I should have listened...what next?

Chance1216
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Chance1216 3/28/2021 5:59pm
3/28/2021 5:59pm
So, you want a bit more power then a 125 and do not want the weight of a 450. As previously mentioned a 250F would be your best bet. Post pics when you make a decision.
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Mcflurry98
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Mcflurry98 3/28/2021 6:07pm
3/28/2021 6:07pm
In the past 3 years I've had 2 450's, 1 350, a 250 2T, and last month bought a 250F for the first time in almost a decade

- I was probably the fastest (I use this term loosely) I've ever been on the 250 smoker. The only problem was that when I wasn't going fast, I was on the ground. The wife made me sell it when I collapsed my lung because the spark plug fouled on a jump.

- Both of the 450's were good and fun, but the power was just too much for me. I could ride them reasonably well, but I just struggled finding comfort with the power and staying smooth.

- My 350 was awesome. Sold it 3 years ago to get the 450 because I thought I needed the power for LLQ's (Big mistake). The motor on that thing was plenty.

- The 250F is awesome. I'm not any faster, but not any slower, either. Also, I can ride it harder, for longer periods of time, and feel in control rather than just holding on for dear life.

I'd recommend a 250 4 stroke to you since you're really just getting back into it. You can do everything a 450 can do on it. You just have to ride it harder, which will be easier since you will feel more in control.

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stephenf228
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stephenf228 3/28/2021 6:11pm
3/28/2021 6:11pm
Mcflurry98 wrote:
In the past 3 years I've had 2 450's, 1 350, a 250 2T, and last month bought a 250F for the first time in almost...
In the past 3 years I've had 2 450's, 1 350, a 250 2T, and last month bought a 250F for the first time in almost a decade

- I was probably the fastest (I use this term loosely) I've ever been on the 250 smoker. The only problem was that when I wasn't going fast, I was on the ground. The wife made me sell it when I collapsed my lung because the spark plug fouled on a jump.

- Both of the 450's were good and fun, but the power was just too much for me. I could ride them reasonably well, but I just struggled finding comfort with the power and staying smooth.

- My 350 was awesome. Sold it 3 years ago to get the 450 because I thought I needed the power for LLQ's (Big mistake). The motor on that thing was plenty.

- The 250F is awesome. I'm not any faster, but not any slower, either. Also, I can ride it harder, for longer periods of time, and feel in control rather than just holding on for dear life.

I'd recommend a 250 4 stroke to you since you're really just getting back into it. You can do everything a 450 can do on it. You just have to ride it harder, which will be easier since you will feel more in control.

Great feedback man. I appreciate it.
acres951
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acres951 3/28/2021 7:16pm
3/28/2021 7:16pm
Bruce372 wrote:
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...
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.
I don’t know, I kind of agree with Pingree on this where I think a 125 is likely the safest bike to ride.

Low power, very light, no engine inertia so when you back out it just lightly coasts.

It’s still motocross so not safe but.... 125 is slowest and safest IMO

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BeachMX
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BeachMX 3/28/2021 7:32pm
3/28/2021 7:32pm
I purchased a 2020 YZ250f last spring after not riding for 16+ years (last bike was a YZ426), and I couldn't be happier. The thing is a rocket and handles amazing!
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Braaaphole
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Braaaphole 3/28/2021 8:09pm
3/28/2021 8:09pm
stephenf228 wrote:
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...
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.
If you're looking for smooth and controllable power, go with a 4 stroke.
I've got a brand new fully built 125 in my garage that's about as wild as you can build them. It's not easy to ride, you have to rip the crap out of them at all times. It's light, nimble, and crazy fun, but you're on edge the entire time to ride it with any decent speed.
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mattyhamz2 3/28/2021 8:50pm
3/28/2021 8:50pm
Another vote for the YZ250F
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Bruce372
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Bruce372 3/28/2021 9:08pm
3/28/2021 9:08pm
Bruce372 wrote:
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...
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.
acres951 wrote:
I don’t know, I kind of agree with Pingree on this where I think a 125 is likely the safest bike to ride. Low power, very...
I don’t know, I kind of agree with Pingree on this where I think a 125 is likely the safest bike to ride.

Low power, very light, no engine inertia so when you back out it just lightly coasts.

It’s still motocross so not safe but.... 125 is slowest and safest IMO

I've got matching 150 and 450. Just my experience, but the 150 is a lot scarier to ride lol.
JohnMatrix
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JohnMatrix 3/28/2021 9:20pm
3/28/2021 9:20pm
Get a 250f, they’re about the easiest true mx bike to ride. A 150 is like a 125 that hits a little harder. It does not have the torque to let you lug it around like any 4 stroke and when it lights up it’s a fast bike. I have a 150sx, 250sx and 21 kx250f sitting in the garage. The kx is by far the easiest of the three to ride, it’s not even close.
profeshenal125 3/28/2021 9:35pm
3/28/2021 9:35pm
Bruce372 wrote:
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...
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.
acres951 wrote:
I don’t know, I kind of agree with Pingree on this where I think a 125 is likely the safest bike to ride. Low power, very...
I don’t know, I kind of agree with Pingree on this where I think a 125 is likely the safest bike to ride.

Low power, very light, no engine inertia so when you back out it just lightly coasts.

It’s still motocross so not safe but.... 125 is slowest and safest IMO

Yeah, a 125 you need to be on the edge, but you can get away with a lot . Like landing sideways, just keep it wo. I used to race a 125 and a 250 2st the same day. A 125 you never rest a second, a 250 much easier to race. But when you get squirrely a 250 slams ya on the ground. I don’t like the inertia from the crank on the 250. A proper 125, should not idle. You use the little engine braking for braking. I can’t find a 05-07 cr125, cr250,s are out there. I,m having a dilima like the op
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kage173
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kage173 3/29/2021 5:20am
3/29/2021 5:20am
250F
ElliotB16
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ElliotB16 3/29/2021 5:26am
3/29/2021 5:26am
250f. Much easier to handle than the 450 but still enough to go fast
EastFlorida
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EastFlorida 3/29/2021 5:46am
3/29/2021 5:46am Edited Date/Time 3/29/2021 5:49am
I'm 57. Raced 125's exclusively from 1980-1984. Started again in 2013... I recommend 2016+ 350 or just about any 300 2T.
Last Braaap
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Last Braaap 3/29/2021 6:05am
3/29/2021 6:05am
The wisdom of Vitards can only recommend you 2001 CR500 or ESR 325... well if you would be kid the motodad-factoryspec PW50 could be another recommendation.

Swallow your ego and go with 250f of your choice.
zookrider62!
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zookrider62! 3/29/2021 7:10am
3/29/2021 7:10am
As someone who was never fast, and does not ride frequently, I would also suggest a 250F. They are in my opinion the ideal machine

125 - lets be honest, unless youre fast, or you used to be REALLY fast, they are not fun. They are a lot of work
250 2 stroke - as you found out, the speed can really surprise you and come out of nowhere
450 - sure its nice to never have to carry momentum and be able to jump everything. But when you want to put in consistent fast laps, it will wear the hell out of you
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bh84
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bh84 3/29/2021 7:27am
3/29/2021 7:27am
For pure fun factor, 150SX. If you want a 4 stroke that you don't have to ride the piss out of to make power, the GasGas/Husky/KTM 350 is a strong option
sanders7261 3/29/2021 10:10am
3/29/2021 10:10am
I went through a similar decision not long ago and went with the 250F, and I'm so glad I did. Here's the right question to ask: What are you trying to accomplish in your riding? It sounds like you're in the same boat as me - you want to have fun, you're old enough to have other responsibilities (I'm 40) but dang it, you still have that desire to try and pass the guy in front of you!!  However, we aren't planning to win the next pro outdoor championship either.  I rode a lot when I was younger, invincible and full of ego and that desire to push myself has never gone away. That said, to echo what has already been stated, fitness is key. Don't be too embarassed to do a Pilates workout at home with your wife and strengthen your core. Heck, I've found I quite enjoy watching my wife bend over in yoga pants!  I'd love to win my race, but I'm OK with a midpack finish if it means I don't have to recover from some bad get off. My advice, just buy a 250F.  My '21 YZ250F has plenty of power, is easy to ride, and is more than capable of going faster than I am. I can clear the big doubles at my local track, and I'm good with not clearing that quad I shouldn't try anyway!! Being efficient and proper riding technique at 35 and up is more effective than raw power anyway, and raw power can really get you hurt, as you well know. Whatever you decide, have fun and don't ride above your head.
alphado
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alphado 3/29/2021 10:53am
3/29/2021 10:53am
This is great post. I'm 52 and looking for another bike. 250F is probably the way to go.
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profeshenal125 3/29/2021 11:16am
3/29/2021 11:16am
alphado wrote:
This is great post. I'm 52 and looking for another bike. 250F is probably the way to go.
Yeah it is. But I don’t think a 250f would offer enough excitement. I would get bored and not enjoy riding it. Current injuries of us vet riders, is something to consider also. My left shoulder is pretty bad. Less weight of a 125 is a good thing. A 06 ported cr250, would be awesome. But then ya have to get in top shape. Millville down hills on a cr250 , might rip my arm off. Haha
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sandtrack315
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sandtrack315 3/29/2021 11:36am
3/29/2021 11:36am
Yeah, the thing about a 250F is you don't have to ride all the time to be able to be safe on it. As long as you stay in shape in general, ride at least a couple times a month, you can go out and do a couple 35 minute motos at a nice pace. There is no way you can do that on a 450.

Right now, the Yamaha has a clear motor advantage (I own a 2020), which matters for a lot of vet riders over 170 pounds. I am eyeing the 2022 Honda 250F, as most reviews say it's the most fun to ride, and that is why I ride, fun. I am only 160 pounds, so if they add a but of oomph to that motor, that will be a nice bike. But for heavier vet riders, the Yamaha is a prettttty obvious choice.
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stephenf228
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stephenf228 3/29/2021 11:53am
3/29/2021 11:53am
This has been a great post. I’m glad some others seem to be benefiting from the input as well.
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stone881
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stone881 3/29/2021 12:11pm
3/29/2021 12:11pm
250f big bore
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IanMac138
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IanMac138 3/29/2021 12:19pm
3/29/2021 12:19pm
OP said thinking about a 150...a 150 fun factor is sky-high but it is NOT an easy bike to ride if you're not dialed in or have lots of experience riding a 2T. You can't be lazy on it, and the explosive midrange can really bite you hard if you aren't ready for it. It's a balls out, run and gun bike that needs to be ridden technically and focus. Just a heads up.
Moto520
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Moto520 3/29/2021 12:28pm
3/29/2021 12:28pm Edited Date/Time 3/29/2021 12:35pm
The YZ250F is a phenominal machine. For the description that you give.....that's the bike that i would get. When 4 strokes first came out....the 250f's seemed to get gobbled up at the dealerships by the young guns. The 450's got bought up by the old guys. Now....the old guys are starting to come around to the 250F's as they have gotten much more versatile.
adam8781
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adam8781 3/29/2021 12:51pm
3/29/2021 12:51pm
yz250f for sure, great power, super smooth and controlable, it can jump anything a 450 can but it never gets bent out of shape from having too much power. ive ridden a few of the 19+ yz250fs. i love them but im a 200lb inter rider and i love the power my yz450 and built yz250 put out. if i could afford it i would have a yz250f as well.
Leeham
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Leeham 3/29/2021 12:57pm
3/29/2021 12:57pm
A 19+ YZ250F is what you want if you can find it. Hands down the best, easiest bike to ride from absolute beginner to pro. Corners decent and is stable.
endurox
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endurox 3/29/2021 1:17pm
3/29/2021 1:17pm
A Trials motorcycle. Perfect your technique first. Unless one has tried trials, don't know what your missing.
JMX82
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JMX82 3/29/2021 10:14pm
3/29/2021 10:14pm Edited Date/Time 3/30/2021 5:22am
It's funny to think that today's 250F's are pushing similar horse power numbers in the dyno what the two stroke 250's did back in the 90's in their heyday and nobody complained lack of power of those bikes back then. I think most of the casual riders would be just as fast on 250F than on a 450. Risk of injury on lighter and easier to ride bike would be greatly reduced

Current stock 450's are just as powerful as the 500's were so we have just essentially recreated the open class again
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luke11
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luke11 3/29/2021 11:16pm
3/29/2021 11:16pm
125 , 150 250f or 350.
These are the only options lol
chrisgg90 3/30/2021 1:34am
3/30/2021 1:34am
350 Husky or KTM. You have the low down grunt to lug the corners without it pulling your arms out and you can also Rev it to the moon if you want without that 450 power killing you.

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