I messed up and need advice!!

fourfourone
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10/14/2017
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86oh, CT US
11/19/2020 11:17am
he's not eli tomac. he's just trying to learn how to ride.
1
JeremyK
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510
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12/19/2019
Location
North Tonawanda, NY US
11/19/2020 11:24am
It's a throttle not an on/off switch ,turn it less.
2
JohnMatrix
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331
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1/31/2017
Location
Irvine, CA US
11/19/2020 11:25am
Agreed on the 250f. A new YZ250F is the bike for this guy. Plenty of power in the right places. That bike can pull me at 190lb up the hills of Glen Helen without a bit of hesitation, it's going to pull him around riding casually on trails and desert.
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JMCR250
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422
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8/26/2018
Location
Chesterfield, MO US
11/19/2020 11:33am
Agree with folks who say all dirt bikes feel too fast on pavement. The lack of wheel spin makes them feel much, much faster than they are on the dirt. So one thought is to actually try it in the dirt on the mellow map (#3) to see if that's more manageable for you. But only you know if that's the issue or if the bike is really more than you want. If you've already concluded it's the latter, I think you should follow the advice and keep it out of the dirt and sell it as an essentially new bike. You may not make everything back you paid -- depending on what kind of deal you got -- but you won't lose your ass either. Good luck.

The Shop

chump6784
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1772
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5/9/2011
Location
AU
11/19/2020 11:43am
When my daughter went from a 50 to a 65 she had trouble with the extra power, I wrapped a thick tea towel around the air filter to choke it off and it helped her heaps. Did the same when my son went from the 50 to the 65. When they got used to the power I took the tea towel out.
Either get your ecu mapped or stuff a tea towel in the air box until you are used to it
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wrc777
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Greenwood, IN US
Fantasy
11/19/2020 11:45am
You will get more for it now than after you whiskey into a cactus or tree...YZ250X of 250FX, CRF450X, Just about any KTM with a kickstand with 250CC or less are what I think you want for what you are doing. KX250X and CRF250RX might be good too. They are still pretty fast for a new rider even a 200lb one.

Another option is buy something slower maybe used, ride it for a few months and then you will be ready for that 450.
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JM485
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Davis, CA US
11/19/2020 12:28pm
mxb2 wrote:
Not the salesmans fault,. He is there to sell product. Research before you spend 10k. That being said, take the loss. Buy a new leftover 250f...
Not the salesmans fault,. He is there to sell product. Research before you spend 10k. That being said, take the loss. Buy a new leftover 250f or 350. Those will be cheaper anyway.
This industry can only afford to fuck people over for so long before it implodes, and this attitude is what will do it. If the salesman knew he was a first time off-road rider he should never have sold him a 450 without first trying to get him on a 250f, because guess what when he gains some experience and is ready to bump up to a 350 or 450 who is he gonna call? Instead, the salesmen when for the quick money and put the buyer in a bad spot, think he’s ever going to go back to that dealer?

People need to realize that it isn’t just about making a single sale or pushing the most expensive bike, in the long run you’re going to make a lot more money off of a lifetime rider than you will selling someone an expensive bike that is over their skill level, only for them to hate it or get hurt and leave the sport. Would anyone recommend a 1000cc street bike to a beginner?
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slipdog
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10055
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Location
Nor Cal, CA US
11/19/2020 12:37pm
My dad went to the Yamaha shop to buy me a YZ 60 in 1982 and the salesman said. "Your son is 8, never raced, and has only ridden a Honda QA 50?". "You don't want the YZ, get him the MX 80".

I was pissed when dad brought home an MX 80, but the salesman was right. You should start off on a 250f...
3
mxb2
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Bowie, MD US
11/19/2020 12:37pm
mxb2 wrote:
Not the salesmans fault,. He is there to sell product. Research before you spend 10k. That being said, take the loss. Buy a new leftover 250f...
Not the salesmans fault,. He is there to sell product. Research before you spend 10k. That being said, take the loss. Buy a new leftover 250f or 350. Those will be cheaper anyway.
JM485 wrote:
This industry can only afford to fuck people over for so long before it implodes, and this attitude is what will do it. If the salesman...
This industry can only afford to fuck people over for so long before it implodes, and this attitude is what will do it. If the salesman knew he was a first time off-road rider he should never have sold him a 450 without first trying to get him on a 250f, because guess what when he gains some experience and is ready to bump up to a 350 or 450 who is he gonna call? Instead, the salesmen when for the quick money and put the buyer in a bad spot, think he’s ever going to go back to that dealer?

People need to realize that it isn’t just about making a single sale or pushing the most expensive bike, in the long run you’re going to make a lot more money off of a lifetime rider than you will selling someone an expensive bike that is over their skill level, only for them to hate it or get hurt and leave the sport. Would anyone recommend a 1000cc street bike to a beginner?
Agreed, but half the salesman are clueless on what they are selling.
2
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KurtJ99
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2430
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Location
CA US
11/19/2020 12:47pm
Yes, you screwed up but it's a "high fail". You haven't hurt yourself and you have the good sense to realize it was the wrong move.
Sounds that you need a trail bike since you bought a 50 and a quad for your family. Get a bike that is good at going those speeds, like a TTR or CRF250F.
mxgreg85
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58
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4/1/2008
Location
NY US
11/19/2020 1:00pm
The opinions of others in this thread are not wrong, only you can decide what is right for you.

My .02:

Every new bike I had felt slower on the track than it did in my yard, and even slower once I got used to it- subconsciously putting my weight where it needed to be and using the throttle in the way that allowed me to stay up on the bike. Anything that you aren't used to, taking it for a spin on pavement, has the ability to scare you. A little post purchase anxiety is normal for a lot of people too, worried that you bought the wrong thing. If your agenda was to improve your track skills- cornering,jumping, rhythm sections, I'd say to drop down, but it sounds like you will mostly be putting around with your family and you have respect for the power. Your weight and height also help, easy to put your feet down. Start with the mellow map it comes with, gear it taller if its still too much as that is inexpensive, move on to mapping from there. It might be more in your head than you think.

Is a 250f or the other options mentioned enough? Yes. Does this bike definitely have to be too much? I don't think so, once you start getting used to it and move on to mods you feel necessary from there.
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Kelz87
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Phoenix, AZ US
Fantasy
11/19/2020 1:18pm
It’s more fun to ride a slow bike fast, than a fast bike slow IMO

I’d go 250, or even 350. You can get in trouble quick on a 450 with that power and torque
3
Brent
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Location
Temecula, CA US
11/19/2020 1:38pm Edited Date/Time 11/19/2020 1:41pm
(1) keep the bike, and slowly learn how to ride it in a big flat area. 450's are easy to ride if you don't just hammer the throttle. Bikes like yours work best with smooth riding and throttle control.

These bikes have the kind of power and torque they do to get you over big jumps with little run up. Just respect the power that the bike has available to you, but learn to use it slowly, have patience.

Riding dirt bikes isn't easy and don't think it is, some of us have been riding our entire lives and still fuck up once in a while.

(2) make sure your medical insurance is current.

Wolfey
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Marquette Heights, IL US
11/19/2020 1:41pm
Map 3 is the aggressive map... Map 2 is the mellow map with softer hit.
TooTallJason
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Denver, CO US
11/19/2020 1:50pm Edited Date/Time 11/19/2020 1:51pm
I wouldn't expect a dude with the username vtec to know this but Ford V-6 F-150s are rated to tow up to 12K when properly equipped.
2
stantdm
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442
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Belle Fourche, SD US
11/19/2020 2:42pm
Just ride it. Don't twist the throttle all the way and you will be fine.
1
Sacko
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209
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7/16/2018
Location
Canyon Lake, CA US
11/19/2020 2:46pm
With the market the way it is right now if you privately sell you can get 10K all day with under an hour on the bike since its never seen dirt.
Sierra Ranger
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841
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12/30/2018
Location
Sacramento, CA US
11/19/2020 2:48pm
First time I ripped my 450 on pavement I came back and a bunch of knobs chunked right off the rear tire. Bummer.
Evoracer
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262
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12/12/2013
Location
Anaheim, CA US
11/19/2020 2:51pm
Look up the term 'whiskey throttle', and beware.
Bruce372
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6329
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4/1/2008
Location
US
11/19/2020 3:02pm
Along with mapping, you can swap the throttle cam so it won't open the throttle as quickly
MotofactioN
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Gloucester, VA US
11/19/2020 3:21pm
I kind of made the same mistake.

Went from a yz125 to a RMZ450, but I also hadn’t ridden for over a year.

So when I got in the 450, I struggled A LOT. I ended up keeping the bike, and I feel it’s made me a better rider in the long run.

The only thing that sucks at first is being on a torquier, heavier bike, it takes longer to learn in my opinion due to the bike wearing you out quicker .
1
berm surfer
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NorCal, CA US
11/19/2020 3:58pm
See if you can find a shop that will trade it straight across for a new 250f or crf250rx. Its not unreasonable to ask. Do NOT put anytime on it till you decide what your going to do. I personally think you should keep it and ull get used to the power.

*Also anyone who's saying your "too big" for a 250f and this being your first dirt bike is a complete idiot.*
4
plowboy
Posts
14312
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1/3/2010
Location
Norwich, KS US
11/19/2020 5:17pm
You say you've owned street bikes and Harleys. Obviously you didn't kill yourself. Keep the 450 and just use your head. You'll be fine.
2
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TeamGreen
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Thru-out, CA US
11/19/2020 5:21pm
plowboy wrote:
You say you've owned street bikes and Harleys. Obviously you didn't kill yourself. Keep the 450 and just use your head. You'll be fine.
There it is.
crf250pilot
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2127
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Location
Manning, OR US
11/19/2020 5:32pm
Mellower map setting, G2 throttle cam, spark arrester, flywheel weight, bigger rear sprocket and you’ll be all set. That bike can be setup to do anything. Even get an 18” rear wheel for desert riding.
agn5009
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6753
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State College, PA US
11/19/2020 5:36pm
Lol what? You’re acting like he’s 600 pounds. You’re out of your mind if you don’t think a 250f can carry around a guy who’s 200 pounds. He’s trying to learn how to ride a dirt bike, not be the next 250 MX champ.
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agn5009
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11/19/2020 5:41pm
I wouldn't expect a dude with the username vtec to know this but Ford V-6 F-150s are rated to tow up to 12K when properly equipped.
2 misses... let’s see if he strikes out with a 3rd dumb comment.
1
TeamGreen
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Thru-out, CA US
11/19/2020 5:48pm
I wouldn't expect a dude with the username vtec to know this but Ford V-6 F-150s are rated to tow up to 12K when properly equipped.
agn5009 wrote:
2 misses... let’s see if he strikes out with a 3rd dumb comment.
Pretty sure the Heaviest Towing Package on the F-150 uses a 400 HP/510 lb/ft (or 430/570 in Hybrid variant) "V6"...?

Grinning
1
11/19/2020 5:51pm
mattyhamz2 wrote:
Realistically, you could probably have the ECU remapped for easier riding. Remember you also have Different maps on that bike to change between. I think Map...
Realistically, you could probably have the ECU remapped for easier riding. Remember you also have Different maps on that bike to change between. I think Map 3 is the mild map on your bike.

Is a new 450 a good first time bike for someone? No, not usually. It can be made better for you though. If you're looking for someone to ride with and help teach you, do not hesitate to reach out to me. I live locally and would love to help you and your family out.
I'd take Matty up on his offer. This seems like a great offer from a great guy. I'm certain he can help you with mapping and everything mentioned in thread to help you out. Plus a riding buddy now and again? You might not always want to ride with the family. It would probably be nice to ride with someone that knows where you are coming from.
As far as a 250 and X and RX models, I recently rode a 2021 CRF 250 RX. I have to admit I was totally impressed. You will have no harder time busting your ass on it than you would on the 450.
2
Chance1216
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8533
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4/1/2018
Location
Carson, CA US
11/19/2020 6:49pm
slipdog wrote:
My dad went to the Yamaha shop to buy me a YZ 60 in 1982 and the salesman said. "Your son is 8, never raced, and...
My dad went to the Yamaha shop to buy me a YZ 60 in 1982 and the salesman said. "Your son is 8, never raced, and has only ridden a Honda QA 50?". "You don't want the YZ, get him the MX 80".

I was pissed when dad brought home an MX 80, but the salesman was right. You should start off on a 250f...
Had a 1980 MX 80 as my second bike when moving off a Z-50. That was in fact a great bike. Seemed like it lasted forever to.
1

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