Posts
17
Joined
10/6/2014
Location
Chico, CA
US
Edited Date/Time
10/9/2014 12:04am
I posted this in the new rdier forum with zero responses....
I grew up with a friend who had dirt bikes and I went riding with him quite a bit. I have ridden almost anything from a 50cc to a CR500. I have also ridden street bikes quite a bit so I am very comfortable on a bike... That being said I have never owned my own bike and I am looking to buy one soon. I am looking at either a crf250 or 450, year 2009 or newer.
I'm 5' 11" and weigh 180 lbs. I don't really know what I will get into yet with the bike, I know I want to get into racing and I've always liked hill climbing. I am leaning towards getting the 450 as I think the 250 will get old after a few months and I will want that extra kick. I am no expert though and have not ridden either of the newer crf models YET!
My friend is also getting a bike at the same time as me so we will be riding a lot together. He is sold on getting a 250 and this is probably the biggest factor of me getting the 250, so we will have the same power/class if we race.
Any advice on helping me choose would help out a lot!
I grew up with a friend who had dirt bikes and I went riding with him quite a bit. I have ridden almost anything from a 50cc to a CR500. I have also ridden street bikes quite a bit so I am very comfortable on a bike... That being said I have never owned my own bike and I am looking to buy one soon. I am looking at either a crf250 or 450, year 2009 or newer.
I'm 5' 11" and weigh 180 lbs. I don't really know what I will get into yet with the bike, I know I want to get into racing and I've always liked hill climbing. I am leaning towards getting the 450 as I think the 250 will get old after a few months and I will want that extra kick. I am no expert though and have not ridden either of the newer crf models YET!
My friend is also getting a bike at the same time as me so we will be riding a lot together. He is sold on getting a 250 and this is probably the biggest factor of me getting the 250, so we will have the same power/class if we race.
Any advice on helping me choose would help out a lot!
Eeeeeeasy to ride...
The Shop
If you have a chance....try both the 250F and 450F.......you should be able to decide from there. My advice would be to get the 450 at your weight and height.....but to also take baby steps with it. Like I said....a 450 is a totally different animal. They feel all nice and mellow...until the moment that you trust it......then she gets a mind all her own and you go on a ride strait to the hospital.
Definitely get a newer bike.......just treat the bike with respect , and it will respect you back.
Like what TG posted above.....the 11' - 12' Honda's were great bikes! I own a 12' KXF450 and wouldn't trade it for a Honda.....ever. But that's me. Just getting into the sport.....you can't beat a Honda.
Take your time and look for the good deals. Don't just jump on the first one you see.
Look up a guy on here called " Mickelobe7"......he has had his 08' for quite a few months...and he can testify how good of a bike that thing is. " In my opinion "........way freakin' better than the 09' and 10' Honda's.....which i hated. The 11' was really good , and the 12'?....... Probably the only other Honda I would of put above my 08'. The 12' is an incredible bike!
I really need to try them both out but I don't know anyone who has them. Wonder if dealerships offer free test rides...
Also, you are talking about the F model, I was looking at getting the 450r or 250r. Any thoughts on that?
Thanks for all the feedback guys!
So used to calling a 4 stroke an " F " model.....I get lost in the times.
And look into what MXB posted above. Some bike manif's offer ride days. Great way to test some different stuff out.
Pit Row
I use the clutch to apply power to the rear wheel,a finger is always ready to take power away if a jump face is slick or the bike starts to step out. This technique is from years of 2 strokes.
A lot of riders rely on just the engine response,no finger on the clutch ,just twisting the throttle and trying to time the hit of power and hoping it doesn't step out on the face of a table that some flagger just water with a hose.
If that 2nd description is you then a 250 will kept you on 2 wheels a lot more.
From my experience if you are going to keep a bike for a couple years or more , the 250F's are bad investments. You can get 3 X ( or more ) longevity out of a 450 motor than you can a 250F. I have rarely seen one get past 25-30hrs before the thing needs to be rebuilt. If you ride a lot....that gets expensive real quick. It is NOT uncommon to get 100+ hours out of a 450 if you take care of it.
The 250F's are very fun bikes indeed.....but in the long run , more expensive to keep running. And anyone that thinks they can get the mileage out of a 250F that can a 450F.......please tell me I'm wrong.
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