First bike after 35 yrs, need help!

Forty
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Forty 3/25/2018 10:32am
3/25/2018 10:32am
yz250f...buy it new....take care of it, dial it in over time, it will be a great bike for you for many years. At your age the 450 is too much grunt, and frankly unless you tone one down could get you in trouble. No disrespect, I'm 59 and am currently making the move to a lighter, less powerful bike. The 450 has become too much.

I did have opportunity to ride a 2017 yz250f last Tuesday at an indoor track. Plenty of HP, and good torque down low, which was a nice surprise. Super light coming off the 450 and much easier to maneuver.

There are many new 2017 yz250f available at discounts and when the 2019 comes out with e-start there will be many more.

IMO.
DawnPatrol
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DawnPatrol 3/25/2018 2:21pm
3/25/2018 2:21pm
Thanks Forty, appreciate the input. If I planned to do 100% moto, I may have tried a 450, but since I want to do trail on occasion with a few fiends, I think the lighter, more agile YZ250F seems perfect.



jtiger12
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jtiger12 3/25/2018 2:37pm
3/25/2018 2:37pm Edited Date/Time 3/25/2018 2:40pm
DawnPatrol, when I say front wheel bias, it means the chassis puts inertia and drive into front wheel more than the back wheel. You can really feel that on the Honda's, they like to steer with the front wheel. Since that crf450 is sold, it doesn't really matter much. For what you are describing as your riding type and area, I would go for a yz250x or a ktm 300exc. A 2 stroke is going to be better in tight woods and more fun for a casual rider. If you want to lean towards motocross, a 2016 yz250f that's in great shape would leave a little budget for some gear and go fast parts. Good luck sir.
Doddy
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Doddy 3/25/2018 2:53pm
3/25/2018 2:53pm
YZ250 2 stroke is the best option Wink I am biased, but I could of bought anything I wanted. I know it doesn't have electric start, but it is laughably easy to kick start. With the information given, I'd say a 450 is a terrible idea.

The Shop

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Eddieg15
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Eddieg15 3/25/2018 6:30pm
3/25/2018 6:30pm
DawnPatrol wrote:
Sure, but I don't get to MS often... Thanks
Eddieg15 wrote:
Can ship
DawnPatrol wrote:
Send pics Eddieg15!
Sent you a message
DawnPatrol
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DawnPatrol 3/26/2018 5:37pm
3/26/2018 5:37pm
jtiger12 wrote:
A low hour 17 crf450 with the estart is a smoking deal. It is NOT a lazy engine. I just broke mine in last weekend and...
A low hour 17 crf450 with the estart is a smoking deal. It is NOT a lazy engine. I just broke mine in last weekend and it can put around if you want, but when you crank the wrist things happen, fast. If you have any skill and want to ride at speed, you will be buying an adjustable rear link (jgr, $280) or getting your shock shortened. I would not want to race this new gen crf in the sand without fixing the front wheel bias, especially for your height and weight.

Just my 2cents as a Honda guy.
jtiger12, I am looking at a 17' CRF450, no estart, but 10 hrs and super clean... This seems like a great deal and all reports praise the Honda for being light and agile as well as a great turner. We have a lot of sand up this way. You mentioned front bias, so do you think this would be a good pick for me?
Eddieg15
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Eddieg15 3/27/2018 7:52am
3/27/2018 7:52am
DawnPatrol wrote:
Sure, but I don't get to MS often... Thanks
Eddieg15 wrote:
Can ship
DawnPatrol wrote:
Send pics Eddieg15!








CodyUtah
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CodyUtah 3/27/2018 8:26am
3/27/2018 8:26am
I am an over 40 guy and I hadn't had a bike in a few years. I had a similar budget as yours. I bought a really clean RMZ 450. I rode it a few times and thought it was a great bike. I then made the mistake of riding my brothers new YZ 250. The smile factor was much greater for me on the 2 stroke. I sold my RM and bought a 2017 YZ 250. I found a dealer that had a left over and they had good rebates.
DawnPatrol
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DawnPatrol 3/27/2018 8:31am
3/27/2018 8:31am
Eddieg15 wrote:
Can ship
DawnPatrol wrote:
Send pics Eddieg15!
Eddieg15 wrote:
[img]https://p.vitalmx.com/photos/forums/2018/03/27/252061/s1200_IMG_0804.jpg[/img] [img]https://p.vitalmx.com/photos/forums/2018/03/27/252062/s1200_IMG_0806.jpg[/img] [img]https://p.vitalmx.com/photos/forums/2018/03/27/252063/s1200_IMG_0808.jpg[/img] [img]https://p.vitalmx.com/photos/forums/2018/03/27/252064/s1200_IMG_0809.jpg[/img]








Looks clean, well taken care of. With my age, ability and plans I am sticking to 350 or 250 to start. Thx
DawnPatrol
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DawnPatrol 3/27/2018 8:36am
3/27/2018 8:36am
CodyUtah wrote:
I am an over 40 guy and I hadn't had a bike in a few years. I had a similar budget as yours. I bought a...
I am an over 40 guy and I hadn't had a bike in a few years. I had a similar budget as yours. I bought a really clean RMZ 450. I rode it a few times and thought it was a great bike. I then made the mistake of riding my brothers new YZ 250. The smile factor was much greater for me on the 2 stroke. I sold my RM and bought a 2017 YZ 250. I found a dealer that had a left over and they had good rebates.
I will probably feel the same, but my first step back will be a 4 stroke. My friend has a ktm 300 which I rode, but I actually liked the kx250f better. Maybe the 2 strokes set up for mx are significantly different.
CodyUtah
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CodyUtah 3/27/2018 8:44am
3/27/2018 8:44am
CodyUtah wrote:
I am an over 40 guy and I hadn't had a bike in a few years. I had a similar budget as yours. I bought a...
I am an over 40 guy and I hadn't had a bike in a few years. I had a similar budget as yours. I bought a really clean RMZ 450. I rode it a few times and thought it was a great bike. I then made the mistake of riding my brothers new YZ 250. The smile factor was much greater for me on the 2 stroke. I sold my RM and bought a 2017 YZ 250. I found a dealer that had a left over and they had good rebates.
DawnPatrol wrote:
I will probably feel the same, but my first step back will be a 4 stroke. My friend has a ktm 300 which I rode, but...
I will probably feel the same, but my first step back will be a 4 stroke. My friend has a ktm 300 which I rode, but I actually liked the kx250f better. Maybe the 2 strokes set up for mx are significantly different.
I used to have a YZ250FX and that was a pretty good choice too.
murph783
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murph783 3/27/2018 8:48am
3/27/2018 8:48am
As far as the front end bias up here, you can tune that out with a different linkage or clamps pretty easily. I rode my YZ250F back to back with my a friend of mine’s YZ450 this weekend at southwick. Mine has a factory connection link and 20mm clamps, his is bone stock. I was amazed at the handling difference. Obviously the motor plays a part but mine was so, so much more stable. Didn’t realize how much a difference it made until I rode them both.
Evoracer
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Evoracer 3/27/2018 9:02am
3/27/2018 9:02am
Inherent costs of the 4 stroke are going to be high in the long run, even if you don't blow it up. I've been on big 450's off and on since '05 and have settled on a YZ250, not as fast, harder to ride fast, but easier on the wallet and the fun factor is really high. Go easy on the FWW if you get one, a big heavy one is not needed for moto.

The 450's are very easy to ride IMO, but 450 power coupled with EFI, and your first big crash (it's going to happen), may be a game changer for you.
Panic_Rev
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Panic_Rev 3/27/2018 9:05am
3/27/2018 9:05am
DawnPatrol wrote:
I need help... First a quick profile: 57 yrs old, 5-9, 170lbs, good shape (ski, mtn bike, gym). Experience: raced moto in NJ/ PA from 14...
I need help... First a quick profile: 57 yrs old, 5-9, 170lbs, good shape (ski, mtn bike, gym). Experience: raced moto in NJ/ PA from 14 to 19 years old, A few trophies, no firsts! Last bike, 78' Yama YZ250E. Recently rode kx250f 1/2 dozen times on single track and fire roads in 17'. Friends bike.

My goal is to buy a bike for racing MX and some JDays in the MA/ NH area. Some great loamy and sandy tracks, including Southwick. Plus trail riding in Plymouth with my new friends.

Question is what should I buy? Budget is approx $6k. Kx250 was OK, hated having to kick start it since it was carbureted. Do I need a 450 to be competitive? At 170 lbs I worry it's more power then needed. Love stats of the KTM 350s, with elec start, but rare to find one in my budget. Love idea of Yamaha reliability, but are they awkward and hard to turn? I see bargains on KX 450s... I really do need some insights, so please chime in ...
I have a 2015 Ktm 350sxf with 42 hours that is within your budget.
DawnPatrol
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DawnPatrol 3/30/2018 3:22pm
3/30/2018 3:22pm
35 years ago I sold my 78' YZ 250 to go to college. I lost touch with something that was central to my youth. About 10 years ago, I started watching motocross and supercross on TV. Via the internet, I learned that dirt biking was alive and well... At first, I was consumed by vintage racers. I though vintage could be the right thing for me. But then I learned about the over 50 class and more recently JDays. The tipping point was meeting a local guy who gave me his sons KX250F to ride last year on the fire roads and trails criss-crossing south shore, MA. That was it, I was hooked.

Thanks for your comments, since it directed me to a 250/ 350, and I found this. I pick it up Tuesday, a 17' KTM 350 SXF! Hope to see you local guys later this year...



Forty
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Forty 3/30/2018 3:32pm
3/30/2018 3:32pm
Nice
agn5009
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agn5009 3/30/2018 3:42pm
3/30/2018 3:42pm
Hell yeah! I'm a 2 stroke guy and will recommend the KTM 300XC til the end but you made a really good choice in the 350!
DawnPatrol
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DawnPatrol 3/31/2018 6:25am
3/31/2018 6:25am
I look forward to swapping my bike to ride two strokes, so we'll see.

agn5009, if you're my age, do you recall a track in State College? It had a monster drop away jump that ran out down a long hill. My one trip there was a rainy mudder, a total slosh fest. I actually have some great photos of it...

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CG118
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CG118 3/31/2018 6:53am
3/31/2018 6:53am
Excellent choice. My choice as well. That's a 2015 in my avatar. Sent out my suspension to Rick Johnson (TOO TECH Rick Johnson), and I use my 350sxf for everything———moto, GP, hare scrambles, and soon will do a Full-Gas Enduro.
Awesome bike.
DawnPatrol
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DawnPatrol 4/2/2018 11:59am
4/2/2018 11:59am
CG118 wrote:
Excellent choice. My choice as well. That's a 2015 in my avatar. Sent out my suspension to Rick Johnson (TOO TECH Rick Johnson), and I use...
Excellent choice. My choice as well. That's a 2015 in my avatar. Sent out my suspension to Rick Johnson (TOO TECH Rick Johnson), and I use my 350sxf for everything———moto, GP, hare scrambles, and soon will do a Full-Gas Enduro.
Awesome bike.
Thx CH118. Your bike looks awesome. I guess these can go for years if you commit to proper maintenance.

Next step is buying gear, ouch nothing is cheap!
Jon Bingham
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Jon Bingham 4/2/2018 1:22pm
4/2/2018 1:22pm
Picked up the same bike on Friday.

...you are gonna love it. I put about 1 hr of break in time on her and coming off the '14 350 i can say that the '17 is way better in the suspension, engine and transmission departments . Can't wait to break her in within the next couple weeks.

Pirate421
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Pirate421 4/2/2018 1:53pm
4/2/2018 1:53pm
Awesome choice you’re going to love it perfect for New England
DawnPatrol
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DawnPatrol 4/2/2018 2:11pm
4/2/2018 2:11pm
Jon Bingham wrote:
Picked up the same bike on Friday. [img]https://p.vitalmx.com/photos/forums/2018/04/02/253220/s1200_20180330_1114361.jpg[/img] ...you are gonna love it. I put about 1 hr of break in time on her and coming...
Picked up the same bike on Friday.

...you are gonna love it. I put about 1 hr of break in time on her and coming off the '14 350 i can say that the '17 is way better in the suspension, engine and transmission departments . Can't wait to break her in within the next couple weeks.

Word from the past ... Sano! ...
bvm111
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bvm111 4/2/2018 4:10pm
4/2/2018 4:10pm Edited Date/Time 4/2/2018 4:10pm
DawnPatrol wrote:
I need help... First a quick profile: 57 yrs old, 5-9, 170lbs, good shape (ski, mtn bike, gym). Experience: raced moto in NJ/ PA from 14...
I need help... First a quick profile: 57 yrs old, 5-9, 170lbs, good shape (ski, mtn bike, gym). Experience: raced moto in NJ/ PA from 14 to 19 years old, A few trophies, no firsts! Last bike, 78' Yama YZ250E. Recently rode kx250f 1/2 dozen times on single track and fire roads in 17'. Friends bike.

My goal is to buy a bike for racing MX and some JDays in the MA/ NH area. Some great loamy and sandy tracks, including Southwick. Plus trail riding in Plymouth with my new friends.

Question is what should I buy? Budget is approx $6k. Kx250 was OK, hated having to kick start it since it was carbureted. Do I need a 450 to be competitive? At 170 lbs I worry it's more power then needed. Love stats of the KTM 350s, with elec start, but rare to find one in my budget. Love idea of Yamaha reliability, but are they awkward and hard to turn? I see bargains on KX 450s... I really do need some insights, so please chime in ...
.

Pirate421
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Pirate421 4/2/2018 5:25pm
4/2/2018 5:25pm
Make sure to give a ride report when you get it home
JustMX
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JustMX 4/2/2018 5:53pm
4/2/2018 5:53pm
Bry145 wrote:
At your age/weight/height/budget, I'd seek out a 250 two-stroke or 250F. Two-strokes work great in the sand. A YZ250 with a flywheel weight and vet-friendly suspension...
At your age/weight/height/budget, I'd seek out a 250 two-stroke or 250F.

Two-strokes work great in the sand. A YZ250 with a flywheel weight and vet-friendly suspension set-up could be the ticket. At 219 lbs./46 HP it will be easier to manage than a 240 lb./58 HP 450.

A YZ250X has a mellow engine spec and softer suspension. With a flywheel weight it could be vet perfect right out of the box. The wide-ratio transmission may not be good for moto. I haven't tried one. I like my YZ250.

A 250F could be ideal as well, but will be expensive to rebuild when it is time. I wouldn't buy a used one, as it has likely been hammered/neglected by a 18 year old.

I'm 35, 175 lbs., 6', and moto for fun. I'll never buy a 450 again, as a 250 two-stroke gets me around just fine. It is fun, light, nice-sounding, and affordable, which is how I like women as well as dirt bikes.

In a perfect world, beg a ride on a few bikes at a practice day. Offer $20 to take a bike around for a lap or two. Many riders will offer a ride then use that cash to get a case of beer later. I'd let you ride mine for free.

I like the way you think and appreciate your insight into what to look for in a ride.

I would like to take you up on the test ride offer on your current mount but it might be complicated to meet up at a good riding spot.

Maybe it would be easier if you could just pm me her number?







J/k. Couldn't pass up your comment about bikes and women
kaptkaos
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kaptkaos 4/3/2018 8:57pm
4/3/2018 8:57pm
First, get a Honda! Second, 250F is more than you need, and all this talk about maintenance and rebuilds is BS. I doubt you are going to wring it out to the point where it can be a problem. It will most likely run forever without so much as oil/filter and tires.

IMHO, nothing is better than a 4 stroke grunt and smoothness, and not having to mix fuel.

The 4S bikes from the last 5 years are all awesome, but Red is best!

The only 2 stroke I would really love to have is a KTM150 but at 200lbs without gear, and being slow and old it probably wont work for me. the 250F is way more flickable than a 450F and it wont come after you and pound you into the dirt as bad as a 450.

Watch the Cole Seely interview....450's are angry mofos.

I had a CRF450 and loved it, but I babied it around and rode like an old man. Never gave it the chance to toss me. However all it takes is one WFO over woops or off a face and its gonna hurt.
walleyeguy
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walleyeguy 4/4/2018 10:10am
4/4/2018 10:10am
Great choice.
DawnPatrol
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DawnPatrol 4/4/2018 5:06pm
4/4/2018 5:06pm
Just picked it up. 6.0 hours and it's legit. The bike was repossessed but it must of been taken dirty since there is slight oxidation on the cylinder head and spokes, plus the chain has some rust with sticky grime on it and the swing arm ...
I did run it through the gears, and it is solid. Not a hiccup. So I think I did OK ...

So I will start the cleaning process this weekend...

Photo to come, but I won't have a chance to ride it for a couple weeks ...
CG118
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CG118 4/4/2018 8:09pm
4/4/2018 8:09pm
Yes Sir! Show some pics.
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