Should I move up to a 450?

Cobbler
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cairo, IL, USA
5/4/2023 6:44am
Vet 450 riders remind me of old guys that buy corvettes. They want a bike that offsets their skill as a rider. "I don't really want...

Vet 450 riders remind me of old guys that buy corvettes. They want a bike that offsets their skill as a rider. "I don't really want to get better at corner speed. I'd rather just throw her in 3rd and jump whatever I want." Which is why so many end up getting yarded by the 250 pound 50+ horsepower piggy. 

If you're not in shape enough or not dialed in enough to click fast laps or clear that uphill triple out of a turn. Buying an over powered bike that less than 10% of all riders are capable of riding to its full potential. Sounds like future time in the hospital. 

WarrenMX wrote:
Waiting for you to post a video of yourself riding a 250f to it's "full potential".  That argument is such a dumb one, if we all...

Waiting for you to post a video of yourself riding a 250f to it's "full potential". 

That argument is such a dumb one, if we all abided by that rule, we'd all still be on PW50s. 

You act like thats hard. When I was on a 250f i could almost tape the throttle open at some tracks lol. there's a reason nobody races them stock.

6
dirtyrat23
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5/4/2023 2:51pm
hititpind wrote:
I dont get vital’s obsession with “450’s being too much power.” Just buy one and ride it to YOUR comfort level. I raced 250fs for years...

I dont get vital’s obsession with “450’s being too much power.” Just buy one and ride it to YOUR comfort level.


I raced 250fs for years. Switched to 450s 5 years ago and would never go back. You have the power when you want it and can easily back the throttle off when you don’t.
 

Don’t buy a 350, just buy a 450. You will be happy you did. If it’s a little much, throw the tamer chip in and go rip. 

I've always thought this. They are so easy to lug and can be very compliant down low. The power is always there when you want it as well.

2
Timo
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5/4/2023 5:07pm
MxAddic wrote:

I wouldn't want to ride a 450 in the woods.

They make awesome trail bikes!PXL 20230430 143917221

 

1

The Shop

Landonious217
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550
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Grapevine, TX, USA
5/4/2023 5:14pm
Vet 450 riders remind me of old guys that buy corvettes. They want a bike that offsets their skill as a rider. "I don't really want...

Vet 450 riders remind me of old guys that buy corvettes. They want a bike that offsets their skill as a rider. "I don't really want to get better at corner speed. I'd rather just throw her in 3rd and jump whatever I want." Which is why so many end up getting yarded by the 250 pound 50+ horsepower piggy. 

If you're not in shape enough or not dialed in enough to click fast laps or clear that uphill triple out of a turn. Buying an over powered bike that less than 10% of all riders are capable of riding to its full potential. Sounds like future time in the hospital. 

WarrenMX wrote:
Waiting for you to post a video of yourself riding a 250f to it's "full potential".  That argument is such a dumb one, if we all...

Waiting for you to post a video of yourself riding a 250f to it's "full potential". 

That argument is such a dumb one, if we all abided by that rule, we'd all still be on PW50s. 

Has nothing to do with "me" or what I can do. If you don't agree that riding a more powerful bike to try and offset your skill is dangerous I'll just pose your dumb question right back at you. 

If we all abided by your way, we could just put 12 year olds on 450s "keep the rpms low and lug it and you'll be fine." 

6
5/4/2023 7:14pm
Has nothing to do with "me" or what I can do. If you don't agree that riding a more powerful bike to try and offset your...

Has nothing to do with "me" or what I can do. If you don't agree that riding a more powerful bike to try and offset your skill is dangerous I'll just pose your dumb question right back at you. 

If we all abided by your way, we could just put 12 year olds on 450s "keep the rpms low and lug it and you'll be fine." 

Guess what dude dirtbikes are dangerous. It’s their money and time why do you care? 

2
WarrenMX
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San Clemente, CA, USA
5/4/2023 7:54pm
Vet 450 riders remind me of old guys that buy corvettes. They want a bike that offsets their skill as a rider. "I don't really want...

Vet 450 riders remind me of old guys that buy corvettes. They want a bike that offsets their skill as a rider. "I don't really want to get better at corner speed. I'd rather just throw her in 3rd and jump whatever I want." Which is why so many end up getting yarded by the 250 pound 50+ horsepower piggy. 

If you're not in shape enough or not dialed in enough to click fast laps or clear that uphill triple out of a turn. Buying an over powered bike that less than 10% of all riders are capable of riding to its full potential. Sounds like future time in the hospital. 

WarrenMX wrote:
Waiting for you to post a video of yourself riding a 250f to it's "full potential".  That argument is such a dumb one, if we all...

Waiting for you to post a video of yourself riding a 250f to it's "full potential". 

That argument is such a dumb one, if we all abided by that rule, we'd all still be on PW50s. 

Has nothing to do with "me" or what I can do. If you don't agree that riding a more powerful bike to try and offset your...

Has nothing to do with "me" or what I can do. If you don't agree that riding a more powerful bike to try and offset your skill is dangerous I'll just pose your dumb question right back at you. 

If we all abided by your way, we could just put 12 year olds on 450s "keep the rpms low and lug it and you'll be fine." 

But I don't have a rule or a way... I'm not trying to tell someone they don't belong on a certain bike. If your 12 year old wants to ride a 450 then that is up to you and them.

The problem is what constitutes riding a particular displacement to its "full potential"? In theory, until you've won a world/national championship on said displacement, then it could always be argued that you haven't ridden the bike to its full potential. 

707motoman
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Petaluma, CA, USA
5/4/2023 8:10pm
LungButter wrote:
I think one of the biggest advantages of the 350 over a 450 is less inertia in the motor.  You can tame down a 450 with...

I think one of the biggest advantages of the 350 over a 450 is less inertia in the motor.  You can tame down a 450 with mapping but they still feel "heavy" and make you tired quicker than a 350.

YMMV

707motoman wrote:

Bingo!!! The 350 lays into a turn or rut easier than a 450 due to less crank inertia. 

sam83 wrote:
The 350’s I’ve ridden all handle really well I just wish they had the bottom end that I’m really after. Maybe someone has gotten them a...

The 350’s I’ve ridden all handle really well I just wish they had the bottom end that I’m really after. Maybe someone has gotten them a lot better off the bottom with gearing or mapping?

They are awesome but didn’t quite have the grunt that I’m really after. But a yz350f would be perfect! Lol

appreciate all the feedback everyone!

Are you referring to a 2022 and previous years of 350? If so, I couldn’t agree more. That’s why the haven’t had one since 2014. They just lacked bottom end. Ride a 23, they have plenty of bark down low. They rip! Unless someone has rode a 23 it’s all hearsay. 

dirtyrat23
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5/4/2023 9:21pm
WarrenMX wrote:
Waiting for you to post a video of yourself riding a 250f to it's "full potential".  That argument is such a dumb one, if we all...

Waiting for you to post a video of yourself riding a 250f to it's "full potential". 

That argument is such a dumb one, if we all abided by that rule, we'd all still be on PW50s. 

Has nothing to do with "me" or what I can do. If you don't agree that riding a more powerful bike to try and offset your...

Has nothing to do with "me" or what I can do. If you don't agree that riding a more powerful bike to try and offset your skill is dangerous I'll just pose your dumb question right back at you. 

If we all abided by your way, we could just put 12 year olds on 450s "keep the rpms low and lug it and you'll be fine." 

WarrenMX wrote:
But I don't have a rule or a way... I'm not trying to tell someone they don't belong on a certain bike. If your 12 year...

But I don't have a rule or a way... I'm not trying to tell someone they don't belong on a certain bike. If your 12 year old wants to ride a 450 then that is up to you and them.

The problem is what constitutes riding a particular displacement to its "full potential"? In theory, until you've won a world/national championship on said displacement, then it could always be argued that you haven't ridden the bike to its full potential. 

Yea the full potential logic doesn't make sense

Landonious217
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Grapevine, TX, USA
5/5/2023 5:21am
WarrenMX wrote:
Waiting for you to post a video of yourself riding a 250f to it's "full potential".  That argument is such a dumb one, if we all...

Waiting for you to post a video of yourself riding a 250f to it's "full potential". 

That argument is such a dumb one, if we all abided by that rule, we'd all still be on PW50s. 

Has nothing to do with "me" or what I can do. If you don't agree that riding a more powerful bike to try and offset your...

Has nothing to do with "me" or what I can do. If you don't agree that riding a more powerful bike to try and offset your skill is dangerous I'll just pose your dumb question right back at you. 

If we all abided by your way, we could just put 12 year olds on 450s "keep the rpms low and lug it and you'll be fine." 

WarrenMX wrote:
But I don't have a rule or a way... I'm not trying to tell someone they don't belong on a certain bike. If your 12 year...

But I don't have a rule or a way... I'm not trying to tell someone they don't belong on a certain bike. If your 12 year old wants to ride a 450 then that is up to you and them.

The problem is what constitutes riding a particular displacement to its "full potential"? In theory, until you've won a world/national championship on said displacement, then it could always be argued that you haven't ridden the bike to its full potential. 

Maybe "full potential" isn't the right words. And what I'm talking about doesn't even apply to OP. But there's no denying seeing over weight riders at the track putt around a corner on a 450 then grab a handful of throttle and jump anything on the track. 

I think it's dangerous due to the fact that the power of the 450 offsets actual skills with brute power. While a 250 let's you know where you need to improve. You have to actually hit the corner properly, and be in the correct gear, etc. Can't just tractor over everything. 

1
WarrenMX
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5/5/2023 7:38am
Maybe "full potential" isn't the right words. And what I'm talking about doesn't even apply to OP. But there's no denying seeing over weight riders at...

Maybe "full potential" isn't the right words. And what I'm talking about doesn't even apply to OP. But there's no denying seeing over weight riders at the track putt around a corner on a 450 then grab a handful of throttle and jump anything on the track. 

I think it's dangerous due to the fact that the power of the 450 offsets actual skills with brute power. While a 250 let's you know where you need to improve. You have to actually hit the corner properly, and be in the correct gear, etc. Can't just tractor over everything. 

I see what you're saying but if a dude weighs 220lbs, he's having to make a 250f work a hell of a lot harder to get over obstacles than a guy weighing 150lbs. I see 150lbs 250f riders doing exactly what you describe all the time... putting around a corner, and then grabbing a handful of throttle to get over an obstacle.  Most of the vets I see on 450s are just heavy dudes.  

These heavy dudes are constantly attacked by 250f riders, claiming they don't have the skills to be on a 450, but some how its okay for 250f guys to complain about the "heaviness" of 450s in corners? Surely if they were to put on some muscle and more importantly, develop good technique, that "heaviness" wouldn't be a factor. 

I don't buy the argument that 250's are so much safer than 450's. I see people wad themselves at the track on both all the time. Come to think of it, I see the 20 year olds hitting the deck far more often on their 250s than the bigger, older guys on the their 450s.

1
Landonious217
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Grapevine, TX, USA
5/5/2023 12:33pm
Maybe "full potential" isn't the right words. And what I'm talking about doesn't even apply to OP. But there's no denying seeing over weight riders at...

Maybe "full potential" isn't the right words. And what I'm talking about doesn't even apply to OP. But there's no denying seeing over weight riders at the track putt around a corner on a 450 then grab a handful of throttle and jump anything on the track. 

I think it's dangerous due to the fact that the power of the 450 offsets actual skills with brute power. While a 250 let's you know where you need to improve. You have to actually hit the corner properly, and be in the correct gear, etc. Can't just tractor over everything. 

WarrenMX wrote:
I see what you're saying but if a dude weighs 220lbs, he's having to make a 250f work a hell of a lot harder to get...

I see what you're saying but if a dude weighs 220lbs, he's having to make a 250f work a hell of a lot harder to get over obstacles than a guy weighing 150lbs. I see 150lbs 250f riders doing exactly what you describe all the time... putting around a corner, and then grabbing a handful of throttle to get over an obstacle.  Most of the vets I see on 450s are just heavy dudes.  

These heavy dudes are constantly attacked by 250f riders, claiming they don't have the skills to be on a 450, but some how its okay for 250f guys to complain about the "heaviness" of 450s in corners? Surely if they were to put on some muscle and more importantly, develop good technique, that "heaviness" wouldn't be a factor. 

I don't buy the argument that 250's are so much safer than 450's. I see people wad themselves at the track on both all the time. Come to think of it, I see the 20 year olds hitting the deck far more often on their 250s than the bigger, older guys on the their 450s.

I agree with your point of view on the power to weight ratio being a factor. The larger problem at hand (no pun intended) and what I'm really trying to get at is, moto probably isn't very safe for someone overweight and out of shape in the first place. Let alone someone out of shape, overweight, and now over powered. 

 

To get back to the subject though,  OP is 165 LBS. In what world would he have to Rev a 350 to the moon at that weight?

Polish Power
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Delmar, NY, USA
5/5/2023 5:57pm

To the OP, Ultimately its your money and your choice. Life is too short and you dont know when your time will be up. If you have the itch to try a 450, then go for it. If you dont like it, sell it and try something else. It is a different riding style than a smaller bore bike. It also depends on where and what you're riding as far as terrain and dirt, let alone your bike skills. 

I have a 22 ktm350sxf and 21 yz450 that im riding this season. Before this, I was riding a 21 yz250f and 21 yz450 a season. I got the 350 bug as I was looking for a little more grunt than my 250f, but still wanted the little bike feel. I decided to go with a low hr 22 to make sure I was even going to like it before I drop big coin on a brand new 350. Im a 38yr old vet A/B MX rider and weigh about 275. I only do open practices about 1-2 times a week and havent raced in a few years. 

If I had to pick only one bike, I don't think I could lol. Eventually I would miss the characteristics of one of the bikes and get the urge to switch back. I enjoy riding both of my bikes, but they have to be ridden differently to a certain extent. The smaller bore bikes, I obviously have to work harder to do things due to my weight. I find that I get just as pumped up on the 250F or 350 as I do if I'm riding my 450 hard. Yes, the power of these smaller bikes won't rip your arms off, but when you start pushing it harder, your still going to get pumped from trying to hold on and twister harder, clutching more as well as shifting more. I find myself getting in just as much trouble trying to rail a corner on the small bikes super hard to get good drive out of corner as I do getting worn out on my 450 from trying to hold on. I ride a gear higher on the 450 to keep bike always pulling, to keep the chassis settled and try to get a good flow through the corners. The hurkey jurky motions in the corner, pump me up much quicker.  I could go on and on with MY experiences, but this is one of those age-old topics on this forum that is going to vary from rider to rider. 

 

1
Polish Power
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5/5/2023 6:00pm
WarrenMX wrote:
I see what you're saying but if a dude weighs 220lbs, he's having to make a 250f work a hell of a lot harder to get...

I see what you're saying but if a dude weighs 220lbs, he's having to make a 250f work a hell of a lot harder to get over obstacles than a guy weighing 150lbs. I see 150lbs 250f riders doing exactly what you describe all the time... putting around a corner, and then grabbing a handful of throttle to get over an obstacle.  Most of the vets I see on 450s are just heavy dudes.  

These heavy dudes are constantly attacked by 250f riders, claiming they don't have the skills to be on a 450, but some how its okay for 250f guys to complain about the "heaviness" of 450s in corners? Surely if they were to put on some muscle and more importantly, develop good technique, that "heaviness" wouldn't be a factor. 

I don't buy the argument that 250's are so much safer than 450's. I see people wad themselves at the track on both all the time. Come to think of it, I see the 20 year olds hitting the deck far more often on their 250s than the bigger, older guys on the their 450s.

Man you hit the nail on the head with everything in this post!!! Took the words right out of my mouth!!!

1
Heavyhitter
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Machias, WA, USA
5/6/2023 11:04am

Anyone can ride a 450 just fine, just don't use all the throttle. 

Post a reply to: Should I move up to a 450?

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