I should have listened...what next?

stephenf228
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stephenf228
About me: 35 y/o and 5’10 185 - raced a YZ125 as a teen for a bit and left the sport

Bike 1: ‘13 CRF450R— Wanted the durability of the 450 motor so I told myself I’d just take it easy. I did...but it felt heavy and I was just hanging on. Sold

Bike 2: ‘16 250SX — Decided to try a two stroke for the lighter weight. Made it less than an hour on it before breaking my clavicle, scapula, and thumb. Very gnarly crash and I’m thankful it wasn’t worse. I was knocked out but my helmet did it’s job and no concussion. Selling to reinvigorate the savings account after some nice medical bills. Felt more controlled on the 450...

Bike 3: ??? I said for about a day I was done riding before I started thinking about what my next bike should be this summer after I heal up.

I’ll admit I should have listened more to many people's advice not to start on a 450 (or 250 2T). I’m considering a 250 4 stroke once I’m healed up in a few months.

Point 1: Listen to the wisdom on Vital not to start with too much bike

Question 1: Anyone have a similar experience stepping down from a 450 or 250 2T to a 250 thumper? Good decision?
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Blackie59
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Blackie59 3/28/2021 12:13pm
3/28/2021 12:13pm
Yeah I stayed away from dirt bikes for a long time after a bad wreck on a 250 2T. Years later my kids get into dirt bikes so I get a TTR230 to test the waters. Got comfortable on it and it wasn't going to kill me with instant Oh Shit Power. Later I got a 250FX from advice on this board and all I did was throw a G2 thottle tamer on it. Great bike and very controllable.
UGOTBIT
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UGOTBIT 3/28/2021 12:29pm
3/28/2021 12:29pm
Sound like a good fit for a 350
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Lightning78
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Lightning78 3/28/2021 12:32pm
3/28/2021 12:32pm
Or a 125
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stephenf228
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stephenf228 3/28/2021 12:49pm
3/28/2021 12:49pm
I’ve considered a 350. I rode a 21 450 SXF and it felt smooth and light. More than I need though. Haven’t ruled out a 125 though either. Do you find the HP to weight ratio on a 125 makes it just as easy to clear a jump out of a corner or does the 250 4T still win.

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Hoseclamp
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Hoseclamp 3/28/2021 12:50pm
3/28/2021 12:50pm
If I was you I would be looking at a cr500
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stephenf228
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stephenf228 3/28/2021 12:52pm
3/28/2021 12:52pm
Blackie59 wrote:
Yeah I stayed away from dirt bikes for a long time after a bad wreck on a 250 2T. Years later my kids get into dirt...
Yeah I stayed away from dirt bikes for a long time after a bad wreck on a 250 2T. Years later my kids get into dirt bikes so I get a TTR230 to test the waters. Got comfortable on it and it wasn't going to kill me with instant Oh Shit Power. Later I got a 250FX from advice on this board and all I did was throw a G2 thottle tamer on it. Great bike and very controllable.
I’ve heard the YZ250F’s have good low end power.
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stephenf228
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stephenf228 3/28/2021 12:52pm
3/28/2021 12:52pm
Hoseclamp wrote:
If I was you I would be looking at a cr500
Winner Woohoo
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GaryC1
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GaryC1 3/28/2021 1:02pm
3/28/2021 1:02pm
I'd say it really depends on what you want from the bike so here'a my 2 cents on the best fit for you:

125 if you want the risk factor down and want to feel like you're really riding the bike and getting the most out of the power

250F if you want the easiest bike to ride given the power to weight balance (CRF/SXF/FC/MCF for the most 2 strokesque power band and YZF/KXF/RMZ if you prefer to ride lower in RPMs and utilize the torque)

350 if you feel you want that extra bit if power all round and despite it only weighing 1lb less than the 450, will still feel a lot lighter due to engine characteristics (also worth noting that this bike does not need to be screamed to make it go quick, that's just where it keeps picking up power. Think of it as a 250F with a turbo)

All of them are great bikes so really just depends on which scenario you see yourself enjoying riding the most 👍
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Trav138
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Trav138 3/28/2021 1:10pm
3/28/2021 1:10pm
More power= easier to ride, in most cases. More about you than about the bike
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stephenf228
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stephenf228 3/28/2021 1:16pm
3/28/2021 1:16pm
GaryC1 wrote:
I'd say it really depends on what you want from the bike so here'a my 2 cents on the best fit for you: 125 if you...
I'd say it really depends on what you want from the bike so here'a my 2 cents on the best fit for you:

125 if you want the risk factor down and want to feel like you're really riding the bike and getting the most out of the power

250F if you want the easiest bike to ride given the power to weight balance (CRF/SXF/FC/MCF for the most 2 strokesque power band and YZF/KXF/RMZ if you prefer to ride lower in RPMs and utilize the torque)

350 if you feel you want that extra bit if power all round and despite it only weighing 1lb less than the 450, will still feel a lot lighter due to engine characteristics (also worth noting that this bike does not need to be screamed to make it go quick, that's just where it keeps picking up power. Think of it as a 250F with a turbo)

All of them are great bikes so really just depends on which scenario you see yourself enjoying riding the most 👍
Great insight, Gary. Thanks.
stephenf228
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stephenf228 3/28/2021 1:18pm
3/28/2021 1:18pm
The 150 SX seems like an interesting option also.
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sandtrack315
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sandtrack315 3/28/2021 1:27pm
3/28/2021 1:27pm
I think you already know a YZ250F is your ticket!
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stephenf228
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stephenf228 3/28/2021 1:29pm
3/28/2021 1:29pm
sandtrack315 wrote:
I think you already know a YZ250F is your ticket!
I’m leaning that way
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Leeham
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Leeham 3/28/2021 1:52pm
3/28/2021 1:52pm
Went from a 17 250 SX to a 19 CRF250R and was immediatly more confident and faster and more importantlu safer, as those two bikes are polar opposites. Wasnt scared of the 250F, still could get in trouble though. Rode the Honda for 2 years and after a couple bad crashes, decided on the YZ250F. Power plant much more suited for my style and more forgiving chassis. The 125/250F is the way to go for 90% of people. I think anyone who isnt jumping everything at their local track on a 250F or 125 shouldnt even think about anything bigger/faster IMO
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mxbigd17
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mxbigd17 3/28/2021 2:01pm
3/28/2021 2:01pm Edited Date/Time 3/28/2021 2:02pm
KX250F with a Tom Morgan tuned 270 Big Bore kit. Light, easy to turn, less rotating engine mass (compared to a 450), reliable engine. Add some minor head work and you are good to go for a long time.
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Bruce372
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Bruce372 3/28/2021 2:10pm
3/28/2021 2:10pm
A 125 might be lighter and have less power, but they aren't any more safe. If you are adult sized, they need to be ridden full on and if you start cruising, things can go south in a hurry.
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spimx
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spimx 3/28/2021 2:19pm
3/28/2021 2:19pm
Yz125 or yz250f
Can't beat sss suspension and the durability of Yamaha. The latest generation of Honda 250 sucks. Kawi 250 is a good option. Suzuki 250 is the cheeper and tamer option. A KTM 250sxf is the most aggressive option.

Two stroke will make you a better rider. The KTM 125 would be more aggressive and less dependable with air forks.

Rm450f would be the real lazy man option if you want 450 power. With the power delivery and weightIt's like riding a couch around the track
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TbonesPop 3/28/2021 2:30pm
3/28/2021 2:30pm
sandtrack315 wrote:
I think you already know a YZ250F is your ticket!
stephenf228 wrote:
I’m leaning that way
Go get a ‘19 or newer YZ250F, put on a pipe, and remap it to a hot map. You’re welcome.
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Falcon
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Falcon 3/28/2021 2:49pm
3/28/2021 2:49pm
As much as it pains me to say it, get a 250f. Strong but smooth power, light(ish) weight, and very, very fast when ridden hard. You an still take it easy on one, though.
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tobz
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tobz 3/28/2021 2:49pm
3/28/2021 2:49pm
sandtrack315 wrote:
I think you already know a YZ250F is your ticket!
stephenf228 wrote:
I’m leaning that way
TbonesPop wrote:
Go get a ‘19 or newer YZ250F, put on a pipe, and remap it to a hot map. You’re welcome.
By all accounts, the stock yz pipe is the best (albeit a bit loud). Would recommend spending that money on suspension.

At the end of the day the yz250f will serve you will and will have more than enough power to get you into trouble.
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stephenf228
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stephenf228 3/28/2021 2:52pm
3/28/2021 2:52pm
Falcon wrote:
As much as it pains me to say it, get a 250f. Strong but smooth power, light(ish) weight, and very, very fast when ridden hard. You...
As much as it pains me to say it, get a 250f. Strong but smooth power, light(ish) weight, and very, very fast when ridden hard. You an still take it easy on one, though.
I haven’t been lurking on Vital that long...but if Falcon recommends the 250 thumper...clearly that’s the way to go!
stephenf228
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stephenf228 3/28/2021 2:55pm
3/28/2021 2:55pm
sandtrack315 wrote:
I think you already know a YZ250F is your ticket!
stephenf228 wrote:
I’m leaning that way
TbonesPop wrote:
Go get a ‘19 or newer YZ250F, put on a pipe, and remap it to a hot map. You’re welcome.
May not be able to swing the ‘19. I’ll need to stay under 5k. Definitely want FI and am leaning towards Yamaha. But the Zook interest me if I could get a really low hour one because they seem to pop up at great prices sometimes. Do they “feel” heavier than the YZ?
ThePizzaCobra
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ThePizzaCobra 3/28/2021 3:01pm
3/28/2021 3:01pm
It sounds like any 250f would be a nice fit. The YZ is supreme in that class, but if your wallet is hurting after the medical bills, the RMZ is tried and true. It’s a tame bike, but you’ll feel like a super hero in the corners.
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mx510
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mx510 3/28/2021 3:05pm
3/28/2021 3:05pm
350.
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Hcallz5
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Hcallz5 3/28/2021 3:08pm
3/28/2021 3:08pm
16+ 350 as other have mentioned.

Or you could look into a 250fx. The 20+ models are supposed to be amazing. One of these two will be my next bike.
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Spudnut
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Spudnut 3/28/2021 3:15pm
3/28/2021 3:15pm
The most comfortable 250f for you would be a good option I think

Or CR500
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Harv379
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Harv379 3/28/2021 3:43pm
3/28/2021 3:43pm
If you hit your head hard enough to get knocked out you got a concussion, you don't even have to get knocked out to get a concussion and it takes a pretty good slam to lose consciousness. You might not see effects now, or ever. But you only get so many head slams like that before it impacts your daily function. Take it easy.
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MPJC
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MPJC 3/28/2021 5:47pm
3/28/2021 5:47pm
I’ve had a 16 250sx and that bike was a bit of a handful. I replaced it with a 350 which is much easier to ride though every bit as powerful. Given what you described though, I think I’d stay away from the 350. It has less torque then your crf450 but more power overall.

I recently sold my 250f and have ordered a TM144. I’ve had a 125 and it was fun, but the bit of extra torque from the 144 should make for a perfect fun bike. For pure fun factor I’d say 144/150. For ease of riding, a 250f.
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stephenf228
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stephenf228 3/28/2021 5:52pm
3/28/2021 5:52pm
MPJC wrote:
I’ve had a 16 250sx and that bike was a bit of a handful. I replaced it with a 350 which is much easier to ride...
I’ve had a 16 250sx and that bike was a bit of a handful. I replaced it with a 350 which is much easier to ride though every bit as powerful. Given what you described though, I think I’d stay away from the 350. It has less torque then your crf450 but more power overall.

I recently sold my 250f and have ordered a TM144. I’ve had a 125 and it was fun, but the bit of extra torque from the 144 should make for a perfect fun bike. For pure fun factor I’d say 144/150. For ease of riding, a 250f.
Thanks for insight. I’m thinking the 250 4 stroke is the way to go. The 150 is intriguing as well.
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Brent
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Brent 3/28/2021 5:58pm
3/28/2021 5:58pm Edited Date/Time 3/29/2021 2:30pm
I don't want to sound like Ryan Hughes here.

But step up your fitness program once you get healed up and are able to train again- the size and combustion type of the motor makes zero difference, it is the strength and stamina of the rider that prevents most injuries.

You can get hurt on any size bike if you get out of control. The Fastest Man on the Planet shattered his leg play riding on a KTM 85.

I’m sorry you got hurt.
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