Noob with question

I'm a bigger guy (250ish without gear) and I currently own a CR125 and a CRF450. I have also ridden lots of 250s and a husky 350. If you are going to get down to 200-210 you can probably get about any bike and it will be fine. It depends what kind of riding you want to do and how lazy you want to be haha, a 450 would definitely be a very easy bike to get around on without much effort and a 250 2 stroke would be right there as well, if the 250 2 stroke is too snappy you could put a flywheel weight on and tame it down some. Now you can get a 125 or 250 4 stroke but you will have to work harder to go fast. For some that's the fun part, for some that's more work than they want to do. It all depends on what you are wanting to do with the bike pretty much. A lot of guys on here will say you HAVE to have a 450 if you are over 200lbs and its just not true. Sure it helps having the extra CC's but it doesn't mean you cant ride a smaller bike.

Also as mentioned earlier ive ridden a Husky 350 and tbh if I was a vet guy that would be high on my list of bikes to consider because it kind of gives you the best of both worlds. They have enough power that you can just cruise around with ease but they can also be rapped out and ridden like a 250. All while being relatively lightweight and nimble feeling.

Just my $.02, hope this helps with your decision!

It really depends on your budget and what kind of value the bike will represent to you. If this is just a mid-life crisis that you will be over in a 6 months to a year that is a lot different than those of us who have been riding since we were kids.

When it comes time to purchase the bike don't get in over your head...if a bike looks like a project that means you'll spend so much time working on it and tinkering with stuff that multiple owners have screwed up and neglected for years.

IMO a 250F is the best bet for a true beginner as it will be fun and forgiving especially when you get on the MX track. What would you say your budget is?

Honda two strokes sell like hotcakes for a good reason

Buy whatever you want. Youre going to get an even mix of people telling you what they like. Personally im 250lbs and ride a 450 and have a blast doing it every weekend. Youre not going to be competitive over the course of the winter so the bike doesnt matter. If youre going to stay at 240lbs, and i say this because most people fall off the weight loss plans, get the 450 and be safe. A 250f with my fat ass on it struggles in prepped dirt. Just being honest.

Buy a four stroke. I dont want to be mean but being a bit older riding a 4 stroke will be much more fun its all preferance. I good bike to buy is the CRF450 (the new one) they seem to be realiable and easy to get used to. Hope you figure it out and get to ride.

Fuel injected 450

3k pricetag is a 2009-2012 450 if you find a good deal and beat their price down. I believe kawi had the best bike in those years.