Modern 450s really gnarly?

Titan1 wrote:

How long do you plan to keep the bike? Replacing a new 250f every 100 hours (or less) avoids the costly rebuilds...and I’m sure it would...

How long do you plan to keep the bike? Replacing a new 250f every 100 hours (or less) avoids the costly rebuilds...and I’m sure it would have plenty of power for you to have fun (and fun is what it’s about right? Or are you planning to make a run for Lorettas and ama pro?), and save you some more money.

If you are a ride a bike for 200-300 hours guy...and don’t want to spend big money on motor work...I’d avoid a 250...well, Id avoid a four stroke all together...but if you get one, get a 450 (especially if you like to ride a gear high and let the torque do it’s thing...which is a fun way to ride a bike too...as it’s easy on the motor) and if you are concerned about too much power, drop in one of the mild maps, and it will feel like a 250.

I’m 6 foot 185 lbs...been on 450’s since 2011....Currently a 2019 YZ450FX (which I love)...and I’m seriously considering a 2021 YZ250FX for my next bike. I rode a 20 and the only place I felt it was down on power was top end (top speed...I was always looking for another gear on that thing...but it was on stock gearing) and pure straight line acceleration. I’m a desert guy, so those two things are important to me. But everywhere else, I loved it! So you probably shouldn’t rule out a 250f....

mxrider641 wrote:

Thanks for the info on the YZ250FX - On my short list - I am just an old guy who wants to ride again, some light...

Thanks for the info on the YZ250FX - On my short list - I am just an old guy who wants to ride again, some light moto and some trails. I agree with the previous comments on the 450's, very easy to ride, but also very easy to get in way over your heat quickly. Incredible acceleration, and fun to ride, but more than I need at my age/speed I want to go.

Richy wrote:

I do totally get where the 250F crowd are coming from but: I cannot buy new, I can't stretch to it and don't do credit on...

I do totally get where the 250F crowd are coming from but:
I cannot buy new, I can't stretch to it and don't do credit on toys,
I would be SERIOUSLY reluctant to buy a used 250F.
I'd likely not be able to buy this bike's replacement for a year or two afterwards allowing money for proper upkeep and most importantly seat time. Hopefully that goes some way to explaining the big bore fixation.
I also do not have the skill and fitness to ride a 250F WFO to get it to move with 240lbs plus gear on it.

I am sure a 250F would be plenty fast enough, and I 100% appreciate folks looking out. I will TOTALLY consider one if I luck out and find a mad low hour bargain. It's not an ego / more power thing steering me to bigger bikes, it's a used bike / maintenance thing.
If I was light enough, I'd probably just revert to a 125 like when I was in 7th Grade.

DB505, first post said MX only and location is next to my name, wasn't ignoring you or anything bro sorry, just thought you'd have spotted both by the time I could have replied.

Brent wrote:

Modern 450 Motocross bikes are the friendliest, most forgiving dirt bikes ever made. Just don't try to ride it like a 125 unless your last name...

Modern 450 Motocross bikes are the friendliest, most forgiving dirt bikes ever made.

Just don't try to ride it like a 125 unless your last name is Barcia.

cloud41 wrote:

250 two stroke and learn how to ride. I see WAY too many people at the track on a 450 with terrible technique and out of...

250 two stroke and learn how to ride. I see WAY too many people at the track on a 450 with terrible technique and out of shape just waiting for a WWE smack down.

Richy wrote:

I've always wondered, and don't get me wrong I'm not looking to ride a couch, but the TC 250 I tried had a pretty sweet engine...

I've always wondered, and don't get me wrong I'm not looking to ride a couch, but the TC 250 I tried had a pretty sweet engine, it was the newer counter-balanced one and I was pretty happy with the lack of vibration if I'm honest.

I've only ever ridden Yamaha's 125, which obviously was fine being a 125, so how much vibration is there on the YZ 250 compared to the Austrian offerings?

The TC was geared down to let you use 3rd sooner and I'm sure I tried it in the mellower ignition setting due to being so long far out of touch.

nickm wrote:

just another opinion here, if you think a throttle is a light switch with two positions - idle and rev limter then stick to 250, if...

just another opinion here, if you think a throttle is a light switch with two positions - idle and rev limter then stick to 250, if not then get the 450.

IMO I'd get over the air forks dislike and the other internet BS. You've been out of it for 20 years. Any bike will be so far above your capabilities that you'd never notice subtle differences between brands. If you like KXs then go get one and make sure you get the mellow coupler. If you like the KTM or Husky then go get one of those and flip it to the mild map and TC on.

Richy wrote:

Ain't that the truth, I hear you and really thinking about it I can't see a company like KTM/Husky putting out a fork on a motocross...

Ain't that the truth, I hear you and really thinking about it I can't see a company like KTM/Husky putting out a fork on a motocross bike which isn't fit for purpose for 90% of people (of which I am in the lowest percentile skill wise right now).

Just an external aversion to air suspension from MTB's / Cars haha, but obviously this is different and I need to get over it, agreed entirely man and enough people have said the same now.

As said I'm pretty relaxed, throttle control used to be pretty good and I'm happy feeding it in instead of grabbing a handful and happy to grab some clutch, breathe and get my shit together if I get outta shape.

I don't wanna tie up anyone's time any more than I have, so consider it case closed and I do MASSIVELY appreciate all the replies, whatever your opinion / input, it is all great to read and consider.

Thanks again folks, Happy Holidays and enjoy and look after yourselves!

yz133rider wrote:

I vote for a clean low hours 250f. Rmz or yz250f would likely suit you the best as they generally have the best low-mid delivery. While...

I vote for a clean low hours 250f. Rmz or yz250f would likely suit you the best as they generally have the best low-mid delivery. While you work on getting your timing and feeling back on the track, you can also work on your fitness and the 250f will allow you to keep spinning laps.

A 450 especially after 10 years away will have you worn out in 3 laps - not learning, not getting the timing back, not gaining any fitness etc.

Look for the cleanest lowest hours 250f you can, get the suspension dialed, and buy a stationary bike for at home or your torture machine of choice.

Put on some races while working out and getting leaner and fitter for the next time out on the bike.

After a season or two if you seriously want a 450 , sell the 250 and grab one.

If you get the 450 and it holds you back from progressing that’s worse than you being able to push hard on the 250f and asking it for more, at least in my opinion.


Getting the feeling and timing back takes laps and laps. 250fs let you do that easier than any other bike made.

Many will say lugging a 450 is easy, but they are still more tiring, heavier, and more to handle from the time you lift them off the stand to exiting a corner.