2019 CRF250R or 2019 YZ250F? Help me decide.

usafwx
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usafwx 7/25/2018 10:38am
7/25/2018 10:38am
Kruse317 wrote:
I think it comes down to if you want engine or handling/comfort on the bike. The yamaha's for me are just way too wide and I...
I think it comes down to if you want engine or handling/comfort on the bike. The yamaha's for me are just way too wide and I just feel uncomfortable riding them. I'm a long term Honda guy though and also a smaller guy so the Honda's are just instantly comfortable for me. The yamaha's engine, and really every other manufacturer besides Suzuki, is a lot better stock than the Honda's. I currently have a 14 Honda that I love, but even with a pipe and map it just feels a bit choked up. For me, since now a days I just ride for fun, I prefer to have a bike I'm comfortable on and enjoy riding over the faster bike! Personal preference. If you've had a 16 CRF and a 14/15 YZ then I think overall the new bikes will have similar strengths/weaknesses to the bikes you had.
Thanks man. What makes this decision so hard. Had likes and dislikes with both.
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jankymike 7/25/2018 10:45am
7/25/2018 10:45am
usafwx wrote:
Awesome I’ll check it out man! Which one would you say handles better? Similar? I loved he way my 16 crf250r handled but my 14 yz250f...
Awesome I’ll check it out man! Which one would you say handles better? Similar? I loved he way my 16 crf250r handled but my 14 yz250f also was really nice in the air.
The 18 the Honda definitely turned better and had slightly more exciting power on top than the Yamaha, but I think for 19 they are on more of the same level. I haven't personally ridden the 19 Honda but I don't think they have made many changes. If I were going to spend my money I'd buy a Yamaha but its all personal preference.
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Phantom 661 7/25/2018 11:14am
7/25/2018 11:14am
jankymike wrote:
Honda if you are a bit of a revver, Yamaha if you like more torque and mid power. Here is my review I did for Keefer...
Honda if you are a bit of a revver, Yamaha if you like more torque and mid power.
Here is my review I did for Keefer on the new Yamaha.
https://www.keeferinctesting.com/motocross-testing/2018/7/16/2019-yamah…
Worthy review. More free revving and longer pulling sounds good. All the upgrades are sounding pretty sweet on paper. Handling characteristics are sounding bery positive as well.
usafwx
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usafwx 7/25/2018 11:16am
7/25/2018 11:16am
jankymike wrote:
The 18 the Honda definitely turned better and had slightly more exciting power on top than the Yamaha, but I think for 19 they are on...
The 18 the Honda definitely turned better and had slightly more exciting power on top than the Yamaha, but I think for 19 they are on more of the same level. I haven't personally ridden the 19 Honda but I don't think they have made many changes. If I were going to spend my money I'd buy a Yamaha but its all personal preference.
Thanks for the input. Agreed, I think they only updated the issues they found with the 18 (clutch outer, over heating, oil starvation up top and trying to address the bottom end power) for the 19. I just remember how much everyone raved about how comfortable it was and handling. I loved the how my 14-15 YZ felt in the air and the powerband but wasn’t a fan of the wide air box, vague front end and loose rear sometimes but sounds like they addressed it with the 19. So you’d pick blue because of being a blue guy or just how the two bikes are to each other. Thanks for all the input.

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GPrider
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GPrider 7/25/2018 2:15pm
7/25/2018 2:15pm Edited Date/Time 7/25/2018 2:16pm
no question the honda. Best OA handling and suspension, engine will be improved down low, and its a honda. Wouldn't bother with a yzf personally. The honda has several engine changes for 2019, not a few.
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jankymike 7/25/2018 2:31pm
7/25/2018 2:31pm
GPrider wrote:
no question the honda. Best OA handling and suspension, engine will be improved down low, and its a honda. Wouldn't bother with a yzf personally. The...
no question the honda. Best OA handling and suspension, engine will be improved down low, and its a honda. Wouldn't bother with a yzf personally. The honda has several engine changes for 2019, not a few.
Have you ridden the 19 Yamaha?
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kiwifan 7/25/2018 2:35pm
7/25/2018 2:35pm
usafwx wrote:
Awesome I’ll check it out man! Which one would you say handles better? Similar? I loved he way my 16 crf250r handled but my 14 yz250f...
Awesome I’ll check it out man! Which one would you say handles better? Similar? I loved he way my 16 crf250r handled but my 14 yz250f also was really nice in the air.
jankymike wrote:
The 18 the Honda definitely turned better and had slightly more exciting power on top than the Yamaha, but I think for 19 they are on...
The 18 the Honda definitely turned better and had slightly more exciting power on top than the Yamaha, but I think for 19 they are on more of the same level. I haven't personally ridden the 19 Honda but I don't think they have made many changes. If I were going to spend my money I'd buy a Yamaha but its all personal preference.
a lot of changes for the 2019 CRF, to address the issues it had in 2018...so expect it to be a much much better bike (had best suspension of any 250 in 2018).
yz133rider
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yz133rider 7/25/2018 2:45pm
7/25/2018 2:45pm
A lot of people saying the Honda handles better than the yamaha havent even ridden the 19 yamaha.

I havent ridden the 19 yam but making an informed opinion its better than the 18 in all areas its going to be a hell of a bike!
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Dtat720
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Dtat720 7/25/2018 3:10pm
7/25/2018 3:10pm
The 19 Yamaha has a more narrow seat, way more narrow tank/ shroud cockpit area. Feels completely different and much thinner than prior years. Plus the refinements made to an already amazing set up.... from reading first impressions and having ridden one, the test riders arent lying, the front end plants and turns effortlessly. Its the perfect package, finally
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kiwifan 7/25/2018 3:41pm
7/25/2018 3:41pm
yz133rider wrote:
A lot of people saying the Honda handles better than the yamaha havent even ridden the 19 yamaha. I havent ridden the 19 yam but making...
A lot of people saying the Honda handles better than the yamaha havent even ridden the 19 yamaha.

I havent ridden the 19 yam but making an informed opinion its better than the 18 in all areas its going to be a hell of a bike!
yes and a lot of people saying the 19 YZ is better than the 19 CRF without riding them both are in the same boat, in saying that I expect the YZ to be one of the best 250's...if not the best, but lets wait until we can ride them both to determine that.
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jankymike 7/25/2018 4:17pm
7/25/2018 4:17pm
kiwifan wrote:
a lot of changes for the 2019 CRF, to address the issues it had in 2018...so expect it to be a much much better bike (had...
a lot of changes for the 2019 CRF, to address the issues it had in 2018...so expect it to be a much much better bike (had best suspension of any 250 in 2018).
Then I guess we will wait and see. My opinion was simply having ridden the 19 Yamaha, and having a lot of time on the 18 Honda and Yamaha. If Honda has made that large of an improvement I'm excited.
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captmoto 7/25/2018 4:20pm
7/25/2018 4:20pm
make1go wrote:
closest best dealer support.

i doubt youd be any quicker on one or the other once you got them sorted for yourself.
This is usually my priority too. Based on last years models, I would go with the YZF. Good luck, whatever you decide on.
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kennyc 7/25/2018 8:47pm
7/25/2018 8:47pm
TSCHAM101 wrote:
if it were me... 19 yz250f.. im actually thinking of selling my 450 for one.. and i weigh 200lbs.
I'm in the same boat. On a '15 yz450f right now and looking at a '19 yz, but can't decide between the 450/250. I'm 6'2" and 205lb.
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usafwx 7/25/2018 9:15pm
7/25/2018 9:15pm
Dtat720 wrote:
The 19 Yamaha has a more narrow seat, way more narrow tank/ shroud cockpit area. Feels completely different and much thinner than prior years. Plus the...
The 19 Yamaha has a more narrow seat, way more narrow tank/ shroud cockpit area. Feels completely different and much thinner than prior years. Plus the refinements made to an already amazing set up.... from reading first impressions and having ridden one, the test riders arent lying, the front end plants and turns effortlessly. Its the perfect package, finally
This^??
usafwx
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usafwx 7/26/2018 12:33am
7/26/2018 12:33am
Put a deposit down and did the paperwork minus final signatures on this beauty. Hopefully I made the right choice. Thanks for all the input vital crew. Now to gear, tool, etc shop. Bye bye savings/wallet.
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usafwx
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usafwx 7/26/2018 12:35am
7/26/2018 12:35am
kennyc wrote:
I'm in the same boat. On a '15 yz450f right now and looking at a '19 yz, but can't decide between the 450/250. I'm 6'2" and...
I'm in the same boat. On a '15 yz450f right now and looking at a '19 yz, but can't decide between the 450/250. I'm 6'2" and 205lb.
I’m 155 and 5’11” and no where near the skill level for a 450 anytime soon. Lol.
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kennyc 7/26/2018 6:11am
7/26/2018 6:11am
usafwx wrote:
Put a deposit down and did the paperwork minus final signatures on this beauty. Hopefully I made the right choice. Thanks for all the input vital...
Put a deposit down and did the paperwork minus final signatures on this beauty. Hopefully I made the right choice. Thanks for all the input vital crew. Now to gear, tool, etc shop. Bye bye savings/wallet.
Congrats on the new ride.
Kx125rider 7/26/2018 6:50am
7/26/2018 6:50am
I love the way the honda looks and they're bulletproof

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usafwx
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usafwx 7/26/2018 8:25am
7/26/2018 8:25am
Kx125rider wrote:
I love the way the honda looks and they're bulletproof
Agreed but it’s still got some flaws too. And every Yamaha I’ve owned has been bulletproof too.
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usafwx
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usafwx 7/26/2018 8:26am
7/26/2018 8:26am
backinthesaddleagain wrote:
Congrats - and thanks for your service!
Thanks! And my honor/privilege.
yz133rider
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yz133rider 7/26/2018 9:36am
7/26/2018 9:36am
Kx125rider wrote:
I love the way the honda looks and they're bulletproof
Yeah Hondas are totally bulletproof with their exploding clutches lol.
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usafwx
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usafwx 7/26/2018 9:40am
7/26/2018 9:40am
yz133rider wrote:
Yeah Hondas are totally bulletproof with their exploding clutches lol.
Yep. They actually are on stop sale / recall for that reason. Also seen oil starvation up top (hence the 5th injectior they added on the 19).
yz133rider
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yz133rider 7/26/2018 9:50am
7/26/2018 9:50am
yz133rider wrote:
Yeah Hondas are totally bulletproof with their exploding clutches lol.
usafwx wrote:
Yep. They actually are on stop sale / recall for that reason. Also seen oil starvation up top (hence the 5th injectior they added on the...
Yep. They actually are on stop sale / recall for that reason. Also seen oil starvation up top (hence the 5th injectior they added on the 19).
The Honda loyalty runs deep though so they are still bulletproof.
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usafwx
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usafwx 7/26/2018 10:34am
7/26/2018 10:34am
yz133rider wrote:
The Honda loyalty runs deep though so they are still bulletproof.
Everytime I see your profile pic, makes me miss FOD.
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yz133rider
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yz133rider 7/26/2018 11:27am
7/26/2018 11:27am
yz133rider wrote:
The Honda loyalty runs deep though so they are still bulletproof.
usafwx wrote:
Everytime I see your profile pic, makes me miss FOD.
Makes me miss that dog. Best dog ever!

Let us know how the 19 yz is!
usafwx
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usafwx 7/26/2018 11:46am
7/26/2018 11:46am
yz133rider wrote:
Makes me miss that dog. Best dog ever!

Let us know how the 19 yz is!
Sorry for your loss and will do!
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kiwifan 7/26/2018 1:13pm
7/26/2018 1:13pm
yz133rider wrote:
Yeah Hondas are totally bulletproof with their exploding clutches lol.
usafwx wrote:
Yep. They actually are on stop sale / recall for that reason. Also seen oil starvation up top (hence the 5th injectior they added on the...
Yep. They actually are on stop sale / recall for that reason. Also seen oil starvation up top (hence the 5th injectior they added on the 19).
yz133rider wrote:
The Honda loyalty runs deep though so they are still bulletproof.
Everyone has their own loyalty..like your comment above "And every Yamaha I’ve owned has been bulletproof too."

I dont disguise the fact I support Hondas and Huskies, thats because I race them, I also supported Kawasakis when I raced them. I dont blantantly blast other brands with rumours and innuendo (caveat: I used to until I learned my lesson here a few years ago).
yz133rider
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yz133rider 7/26/2018 1:18pm
7/26/2018 1:18pm
usafwx wrote:
Yep. They actually are on stop sale / recall for that reason. Also seen oil starvation up top (hence the 5th injectior they added on the...
Yep. They actually are on stop sale / recall for that reason. Also seen oil starvation up top (hence the 5th injectior they added on the 19).
yz133rider wrote:
The Honda loyalty runs deep though so they are still bulletproof.
kiwifan wrote:
Everyone has their own loyalty..like your comment above "And every Yamaha I’ve owned has been bulletproof too." I dont disguise the fact I support Hondas and...
Everyone has their own loyalty..like your comment above "And every Yamaha I’ve owned has been bulletproof too."

I dont disguise the fact I support Hondas and Huskies, thats because I race them, I also supported Kawasakis when I raced them. I dont blantantly blast other brands with rumours and innuendo (caveat: I used to until I learned my lesson here a few years ago).
I mentioned yamahas are generally the most durable 250f made and that's pretty common knowledge when everyone steps away from their koolaid of choice.

With that said ive been on husky last 2 seasons and love it. But the Honda fanatics are hardcore there is no ignoring that. They certainly will ignore issues and downfalls and still brag about how well their seat bolts hold up compared to a rmzs lol.
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bdownen323 7/26/2018 1:27pm
7/26/2018 1:27pm
Rode my 19 YZ250F for the first time yesterday (coming from a 17 YZF) and wow does the thing ever turn. Our track has deep black dirt ruts and I found that the 19 likes to stay planted in the middle of turns/ruts where the 17 would try to stand up or push wide. Smaller myself (5’6 and 135 on a good day) so the slimmer cockpit feel was great for me, plus the power was right on par. You’ll love it!
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