the yz is the small block chevy of dirt bikes. There's so many out there you'll be able to get parts for the next 50 years no problem. The aftermarket will support this platform for a long time, because the demand will be there. LOVE IT!!!!!
I bought a YZ85 from my brother, his boys have grown out of it and got bigger bikes, I got it for a mate of mines young bloke, he had one of those Chinese junkheaps, so you can imagine his delight his 1st time riding the YZ! And to your point, luckily his father is a dab hand with motors, 'cause he's had to rebuild it half-a-dozen times!😅 Not sure what year it is, but 3 of my nephews have been THROUGH IT, she's had a thrashing! It's a Hitchcock family eirloom! But you're right, 2-bangers, as long as you can get the parts, fairly simple to rebuild.. I don't touch nothing on the engine of my KX450F, leave that to the experts! I handle everything else, but there's a fine line between saving some bucks by doing it yourself, and paying to have a pro shop and mechanic take care of it. Then if it Lunches itself, it's their fault!😅
@Peace-nb5lm i had a 2019 yz125 and now i have a yz250. Since 2022 yamaha 2 strokes got a more new age valving l, similar to 4 strokes. Personally i prefer the new suspension. I find it more safe and predictable to high speeds jumps etc. But hey, KYB sss and Kyb shocks are pretty much the same since 2005. Its by far the best OEM suspension in the market, everybody loves them and every tuner can make them exactly like you want it in case you have special things you like. In general if you buy Yamaha the least thing you have to worry is suspension...
Completely agree with you Josh M. the two smokers should stay simple. Thier beauty is in their simplicity. Very excited to see what you guys do with the machine. On a side note; I do have the guilty pleasure of watching how far KTM group can push the two stroke. Keep up the great work and there is nothing like hearing a two stroke on Monday morning.
Keeping it simple for us working folks. I definitely appreciate that. Can’t beat it for the average rider. Parts everywhere easy to work on. Just got a new 2024 yz a few months ago
@@michaelgarland579same got a 2006 144 love it so reliable and quick could leave it for a year untouched and it starts within 1/2dozen kicks in any weather 🇦🇺
Have one on order. I'm 50 and love the 2 stroke. I'm a vet rider do a vet build. Last bike I bought is a 2008 RM 250. Still have and ride to this day. Just want a fresh ride.
@kdcustoms1272 hey brother question I'm 5'9 205 lbs was gonna buy 125 2stroke or do you recommend 250? I ride gsxr750 but this is my first dirt bike . So should I just go with 250 from the jump or will the 125 be enough
Best bike EVA'!!!!!!!! Really pumped to hear MXA change their tune and say that they are happy this bike has not changed and that it has it's place. Do a Twisted build, keep the stock displacement.
Rode 250 2strokes for 20 years, have been on a 450 the past few… good in some ways but the 450 is heavy and stalls easily… probably going back to the 250 2 stroke and the YZ is it. Exhaust system, proper fork and shock springs/valving, my favourite bars and grips… that’s it, the YZ250 is a forever bike.
Yep, never forget the first time I hit a big jump on a 450.. came down like a ton of bricks, so heavy! Had two of these, 2001 and 2005. I was wondering if there was more mid range now? As the ones I had you always had to keep in band.
Yep that's european "big brain business" for you : Step 1 : design something absolutely awesome on paper Step 2 : engineer it to be difficult to maintain and to service to make a profit on dealership maintenance Step 3 : reality hits and people don't want to buy it Step 4 : move production to china Step 5 : go bankrupt Euro manufacturers are now between 4 and 5, sine the same manufacturers are lobbying for stricter emissions to kill competition, while thinking that they can outsmart the paying customer with their conspiracies, the are all hitting the same china-panic buttons. After they move production to china, you can bet your sweet behind that even the most loyal ktm customer ain't paying ktm prices for a china bike. Meanwhile yamaha will still offer you a 2006 model yz250 for pocket money while their ceo's laugh their sweet behinds off at the euro hubris biting itself in it's sweet behind. Man there was alot of sweet behinds mentioned... Take care now! :)
It’s so good. Will hopefully be the same in 20 years. If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. Feel like MX bikes are reaching a point of diminishing returns on development. As compare to the steep development curve between 1985-2005
Consider 3 builds, Stage 1 pipe & Silencer and Reed upgrade. Stage 2 Add Apex head or other head mods. Stage 3 Go big with porting and Carb like an Lectron. That would be a huge series that all YZ smoker guys would love. There are many thousands out there for sure.
Or buy a bigger bike? And save yourself the constant headaches of it Lunching itself.. They go like the clappers as is, if you want more power, get a 450. The price of the parts you've mentioned alone would cover a decent chunk of the cost, not to mention the "not spending a fortune maintaining the f*cker".. Unless you're a Top-line rider, and plan on racing it, it's pointless imo.. Pipe and muffler, ok, but that's approx. $1000 there, for a relatively minor gain, New head/head mods, porting an polishing, ahh, forget it, not worth the money and effort. These modern ones, you stand to get more performance by tweaking the ECU and that, and setting the suspension and chassis up correctly.. Once upon a time guys used to play around with those kind of upgrades. And even more often, they used to end up in a thousand bits in the shed! Fix one thing, and something else would crap out.. Like any engine, better to run them within their design parameters, motocross bikes are designed for racing anyway, it's a fools errand to try and squeeze more horsepower out of them generally.. The Japanese have been building them fir a long time now, they know what they're doing!😊 Might as well buy a bike shop and employ a mechanic, if you're going to go to those lengths.. Spend more time fixing it than riding it!😮😢😅
FMF Expansion pipe and silencer, $600 U.S. Lectron carby, $550 U.S. Apex cylinder head kit, $365 U.S. Vforce reed cage and reeds, $160 U.S. Port, Polish, labour, approx. $500 U.S, that's nearly $2200 U.S., unless you've won the lotto, or you can seriously ride, it's a nonsense. Just get a 450 and be done with it mate! You'd only need to scratch up another $1k or so, and you could buy a good late-model 2nd hand!😮😊
I'd say the Pro circuit RV spec build? You guys got to do a ride video on Jared Leshers YZ250, fully built, even has electric water pump, looks insane!!
I hear this sound in my head all day everyday, my friends tell me its because of all the head injuries but I think its the passion for the TWO STROKE YYAAAAAATT!! try this combo .. forged piston ported cylinder/matched cases wiseco steel clutch basket aftermarket ignition advanced timing lectron carb twin air filter fatty and shorty combo boyessen carbon fiber reeds phathead high compression head c12 race gas (108 octane) oversized front brake rotor beefed up racetech susp. ball bearing throttle tube boyessen super cooler hardened/polished power valve parts
My 2020 has pro circuit pipe 304 silencer boyesen rad valve and apex head for 100 octane fuel currently running the sx insert(have all three)and it’s a screamer
This makes me so want to go back to racing a 2 stroke again. My first new motocross bike was a 1988 YZ250. How about putting a big bore kit on the YZ250?
My last new bike was an 88 YZ 250 loved that bike,i had 3 YZ’s in the 80’s unfortunately can’t race/ride anymore due to knee injuries and that was the last year i raced. Now Looking at these YZ two strokes now I really miss them. 😢😊
@carltonholmes8061 Shame about your injuries stopping you racing MX. The 1988 YZ250 was the first bike I raced. I then had the 1990 YZ250, then the 1991 YZ250, and then changed to a 1992 Honda cr250. Went back to Yamaha YZ250 in 1994 which was my last bike until I took up Motocross again at the ripe old age of 50. 😀👍
Not sure if you guys have done this already, but I would like to see some Lectron fuel system testing. Just wondering if the juice is worth the squeeze
Wasn’t worth it for me. Different bike, but I thought I’d get better performance with the Smart Carb2. Could never get it to run right. Certainly not like it ran stock. Put the stock 38mm PKW back on and it was night and day. Just my 2cents
Jared Lesher races a YZ250 at the pro level, Supercross and outdoors, and he runs the new pro series from Lectron with the Xcelerator rod, and it runs like a champ.
Josh has awesome riding style. I'm just in the process of rebuilding top end and changing cam chain in my four stroke and with this video, YZ 250 makes more and more sense to me.
Looks like you guys are having a great time at Glen Helen! I'm from Michigan and have been twice to Glen Helen, once spent some time chatting with Marty Tripes!
Thanks, except that its the same lol? Thats insane but also pretty cool that todays 12 year old are riding the same bike I rode 22 years ago.@@86rustbucket
I picked up a 76 Yamaha IT400 back in October before winter came. It's a mutt and it's missing stuff which is typical for an almost 50 year old bike. But it runs and it'll be well worth the wait when I finally get to ride it. Just waiting for winter to go away so I can work on it. I'm a big fan of the old air cooled engines, no power valves to waste time with adjusting and no worrying about your water pump crapping out on you. 😁
8 min mark his first new bike was a 93 YZ 80. My first ever brand new YZ was the 94 YZ250 so this scheme is a must for me. I’d like to try and put these graphics on my 13.
Do a budget build. Can you race prep this for less 1k and take it racing. What's going to make the biggest difference for the money?? Pipe/silencer Head cut for race gas Respring for weight if needed (no valving) Should be under a grand.
Sorry don't mean to be a buzzkill but you don't need straight race gas on a stock motor, the compression isn't that high. Some of the older models could use a splash, the heads with 5UP stamped on them had the highest compression. If you want a boost in power without messing with anything buy some vp T2, it's oxygenated and premixed but you might need to go bigger on the main.
@@kruse1105can definitely get a boost by cutting the head. It's only like $60. I prefer 2 heads. Leave 1 head stock for 93 cut the other one for 110.. you don't need 110 for a stock head though, 50/50 of 93 and 110 is good though if you jet it right.
That bike looks like real fun. Great riding on the track, you show how easy the bike is to ride. Forget electric, bad idea. Riders need to push back now so it won't happen.
The tracks used to be just on natural terrain, with whatever was in the field before they put up the markers. The rougher tracks came from the indoor tracks being built to provide excitement for the spectators. Watch some of the first thirty years GP races in Europe and you will see what I mean. Good luck with your riding, I am too old to ride anymore in the dirt, but I had lots of fun riding and racing for thirty five years.@@EarthSurferUSA
Currently on a very low hour 2013 also had the 01,00,98,and 94 over the years and my favorite was the 94 because it seemed like it had better low end , and sat lower, perhaps this is because it was all stock during the several thousand hours I had it while my 13 has the FMF SST pipe which I’m not sure I like. I plan to throw the stock back on to see how it feels. I rode the 94 stock for 4 years until I bought a new 98 as well and it was great as well. The 01 seemed to feel like the fastest YZ I’ve owned and perhaps this is because my 13 has the lower compression head that Yamaha had switched to. The YZ 250 has been completely bulletproof, my 94 had a minimum of a thousand hours with the stock top end, yes I was a lugger and ran it at a very reliable tune but I also made sure I cleaned it up every 5 min or so. I was able to race hare scrambles in the A class on that bad boy 2 seasons on the stock piston and rings, and that includes camping/ riding trips every weekend that there wasn’t a race.
Back in the 80s and 90s, I used to put a Pro Circuit pipe and once bought an engine for a CR from them. So a Pro circuit pipe, a GYTR engine,some suspension work and Hinson clutch would be nice. While you’re at it through in some nice pegs, renthal bars and sprockets, nice rims and hubs and Arc levers. That should do it.
My 04 YZ 250 last of the metal frames still rips to this day. Threw on some 07 forks and shock and it’s just as good as the newer YZs. Keep it fresh with clutches and top ends and she’s good as new. Braaaap💪💪👍👍
I've owned one with power mods pipe,carb,intake mods n power valve upgrade. Also own a bone stock one both run amazing but the built one is way more crazy
Thinking about getting the stock bike and put flywheel and maybe recluse auto clutch but leave the rest stock. Maybe racy and still good for gnarly trails? Rekluse to compensate kickstart?
I finally got one in Team Yamaha Blue. Here in the dreary, rainy east, with the 48 degree days and 15:1 break-in premix it came with, it is a plug fouling blubbering beast. I still love it. Lol I have 7/10s of an hour on the hour meter due to lack of anywhere close by to ride!
I hear ya brother I live in western NC think its suppose to stop raining tomorrow. I'm going to clean my filter and at least fire old girl up even if its a few runs up and down the road been sick of this rain.
I still love 2T bikes and while I have had bikes from every manufacturer, my love has always been with Kawasaki and Yamaha. Those two brands have always taken every once of punishment I have thrown at them and just kept chugging right along. The Kawasaki KX 500 was always my choice for a woods beater and a YZ 125 or 250 for track use. I have owned a couple Honda's and they were very reliable but they didn't have near the brute grunt of the Kawasaki or Yammie. Now my KTM 525 was in a different league and was the ultimate dune bike. I had a couple of Suzuki back in the day the old school PE models and they were like a tank strong, durable, and heavy. I think that if companies had ventured into technologically advancing fueling systems, power valve design, and exhausts to combat noise and pollutants that two stroke machines would never have given way to the thumpers of today. I have ridden a couple of the fuel injected KTM and Husqvarna two stroke offerings and let me tell you I was not disappointed by what it has done for the performance of the machines. However, like you stated the cost of upkeep on a tech laden machine is higher, and the skills and tools required aren’t necessarily hobbyist friendly. Then again how many people are servicing their injection systems, valve lash, and all of that on their thumpers in their sheds? I still believe that the cost of maintenance and ease of DIY is far less daunting on an injected 2T than a thumper bike. Long live the pingers.
Just throw full pc pipe, v force reed cage, billet head (phathead, maybe), update to HD clutch springs, gytr flywheel, JD jet kit, and do some valving (no gold valves). Basically do an everymans build and compare it to the stocker on lap times.....and maybe have some extra "guest" test riders to help out (pick me lol). We all love the gnarly custom builds but 99% of us can never afford anything close to those. This way its a great example of what us blue collar guys can afford and still have a sweet build....all without getting served divorce papers haha.
I would like to hear what you would do to the bike to help an intermediate to advanced vet rider, who grew up on two strokes, turn faster lap times. Rider skill is the real answer, I get that. However, in a world of racing against four strokes, what would you do to make this a better vet race bike. Manageable power and getting it to hook up. What pipe, reeds, flywheel weight, gearing, suspension and motor mods would you choose?
I mean Yamaha pulled the plug and redesigned the 125 engine, could and would it happen to the 250, albeit the package is good? They should. The yz 250 is the peoples bike. Solid video as usual MXA.
My dad bought me a brand new 2001 yz 125 when I was in high school. God damn it was fast would power wheelie in 6th gear. God I loved that bike. Today I'm so grateful for my dad giving me that bike. I didn't race just freeriding and pissing off the neighbours. One of my biggest mistake selling it to buy a 250. Dad got pissed off I sold it so he kept the money😂 next year I'll be 40 and will finally get me that 250😅
Sometimes good doesn't need anything but fresh new graphics. I love the yz 2 strokes exactly how they are. Bought a yz125x last year, might buy a yz250x next year. Gotta catch them all.😂
I'm 24 years old and have still yet to ride a dirt bike, I'm making it a serious goal to own a bike by the end of this year and learn how to ride, I've always dreamed of being able ro ride like this..
IF ... they're going to do that "two-stroke" challenge at the Washougal national, build it up and let Josh race it up at the national. Otherwise, before you build it up, Josh vs YZ 250, YZ250F, YZ450F, then either BRC 500 it or YZ300 and if you want to put that up against a 450F, have at it.
I don't think you can go wrong with either. I am loving the idea of perfect jetting every time with the ktm though. Have fun with the new ride I'm jealous.
I have great memories of my 1994 yz 250 race bike with the same graphics that would scare the heck out of my friends that attempted to ride it. "Yeah I know how to ride" then shit themselves everytime. Lol
Looking at getting a new, lighter 2nd bike this spring (I have a WR450) and am seriously considering this, or the X version (I ride trails/ enduro, not tracks).. would love to see a side by side test :) Fuel injection and electric start would be nice, but for another $2500+ (other brands) I'll deal..
3 years and 300hrs on my KTM 300 TPI. 4 sets of crunched plastics, 3 crunched pipes, 10 tires, 2 top ends. Not one single problem and still rips. I’ll keep my counterbalanced jet free motor & electric start. I do want to ride one tho. Bet it feels old as shit.
They kinda did. The 250x has wider ratios with a tall 5th gear and softer valving, kickstand, 18" wheel. Flywheel weight is cheap and easy and there are several vendors of large tanks. The differences don't sound like a lot but they add up to a very different feeling bike that is really versatile.
Mint! Ive got a KX450F, which I Love, but I want a 250 or 125 so much.. Especially a 2-banger! You can't get 'em used for love or money here in Western Australia.. Everyone who's got one is keeping it! 450's are a dime-a-dozen, a mate asked me recently, "Why is that? Why are 450's cheaper and more available than smaller displacement bikes? Normally, the more CC's, the more expensive??" Ah. Yes, normally.. But with modern 450's, people realise pretty quickly, if they haven't come off it and severely INJURED themselves, that they can be a REAL handful if you don't know what you're doing with them! And not the thing if you just want to have a bit of a blast around on weekends! Need to be set up properly for one, and they're designed for full-on ATTACK, not putting around and showing off on.. Most of my mates are too frightened to ride my big Kwacka!😮😂 I'm only 75kg, but I've been riding 'em since i was a kid. I actually find the 4-bangers easier to ride than the old 2-strokes, a lot more forgiving power-wise. I had to learn that you dont need to keep banging thru the gears to keep them on the pipe, just roll on the throttle and point and shoot! 1st bike: Honda MR50 2nd: '89 Honda XR100, Great bike, but my Dad got sick of seeing me get smoked off the line, steadily working my way back to the leaders over a lap, and then they would blast away down the straight, put 20 lengths on me, and the cycle would start again.. So he bought me an '89 CR80, off my cousin..😮 It. Was. DEADLY!! It MAIMED 4 adults! I think it had an oversize piston, boyesen reeds, and oh my did it hit like a HAMMER!! I still didn't win many races, I was flat-out trying to hang on to it!! It would climb steadily up thru the mid-range, and then she would clear its throat, and unleash a GOD-ALMIGHTY SHRIEK, and HANG ON!!😂 I loved that bike. But I pretty quickly graduated to riding my brother's '87 CR500.. Which he still owns, in superb nick too.. The WIDOWMAKER!!😂
I wanna see a PC engine Works pipe, Carbon R304 shorty, Boyesen Rad Valve, Lectron Carb, Bridgestone tires, Kashima and DLC coated suspension and a Dyno chart before and after. I'm probably gonna just build it myself anyways. Haha
@@EarthSurferUSA I hare scrambled a 03' CR 250 for years and did many of those same mods. Flywheel weight, V-force reeds, throttle cam, 52 tooth rear sprocket, ported the cylinder, suspension re-valve (night and day difference). I'm a taller rider so height wasn't a problem for me. My CR always started on the first kick, I had many-a-hole shots on that bike.
I've always had a YZ250 and just switched over to the 2022 KX450. I love the Yamaha 2 strokes but if I was going to spend the money on a new bike I would stick with the Blue YZ250
You have never tested the following (Dutch) setup for heavy deep sand riding: no cilinder modifications only VHM cilinderhead (Dutch), HGS pipe and silencer (Dutch) WP shock and WP front fork. Very reliable and much torque and very easy to ride.. Will also pull great on Glen Helen and will be totally reliable.
Pretty awesome bike for a motor that hasn’t changed in about 19 years and yet KTM 250 can’t walk away from it. Plus the Yamaha durability is better, suspension and the fact that bike does everything very well.
the yz is the small block chevy of dirt bikes. There's so many out there you'll be able to get parts for the next 50 years no problem. The aftermarket will support this platform for a long time, because the demand will be there. LOVE IT!!!!!
Great analogy
Well I'll be 80 by then so should be good to go
I bought a YZ85 from my brother, his boys have grown out of it and got bigger bikes, I got it for a mate of mines young bloke, he had one of those Chinese junkheaps, so you can imagine his delight his 1st time riding the YZ! And to your point, luckily his father is a dab hand with motors, 'cause he's had to rebuild it half-a-dozen times!😅
Not sure what year it is, but 3 of my nephews have been THROUGH IT, she's had a thrashing! It's a Hitchcock family eirloom!
But you're right, 2-bangers, as long as you can get the parts, fairly simple to rebuild..
I don't touch nothing on the engine of my KX450F, leave that to the experts!
I handle everything else, but there's a fine line between saving some bucks by doing it yourself, and paying to have a pro shop and mechanic take care of it. Then if it Lunches itself, it's their fault!😅
Thats perfect lol
Great analysis..cheap parts too..compared to any other bikes
“First they ignore you, then they laugh at you, then they fight you, then you win.”
YZ250 LEGEND
@Peace-nb5lm i had a 2019 yz125 and now i have a yz250.
Since 2022 yamaha 2 strokes got a more new age valving l, similar to 4 strokes.
Personally i prefer the new suspension. I find it more safe and predictable to high speeds jumps etc. But hey, KYB sss and Kyb shocks are pretty much the same since 2005.
Its by far the best OEM suspension in the market, everybody loves them and every tuner can make them exactly like you want it in case you have special things you like.
In general if you buy Yamaha the least thing you have to worry is suspension...
@@Peace-nb5lm your welcome
Have fun with your new play bike💪🙏
Completely agree with you Josh M. the two smokers should stay simple. Thier beauty is in their simplicity. Very excited to see what you guys do with the machine. On a side note; I do have the guilty pleasure of watching how far KTM group can push the two stroke. Keep up the great work and there is nothing like hearing a two stroke on Monday morning.
Keeping it simple for us working folks. I definitely appreciate that. Can’t beat it for the average rider. Parts everywhere easy to work on. Just got a new 2024 yz a few months ago
That's awesome I have old yz125 2003 I love it so much I been redoing every thing
@@michaelgarland579same got a 2006 144 love it so reliable and quick could leave it for a year untouched and it starts within 1/2dozen kicks in any weather 🇦🇺
Have one on order. I'm 50 and love the 2 stroke. I'm a vet rider do a vet build. Last bike I bought is a 2008 RM 250. Still have and ride to this day. Just want a fresh ride.
I've got a 2023 Yamaha YZ250. I love it!!!
I got a 2004 YZ250 and love it, I got to rebuild it though 😂😂😂.. just started tearing it down a few weeks ago.. should be back running by spring.🤪🤙
@@kdcustoms1272
Picked up a 2001 Yamaha YZ125 a few weeks ago. Gonna be a complete restore. Going with yellow plastics.
@@azff nice..
@kdcustoms1272 hey brother question I'm 5'9 205 lbs was gonna buy 125 2stroke or do you recommend 250? I ride gsxr750 but this is my first dirt bike . So should I just go with 250 from the jump or will the 125 be enough
@@jd7711
250
Best bike EVA'!!!!!!!! Really pumped to hear MXA change their tune and say that they are happy this bike has not changed and that it has it's place. Do a Twisted build, keep the stock displacement.
Smiles the entire Video ……
Took me back to my first DT-1 !!!!!
Then came the GYT - KIT !!!!!!!!
Two - Strokes Forever ☝🏻👍🏻💫
Rode 250 2strokes for 20 years, have been on a 450 the past few… good in some ways but the 450 is heavy and stalls easily… probably going back to the 250 2 stroke and the YZ is it. Exhaust system, proper fork and shock springs/valving, my favourite bars and grips… that’s it, the YZ250 is a forever bike.
I see 2strokes making a huge come back
Yep, never forget the first time I hit a big jump on a 450.. came down like a ton of bricks, so heavy!
Had two of these, 2001 and 2005. I was wondering if there was more mid range now? As the ones I had you always had to keep in band.
Legendary machine, long may it live❤❤
Love my 2024 YZ 250, pro circuit pipe, v-force, and GYTR fly wheel. Just need to do the suspension.
Can’t find the flywheel for my 23 125- such a shame.
@@jimmiebuckler997 I look up the part number and actually found mine on Amazon. Good luck man!
i think flywheel is shit it make a four stroke feeling, but i ride twostroke for this fast throttle response.
This was the most down to earth, happy and relaxed Josh and Dennis I have seen thus far. No stress. No hype. No BS marketing and propaganda.
Ive a got a 21 with 330 hours and love it still. Always a blast to ride
Just picked mine up yesterday. Havent even ridden it yet. Im 100% stoked & 100% terrified! 😁
How you liking it?
Josh, you looked fast on that 2 stroke !
After KTM moving ALL production to China, Yamaha will be the leading 2 stroke bike manufacturer. Already was to me, had 4 YZ 250's. Love Yamaha
Are you for real???
Ktms a Chinese bike now:(
Yep that's european "big brain business" for you :
Step 1 : design something absolutely awesome on paper
Step 2 : engineer it to be difficult to maintain and to service to make a profit on dealership maintenance
Step 3 : reality hits and people don't want to buy it
Step 4 : move production to china
Step 5 : go bankrupt
Euro manufacturers are now between 4 and 5, sine the same manufacturers are lobbying for stricter emissions to kill competition, while thinking that they can outsmart the paying customer with their conspiracies, the are all hitting the same china-panic buttons. After they move production to china, you can bet your sweet behind that even the most loyal ktm customer ain't paying ktm prices for a china bike.
Meanwhile yamaha will still offer you a 2006 model yz250 for pocket money while their ceo's laugh their sweet behinds off at the euro hubris biting itself in it's sweet behind.
Man there was alot of sweet behinds mentioned...
Take care now! :)
It’s so good. Will hopefully be the same in 20 years. If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.
Feel like MX bikes are reaching a point of diminishing returns on development. As compare to the steep development curve between 1985-2005
Well it certainly will be interesting to seeing how Ducati, Triumph, Beta and Stark are going to develop their bikes
Consider 3 builds, Stage 1 pipe & Silencer and Reed upgrade. Stage 2 Add Apex head or other head mods. Stage 3 Go big with porting and Carb like an Lectron. That would be a huge series that all YZ smoker guys would love. There are many thousands out there for sure.
Or buy a bigger bike? And save yourself the constant headaches of it Lunching itself..
They go like the clappers as is, if you want more power, get a 450.
The price of the parts you've mentioned alone would cover a decent chunk of the cost, not to mention the "not spending a fortune maintaining the f*cker"..
Unless you're a Top-line rider, and plan on racing it, it's pointless imo.. Pipe and muffler, ok, but that's approx. $1000 there, for a relatively minor gain, New head/head mods, porting an polishing, ahh, forget it, not worth the money and effort.
These modern ones, you stand to get more performance by tweaking the ECU and that, and setting the suspension and chassis up correctly..
Once upon a time guys used to play around with those kind of upgrades. And even more often, they used to end up in a thousand bits in the shed!
Fix one thing, and something else would crap out..
Like any engine, better to run them within their design parameters, motocross bikes are designed for racing anyway, it's a fools errand to try and squeeze more horsepower out of them generally..
The Japanese have been building them fir a long time now, they know what they're doing!😊
Might as well buy a bike shop and employ a mechanic, if you're going to go to those lengths.. Spend more time fixing it than riding it!😮😢😅
FMF Expansion pipe and silencer, $600 U.S.
Lectron carby, $550 U.S.
Apex cylinder head kit, $365 U.S.
Vforce reed cage and reeds, $160 U.S.
Port, Polish, labour, approx. $500 U.S, that's nearly $2200 U.S., unless you've won the lotto, or you can seriously ride, it's a nonsense.
Just get a 450 and be done with it mate!
You'd only need to scratch up another $1k or so, and you could buy a good late-model 2nd hand!😮😊
@@caseyhitchcock1002where are you buying your exhaust system from for $600.. ebay has them for $450 right now.
I'd say the Pro circuit RV spec build? You guys got to do a ride video on Jared Leshers YZ250, fully built, even has electric water pump, looks insane!!
I hear this sound in my head all day everyday, my friends tell me its because of all the head injuries but I think its the passion for the TWO STROKE YYAAAAAATT!!
try this combo ..
forged piston
ported cylinder/matched cases
wiseco steel clutch basket
aftermarket ignition
advanced timing
lectron carb
twin air filter
fatty and shorty combo
boyessen carbon fiber reeds
phathead high compression head
c12 race gas (108 octane)
oversized front brake rotor
beefed up racetech susp.
ball bearing throttle tube
boyessen super cooler
hardened/polished power valve parts
My 2020 has pro circuit pipe 304 silencer boyesen rad valve and apex head for 100 octane fuel currently running the sx insert(have all three)and it’s a screamer
Love the retro look on all the brands, Yamaha, Kawi, etc.
Who doesn't love that sound of a two stroke? And what a sharp looker. Still have my '05.
This makes me so want to go back to racing a 2 stroke again. My first new motocross bike was a 1988 YZ250. How about putting a big bore kit on the YZ250?
My last new bike was an 88 YZ 250 loved that bike,i had 3 YZ’s in the 80’s unfortunately can’t race/ride anymore due to knee injuries and that was the last year i raced. Now Looking at these YZ two strokes now I really miss them. 😢😊
@carltonholmes8061 Shame about your injuries stopping you racing MX. The 1988 YZ250 was the first bike I raced. I then had the 1990 YZ250, then the 1991 YZ250, and then changed to a 1992 Honda cr250. Went back to Yamaha YZ250 in 1994 which was my last bike until I took up Motocross again at the ripe old age of 50. 😀👍
Not sure if you guys have done this already, but I would like to see some Lectron fuel system testing. Just wondering if the juice is worth the squeeze
I find it hard to believe it is... A stock carb jetted works great for me.🤷
Wasn’t worth it for me. Different bike, but I thought I’d get better performance with the Smart Carb2. Could never get it to run right. Certainly not like it ran stock. Put the stock 38mm PKW back on and it was night and day. Just my 2cents
Jared Lesher races a YZ250 at the pro level, Supercross and outdoors, and he runs the new pro series from Lectron with the Xcelerator rod, and it runs like a champ.
Long live 2 strokes
Josh has awesome riding style. I'm just in the process of rebuilding top end and changing cam chain in my four stroke and with this video, YZ 250 makes more and more sense to me.
I have an 09 model. I remember back then thinking "theyre about to stop making 2-strokes, i better get one". Nice to see I was wrong!😅
My first brand new bike was the 1993 YZ 80 too. So crazy cool to see this graphic kit. Freaking amazing!
I love how Yamaha keeps its 2-stroke bike pure, without useless electronics, a kick, and off we go
In the 90s i had and had a shot of a good few 250 2 strokes i will never forget how wild the 93 yz 250 it was a beast of machine
Can’t beat a YZ
Ya just can't 🔥👊✌️
Damn straight bro
Looks like you guys are having a great time at Glen Helen! I'm from Michigan and have been twice to Glen Helen, once spent some time chatting with Marty Tripes!
Man i love the look of the throwback to 90's retro look 🤤
Cool, I rode a Yamaha YZ85 2002 model back in 2003-2004. I wonder if the 85cc engines have been updated since 2002?
Updated in 2019 to add a power valve on the 85
Thanks, except that its the same lol? Thats insane but also pretty cool that todays 12 year old are riding the same bike I rode 22 years ago.@@86rustbucket
I picked up a 76 Yamaha IT400 back in October before winter came. It's a mutt and it's missing stuff which is typical for an almost 50 year old bike. But it runs and it'll be well worth the wait when I finally get to ride it. Just waiting for winter to go away so I can work on it. I'm a big fan of the old air cooled engines, no power valves to waste time with adjusting and no worrying about your water pump crapping out on you. 😁
250 Legend !
Loved my 1980 YZ125G
The same bike since 2006.. but great bike😊
Sounds just the same as it did 30 years ago! Love to see her rip 💪💪
8 min mark his first new bike was a 93 YZ 80. My first ever brand new YZ was the 94 YZ250 so this scheme is a must for me. I’d like to try and put these graphics on my 13.
Plastic on that thing is sick!!
Try and make it the fastest 2banger out there ✊💨
Yamaha is kool bringing back the 2 strokes.
God bless Yamaha for making this machine 😊
Do a budget build. Can you race prep this for less 1k and take it racing. What's going to make the biggest difference for the money??
Pipe/silencer
Head cut for race gas
Respring for weight if needed (no valving)
Should be under a grand.
This
Just got mine, it rips totally stock. Running straight 110 race gas/Yamalube 2r@32:1. No need to cut head.
Sorry don't mean to be a buzzkill but you don't need straight race gas on a stock motor, the compression isn't that high. Some of the older models could use a splash, the heads with 5UP stamped on them had the highest compression. If you want a boost in power without messing with anything buy some vp T2, it's oxygenated and premixed but you might need to go bigger on the main.
1. Suspension
2. Pipe/silencer
3. Cut the head
The yz is a ripper and the rest comes down to rider ability.
@@kruse1105can definitely get a boost by cutting the head. It's only like $60. I prefer 2 heads. Leave 1 head stock for 93 cut the other one for 110.. you don't need 110 for a stock head though, 50/50 of 93 and 110 is good though if you jet it right.
That bike looks like real fun. Great riding on the track, you show how easy the bike is to ride.
Forget electric, bad idea. Riders need to push back now so it won't happen.
The tracks used to be just on natural terrain, with whatever was in the field before they put up the markers. The rougher tracks came from the indoor tracks being built to provide excitement for the spectators. Watch some of the first thirty years GP races in Europe and you will see what I mean. Good luck with your riding, I am too old to ride anymore in the dirt, but I had lots of fun riding and racing for thirty five years.@@EarthSurferUSA
Currently on a very low hour 2013 also had the 01,00,98,and 94 over the years and my favorite was the 94 because it seemed like it had better low end , and sat lower, perhaps this is because it was all stock during the several thousand hours I had it while my 13 has the FMF SST pipe which I’m not sure I like. I plan to throw the stock back on to see how it feels. I rode the 94 stock for 4 years until I bought a new 98 as well and it was great as well.
The 01 seemed to feel like the fastest YZ I’ve owned and perhaps this is because my 13 has the lower compression head that Yamaha had switched to. The YZ 250 has been completely bulletproof, my 94 had a minimum of a thousand hours with the stock top end, yes I was a lugger and ran it at a very reliable tune but I also made sure I cleaned it up every 5 min or so. I was able to race hare scrambles in the A class on that bad boy 2 seasons on the stock piston and rings, and that includes camping/ riding trips every weekend that there wasn’t a race.
Back in the 80s and 90s, I used to put a Pro Circuit pipe and once bought an engine for a CR from them.
So a Pro circuit pipe, a GYTR engine,some suspension work and Hinson clutch would be nice. While you’re at it through in some nice pegs, renthal bars and sprockets, nice rims and hubs and Arc levers.
That should do it.
My 04 YZ 250 last of the metal frames still rips to this day. Threw on some 07 forks and shock and it’s just as good as the newer YZs. Keep it fresh with clutches and top ends and she’s good as new. Braaaap💪💪👍👍
I've owned one with power mods pipe,carb,intake mods n power valve upgrade. Also own a bone stock one both run amazing but the built one is way more crazy
Thinking about getting the stock bike and put flywheel and maybe recluse auto clutch but leave the rest stock. Maybe racy and still good for gnarly trails? Rekluse to compensate kickstart?
I finally got one in Team Yamaha Blue. Here in the dreary, rainy east, with the 48 degree days and 15:1 break-in premix it came with, it is a plug fouling blubbering beast. I still love it. Lol I have 7/10s of an hour on the hour meter due to lack of anywhere close by to ride!
I hear ya brother I live in western NC think its suppose to stop raining tomorrow. I'm going to clean my filter and at least fire old girl up even if its a few runs up and down the road been sick of this rain.
Can MXA test the Tom Morgan YZ315 bore/stroke package??
2-stroke matches the lovely California haze in the backdrop…
Just a peaceful protest. No worries
I still love 2T bikes and while I have had bikes from every manufacturer, my love has always been with Kawasaki and Yamaha. Those two brands have always taken every once of punishment I have thrown at them and just kept chugging right along. The Kawasaki KX 500 was always my choice for a woods beater and a YZ 125 or 250 for track use. I have owned a couple Honda's and they were very reliable but they didn't have near the brute grunt of the Kawasaki or Yammie. Now my KTM 525 was in a different league and was the ultimate dune bike. I had a couple of Suzuki back in the day the old school PE models and they were like a tank strong, durable, and heavy.
I think that if companies had ventured into technologically advancing fueling systems, power valve design, and exhausts to combat noise and pollutants that two stroke machines would never have given way to the thumpers of today. I have ridden a couple of the fuel injected KTM and Husqvarna two stroke offerings and let me tell you I was not disappointed by what it has done for the performance of the machines. However, like you stated the cost of upkeep on a tech laden machine is higher, and the skills and tools required aren’t necessarily hobbyist friendly. Then again how many people are servicing their injection systems, valve lash, and all of that on their thumpers in their sheds? I still believe that the cost of maintenance and ease of DIY is far less daunting on an injected 2T than a thumper bike.
Long live the pingers.
Just throw full pc pipe, v force reed cage, billet head (phathead, maybe), update to HD clutch springs, gytr flywheel, JD jet kit, and do some valving (no gold valves). Basically do an everymans build and compare it to the stocker on lap times.....and maybe have some extra "guest" test riders to help out (pick me lol). We all love the gnarly custom builds but 99% of us can never afford anything close to those. This way its a great example of what us blue collar guys can afford and still have a sweet build....all without getting served divorce papers haha.
The divorce part is so true haha
If she divorces me over my hobby, I don't want her anyway.😂😂🤷
Pc pipe 😂😂😂
Looks amazing in white.
I would like to hear what you would do to the bike to help an intermediate to advanced vet rider, who grew up on two strokes, turn faster lap times. Rider skill is the real answer, I get that. However, in a world of racing against four strokes, what would you do to make this a better vet race bike. Manageable power and getting it to hook up. What pipe, reeds, flywheel weight, gearing, suspension and motor mods would you choose?
You guys should do the 500 conversion to that bike. That would ya really cool build to watch. Keep the 2 stroke alive 👍🏼👍🏼
I'd like to see a revival of the 1985 N or 1986 S red and white appearance.
I don't even ride anymore I just came to listen to josh rip this bike. Chesterfield Brownie replica.
This color and this sound 🔊
You should do a shootout between all the 250 2 strokes in 2024
Please build an off-road race bike out of the YZ250 or the YZ250X! Something for the WORCS or NGPC series!
I mean Yamaha pulled the plug and redesigned the 125 engine, could and would it happen to the 250, albeit the package is good? They should. The yz 250 is the peoples bike.
Solid video as usual MXA.
My dad bought me a brand new 2001 yz 125 when I was in high school. God damn it was fast would power wheelie in 6th gear. God I loved that bike. Today I'm so grateful for my dad giving me that bike. I didn't race just freeriding and pissing off the neighbours. One of my biggest mistake selling it to buy a 250. Dad got pissed off I sold it so he kept the money😂 next year I'll be 40 and will finally get me that 250😅
Sometimes good doesn't need anything but fresh new graphics. I love the yz 2 strokes exactly how they are. Bought a yz125x last year, might buy a yz250x next year. Gotta catch them all.😂
They better never change the yz250 my 95 is built mint and all the ones I've had I love
Please do the shootout with all 2024 two stroke 250 and 2024 two stroke 125
I'm 24 years old and have still yet to ride a dirt bike, I'm making it a serious goal to own a bike by the end of this year and learn how to ride, I've always dreamed of being able ro ride like this..
300 kit! I remember the Ohlins kits from the 80s-90s 360cc!!
IF ... they're going to do that "two-stroke" challenge at the Washougal national, build it up and let Josh race it up at the national. Otherwise, before you build it up, Josh vs YZ 250, YZ250F, YZ450F, then either BRC 500 it or YZ300 and if you want to put that up against a 450F, have at it.
Just picked up a 24 yz 250 but I had to go with the classic blue stoked
We need to get you guys Jared Lesher's built YZ250 out there at GH for a test.
How about all stock other than a 300 kit and do a 300 shot out with the beta rx and ktm sx 300
I love the YZ 250 although it would be real nice if GYTR come out with a long rod kit for the 24'
I’d love to see MXA build a big bore 300 with Lechtron carb and flywheel weight. Maybe a ECU as well
Just bought a 2023 yz250 left over, wanted ktm, but just couldn’t convince myself to buy one without a kickstart, and this bike is just proven
I don't think you can go wrong with either. I am loving the idea of perfect jetting every time with the ktm though. Have fun with the new ride I'm jealous.
@@jdub976 I’ve read a lot of bad about the tpi setup, alot of detention an running lean etc, will be good once they get it dialed tho
It’s hard to beat the yellow, black and white package but this is definitely very cool looking and takes me back all the same…
I have great memories of my 1994 yz 250 race bike with the same graphics that would scare the heck out of my friends that attempted to ride it. "Yeah I know how to ride" then shit themselves everytime. Lol
I just replaced my 2023 yz250... with another yz250! Long live the carbureted two strokes!
Looking at getting a new, lighter 2nd bike this spring (I have a WR450) and am seriously considering this, or the X version (I ride trails/ enduro, not tracks).. would love to see a side by side test :) Fuel injection and electric start would be nice, but for another $2500+ (other brands) I'll deal..
😍 Do a GYTR build with maybe a Pro Circuit pipe (as long as it doesn’t kill bottom-end). Also, a PC triple clamp to make turn better! 😉
3 years and 300hrs on my KTM 300 TPI. 4 sets of crunched plastics, 3 crunched pipes, 10 tires, 2 top ends. Not one single problem and still rips. I’ll keep my counterbalanced jet free motor & electric start. I do want to ride one tho. Bet it feels old as shit.
Too bad they didn't keep developing the WR line. Taller gears, bigger tank and a heavier flywheel. I long for a WR 300!
They kinda did. The 250x has wider ratios with a tall 5th gear and softer valving, kickstand, 18" wheel. Flywheel weight is cheap and easy and there are several vendors of large tanks. The differences don't sound like a lot but they add up to a very different feeling bike that is really versatile.
Mint! Ive got a KX450F, which I Love, but I want a 250 or 125 so much.. Especially a 2-banger!
You can't get 'em used for love or money here in Western Australia.. Everyone who's got one is keeping it!
450's are a dime-a-dozen, a mate asked me recently, "Why is that? Why are 450's cheaper and more available than smaller displacement bikes? Normally, the more CC's, the more expensive??"
Ah. Yes, normally..
But with modern 450's, people realise pretty quickly, if they haven't come off it and severely INJURED themselves, that they can be a REAL handful if you don't know what you're doing with them! And not the thing if you just want to have a bit of a blast around on weekends! Need to be set up properly for one, and they're designed for full-on ATTACK, not putting around and showing off on..
Most of my mates are too frightened to ride my big Kwacka!😮😂
I'm only 75kg, but I've been riding 'em since i was a kid. I actually find the 4-bangers easier to ride than the old 2-strokes, a lot more forgiving power-wise. I had to learn that you dont need to keep banging thru the gears to keep them on the pipe, just roll on the throttle and point and shoot!
1st bike: Honda MR50
2nd: '89 Honda XR100, Great bike, but my Dad got sick of seeing me get smoked off the line, steadily working my way back to the leaders over a lap, and then they would blast away down the straight, put 20 lengths on me, and the cycle would start again..
So he bought me an '89 CR80, off my cousin..😮
It. Was. DEADLY!!
It MAIMED 4 adults!
I think it had an oversize piston, boyesen reeds, and oh my did it hit like a HAMMER!!
I still didn't win many races, I was flat-out trying to hang on to it!!
It would climb steadily up thru the mid-range, and then she would clear its throat, and unleash a GOD-ALMIGHTY SHRIEK, and HANG ON!!😂
I loved that bike. But I pretty quickly graduated to riding my brother's '87 CR500..
Which he still owns, in superb nick too..
The WIDOWMAKER!!😂
You should do a 2 stroke 250 shootout
I wanna see a PC engine Works pipe, Carbon R304 shorty, Boyesen Rad Valve, Lectron Carb, Bridgestone tires, Kashima and DLC coated suspension and a Dyno chart before and after. I'm probably gonna just build it myself anyways. Haha
Do a 326 kit or the biggest big bore u can do to the yz
I would love to see what you would do to make it a woods machine, hare scramble, cross country etc.
@@EarthSurferUSA I hare scrambled a 03' CR 250 for years and did many of those same mods. Flywheel weight, V-force reeds, throttle cam, 52 tooth rear sprocket, ported the cylinder, suspension re-valve (night and day difference). I'm a taller rider so height wasn't a problem for me. My CR always started on the first kick, I had many-a-hole shots on that bike.
I've always had a YZ250 and just switched over to the 2022 KX450. I love the Yamaha 2 strokes but if I was going to spend the money on a new bike I would stick with the Blue YZ250
You have never tested the following (Dutch) setup for heavy deep sand riding: no cilinder modifications only VHM cilinderhead (Dutch), HGS pipe and silencer (Dutch) WP shock and WP front fork. Very reliable and much torque and very easy to ride.. Will also pull great on Glen Helen and will be totally reliable.
Love This bike ❤
I vote for a BRC 500 conversion 😊
I second this request!!
The SSS is good, but would like to see what Enzo can do with it AND what a real deal A Kit would do and compare the two.
Can you do a shootout between the RM250? The KX250 did KTM252 strokes.
To see which bike was the best.
Pretty awesome bike for a motor that hasn’t changed in about 19 years and yet KTM 250 can’t walk away from it. Plus the Yamaha durability is better, suspension and the fact that bike does everything very well.
Do a 300 kit from twisted but if u go pc they can do the whole 9 yards
3/21 24 no one has these bikes for sale. The 350 2T isn't on Yamaha's web site
Absolutely love the yz 250 I just wish that the other Japanese brands would come back with two strokes again