Vets and their 250Fs.. why 250?

Just some perspective to this thread. I rode a new 2024 CRF 250F yesterday back to back with my '23 MC 350 on a really rough, slick, rutted track. I was impressed with the bottom end of the CRF. I could pull 3rd gear in some of the faster corners. It handled really well and felt a lot lighter than my 350 even though it really isn't. Only real complaint was the forks felt harsh and stiff but it was bone stock stuff and I didn't make any adjustments. Ergos were very good, especially for a taller guy (6'1).  I could see this being a good bike for Vet guys looking for any easy to ride 250F. 

I wasn’t real crazy about my my 2023 Honda 250R until recently.  I always liked the power band.  Actually better than my YZF.  I think people that haven’t ridden a late model Honda may not realize how much low end and quick acceleration.  Yeah the Honda may be down a pony or to up top but holds it own where most people ride in the throttle.  It took me two different rear springs to get the stink bug out of mine.  I bought the Honda heavy spring the first spring swap, didn’t work.  RaceTech fixed me up the second time, it’s like a bought a totally new bike.  The front is not bad for a big guy.  I had plans to buy a Beta 450 RX but since I have this Honda working for me it’s not going anywhere.  Fit and Finnish on a Honda is about as good as it gets and they are so well Engineered, easy to work on.  

250 makes me feel 18 still (I am 36). 

The KX has a good bit. Engine braking is easy to tune.

Anyone debating what color 250 to get, I honestly think it does not make a huge difference, they are all great. Having said that, I do think the Honda checks the boxes of: reliability, build quality, motor, handling, ergonomics, looks. Coming off the Yamaha, it has helped me become a more technically sound rider, because of how it turns and the ergonomics of it. Sure, it can have some harsh feels (way less with the FC setup), but to me it's still more predictable than the Yamaha front end. TLDR, I have the most fun on the Honda.

This isn't contributing much, but I do appreciate threads like this. I'm on my first 250f and I'm pleasantly surprised with how nice they are. I ride maybe 1-2 times a month currently, so the 250f is safe fun. Forces me to practice technique with choosing good lines. I'm 175lbs on a bone stock KTM 250SXF. Even at altitude the motor is plenty capable and exciting. 

One day I think pairing a 250f with a 2 smoke in the garage would be a sick setup. Got your all around bike in the 250f and the fun play bike with the smoker. 

Username checks out, lol. Sick pics!

Thank you! 

At this point I’m over 450s. I have a ‘19 CRF 450 and I am completely wiped out after 1 sprint lap, even while trying to maintain perfect technique. 
 

I had the pleasure of riding my cousins ‘18 Yz250f and it was the most fun I’d had in years in a bike. I realized my fitness wasn’t the problem as I’d gone 25min at my sprint speed with ease. 
 

I think 250s are by far the perfect track bike. 450s for large open OHVs like ocotillo, but I almost never go out there. I’d rather be at the track and 250s actually allow me to ride all day, improve my technique, and focus on going as fast as I can

250f's are great bikes depending on how/where you ride.  I'm 51, don't really race mx anymore but ride tons of practice days, race +50 expert in some offroad series occasionally.  

Between my son and I we've had 7 250f's from 2013 until now.  Comprised of all Yamaha's and one '21 CRF250r.  Never had any issues mechanically aside from one broken clutch plate on a '21 Yz on my son's current bike.  Pulled engine down and flushed debris, new piston and still runs great.

My first 2013 Yz, I put 100 hours on it, new piston and adjusted valves and put another 100 hours on it before selling.  The rest of the bikes we have usually sold at the 100 hour mark, generally about two years.  We change oil, especially the Yz's, every 2-3 engine hours and are religious with clean air filters.

In 2022 I thought I needed more power so bought a 350sxf.  Sold it after 70 hours, never really jelled with the bike.  Sometimes it was awesome, sometimes it wasn't depending on the track, layout etc... Jumped on my sons '21 yz250f and bought a '22 yz250f for myself the next day.

I currently have a '22 Yz250f track bike, '23 Yz125 mid life crisis bike, and a new '24 KTM 250xc woods bike.  I like the new KTM chassis so much I'm thinking of trying a KTM for my next track bike.  And the idea of a 350 is creeping into my head again.  It's been a rainy winter and haven't ridden much mx.  Last time at the track I felt so rusty and struggled with corners and shift points.  The 350 pretty much can leave in 3rd gear with some clutch work.

Will also say for me, the 250f is the perfect woods race bike.  They get great traction, don't try to kill you if rev'ing the piss out of them, and I just don't get as tired in a +2 hour race.  I'm finding the new 250xc is an amazing bike but I do miss the little torquey 250f in tighter woods.