Posts
2575
Joined
4/15/2019
Location
League City, TX, USA
Took my new 250R to the track daybreak yesterday. Also took my Yamaha too. It’s way different than my old 2014 YZ250F that’s for sure. First ride impression, maybe a another YZF would have been a better choice, but I haven’t had it long enough to hang my hat on that.
I do like the way the Honda turns, but coming out of a corner I’m swapping ends where my old YZF just hooks up and stays straight. I do like the suspension both front and rear on the Honda way better then my YZF.
Me being old and slow, I was surprised how well the Honda will lug second gear. Might not lug like my Yamaha, but close. I have my Yamaha mapped where it’s really easy to ride. The Honda in the non aggressive setting still hits hard, lots of wheel spin coming out of a corner. But that might be me and more seat time will fix. If it wasn’t such a pain in the ass I would swap the Pirelli Scorpions for the Metzelers on my Yamaha, track I ride on has a lot of sand in some corners.
The other thing which may be me also, this new Honda comes off a jump nose down like square bill crank bait I bass fish with. My old Yamaha lands just like I want it to, no different than my old 2 stroke YZ from the 80’s. Once I ride it more will get that figured out.
Two other things I’m having to get used to is the increased engine braking on the Honda and touchy front brake. Just touch the front brake and it locks up. Really notice the engine braking rolling out of the throttle going into a corner.
I thought being able to change the map without a communicator on the Honda would be convenient as opposed to a handheld with my Yamaha. Not sure that’s the case, Yamaha has way more flexibility to map.
I’m going to swap out the Renthal bars on the Honda. I have a near new set of Windham bend Pro Tapers that are a tick wider and a little higher. I’ve always like a Windham bend bar. As soon as I can get my hands on an aftermarket shift lever will swap stock for 10mm Hammerhead extended tip.
My thoughts going forward, I’m going to do everything I can to get used to/like the Honda. I’m kinda struck with it for a while!!!
One thing about the Honda, it’s quick that’s for sure.
Either way, it’s still good fun no matter what.
Thanks Billy
I do like the way the Honda turns, but coming out of a corner I’m swapping ends where my old YZF just hooks up and stays straight. I do like the suspension both front and rear on the Honda way better then my YZF.
Me being old and slow, I was surprised how well the Honda will lug second gear. Might not lug like my Yamaha, but close. I have my Yamaha mapped where it’s really easy to ride. The Honda in the non aggressive setting still hits hard, lots of wheel spin coming out of a corner. But that might be me and more seat time will fix. If it wasn’t such a pain in the ass I would swap the Pirelli Scorpions for the Metzelers on my Yamaha, track I ride on has a lot of sand in some corners.
The other thing which may be me also, this new Honda comes off a jump nose down like square bill crank bait I bass fish with. My old Yamaha lands just like I want it to, no different than my old 2 stroke YZ from the 80’s. Once I ride it more will get that figured out.
Two other things I’m having to get used to is the increased engine braking on the Honda and touchy front brake. Just touch the front brake and it locks up. Really notice the engine braking rolling out of the throttle going into a corner.
I thought being able to change the map without a communicator on the Honda would be convenient as opposed to a handheld with my Yamaha. Not sure that’s the case, Yamaha has way more flexibility to map.
I’m going to swap out the Renthal bars on the Honda. I have a near new set of Windham bend Pro Tapers that are a tick wider and a little higher. I’ve always like a Windham bend bar. As soon as I can get my hands on an aftermarket shift lever will swap stock for 10mm Hammerhead extended tip.
My thoughts going forward, I’m going to do everything I can to get used to/like the Honda. I’m kinda struck with it for a while!!!
One thing about the Honda, it’s quick that’s for sure.
Either way, it’s still good fun no matter what.
Thanks Billy
You say you like the suspension but the ends are swapping coming out of corners which is odd. Maybe play around with your sag and HSC after you get some more time.
And how can a 250f lug in 2nd gear…? Idle speed is usually in the power of 2nd lol
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I probably am over thinking things. But when you are a few years of being to old to go to the track, I want to get the best out of it.
Thanks Billy
Pit Row
When ever I ride someone's bike, I just give my opinion on ergos (if stock or neutral) and engine performance. Unless they weigh the same as me and have sag set to stock settings, I don't really look into handling. Rode a 22 KTM 250 FE, sag was set for a 180-185lb rider. So the forks felt like shit oh my lord. Same thing with a 22 Honda 250, setup for a 180 lb guy.
Also muscle memory comes into play. You are used to doing one thing and expecting it to do that. Only for it do something a little different.
("I do like the way the Honda turns, but coming out of a corner I’m swapping ends where my old YZF just hooks up and stays straight. I do like the suspension both front and rear on the Honda way better then my YZF.")
Seems to me you would like the suspension best, that tracks straight and doesn't swap.
Once you break it in more, start adjusting clickers, and have the sag set, the Honda can really be made to handle well, and be a great deal of fun!
The Honda deff comes out of the corners super aggressive even on the mellow map. I would downshift into second coming into the corner and the thing is a rocket ship coming out of the corner. Same corner I could also stay in 3rd and ride the clutch to mellow it out a bit. Bike had no issue chugging 3rd which is pretty impressive for a honda.
I'm coming off a 17 yz450f. The YZ chassis is deff more of a set it and forget suspension. The Honda takes a little more attention to get it set up right but once you do its night and day better.
I also put on a 110 mx33 before I even rode it. BIke makes too much power to have a 100 tire in the rear.
I planned on working on mine today, set sag and check suspension settings etc. But sag measure girl and I had to much to drink, to many chicken wings last night............Astros going to the world series!!!!
Will work on it tomorrow if I can get sag measure girl to coopperate. Besides she wants me to clean the pool today before cool front blows in. She sleeps with the pool boy, good thing I'm pool boy.
I did order a 49 thooth at someones suggestion.
Installed an hour meter yesterday watching football in the garage, but display was bad. Have to send it back and get another. Oh well, its all fun.
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