Looking for suggestions on which new bike I should consider. I don't race anymore and just play ride and chase my kid's around for fun. I do a mixture of MX and woods riding, but I'm starting to enjoy woods and trail riding more now especially as I get older.
I'm considering a new KX450 because it seems like a better fit for a taller rider. I am second guessing whether or not I really need a 450 and if should I consider a 250F. My last bike was a 2022 KTM 450 SX-F and I could never get comfortable on it. More than enough power, but I was never comfortable with the ergos. It felt too small for me and I couldn't gel with it. I wasn't the biggest fan of the air forks either plus it was a handful in the woods.
Has anyone went from riding a 450 to a current model 250F and wish you had stayed on a 450? Which 250F out of the box has the largest/roomiest feel for taller riders?
KTM 350 XCF.
Personally not a fan of riding a 450 in the woods.
yams would be a good choice , either the wr or fx , depends where you are
Any of the japanese xc models
Yamaha YZ250FX
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If you’re not set on 4 stroke check out 300 XC or TX300. They rip as well.
Stark Varg
Beta 300 RX is Swiss army knife of dirt bikes. Especially the models with 6 speed, 24 and older. For an MX bike mine is happy at the track, trails, single track whatever. It does everything really good.
I installed a green inner power valve spring and backed the PV adjuster out a tick, easy to ride anywhere.
Ktm xc/xcf
Yz 250fx
I’ll second that.
I just purchased a new 2025 350 XCF wanting the same thing you're asking for. In fairness I haven't purchased a new bike in 12 years, and any new bike was likely to be the best bike I've ever owned. But this things completely blown me away.
I just came off a 20 FC350 and bought a 25 250 XCF. The suspension is such a huge upgrade and it feels light and very lively. It does lack that hit of the 350, but that's maybe the only thing i can pinpoint as a downside. The 25 350 XCF to me, still suffered from flameouts and felt similar to my 20, a bit rigid, but probably could be softened up pretty easily. Loved the power though.
YZ250FX is a badass bike, 6 speed is a big deal for the trails and any wide open riding. I went from a 2018 crf450r to a '22 kx250 and had no regrets. I can ride the 250 harder with less arm pump and I only weigh 165 so power is fine
edit: i cant spell for shit
08 Yz 125
250 xcf is the most underrated bike on the market imo.
Sounds like you’re just riding for fun so I’ll say get yourself a YZ250. Durable, adaptable and cheap to run.
I had the chance to ride several laps on a few different models during a demo days last fall and i just kept going back to it. Really looking forward to spending the summer on it.
For tight woods, a Beta 390.
Rider height, weight, build?
Pit Row
You ever tried to ride one of those on legit trails or steep stuff? Assuming you're an adult it's not a good time trying to get up any hills
The 250fs in the woods are lethal. Power goes to the ground and you just go. I was faster on the xcf than anything else I have had.
Definitely a 250 2 stroke for a variety of reasons. Easier to maintain, more flexible, plenty of power. Don't know where you live but a 450 in the woods can be a handful.
Kx250 2025 is nice for both.
How tall are you? I've considered trying a new 350 but I did not like my 2022 KTM because of how cramped I felt on it.
I'm with you on this. Riding a 125 on some steep single track doesn't sound fun at all. Spinning a few laps at the local track on a 125 is always fun but I wouldn't buy one for my main bike.
A YZ250 is on my list for the reasons you mentioned. I'm in east TN where I do the majority of my riding. Mostly spent hanging out at a track or doing some trail riding with my family. My kid's are not quite old/skilled enough yet to hit any of the gnarly trails, so more open trails and casual riding with the wife riding along on an ATV. I see us riding more woods though as they start to advance. My passion is MX but I've become more cautious and less worried about speed, so I don't race anymore and it's just hitting practice days for fun. As I typed this it made me realize that I'm just not ready (mentally) to give up a MX bike and move to a XC model. Decisions, decisions...
The ergos were improved on the KTM in 2023. You should at least sit on one to see how it fits. 2025 got a more comfortable/flexible chassis. The 2 strokes have a more forgiving feel than the 4 strokes on the current frame. XC and XCF have had closed cartridge spring forks since 2024. Other than those the Yamaha FX, Kawi X, and Honda RX models should all have suspension tuned more towards a blend of MX/trails.
I know they've updated the chassis, but I have not had a chance to ride a 2025 model yet. I would consider a 350 or even a 300 if I knew I was going to like the ergos better than my 2022. I'll have to find someone with a 2025 and ride it to see how it feels before I pull the trigger.
It really sounds like the YZ250FX is a great bike. i think the different intake and lower ride height sound like positives, compared to the regular YZF. Many reviews say you can moto that bike no problem. It's something I will consider for my next bike. I checked out the 450FX too but I feel like that thing will be a beast in the woods. I want to go to a Yamaha demo day and ride the new 450, 450FX and 250FX. Because I am curious how the FX bikes are as a bike to do both. As a Vet rider, I still do a lot of MX but nothing really serious. But my current 250F is terrible on the woods loops. I feel like it's hard to have 1 bike that does both very well but I could be wrong. Interestingly enough, of my 3 YZs, my 98 250 2stroke is my favorite for woods. The chassis has so much comfort. And even though the suspension is freshly done up and valved for moto, it feels light, gets traction and doesn't beat me up. My 250F feels so stiff, skates around and wants to stall. So that's why I have my doubts on the FX. Regardless, the 6speed and softer suspension should be nice in the woods, but then if you aren't happy on a moto track, I'm not sure it is worth it. So I am interested to hear more feedback on this topic also.
The current gen 300 xc is quite possibly the best bike ever made, everyone should own one at some point. Fast single track, hard enduro, moto, putting around with the kids even being a snowbike - it does it all pretty dang well.
I would say a Husky FE 450 , most states you can get it plated as a bonus but it is a fully uncorked 450 with good suspension that is not air forks.
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