The Pro Tapers on my 1997-2003 Yamaha YZ125’s & YZ250’s were all filled with silicone which dampened vibration & absorbed a substantial amount of impact, I think, ultimately, that was my secret weapon against arm pump
I was thinking of that. I bought a BRP upper triple clamp with rubber mounted bars, (fantastic quality clamp folks) and that helped. I was thinking of filling my bars too. But also, filling the cavities on the frame with ultra black. But a new top end kid with my engine mods seems to help also, as my hands don't tingle anymore. I am older now, and the hands are more sensitive to tingling, but it seems good for now.
What is technology? Is a fuel injected, complicated four stroke with electric start the best technology? Or maybe high tech is actually a 20 year old 2 stroke that has fewer moving parts, weighs less and costs less to maintain but makes more power per CC than a 4 stroke.
I see where your coming from but injection is instant, plus most bikes you can actually tune of off your phone and also tune using selectable map modes using the buttons on you handlebars. No changing jets to tune. Also you don’t need to mix fuel anymore. That’s technology.
I will bet, the most by far majority of the people saying they love the technology,----can't afford a bike. There are several reason why dirt bike sales in the USA are less than 1/10th they used to be before the 1986 production rule and the 4-stroke forced on the industry by a dictatorship called the EPA. But the cost of a bike today, (and our dwindling income), is the #1 factor. Today, there would be no Bob Hannah, Marty Tripes, Marty Smith, Chad Reed, RC, and many others, if bike prices were this high in the 70's and 80's. Who are we missing today? I don't need or want expensive F1 technology on my dirt bike. Like doing it for a coffee table, it is just a dirt bike that people are suppose to be able to afford. The industry has never been hurting so much. Lack of sales will do that.
@@aidenrobert098 A $150.00 top end kit for a 2-stroke. I will bet money that you don't work on your bikes, paying through the nose for your dirt bike technology. What is it, 2 or 3 grand to rebuild a 4-stroke top end? Just sell it, right? :) I have a coffee table with F1 technology for 9 grand. Interested?
Nice Vid man and at one of my favorite places to ride. Love the 2 smokers, raced cr125 and cr250's when I was young. Thinking I might need another 2 stroke, but we will see how I feel when I get my crf250r back together with the 270 kit that showed up yesterday.
I am in my late 60"s, i had a few YZ's during the 70's, the 1975 250B was my best play bike, good low down TQ, a very explosive midrange, a tire eater.
The modern yz 250 is the GOAT of 2 strokes..top tier suspension..fast and fast as fukk when modified..the handling is a little slow but stable as hell at speed..you learn how to turn it better over time..and reliability is second to none period..all for a affordable price
22.5mm offset trees and that is a thing of the past. I use the YZ450f trees and bore the tops out and it hands like a dream.. If you need a set let me know...
Here is a story for your parents. A good friend of mine (63 years old now), is retiring, selling his factory in Michigan. His Mother would not buy him a dirt bike when he was 8 years old and the sport brand new in the USA. So he made his own mini bike. When his Mother saw him riding it in the front yard, she morally said, "I can't take it from him. He made it!". Yes, today, he is a millionaire because he got into manufacturing for himself, and ended up making all the gas tanks and fenders for Indian Motorcycles and other customers. His company is called "Envision Engineering" in Lowell Michigan. There is a lot more opportunity in dirt bikes than just riding them, and recreational industries is all we have left to chase our dreams. Show your parents what is possible with free enterprise in our hands. My parents had not a clue either, (and either did I really), but today, I am making ore money porting 2-stroke engines, (ESP: Earth Surfer Performance) than I could with a job and 2 engineering degrees. Production or poverty kids. Production or poverty. Doug in Michigan
Hi Derek! Big fan of your videos! I own a yz125 and want to upgrade to a 250 2T. I saw your video of the 2024 KTM 250 SX and I'm wondering if you'd recommend that bike or the yz250? Im barely above novice level so interested in controllability and ease of riding. Thanks for the thoughts!
It does not have a lot of torque, until you get into the higher rpm's, (try the 1997 KX250. The power curve I was shooting for). It is designed to try to keep up with a 450 on a fast track, and that ain't happening. But if you want a lot of torque, (with very little loss of top rpm power.), Put on a FMF Gnarly pipe, V-force reeds, (no aluminum stock spacer), and lower the cylinder by not using a cylinder base gasket, (make sure you use a good dealer, and do a good job.). You will have to use 100 octane gas (I mix race 110 with REC gas pump alky free 90 octane 50/50), with the lower cylinder as it will have more compression, and the exhaust port time will match the lower rpm tuned pipe for a strong, but not explosive low end power. I port and stroke 2-stroke engines for a living. You will like those easy, and reversible mods. I also lowered my bike because the YZ250 is stupid tall, and would never set my handlebars with the modern "freestyle" set up used today,---so I can corner better. The bike is so rich stock, and takes forever to warm the water up, many riders take off too soon, and do piston damage, (hot piston crown expanding, cold cylinder is not). With a new piston kit from Weisco, and my mods---the vibration went away a bit.
For me, (2019 YZ250 2-stroke today, after 18 years off a MX bike), the YZ250 was the worst set up 250cc MX bike I ever owned (bikes from 82 to 97). Part of the problem was I gained 40 lbs, so the spring rates were way off (causing a severely low front end, "stink bug" stance, that reduces the trail and makes a bike very nervous in the steering.). The weight was on me, but I am sure I wound have went with stiffer fork springs at 180 lbs. for my bike year). Now, for the bike height. Way too tall. Taller than 4-stroke with 3" more head height. I lowered the seat 1" (not sure if you can do that with the thinner seat, so I am glad I got a 2019 bike), and the suspension .75". Corners much better. Just a matter of physics kids. For the engine, I posted that below. From this old guy who raced and set up his own bikes, I have never had to do so much work to make it a great bike. But, we get used to anything if we don't know the difference, -----------including prison.
But the work was worth is, and satisfying to do and be proud of. It was the worst set up bike I ever bought, but I may have made it the best. Super fun to ride now.
Really good video, couple questions Would u rather an older 06-21 model or 22-24 model because they changed them slightly? And would you prefer a new fuel injected ktm?
Just to clarify because I don’t know if you know lol (unless it was a 21 or under model) that the changed the bikes engine a lot. 22 and up is different, still carbed etc but they changed there 2 strokes a lot
The current YZ250 is still the same engine and frame from 2006. In 2022 it received new bodywork, brakes, tires, sprockets, and some suspension updates. The YZ125 got engine updates but the 250 didn't. The efi of the new KTM 2 strokes is really convenient but I might be more comfortable on the Yamaha.
@@DerekHallman wow, my mistake, I thought it was both. I’m actually astounded considering what people still say about them nowadays so honestly if you enjoy the bike go for it
My friend, it has been the case for decades that you can have a 20 year old bike and go faster than someone on a new one. The rider plays a bigger part than the bike, you can only go so fast on a motocross track.
Then try exiting the corers in a higher great, but slip the clutch on the way out so you don't bog. The 4-stroke made us forget how to use a clutch on a 2-stroke.
If you've rode motorcycles before than yeah a YZ250 would be a great bike for you. If you're new to motorcycles than I'd recommend learning on something slower.
No matter what bike you buy, you are going to need stiffer suspension springs at your weight (if you want the bike as safe as possible). But a MX racing bike is not good for you to be on. Something more tame like a XR, that has plenty of aftermarket parts to make it a off road race bike. At your weight, I would not consider anything smaller than a 250 4-stroke trail bike. XR's are also pretty easy to make road legal, and are very long lasting bikes.
Counter balancers take up power and add a little weight. The issue is a quality control issue of the cranks not being well trued or balanced (as much as a single cylinder crank can be balanced). The aluminium frame also transmits vibration more than steel. Yes, because of competing unfairly with crappy communist quality, quality control has gone down for the Jap manufactures as well. It is easier to see that with a knowledge of history, and a quality control engineering degree. :)
I am 5'10 190 lbs, Im debating whether i should get a 125 2 stroke or a 250 4 stroke. I want a two stroke but ive heard people say suspension on a 125 is not fit for riders above 165. With a four stroke its heavier and its harder to maitenance, scared its gonna fail and im not gonna know how to fix it. (i can NOT afford a mechanic)
@@hamburber312a For sure my bad, I read it wrong. I thought it was between 125 or 250 2stroke. I've owned all three and 125 won't be good for your weight unless you ride it wide open like a pro. Even then you'll be underpowered. 250 4stroke will have plenty of tourqe and be easier to ride. Seen tons of guys your size and weight ripping on 250 4strokes. Beware of used 250f with lots of hours, get new if you can afford it. Good luck.
whole track is 2nd gear or you OJ everything. Not the kind of place where you can make this bike shine. "That torque is so useable" as he putts down a straight away at 1/4 throttle
I have a 250 4 stroke right now, but i feel i want more power and i really wanna get back to 2 strokes. Are the vibrations okay or like really crazy? And is the power okay or does it feel like a suicide machine? I just don’t wanna mess up my progress you know? Thanks for the great video dude! Keep er crisp as cold titties lol!
250 smoker vs a 250F feel extremely different to me. If you're confident on the 250F I'd say stick with it and wring that thing out. The vibration is very noticeable yeah. It feels way faster than a 250F, but the power is not like a suicide machine. I'd feel more comfortable learning new tracks/jumps on a 250F than I would a 250 two stroke personally. Keep er crisp haha!!
@@DerekHallman thx for sharing your experience man! I’m gonna ride a fantic xx 250 2 stroke at the end of June, on a fantic demo day. Let’s see if i can tame that beast ✊🏻😝
"jetted as crisp as cold titties" best line of the year so far
I just got a 23 Yz250 and I agree with absolutely everything you said
Yamaha YZ gang for life baby!!
it's surprisingly good!!
2strokes for life man
the best motocross bike ever made for the working man
Yes!
The Pro Tapers on my 1997-2003 Yamaha YZ125’s & YZ250’s were all filled with silicone which dampened vibration & absorbed a substantial amount of impact, I think, ultimately, that was my secret weapon against arm pump
Why silicon did you use?
I was thinking of that. I bought a BRP upper triple clamp with rubber mounted bars, (fantastic quality clamp folks) and that helped. I was thinking of filling my bars too. But also, filling the cavities on the frame with ultra black. But a new top end kid with my engine mods seems to help also, as my hands don't tingle anymore. I am older now, and the hands are more sensitive to tingling, but it seems good for now.
I have thicker crips on my cr500 and it helps with vibration not going through bars to my hands.
What is technology? Is a fuel injected, complicated four stroke with electric start the best technology? Or maybe high tech is actually a 20 year old 2 stroke that has fewer moving parts, weighs less and costs less to maintain but makes more power per CC than a 4 stroke.
I see where your coming from but injection is instant, plus most bikes you can actually tune of off your phone and also tune using selectable map modes using the buttons on you handlebars. No changing jets to tune. Also you don’t need to mix fuel anymore. That’s technology.
The best thing they did to the yz250 was not really touch it for a LONG time after 1999. So many parts, cheap, and fun as hell
@@No_Budget_No_Problemfun yes indeed don’t forget still a very effective race bike 🇦🇺
I will bet, the most by far majority of the people saying they love the technology,----can't afford a bike. There are several reason why dirt bike sales in the USA are less than 1/10th they used to be before the 1986 production rule and the 4-stroke forced on the industry by a dictatorship called the EPA. But the cost of a bike today, (and our dwindling income), is the #1 factor. Today, there would be no Bob Hannah, Marty Tripes, Marty Smith, Chad Reed, RC, and many others, if bike prices were this high in the 70's and 80's. Who are we missing today? I don't need or want expensive F1 technology on my dirt bike. Like doing it for a coffee table, it is just a dirt bike that people are suppose to be able to afford. The industry has never been hurting so much. Lack of sales will do that.
@@aidenrobert098 A $150.00 top end kit for a 2-stroke. I will bet money that you don't work on your bikes, paying through the nose for your dirt bike technology. What is it, 2 or 3 grand to rebuild a 4-stroke top end? Just sell it, right? :)
I have a coffee table with F1 technology for 9 grand. Interested?
Nice Vid man and at one of my favorite places to ride. Love the 2 smokers, raced cr125 and cr250's when I was young. Thinking I might need another 2 stroke, but we will see how I feel when I get my crf250r back together with the 270 kit that showed up yesterday.
good luck with that 270 kit man let me know how it feels!
I am in my late 60"s, i had a few YZ's during the 70's, the 1975 250B was my best play bike, good low down TQ, a very explosive midrange, a tire eater.
Love this videos from this guy
Appreciate that man!
The modern yz 250 is the GOAT of 2 strokes..top tier suspension..fast and fast as fukk when modified..the handling is a little slow but stable as hell at speed..you learn how to turn it better over time..and reliability is second to none period..all for a affordable price
22.5mm offset trees and that is a thing of the past. I use the YZ450f trees and bore the tops out and it hands like a dream.. If you need a set let me know...
I have a 2000 yz85 and it’s just like this love it
Great to hear a really good honest review and except a great bike for what it really is good stuff
Hell yeah YZ Gang baby💙
I’m thinking of getting a 125 50th anniversary as a first dirt bike
The legendary mx bike. Best for longest.
Another Day Another Derek Hallman W (DAY 40 MFs)
i got a new yz 250 my old one 2014 and must say the new one why better on handeling etc
This guy makes me wanna ride dirt bikes more and more and now my parents think I’m MORE stupid….
Thanks Derek! 😂😂😂
haha get a dirt bike you won't regret it!
@@DerekHallman hahaha I’m gonna have to now because you said so lmao 😂
Here is a story for your parents. A good friend of mine (63 years old now), is retiring, selling his factory in Michigan. His Mother would not buy him a dirt bike when he was 8 years old and the sport brand new in the USA. So he made his own mini bike. When his Mother saw him riding it in the front yard, she morally said, "I can't take it from him. He made it!". Yes, today, he is a millionaire because he got into manufacturing for himself, and ended up making all the gas tanks and fenders for Indian Motorcycles and other customers. His company is called "Envision Engineering" in Lowell Michigan. There is a lot more opportunity in dirt bikes than just riding them, and recreational industries is all we have left to chase our dreams. Show your parents what is possible with free enterprise in our hands. My parents had not a clue either, (and either did I really), but today, I am making ore money porting 2-stroke engines, (ESP: Earth Surfer Performance) than I could with a job and 2 engineering degrees.
Production or poverty kids. Production or poverty. Doug in Michigan
@@EarthSurferUSA damn that’s amazing!
Hi Derek! Big fan of your videos! I own a yz125 and want to upgrade to a 250 2T. I saw your video of the 2024 KTM 250 SX and I'm wondering if you'd recommend that bike or the yz250? Im barely above novice level so interested in controllability and ease of riding. Thanks for the thoughts!
It does not have a lot of torque, until you get into the higher rpm's, (try the 1997 KX250. The power curve I was shooting for). It is designed to try to keep up with a 450 on a fast track, and that ain't happening. But if you want a lot of torque, (with very little loss of top rpm power.), Put on a FMF Gnarly pipe, V-force reeds, (no aluminum stock spacer), and lower the cylinder by not using a cylinder base gasket, (make sure you use a good dealer, and do a good job.). You will have to use 100 octane gas (I mix race 110 with REC gas pump alky free 90 octane 50/50), with the lower cylinder as it will have more compression, and the exhaust port time will match the lower rpm tuned pipe for a strong, but not explosive low end power. I port and stroke 2-stroke engines for a living. You will like those easy, and reversible mods. I also lowered my bike because the YZ250 is stupid tall, and would never set my handlebars with the modern "freestyle" set up used today,---so I can corner better. The bike is so rich stock, and takes forever to warm the water up, many riders take off too soon, and do piston damage, (hot piston crown expanding, cold cylinder is not). With a new piston kit from Weisco, and my mods---the vibration went away a bit.
For me, (2019 YZ250 2-stroke today, after 18 years off a MX bike), the YZ250 was the worst set up 250cc MX bike I ever owned (bikes from 82 to 97). Part of the problem was I gained 40 lbs, so the spring rates were way off (causing a severely low front end, "stink bug" stance, that reduces the trail and makes a bike very nervous in the steering.). The weight was on me, but I am sure I wound have went with stiffer fork springs at 180 lbs. for my bike year). Now, for the bike height. Way too tall. Taller than 4-stroke with 3" more head height. I lowered the seat 1" (not sure if you can do that with the thinner seat, so I am glad I got a 2019 bike), and the suspension .75". Corners much better. Just a matter of physics kids. For the engine, I posted that below. From this old guy who raced and set up his own bikes, I have never had to do so much work to make it a great bike.
But, we get used to anything if we don't know the difference, -----------including prison.
But the work was worth is, and satisfying to do and be proud of. It was the worst set up bike I ever bought, but I may have made it the best. Super fun to ride now.
finally a video:D
😁
WHY update PERFECTION?
Really good video, couple questions
Would u rather an older 06-21 model or 22-24 model because they changed them slightly?
And would you prefer a new fuel injected ktm?
Just to clarify because I don’t know if you know lol (unless it was a 21 or under model) that the changed the bikes engine a lot. 22 and up is different, still carbed etc but they changed there 2 strokes a lot
Newer 125s are more aggressive to keep up with KTMS (I know because I was looking at buying one and got a 2016) on the top end so more fun=older
The current YZ250 is still the same engine and frame from 2006. In 2022 it received new bodywork, brakes, tires, sprockets, and some suspension updates. The YZ125 got engine updates but the 250 didn't. The efi of the new KTM 2 strokes is really convenient but I might be more comfortable on the Yamaha.
@@DerekHallman wow, my mistake, I thought it was both. I’m actually astounded considering what people still say about them nowadays so honestly if you enjoy the bike go for it
@@Declan_conlan Yeah it's pretty amazing that a bike from 2006 still feels so great today!
Im still running a 1999 yz250, an old steel framed bike that beat tf outta younger me lol
The engine is pretty much from 1999. Awesome bikes!
Man I want a yz250 bad!
Your YZ125 needs a big brother 😂
another day another banger from derek
thanks homie!
@@DerekHallman yeah man appreciate the videos i love watching them! keep up the amazing vids and keep ripping the tracks bro
My friend, it has been the case for decades that you can have a 20 year old bike and go faster than someone on a new one. The rider plays a bigger part than the bike, you can only go so fast on a motocross track.
Set your bars and levers up late 80's style, and your corner speed will improve.
Then try exiting the corers in a higher great, but slip the clutch on the way out so you don't bog. The 4-stroke made us forget how to use a clutch on a 2-stroke.
would you recommend the yz 250 for a novice rider, weekend warrior, 43 years old, 6.0“, 220lbs?
If you've rode motorcycles before than yeah a YZ250 would be a great bike for you. If you're new to motorcycles than I'd recommend learning on something slower.
No matter what bike you buy, you are going to need stiffer suspension springs at your weight (if you want the bike as safe as possible). But a MX racing bike is not good for you to be on. Something more tame like a XR, that has plenty of aftermarket parts to make it a off road race bike. At your weight, I would not consider anything smaller than a 250 4-stroke trail bike. XR's are also pretty easy to make road legal, and are very long lasting bikes.
Think about getting the 50th 2024 yz250 but I really want the yz450f
Too expensive for the 4-stroke huh. Beg for expensive technology, and you are walking. :)
Which one do you like more this or the newer sx250’s? Like which ones frame do you like more, which ones power do you like more yk
Which one is going bankrupt
Nice
The vibration is only thing that is a drawback..wish Yamaha would make a counter balance motor..
They vibrate a lot compared to the KTM smokers
I don’t even notice it with pillow grips
Counter balancers take up power and add a little weight. The issue is a quality control issue of the cranks not being well trued or balanced (as much as a single cylinder crank can be balanced). The aluminium frame also transmits vibration more than steel. Yes, because of competing unfairly with crappy communist quality, quality control has gone down for the Jap manufactures as well. It is easier to see that with a knowledge of history, and a quality control engineering degree. :)
I am 5'10 190 lbs, Im debating whether i should get a 125 2 stroke or a 250 4 stroke. I want a two stroke but ive heard people say suspension on a 125 is not fit for riders above 165. With a four stroke its heavier and its harder to maitenance, scared its gonna fail and im not gonna know how to fix it. (i can NOT afford a mechanic)
Get a 2 stroke you won’t regret it
At 190 pounds, you definitely want the 250 2stroke. Don't waste time on a 125, too heavy for small bore. ❤
@@kruse1105 no bro im not getting a 250 2 stroke maybe a 250 4 stroke
@@hamburber312a For sure my bad, I read it wrong. I thought it was between 125 or 250 2stroke. I've owned all three and 125 won't be good for your weight unless you ride it wide open like a pro. Even then you'll be underpowered. 250 4stroke will have plenty of tourqe and be easier to ride. Seen tons of guys your size and weight ripping on 250 4strokes. Beware of used 250f with lots of hours, get new if you can afford it. Good luck.
the bar looks so wide on that thing
it's massive
whole track is 2nd gear or you OJ everything. Not the kind of place where you can make this bike shine. "That torque is so useable" as he putts down a straight away at 1/4 throttle
4:40 2005
Not rlly outdated depends on what parts you can get
wheres the tack
I have a 250 4 stroke right now, but i feel i want more power and i really wanna get back to 2 strokes. Are the vibrations okay or like really crazy? And is the power okay or does it feel like a suicide machine? I just don’t wanna mess up my progress you know? Thanks for the great video dude! Keep er crisp as cold titties lol!
250 smoker vs a 250F feel extremely different to me. If you're confident on the 250F I'd say stick with it and wring that thing out. The vibration is very noticeable yeah. It feels way faster than a 250F, but the power is not like a suicide machine. I'd feel more comfortable learning new tracks/jumps on a 250F than I would a 250 two stroke personally. Keep er crisp haha!!
@@DerekHallman thx for sharing your experience man! I’m gonna ride a fantic xx 250 2 stroke at the end of June, on a fantic demo day. Let’s see if i can tame that beast ✊🏻😝
what is that tiny baby track, what a shame you couldnt use the actual power of the bike
only place within 2 hours of me that's open during the week 👍🏼
@@DerekHallman ahh damn, makes sense
Yea,---MX is more like today racing today, on a dirty smooth track. No tight stuff. Not as much skill either.
This track doesn't let this bike use even 50% of it's power
I will be full throttle out of every corner. You just want to hit 100 mph before the next corer, that we are slow in today.
Thumbnail looks like a toy haha
Martin John Davis Kevin Lopez Larry
Martinez Charles Martinez Sharon Davis Carol
Robinson Susan Hall Timothy Williams Christopher
Ktm
Miller Michelle Jones Jose Jones Anna
first
Rodriguez Robert Williams Betty Robinson Donna
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