Hey vital, first post here. I got my first dirt bike this summer (older ktm 250sx) after loosing over 200 pounds and started taking it to the local practice track and I’m hooked. Racing was always something I wanted to do since I saw my first sx race at 4 years old but was always too out of shape until now to try. I want to upgrade to a newer bike for next year and start racing some c class events and now is the time to get a good deal. I’m leaning towards a kx or yz but I’m not sure if I should go with a 250f or 450. I know I lug my 250 too much so I’m better off going with a 4 stroke. Plus I feel like I’m way too big for my current bike. I’ve had half a dozen guys come up to me in the pits to say they thought I was on an 85 big wheel when looking at me on the track. I’m 6’3 235 pounds. Would a 250f be enough power? I’ve never ridden a 450 and don’t know if it will be too much to handle. Any advice is appreciated.
You're not going to look any smaller on a 450, Is your bike sprung for you?
450 will definitely allow you to lug around if that's your style.
The whole cockpit is too small. My knees go above the seat when I stand so it’s hard to grip the bike. I’ve sat on newer Japanese bikes at dealers and they feel a little bigger.
I'd go 450, simply for the low end in that case, with proper springs.
Do not buy a 450......modern 250'f and especially the YZ250f can lug u around no problem. I'm 6'7" 240 and have both.
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6’7? Damn. Did you modify it at all to accommodate your height?
CR500
Yeh - taller seat, lowered pegs (bars are personal to everyone, i used to use taller bars but bikes handle better with stock height or close to it)
I’m 6’3”…..the last kx450 platform was great for tall guys. I would go with a 450 coming off the 250 2 stroke.
You are a Big guy, but a 250 has enough power to pull you around! Not as easily as a 450! But it’ll work! That being said, it doesn’t sound like you have a lot of experience, so I’d say you’re better off with a 250, until you’re ready for the big boy! This is supposed to be fun! Getting hurt isn’t fun!! Find one a 250, that is adaptable to your needs, like the kawi,
I was thinking since you can adjust the power on Yamahas I could get a 450 and turn it down and make it feel more like a 350 until I get more comfortable on it. Or does it not work like that?
marketing would say yes - but no, max detune on app is still way more power than Austrian 350.
Another vote for a 2019 - 2023 Kawasaki KX450 from me. At your height and proclaimed affinity for lugging a bike around, it’s the best bet ergonomically and also for engine character. You’re not too big for a 250F by any means, but the 250 2T you’re currently riding is more similar to a 450, power wise.
Smoking deals on closeout 2023 Kawi’s with the 24’s recent release, and the older package is better suited for lugging over the 24’ model. Yamaha is another safe bet, and the Power Tuner app would let you mellow it out a bit, but a lower/back set of pegs or mounts and a slightly taller seat would likely be in order to get most comfortable, cockpit wise. Either way, be sure to get your suspension at least resprung for your weight as that’s the most impactful mod (and one of the most important, safety-wise). Congrats on the weight loss, and enjoy that new scoot whichever direction you decide to go. Cheers
Thanks. I was leaning towards the yz because I’ve heard a lot of complaints about the kx reliability from plastics breaking, chain roller made of butter, seat bolts stripping and even a few engine bearings going after 30 hours.
This may be an unpopular opinion based on personal bike history, but I'd trust a 19'-23' KX450 over a 23/24' YZ450F at this point in time. Have had three KX450's (19', 20', 21') go over 100 hours each, with no engine work required (30A rider/racer). No top ends, no valve adjustments, nada. I'm diligent about air filter changes, oil upkeep, etcetera, and know the overall package like the back of my hand. Twin Air air filters fit the stock cage perfectly, Maxima FFT or BelRay foam filter oil (no aerosols) for proper oiling, an M6 tap clean on the subframe/side panel threads eliminates any stripping concerns, and I save OEM plastics from the start for resale, opting for UFO or Acerbis kits. The lower roller is an easy fix with a Moose unit or aftermarket equivalent (Moose PN 79-5014); Also, throw one on the top to eliminate the unsealed design for even quieter driveline (Tip: Works even better on 24' KX450's for those who can't stand the over-rev upper chain roller 'rattle'). MXA has been most critical of the Kawasaki's for a number of years, but personally knowing a few of their test riders, they can shred even a Honda or KTM to the ground in no time at all, and have had more problems with Yamaha of late (the effect of raised rev-limits on the YZ450F and post-Covid production by chance?).
I'm a big advocate that a bike has to 'fit' a rider for optimal comfort, and the KX450 just fits taller (6'+) riders best: I say that being fortunate enough to ride all the new bikes, all the time. The 19'-23' was also a good platform for self-proclaimed luggers, but not too burly where 450 power can become unrideable. If possible, beg/borrow/steal a few laps on each of your options and go from there!
You might have swayed me towards the kx. They have good deals on new 23s around me. Just need to decide if I want a slightly underpowered 250 or slightly overpowered 450.
Congrats on losing that much weight, that’s equivalent to carrying around a 125 on your back.
Any modern 450 with a mellow mapping would be fine. 250f’s need to be revved out more and momentum kept up to go fast.
Thanks. I can definitely feel the difference in my knees. Went from barely able to walk the mall to running 5 miles 5 days a week. This is a pic I took with Tomac years ago. Don’t even recognize myself anymore.
I'd like to hear more about losing 200#..impressive.
Pit Row
not real interested in much other than saying congratulations to you and your health accomplishments. That's awesome dude.
250f for sure.
The YZ450f has one of the most aggressive hits. The KX and KTM/Husky 450s are the smoothest.
Went on a really intense 1,000 calorie a day diet mixed with light stationary bike cardio for the first year and the weight really flew off. Since then I’ve started lifting weights and doing more intense cardio 6 days a week. No short cuts, weight loss surgeries or diet pills. Just hard work in the gym and the right diet. Hoping to get under 200 someday.
I am going to say KX for the open layout but I will push you towards a 250. It will have enough power and the fact you are lugging the 2 stroke makes me think the 450 hit is not your best option. It will be a lot more heavier feel that what your riding now. I recommend Enzo to get it dialed for you.
Your likely to continue to lose weight the more you ride, congratulations.
When you say lugging do you mean wrong gear / not enough power for what you’re needing or is that your riding style?
Y'all need to hang out with Rik Smits,I believe he's 7'2" and rides the heck out of a 450. And makes it look like an 85...
It’s just hard for me to keep it in the powerband when on the track. Off the track in wide open fields I can get it in the powerband and it’s a lot of fun. I’m not used to riding 2 strokes. My only other bike I’ve owner was a ttr125 when I was 8. I think a 4 stroke would be easier to ride on track and not have to worry about fouling plugs.
Don't over think it - every Pro except for Tomac detunes their 450. You'll love riding 250f. YZ250f out of the box / stock is great for anyone 200 lbs. You're a bad man, your weight loss program is beyond impressive.
Do u have opportunity to try one ?
The only people I know that ride have a 125 and 85 so no luck there. I might pick up a used cheap 250f to see if I like the power. If so I’ll resell it and buy a new one or if it’s too slow I’ll try a 450.
Bad idea. A cheap 250F is not what you need.
By cheap I mean $3,500-4,000. You can find 2020 kx250 models in good condition for around that price near me. I don’t want to buy new if I’m not sure I’m keeping it or not.
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