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If your out of shape riding is only fun for a little bit. Then you fall into that excuse rut. I have to check my filter, rear axle, etc. the regulars catch on , he,s going to check his filter. Today I went to pay club membership , guy wasn’t there. A couple dads hanging out while there beginner kids on a old kx80 and a new 150r . The dada would jump on the bikes and rip while the kids took a brake. I would get a 250 2st I think you would b bored fast on a 4st. I told the guys I,m checking out the main track it’s all hills and valleys . It was hot yet it’s easier to run up the hills . I was soaked sweating again. Spend at least 2 weeks torturing yourself, you,ll hv more fun riding. Oh there is no way a 450 could b wo on this track too much technical stuff.
I also thought about a 250F which would have enough power for me but I don't like to rev the sh.t out if it. And I also didn't want to put a ton of money into the bike to make it faster or feel 450ish. I came from a Husaberg 450 Enduro so I was used to a smooth power delivery.
I pulled the trigger on a YZ450F. After my first ride I wanted to sell it because the power was A LOT and snapy. But then I worked a lot with the Power Tuner App and tamed the power down. And I put a new spring in the shock for my weight.
Now I love it and have the most fun I've ever had riding a dirtbike!
Ergo wise I can’t say because I’m only 6ft so not quite as tall but I sure do love my yz450 and my dads yz250f feel
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I like playing with a 450's torque, but every time I hop on a 250f I have a blast and still do all the same jumps, I just have to twist the throttle more. And the newest 250 I've ridden in a 2016 YZ250f, so I would assume newer ones are even more capable.
What kind of rider are you? 250f have to be ridden WFO revving the shit out of it like its a 125 . A 350f is a lot like riding a strong worked over 250f where it still has to be revved out like the 250f.
On a 250f You will have to be replacing parts a LOT more than on a 450 that really only need tires and occasional chain and sprockets.
A 450 can be ridden the way you want to ride it. I liked 250/500 smokers and like bottom end and midrange power so 450 is perfect for me. Racing a 125 I tended to over ride and crashed my brains out.
I weigh 230 dry and got to ride someone’s’18 yz250f. Considering the track is hard/intermediate, it was fun but definitely had to stretch her legs.
If you are trying to be competitive, I’d get a 450 and run a smaller rear sprocket to make it less aggressive on the pick up.
I just picked up a fresh '21 YZ250F with 34 minutes on it, and I'm currently waiting on it to come back from the suspension guy. I rode a friend's stock YZ250F and another's '22 KX250F back to back. Both are great bikes and pulled me fine. As far as racing goes I've gotten passed by a kid on a 1995 RM125 before, believe me when I say the bike ain't making that much of a difference for me.
The YZ has great bottom end, the main difference I could feel is where the YZ needs to shift to 4th gear the 350 will keep revving in 3rd. For me personally I got the YZ for $5500. I can do a lot of engine work and still be cheaper than a new 350 so there is incentive to go that route.
A new 350 with SSS upgrade = approx $13,500 - 14,000 all in. I'm going to try this 250F out and try like hell to make it work.
Get a gytr head and remap. It’s not for me but it makes it a WAY better motor that I think you’d like 🙂 maybe even consider a 2nd injector mod.
Still reliable as you don’t have a high comp piston putting more stress on the bottom end and some pretty nice range of power, ESPECIALLY mid up.
Nice work dropping the weight dude 👍
Anyone who says a 250 4 stroke isn't enough bike for a guy getting back into the sport after a long layoff is freaking crazy. A modern 250 4 stroke has more hp than the best old 250 2 strokes and it's easier to use and will tire you out way less than a 450.
Pit Row
It's been a process, I tried all kinds of crazy diets where you eliminate carbs or eat every 24 hours and it was always miserable as well as unsustainable...would just put whatever weight I lost back on. I finally started measuring and tracking my food and that made all the difference. I have a nutrition coach now that sets all of my numbers...it's honestly the easiest possible way to do it!
The feedback and opinions have given me a lot to digest and think about, so thank you to all those have responded so far!
I realize this question is going to be kind of buried but before I start a new post figured I would ask here first. Deviating a little bit from the original questions on this thread, but what is consensus on some of the newer 450s? Specifically something like 19+ KX450? I hear the newer 450's, especially the KX and RMZ are very mellow easy to ride 4 strokes. What I am not sure about though, is do these newer 450's still exhibit the same traits the 450's have been known for? The weight? The power on tap that can you into trouble easier? The increased rider fatigue? etc.
Thanks again for everyone who has responded so far! Lots of interesting perspectives and opinions.
The thing is a blast to ride. Yeah there are times I wish I had a bit more power, but I'm probably able to ride longer without getting tired and I'm not worried about a 450 throwing me to the ground. In my opinion the 250F, would be the way to go. I think once you get a bike you'll be so happy to just be riding again you won't even worry what size bike you have. That's what I've found. And I figured the 250 was a safer way to get back into it after such a long break.
I can't speak to what 250F is the best. I just bought the cleanest most reasonably priced bike I could find.
Good luck and have fun!
Love slipping on by in the turns on my lil ole 1two5
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