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"I used to agree with the OP but recently had my mind changed at a recent Yamaha demo day.
I ride a YZ250 and wanted to try out the 4 strokes not having ridden one in a long time. So I started started on the 250f and it did have more than enough power but had to ride it pretty hard to go faster and it got me fatigued pretty fast, much like my YZ250. And didn't notice a huge power difference between the two either. The newer 250f wasn't far off. I left it on the "aggressive" map.
Next was the 450. I had only spun a couple laps on an 09 right around that year so I was nervous just at the idea of riding the bike having it been that long. The Yamaha tech said "it's on the more mellow map but you can switch to the aggressive while you're out there." I responded by telling him it had been a while, so I was just going to leave it on the mellow map. I have two say, after just a few sections, that was the easiest motocross bike I had ever ridden! I stayed in 2nd and 3rd pretty much the whole time and was able to ride it fast with much less effort. I am now in love with the 450. That being said I was in the mellow map. I should have switched to aggressive once i got more comfortable but was having so much fun with that map I didn't even think to change it. I don't doubt that the aggressive map is a rideable one though.
After riding both I now think it ultimately comes down to riding within your means. I feel like if I had a full day on both the 250f and the 450 I might have more of a chance getting hurt on the 250f just because it wore me out so fast. But power wise, I think you could still go out and do any big jump a 450 would do with the same risk. I have the goal to make it home every night and to work on Monday so I won't be hitting those jumps but any kid with massive balls is going to do it no matter what displacement he's on if he really wants to. I do like the idea of the mellow map option like others have mentioned. It's definitely not a buzz kill like you would imagine."
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It's ridiculous. Just log in your other account.
Actually it’s because I’m 6’2” 225lbs of raw steel and sex appeal.
Always thought about a newer crf450
In fact I rode the 30 plus class on the 250f locally but not enough competition so I rode the 125c class that had over 20 riders and got like 4th. I was proud of that being an old fart racing against the youngsters and clearing a big ass table top jump with it.
I Just tend to be in better position On the bike more often with the 250F’s power.
When I ride the 450, I know in about 20 minutes they’ll be riding me! 😂
Yes I’m heavy for a 250f. I believe leaving the sport on 2T’s and returning 17 years later on 4T’s ,the 250f leans towards be ridden more like a two stroke. I still use the clutch way too much on the 450’s.
I’m also at the age where I’m not letting my ego get in the way of my talent...
My 250F’s are about the same HP as my late 90’s YZ.🤷🏻♂️
Ghost
Pit Row
Still have it, actually, and love it! But also love my KTM-200 and YZ-250
Yes the 450 can wear you out but working that right grip, good form and being able to use many lines in a track along with the power to correct, clear and pass are not just competitive advantages, but also a little extra insurance. The power is there when needed.
As a senior rider I'm a more consistent smoother rider that can usually start in front of the other road hogs. I do enjoy my laps on the 250f and 125 more, but for me they both take more work.
Post a reply to: Why did you make the switch from a 250 to a 450?