Another 250 vs 450 Thread

c91
Posts
12
Joined
3/20/2020
Location
SD, CA, USA
Edited Date/Time 3/22/2020 8:32pm
I know there’s a lot of threads on this topic, but what the hell right? I’m getting back into motocross after a 12 year hiatus. I previously rode/raced for 12 years from 85s to 250Fs and ended as a fast novice in SoCal. I had a good amount of experience on 450s when I raced at 155lbs and rode a handful of times on a RMZ450 the past few years. I’ve decided I’m ditching the Harley and getting back to riding motocross. Really undecided on getting a 250 or 450 though. I’m 190lbs now and feel the 250 will become underpowered for me quick. I didn’t ride for 8 years and jumped on the RMZ450 and got comfortable pretty quickly the first day. On the other hand, I’m thinking about the 250 to really get my riding skills back with turning, riding aggressive, and using more of the bikes “potential” instead of lugging around the 450.

I know there will be comments on “get a 350” but I’ve decided it’s either going to be a 2020 KX250 or KX450. After watching all the reviews it looks like my weight won’t be a problem for the KX250 suspension and everyone liked the 450s smooth power. Plus, I can get the 250 for $5,500 or 450 for $7,000 brand new. Sounds a lot better then $9,800 for the 350 when I’m just getting started again.

I’ve always had good throttle control so part of me is saying just get the 450 that way I have a bike I can grow into and the other part is saying just get the 250 and ring it’s neck for the first couple of years. I like how I could put the black coupler in the 450 as well to make it more 350ish power with the ability to put the green coupler back in to wake it back up. 250 would cost a pretty penny in aftermarket parts to make it faster.
2
|
Lightning78
Posts
6353
Joined
12/12/2007
Location
Huntington Beach, CA, USA
3/20/2020 1:08pm
You might want to consider a 250 2 stroke like a YZ, KTM or Husky 250.
You'll be able to wring its neck whenever you'd like, carry speed and momentum around the track. Its light nible and agile.
Also, the aftermarket hop up potential is there if you want it and $350 for a full exhaust. A port & polish job will be under $500 and if you ever blow it sky high, it wont cost you half the value of the a current 250f to rebuild.
The 250 smoker will only let you go as fast as your talent will let you go.
I know you didn't even mention it in your original post just above this but it's something to consider. Also, with the KTM and Husky, you can get a 300cc kit should you want more oomph.
4
moto67e
Posts
476
Joined
4/1/2008
Location
Lakewood, CA, USA
3/20/2020 1:11pm
I struggled with the same problem recently and decided to get a 450. I was riding a friends 250f and while fun, I thought the extra maintenance of the 250 wasn't worth it.

Unless this is the last bike you'll ever buy, you really can't go wrong with either choice. In 1998, I came back to moto after a 8 year break and got a 125 to race in the vet class. While it was hard, it really helped my riding and when I did get a 250 2 stroke towards the end of 1998, I was instantly faster than almost everyone in my class because I had trained on the 125 for 6 months.
c91
Posts
12
Joined
3/20/2020
Location
SD, CA, USA
3/20/2020 1:26pm
You might want to consider a 250 2 stroke like a YZ, KTM or Husky 250. You'll be able to wring its neck whenever you'd like...
You might want to consider a 250 2 stroke like a YZ, KTM or Husky 250.
You'll be able to wring its neck whenever you'd like, carry speed and momentum around the track. Its light nible and agile.
Also, the aftermarket hop up potential is there if you want it and $350 for a full exhaust. A port & polish job will be under $500 and if you ever blow it sky high, it wont cost you half the value of the a current 250f to rebuild.
The 250 smoker will only let you go as fast as your talent will let you go.
I know you didn't even mention it in your original post just above this but it's something to consider. Also, with the KTM and Husky, you can get a 300cc kit should you want more oomph.
I considered a 250 two stroke but I like the 4 strokes better. I probably should have added that in my long ass post.
bh
Posts
949
Joined
12/25/2016
Location
Piedmont, SC, USA
3/20/2020 2:04pm Edited Date/Time 3/20/2020 2:07pm
If your just getting started I would say 250 if your dead set on a 4 stroke. If it was me I would get a used 125 or 250 2t to get back into the swing of things then get a 450. but if you and your wallet don’t mind the extra maintenance 250 4t all the way.

Edit: if your comfortable on the 450 get one.

The Shop

bvm111
Posts
10149
Joined
7/1/2008
Location
Las Vegas, NV, USA
3/20/2020 2:56pm
Where are you getting a 20 KX450 for 7000, OTD or pre dealer nonsense fees and tax that get you back to 9400OTD
2
mxb2
Posts
22437
Joined
6/15/2010
Location
Bowie, MD, USA
3/20/2020 3:01pm
bvm111 wrote:
Where are you getting a 20 KX450 for 7000, OTD or pre dealer nonsense fees and tax that get you back to 9400OTD
My hookup $7950. 2020 kawy 450.
2
1
nascarnate326
Posts
3008
Joined
11/3/2014
Location
Charlotte, MI, USA
3/20/2020 3:06pm
Love my kx250F. Modern 250's are VERY good and much lighter. The current KX250F does everything well and is cheap. Next year may be an all new version, resulting in low prices this year.
2
yz133rider
Posts
5027
Joined
8/1/2013
Location
Avondale, PA, USA
3/20/2020 3:13pm
Love my kx250F. Modern 250's are VERY good and much lighter. The current KX250F does everything well and is cheap. Next year may be an all...
Love my kx250F. Modern 250's are VERY good and much lighter. The current KX250F does everything well and is cheap. Next year may be an all new version, resulting in low prices this year.
I think the 250 is awesome stock and with the money saved from the 450 you could have it dialed in for you and have new sets of rubber and fuel for the year basically.
1
bvm111
Posts
10149
Joined
7/1/2008
Location
Las Vegas, NV, USA
3/20/2020 3:20pm
bvm111 wrote:
Where are you getting a 20 KX450 for 7000, OTD or pre dealer nonsense fees and tax that get you back to 9400OTD
mxb2 wrote:
My hookup $7950. 2020 kawy 450.
I want a hookup.... lucky!
mxb2
Posts
22437
Joined
6/15/2010
Location
Bowie, MD, USA
3/20/2020 3:35pm
bvm111 wrote:
Where are you getting a 20 KX450 for 7000, OTD or pre dealer nonsense fees and tax that get you back to 9400OTD
mxb2 wrote:
My hookup $7950. 2020 kawy 450.
bvm111 wrote:
I want a hookup.... lucky!
East coast dealer,. Shipping probably $450
1
navalseabee
Posts
1086
Joined
5/5/2011
Location
Virginia Beach, VA, USA
3/20/2020 5:13pm
I was faster on my 250SXF than I was on my 250SX, and faster still on my KX450 than my 250sxf. Recently rode a new YZ250 also... i wont be switching back to two-strokes anytime soon.
2
Myke
Posts
2500
Joined
9/28/2009
Location
San Diego, CA, USA
3/20/2020 5:17pm Edited Date/Time 3/20/2020 5:18pm
I haven't rode a KX250f but I have a '19 yz250f and I weigh 225lbs. I came off an '18 crf450 and I am way faster on the 250, feel safer and I have zero intentions of going back to a 450.
8
1
c91
Posts
12
Joined
3/20/2020
Location
SD, CA, USA
3/20/2020 5:25pm
Love my kx250F. Modern 250's are VERY good and much lighter. The current KX250F does everything well and is cheap. Next year may be an all...
Love my kx250F. Modern 250's are VERY good and much lighter. The current KX250F does everything well and is cheap. Next year may be an all new version, resulting in low prices this year.
yz133rider wrote:
I think the 250 is awesome stock and with the money saved from the 450 you could have it dialed in for you and have new...
I think the 250 is awesome stock and with the money saved from the 450 you could have it dialed in for you and have new sets of rubber and fuel for the year basically.
Yeah, that’s what is intriguing about the 250. I’ll save $1500 over the 450 for a suspension revalve if I need it and gear or track admissions / gas lol.
Brad460
Posts
4518
Joined
5/15/2012
Location
Richfield, WI, USA
Fantasy
3/20/2020 5:30pm
bvm111 wrote:
Where are you getting a 20 KX450 for 7000, OTD or pre dealer nonsense fees and tax that get you back to 9400OTD
mxb2 wrote:
My hookup $7950. 2020 kawy 450.
bvm111 wrote:
I want a hookup.... lucky!
A dealer here in WI has 2020 KX450s for $6999 (+ fees and tax) and 2020 KX250s for $4999 (+ fees and tax) Seems like good deals even if the fees are several hundred $$..
2
bvm111
Posts
10149
Joined
7/1/2008
Location
Las Vegas, NV, USA
3/20/2020 5:31pm
mxb2 wrote:
My hookup $7950. 2020 kawy 450.
bvm111 wrote:
I want a hookup.... lucky!
Brad460 wrote:
A dealer here in WI has 2020 KX450s for $6999 (+ fees and tax) and 2020 KX250s for $4999 (+ fees and tax) Seems like good...
A dealer here in WI has 2020 KX450s for $6999 (+ fees and tax) and 2020 KX250s for $4999 (+ fees and tax) Seems like good deals even if the fees are several hundred $$..
Hopefully that makes its way here to the west coast one of theses days!
1
c91
Posts
12
Joined
3/20/2020
Location
SD, CA, USA
3/20/2020 5:32pm
I was faster on my 250SXF than I was on my 250SX, and faster still on my KX450 than my 250sxf. Recently rode a new YZ250...
I was faster on my 250SXF than I was on my 250SX, and faster still on my KX450 than my 250sxf. Recently rode a new YZ250 also... i wont be switching back to two-strokes anytime soon.
Exactly, I’m the same way. I moved from 85s to 250Fs and skipped the 125 stage. I much prefer the 4 stroke characteristics and linear powerband, even the engine braking. I rode the KTM ride days a few times and didn’t like the 125 or 250 two strokes at all. The 250F and 450 was awesome though! Heavy engine braking and powerful motors. This was back in 2006-2008ish I believe so they could’ve changed the way the motors feel by now with the engine braking. Never got a chance to try the 350 though. Maybe I can when a ride day pops up and I’m at the tracks again!
c91
Posts
12
Joined
3/20/2020
Location
SD, CA, USA
3/20/2020 5:35pm
Myke wrote:
I haven't rode a KX250f but I have a '19 yz250f and I weigh 225lbs. I came off an '18 crf450 and I am way faster...
I haven't rode a KX250f but I have a '19 yz250f and I weigh 225lbs. I came off an '18 crf450 and I am way faster on the 250, feel safer and I have zero intentions of going back to a 450.
That’s kind of my thoughts about going with the 250. I’ll be able to ride it more aggressively instead of staying in 2nd-3rd the whole time on the 450 and lugging it around corners, using the power to get me up to speed. Nice to see some other heavier riders preferring the 250 still.
c91
Posts
12
Joined
3/20/2020
Location
SD, CA, USA
3/20/2020 5:39pm
bvm111 wrote:
Where are you getting a 20 KX450 for 7000, OTD or pre dealer nonsense fees and tax that get you back to 9400OTD
Haha yeah those damn fees. But the 350SXF will have those fees as well brining it close to 11k. Langston motorsports has those deals right now and I’m sure it’ll get lower pretty soon with the 2021s coming out in a few months.
T-Fish
Posts
3257
Joined
12/14/2009
Location
Sparta, WI, USA
Fantasy
3/20/2020 6:53pm
I’ll be that guy anyways.


Get a 350.
4
1
bvm111
Posts
10149
Joined
7/1/2008
Location
Las Vegas, NV, USA
3/20/2020 7:32pm
bvm111 wrote:
Where are you getting a 20 KX450 for 7000, OTD or pre dealer nonsense fees and tax that get you back to 9400OTD
c91 wrote:
Haha yeah those damn fees. But the 350SXF will have those fees as well brining it close to 11k. Langston motorsports has those deals right now...
Haha yeah those damn fees. But the 350SXF will have those fees as well brining it close to 11k. Langston motorsports has those deals right now and I’m sure it’ll get lower pretty soon with the 2021s coming out in a few months.
That is true! I am a Kawi kinda guy and keep trying to talk myself into getting a FC350 just to try it out, but I have a feeling I will just be back on the KX450 so lay as well just get a 450!

With everything going on if I can get a new bike and maybe a new truck for cheap or 0% APR maybe there will be a silver lining to this nonsense after all! 😏
2
loftyair
Posts
2907
Joined
7/3/2009
Location
riverside, CA, USA
3/20/2020 7:47pm
190#? 450.
3
nascarnate326
Posts
3008
Joined
11/3/2014
Location
Charlotte, MI, USA
3/21/2020 4:18am
Love my kx250F. Modern 250's are VERY good and much lighter. The current KX250F does everything well and is cheap. Next year may be an all...
Love my kx250F. Modern 250's are VERY good and much lighter. The current KX250F does everything well and is cheap. Next year may be an all new version, resulting in low prices this year.
yz133rider wrote:
I think the 250 is awesome stock and with the money saved from the 450 you could have it dialed in for you and have new...
I think the 250 is awesome stock and with the money saved from the 450 you could have it dialed in for you and have new sets of rubber and fuel for the year basically.
c91 wrote:
Yeah, that’s what is intriguing about the 250. I’ll save $1500 over the 450 for a suspension revalve if I need it and gear or track...
Yeah, that’s what is intriguing about the 250. I’ll save $1500 over the 450 for a suspension revalve if I need it and gear or track admissions / gas lol.
I traded my 17 CRF450 for this 18 KX250F and it was the best move ever. Im faster, can ride harder, longer, and more confident on the smaller bike. Im wayyyyy tooo big for a 250F but with the white coupler, VPU4.4 and a pipe its plenty fast enough for me. E Start would be nice but I am a weekend vet rider and have been kicking for decades, few more wont hurt me. See if you can find a KX or YZ250F to spin a few laps on.
2
gregyou
Posts
736
Joined
1/26/2020
Location
AU
3/21/2020 5:39am
With the power 250’s make these days they’re a better bike for mx than the 450. Lighter, less tiring and more than enough power.


2
Silas444
Posts
640
Joined
5/23/2015
Location
Mid-state, ME, USA
3/21/2020 6:04am
It all depends on the type of rider you are. If you like to move around a lot and 'style' your way around a track, then a 250F is the better choice, whereas if you tend to be 'still' when you ride and just point-and-shoot a bike from corner to corner, then the 450 would likely suit you better. I'm old and I weigh more than I'd like, but nevertheless I tend to ride any and all bikes like they're 125s. Thus, every time I've ridden a 450, I couldn't wait to get back off and hand it back to the guy who let me ride it.
1
walent215
Posts
2535
Joined
12/6/2014
Location
Ridgecrest, CA, USA
3/21/2020 6:11am
bvm111 wrote:
Where are you getting a 20 KX450 for 7000, OTD or pre dealer nonsense fees and tax that get you back to 9400OTD
Actually 6999 now. Was 7500 a couple months ago when we bought ours.
1
3/21/2020 6:53am
250. Hopping on the 450 right away will give you bad habits in my opinion. Ride a 250 for a couple of years then move up.
1
2
3/21/2020 8:07am
250 is enough for the best in the world, let alone us mortals.
3
MX558
Posts
1989
Joined
4/1/2008
Location
USA
3/21/2020 9:11am
Love my kx250F. Modern 250's are VERY good and much lighter. The current KX250F does everything well and is cheap. Next year may be an all...
Love my kx250F. Modern 250's are VERY good and much lighter. The current KX250F does everything well and is cheap. Next year may be an all new version, resulting in low prices this year.
yz133rider wrote:
I think the 250 is awesome stock and with the money saved from the 450 you could have it dialed in for you and have new...
I think the 250 is awesome stock and with the money saved from the 450 you could have it dialed in for you and have new sets of rubber and fuel for the year basically.
c91 wrote:
Yeah, that’s what is intriguing about the 250. I’ll save $1500 over the 450 for a suspension revalve if I need it and gear or track...
Yeah, that’s what is intriguing about the 250. I’ll save $1500 over the 450 for a suspension revalve if I need it and gear or track admissions / gas lol.
All that gets negated with extra maintenance involved
1
3/21/2020 9:12am
OP, how long ago were you riding Novice and who did you race with?
Teejay
Posts
644
Joined
7/3/2018
Location
Midlands, GB
3/21/2020 1:31pm
For me the 250f is the perfect all round bike, I ride mx and off-road and I’m 193lb without my gear on. Never feels underpowered to me, the older carbed ones seem a bit steady nowadays but modern 250f’s have plenty of power and don’t feel (to me) like a big cumbersome farm vehicle like my 450 did.
1

Post a reply to: Another 250 vs 450 Thread

The Latest