if your sweating alot and breathing hard... your bikes probably hot lol. The 300's are better at lofting the front wheel over very tall logs but most people aren't doing that often. If you want the front wheel to come up easier... move the forks down in the triple clamps all the way and or put a fattie 90/100 front tire on along with a 12t front sprocket and using the full power all zeros map... the front wheel will come up alot easier. I sometimes do this during mountain/gnar riding season and the reverse it during desert riding season to a 80/100 and put he fork in the clamps wherever I prefer... usully a few mm from top. You can also move the forks up in the triple clamp a bit to put more weight on the front tire and then increase your sag on the rear spring/shock from say 105 mm to 108-110mm to soften the rear, effectively a softer spring when there's more sag.... and adding weight to the front of course makes the front feel softer.
@@Fontainebleauify Thanks for this information.....this is very helpful and I do appreciate it. Very good to know info that I can use right away. Thanks again!!
Just my opinion for whatever it's worth , in 98 I bought a YZ 400 new , brought it home where I had a tight single track trail that myself an a friend made , I almost burnt the clutch out of it in 1 pass , too high speeded ,, I rode it for a year an a half an got a CR 250 , was much better but now I have a Gas Gas 250 XC with auto clutch, perfect for what I ride , my club has 25 miles of trails also , gearing an
Hey I appreciate everyone's opinion/comments.... I was/still am new to woods riding and didn't have enough knowledge just bought what I wanted thinking that ...you buy a bike and you ride a bike, simple right?...lol.... boy didn't take long to realize I had alot to learn and still do...but I am hooked now just got to get better and keep learning.
Pete your bike is fine...it's the suspension guaranteed it needs revalved it will completely change the bike like night and day..I commented the other day on another video I am very close to you..I live in Manheim if you look me up on Facebook we can talk and do some riding just don't want to give info out on here... evo suspension company is 5 min from my house they can do your suspension for around 900.00
Why don’t you show us a video of what you are riding??? Did you change the front sprocket and gear it down? If your not doing hard enduro type of terrain that bike should be fine. Go to a 12 tooth sprocket and keep practicing. I ride my 250f in the woods but it’s not a dedicated woods bike, I do feel what your saying with feathering the clutch but it can be learned. I would like to see a clip of the terrain you ride.
No hard enduro...just long rock gardens and everyday rocky trails. Will see if I can find some specific examples and post a link to you. Thanks for the information...appreciate it.
Best bike ive ever had is my 2015 yzf250f i can keep up with everyone else on there 250 2 strokes and 450s and ive never blew a yamaha up, ive blown a ktm 125 and a kxf250 withen a week of owning
Hi, also ride at FRO. First on wr250f, then ktm 250xc tpi, now back to 4t beta 350 race. 2t was fun but not any easier, if anything it tired me out quicker. Biggest effect on all bikes was turning the clickers out to soak up the rocks better so you can carry momentum.
thanks for the reply, I am finding carrying momentum is key....I always slow down and that creates alot of my struggle. Will adjust the clickers more, appreciate the advice.
2 strokes like the GG 300ec are perfect for that style of riding, saying that the 2 stroke takes a lot of rider skill, they are unforgiving and have gobs of power. I ride a 2 stroke and they will try and kill you. 4 strokes are like Cadillacs in comparison. You can make any Bike easier to ride for your style, flywheel weights, 1 tooth smaller front sprocket or a Rekluse Clutch, which is the most expensive upgrade but they are awesome.
I have looked for flywheel weight and 1 tooth smaller front sprocket but so far everyone is out of stock. So if anyone knows where I can find....would appreciate the info. Thanks for the information appreciate it.
@@pete8149 Also G2 Throttle cams are great, you can customize the throttle with that system, I use the 200 Cam on my 2 stroke, it has 4 stroke roll on power. They are supposed to be rolling out the Lock On grip system to the G2 line this year.
I’m getting a 24 250fx on Tuesday and I’m kinda nervous because I’ve heard they have problems starting and rod bearing problems have you had any problems
I have the 2022 and you speaking of the rod bearing is the first I have heard of this. The detuned maps for me tend to be the harder starts....when I say hard starting I mean it turns over two or three times before it starts....it is not a continuous cranking without start but it is a few seconds of cranking. There are videos of guys who race that have found ways to help them start quicker if it becomes a problem. I am a novice rider at best, so them one or two extra crank overs don't affect me...but they are not a everyday thing for me. My bike 98% of time is an instanst crank start. Sorry I can't give you a better answer for that question, just my own experience. I love this bike now, in the early days being a new rider I questioned my purchase, but I have no regrets now....best of luck and congrats on the new bike. If you have any other questions drop a reply and if I can answer it, I will.
@@pete8149 awsome thank you for replying yea I’m currently gonna be coming off owning a 23 kx250x which is more of a powerful 250, I raced that and then have a ktm125 so I do plan on racing the yz I just wanted to ask because I’ve heard some people the bike just won’t start at all so hearing that is definitely a relief !
@@pete8149 yea man i actually just got off it 10 minutes ago😂, absolutely love it super easy bike to ride fast in the trails I like it much better than my kx, I will say occasionally it had trouble starting in gear but very rarely, I will probably just get a better battery for it but overall I love it !
@urbancow8348 you might already know this but another thing that helps is turn the Idle up "while in gear"....Also if the "hard start in gear "..happens again, try giving your clutch knob a spin I feel when the bike is new that the clutch is a little tight till get worn a little...cause when you hit your button when it was hard starting did it lurch a little like the clutch was dragging?....just what I experienced when mine was new but if you keep clutch adjusted to me that is where the symptoms seem to come from. I am no mechanic....this was my first dirtbike but just things I observed in the beginning when it was new.....it will get better the more you ride it. Just few things that helped in the beginning....and yes I changed out the battery in the first few months ...these few things helped me in the early days. Glad you got your bike and best of luck with your racing.
Change the sprockets and put a fly wheel weight in it!! That will help! No a 2 stroke is even harder!! I know! I am getting a four stroke!! I have a yz125x!! A 4 stroke lugs better then a 2 stroke!! I am 62 and can rip the 2 stroke but I want the best of both worlds the fx and 125x are great on track and single track!!
I am going to change front sprocket...looked at fly wheel weights just have not found any in stock for my bike. Thanks for the reply, appreciate your input.
Trust me, that bike is fine for that type of terrain If you had a 2 stroke you would hate the plug fouling and jetting hassles. Keep one finger on the clutch at all times and keep practicing.
Bro it's not 1987 anymore. Nobody fouls plugs and messes with jetting constantly 😂. You set your jetting once and never again. If you buy a new 2 stroke theyre all fuel injected now anyways so don't even mess with jetting at all.
I would agree with that, my lack of knowledge when I was purchasing, led me to where I am now. But this bike has and still is teaching me alot. A slow learning curve, but I do like the bike alot. Eventually I want to purchase a 2 stroke also, but for now I am enjoying what this bike has to offer and learning how to ride.
Yea I disagree … well I mean a 2 stroke won’t help . I live in PA and unless you’re a A rider doing really hard stuff , I’d personally rather have the 4 stroke. In example I bought a full MX bike not even a X or FX or anything and I like it just fine.
Put a Radius X Auto clutch and Send the suspension out to Factory Connection. Two strokes won't be any better. It is more of a versatile bike than the 2 strokes.
@@pete8149 I have a 2021 250f and 2020 250fx. I put a Radius X in the FX. The Radius x is about 4 bucks cheaper then the radius CX. The one difference is you do not get clutch free play with the x vs the cx has clutch free play other than that they are they have same functionality.
No don’t do that. It’ll make it feel dumbed down. I actually went through that and put the stock one back on. I went with a throttle tamer and it made a decent difference.
I bought a 22 kx250x this year after being strictly 2 stroke guy. The kx is the best technical single track weapon I have ridden yet. I think Im going to stick with 4 stroke now. Just work on your technique and clutch control. Speed is your friend.
Thanks for the input.... glad to hear all the feed back and comments of the guys riding the terrain I am using 4 strokes. My lack of knowledge thinking 2 stroke would be the answer is showing and I am glad cause I love this bike. I got to work on all you have stated above especially speed and momentum in all these rock gardens I come across. Thanks again for the reply.
