250 or 450?

mxrider225
Edited Date/Time 7/25/2017 1:00pm
I have kinda stepped away from dirt bike riding for a while but want to get back into it. As of right now all i have is a Grizzly 660 to ride so i wanna get a bike. I used to have an old TTR 225 which i didnt really use because it was kinda on the small side for me. That was probably 2-3 years ago. I tried riding my dads YZ 426 but it kinda feels to much for me because i have to be on my tippy toes to stand it up. Even though im a big guy, im 6' 3" and around 230 lbs. Should i go for a 250 or a 450?



Thanks.
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Hank_Thrill
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Hank_Thrill 5/3/2010 8:12pm
5/3/2010 8:12pm
I'd go for a 250. In my opinion it's funner to ride a bike closer to its full potential than to ride one (450) to only a small fraction of it. 250's feel a lot lighter too. I guess I lean towards the safer side of things though. If you're into just riding motocross and not racing, you could also look into a two-stroke. They are much cheaper, easier to maintain etc.
mxrider225 5/3/2010 8:20pm
5/3/2010 8:20pm
I was kinda leaning towards a 4 stroke though because its reliable, my dads 2000 yz426 still has its origional engine and is it almost mint conditions (most of the graphics have fallen off)
adamdf
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adamdf 5/3/2010 8:45pm
5/3/2010 8:45pm
mxrider225 wrote:
I was kinda leaning towards a 4 stroke though because its reliable, my dads 2000 yz426 still has its origional engine and is it almost mint...
I was kinda leaning towards a 4 stroke though because its reliable, my dads 2000 yz426 still has its origional engine and is it almost mint conditions (most of the graphics have fallen off)
YZFs have been known to be bullet proof, but as a general rule of thumb, modern four strokes require more maintenance than two strokes and if something goes wrong in the motor, its much more expensive to fix. BUT just care it like it should be cared, and you will be fine.
As for 250 vs 450, it really depends on what type of riding you are doing and what you intend to get out of the experience, or if you are looking to be competitive etc etc..

I have both at the moment, a 2010 kaw 250F and 09 450 kaw as well. For the tight mx tracks i normally ride i prefer the 250 just because it is much lighter and easier to throw around and you get less tired on it. For the open trails, i could have a blast on either the 450 or 250, but i would lean more towards the 450 just because i have the choice at the moment, having said that, the 450 is up for sale shortly and i know i will still have a blast on the 250 on the few trail rides i do, and then even much more fun with it on the track. Hope that helped.
mxrider225 5/3/2010 8:48pm
5/3/2010 8:48pm
My riding would be fields, some trails and mostly dirt with jumps. It would only be for fun riding, no tracks at all. I just want it for fun and to become a better rider.

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adamdf
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adamdf 5/3/2010 8:51pm
5/3/2010 8:51pm
mxrider225 wrote:
My riding would be fields, some trails and mostly dirt with jumps. It would only be for fun riding, no tracks at all. I just want...
My riding would be fields, some trails and mostly dirt with jumps. It would only be for fun riding, no tracks at all. I just want it for fun and to become a better rider.
How old are you? And what is your level of experience riding motorcycles?

I'm leaning towards saying a 250F is in order for you...
mxrider225 5/3/2010 8:54pm
5/3/2010 8:54pm
18, 19 on sunday.

Rode my first ATV at 9-10 was a old Honda 250, then started with the grizzly at 13 or so. I had a Honda cub when i was like 12ish which was stupid, then i got a TTR 225 for a few years.
adamdf
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adamdf 5/3/2010 8:58pm
5/3/2010 8:58pm
Okay, well the 250F will be enough for you to have a great time, you'll appreciate the fact that its lighter and wont get you into trouble in a hurry, i have been riding my entire life and i just love the 250s, you will too. If you really get into riding and want something different then you could try a 450 in a couple years i would say.
mxrider225 5/3/2010 9:02pm
5/3/2010 9:02pm
adamdf wrote:
Okay, well the 250F will be enough for you to have a great time, you'll appreciate the fact that its lighter and wont get you into...
Okay, well the 250F will be enough for you to have a great time, you'll appreciate the fact that its lighter and wont get you into trouble in a hurry, i have been riding my entire life and i just love the 250s, you will too. If you really get into riding and want something different then you could try a 450 in a couple years i would say.
Thanks for the advice, now i just have to skip the months of saving up haha.
mxrider225 5/4/2010 11:05am
5/4/2010 11:05am
Do you guys have any advice on what year to get? Or brand? Its gotta be a few years old used because i cant afford a new one. I only have $400 saved up but im hoping to save alot over the summer.
jtiger12
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jtiger12 5/4/2010 11:10am
5/4/2010 11:10am Edited Date/Time 5/4/2010 11:13am
at 6'3" and 230 pounds, you shouldn't even be considering a 250F IMHO. Either a 250 2 stroke or a 450 is in order. I'm about the same size, and a 250F feels like a minicycle to me, with NO power. Try a friend's bike out first, before you go blowing a ton of cash on a new(er) bike. Even with no real experience on an mx bike, you may get bored of the 250f real quick.
agency399
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agency399 5/4/2010 11:18am
5/4/2010 11:18am
I would stick to a 250 4 stroke if I were you. Maybe look for a 2006 or new Honda 250f. Might be able to find one in decent shape for between 2000 and 3000.

Try to stay away from the 04 - 05 kawy and suz. 250f, actually anything newer than a 2006 shouldn’t be a bad way to go. Make sure it starts easy when you go to look at it. That will be a good way to see what kind of shape the valves are in without tearing it down. Also ask the seller if you can look behind the air filter. If there is any dirt back there, stay away from it.

Check out cnymra.com and go to classifieds section. There always seems to be a good number of bikes being posted there and most are here in NY.

Good luck!
mxrider225 5/4/2010 11:57am
5/4/2010 11:57am
I actually forgot that I have acutally rode a 250 four stroke before, although it is really old compaired to todays bikes. I rode my dads 1986 Honda XL 250, which is an enduro bike, its half and half. I never got it higher then 3rd gear though and only rode it on a 4 acre field for like 30-45 min.
worcsracer808
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worcsracer808 5/4/2010 12:14pm
5/4/2010 12:14pm
Yeah I'm lookin to get a dirtbike too, I'm 6'2" around 210 right now and I have decent skills on 4 wheelers normally race the 450 ATVs in the Open A and Pro-Am class in WORCS so I'm not totally without riding skills but my bike skills are low cause I never ride them, but it'd be nice to have one for cross training and a practice bike for when the quad is broken (which it usually is) I was thinking a 450 would be better for me but not sure. Seems like the 250f would get boring before too long and once I start hitting up tracks and jumps it might be hard for me to clear them on the small bike especially cause I'm bigger. I'd be mostly just desert riding but would do some MX tracks and possibly race it if I get good enough. Was thinking around 06 and newer CRF 250 or 450 and maybe an 08 or 09 RMZ 450?
RACEGUY
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RACEGUY 5/4/2010 12:33pm
5/4/2010 12:33pm Edited Date/Time 4/17/2016 10:36pm
mxrider225 wrote:
I actually forgot that I have acutally rode a 250 four stroke before, although it is really old compaired to todays bikes. I rode my dads...
I actually forgot that I have acutally rode a 250 four stroke before, although it is really old compaired to todays bikes. I rode my dads 1986 Honda XL 250, which is an enduro bike, its half and half. I never got it higher then 3rd gear though and only rode it on a 4 acre field for like 30-45 min.
Ummm...you had a TTR 225 that WASN'T a four-stroke? (Ohhhh maybe you knew it was a four-stroke, but those extra 25ccs must have meant so much more on an XL which was a street bike with large wheels).

Press the reset button on this whole project.
rockcrawlerdude 5/4/2010 12:54pm
5/4/2010 12:54pm
mxrider225 wrote:
I have kinda stepped away from dirt bike riding for a while but want to get back into it. As of right now all i have...
I have kinda stepped away from dirt bike riding for a while but want to get back into it. As of right now all i have is a Grizzly 660 to ride so i wanna get a bike. I used to have an old TTR 225 which i didnt really use because it was kinda on the small side for me. That was probably 2-3 years ago. I tried riding my dads YZ 426 but it kinda feels to much for me because i have to be on my tippy toes to stand it up. Even though im a big guy, im 6' 3" and around 230 lbs. Should i go for a 250 or a 450?



Thanks.
450 for sure cuz the weight...
johansen
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johansen 5/4/2010 1:03pm
5/4/2010 1:03pm
jtiger12 wrote:
at 6'3" and 230 pounds, you shouldn't even be considering a 250F IMHO. Either a 250 2 stroke or a 450 is in order. I'm about...
at 6'3" and 230 pounds, you shouldn't even be considering a 250F IMHO. Either a 250 2 stroke or a 450 is in order. I'm about the same size, and a 250F feels like a minicycle to me, with NO power. Try a friend's bike out first, before you go blowing a ton of cash on a new(er) bike. Even with no real experience on an mx bike, you may get bored of the 250f real quick.
A beginner on a 250 2-stroke or a 450? Stupid stupid. A 250 f will be enough.
davis224
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davis224 5/4/2010 1:05pm
5/4/2010 1:05pm
If you've never ridden a full on MX bike before, I'd not suggest a 450. A Yamaha WR250 sounds like itd be a great bike for you, way more power than anything else you've ridden before, reliable too.
MISFIT442
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MISFIT442 5/4/2010 1:29pm
5/4/2010 1:29pm Edited Date/Time 1/23/2014 12:17am
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johansen
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johansen 5/5/2010 4:21am
5/5/2010 4:21am
A 250f should be fine!

What you need to consider is that riding gear cost alot to. Buy a good helmet (shoei, arai, bell, tld etc), chest protector, knee guards/braces and boots. Don't buy some cheap helmet and rely on it, save up for a good helmet even if you need to wait 1or 2 months more before buying your bike. Gear is as big part as the bike in MX.
devonb
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devonb 5/5/2010 4:37am
5/5/2010 4:37am
My first bike was a 250 two stroke then I went to 400f then a 426. With your weigt I'd go straight to a 450.
prillernut
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prillernut 5/5/2010 5:13am
5/5/2010 5:13am Edited Date/Time 5/5/2010 5:20am
while I've been tinkering with fast street bikes, I've been off the dirt for the last 20-some years. I'm going to pick up my "new" '05 CR250R tomorrow. I can't wait - brrraapppp!! At 6'3" 230# on a 4-stroke, I'd figure a 450F...

mxrider225 5/5/2010 7:29am
5/5/2010 7:29am
johansen wrote:
A 250f should be fine! What you need to consider is that riding gear cost alot to. Buy a [b]good[/b] helmet (shoei, arai, bell, tld etc)...
A 250f should be fine!

What you need to consider is that riding gear cost alot to. Buy a good helmet (shoei, arai, bell, tld etc), chest protector, knee guards/braces and boots. Don't buy some cheap helmet and rely on it, save up for a good helmet even if you need to wait 1or 2 months more before buying your bike. Gear is as big part as the bike in MX.
I already have a helmet, boots, gloves, and a jersey, and i just wear jeans for pants.
jtiger12
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jtiger12 5/5/2010 8:32am
5/5/2010 8:32am Edited Date/Time 4/17/2016 10:37pm
jtiger12 wrote:
at 6'3" and 230 pounds, you shouldn't even be considering a 250F IMHO. Either a 250 2 stroke or a 450 is in order. I'm about...
at 6'3" and 230 pounds, you shouldn't even be considering a 250F IMHO. Either a 250 2 stroke or a 450 is in order. I'm about the same size, and a 250F feels like a minicycle to me, with NO power. Try a friend's bike out first, before you go blowing a ton of cash on a new(er) bike. Even with no real experience on an mx bike, you may get bored of the 250f real quick.
johansen wrote:
A beginner on a 250 2-stroke or a 450? Stupid stupid. A 250 f will be enough.
the first MX bike I ever got was a 94 CR250, that had motor work, and was ridden in a USGP and 2 pro nationals at budds creek by mike healey. Thing pulled the front wheel in 4th gear NP. I was 18 and 6'2" 195lbs. I had an xr650l before that



i'm sure there are plenty of other guys who cut their teeth on a 250 2 stroke. Please refrain from insults. A 450 has the power a bigger guy will need, and is way more mellow than a 250 2 stroke
Austin_Tomblin 7/24/2017 7:06pm
7/24/2017 7:06pm
I'll be gettin my own dirtbike soon. I have rode dirtbikes in the past and won't be riding aggressively. Mostly field and road riding. I'm 6"1' 320lbs should i get a 450 four stroke or larger?
loftyair
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loftyair 7/24/2017 8:08pm
7/24/2017 8:08pm
701, husky.
FI2T
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FI2T 7/24/2017 8:09pm
7/24/2017 8:09pm Edited Date/Time 7/24/2017 8:10pm
Austin_Tomblin wrote:
I'll be gettin my own dirtbike soon. I have rode dirtbikes in the past and won't be riding aggressively. Mostly field and road riding. I'm 6"1'...
I'll be gettin my own dirtbike soon. I have rode dirtbikes in the past and won't be riding aggressively. Mostly field and road riding. I'm 6"1' 320lbs should i get a 450 four stroke or larger?
Gotta get this monster KTM690! You can still hit sweet jumps on them!

JohnMatrix
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JohnMatrix 7/24/2017 8:29pm
7/24/2017 8:29pm
I had a chance to ride a '17 KTM 250sx yesterday and it was incredibly smooth on power delivery. Never ridden a 2 stroke like that before. It's definitely got more snot than a 250f but not overpowering. The bike felt really really light and corners far better than my dated '09 kx250f. If you're in the market for a new bike that would be one to consider.
kiwifan
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kiwifan 7/24/2017 8:44pm
7/24/2017 8:44pm
450, short shift in the meat of the midrange and roost your way to happiness and victory!
Aceofspades 7/24/2017 10:19pm
7/24/2017 10:19pm
I always think it's weird to see a 250f recommended to someone weighing over 200 pounds. I'm 220, and 250f are fun, but no way in he'll would I own one. 450s are heavy (at least my rmz450 is), but I've never ran into a situation where I wishes I had more power when trail riding. Just ride a gear high, respect the throttle, and live happily ever after with a 450. You won't be wringing it out as much either, so it's not as much wear and stress on the engine.

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