I've decided to get back into the sport, and im struggling hard to decide if i should get a 250f or 450f. Im between 2025 honda 250r and 2024 honda 450r. Both are quite solid deals.
The thing is, i havent ridden a motocross bike in 10 years. I used to ride from ages 14 to 26 and i was decent rider. My last bike was a 2013 kx 450.
My goal is just to ride for fun, of course learning and getting better at the same time but you know, no racing anymore or anything like that. Just having fun.
Id like to get a 250 to be honest, im a small guy, and im actually lower weight now at 36 than i was 10 years ago, and in better physical condition. Im 5'9 and about 140 pounds now. I used to be 160 when i rode last time. So 250f would probably work really well. I've heard that the modern 250s are better for a casual riders than back then, meaning that the power is more usable, is that right? I remember when i switched from 250 to 450 and loved it instantly because you had to work so much to keep momentum with 250. But im really concerned that if i get a 450, i will feel more like a passenger instead actually riding the thing. And feeling sketchy and feeling borderline scared is the last thing i want. But then again, as i said, i just want to have fun and id like to have the option to just roll around the track and get over the jumps without having to beat the bike up and having the optimal gear in every situation. And not to even mention rebuilding the engine, low hour 450 would probably last years for me.
And not making this any easier, the 250 im looking for is 2025 with the new chassis and the 450 is the previous gen which is said to feel sharp and rigid..
I'd be happy to get some opinions and some knowledge about the modern bikes. Obviously i've been binging youtube reviews about everything and still cant decide.
350 ?
I wish but unfortunately KTM based bikes are not on the list.
Stark Varg
250F all day long ---> You will be surprised at how far they've come ---> And you'll have soooo much fun getting back into the groove on a light, flickable, powerful bike that you'll wonder why they make 450s anymore (this coming from a 450 guy).
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Agree with Rider 5280 ^^^^. I think you will find the 250 plenty capable and much more user friendly. If you think the bike is holding you bike, just go watch some Carson Brown videos.
Sounds like your a vet now. Get a 250f and throw a big bore in it once you need a new piston or whenever you want. They are a lot of fun.
250F all the way. My 450KX is easy to get around the track, 2nd, 3rd gear. But it wears me out quick. I can make way more laps on my 250.
I’d get a 25 or 26 Honda CRF250R, spring it for your weight if need be and ride it. You might not like a 24 CRF450R. 22-24 Honda’s are everybody’s favorite.
Thats what i was thinking. 450 would wear me out in no time and with 250 i could feel im actually riding the bike as its supposed to. Since im looking for an used one, my only concern is that how many hours you can get away with modern 250's before rebuilding the bottom end?
Another vote for the 2025 CRF250R - Great Bike!
Bottom end schedule depends on usage and maintenance, but 100+ hours isn’t uncommon (especially on well-built Honda’s). Clean air filters that are properly oiled (no bio-oils in my garage, personally), frequent engine oil and oil filter changes, decent fuel, limited internal mods - It’ll likely stay fresh for years. Congrats on the return and keep us updated 👍
250f and if you’ve got the coin get the works edition
Have you had the chance to ride a 350? I’m in the same category, vet rider with limited ride time due to work/family priorities etc. Always a loyal Honda rider with a few mid 90’s CR125,s and a 2003 CR250 in the shed - owned a CRF450 which I though was fun, until I bought a Husky 350 on a whim - in its current configuration with WP spring conversion, vortex ecu and rekluse auto clutch, this would have to be easiest, most comfortable and confidence inspiring bike I’ve ever ridden.
Go with the 250F
Same bike here and I was going to suggest the same but someone previously mentioned that. OP specifically said Honda so unfortunately rules out a 350. You’re 100% spot on though, for most it is the perfect bike. 450, too hot. 250, too cold. 350 just right 👍🏻
So i had a chance to test out a 450, not on a track though. And yes it was what i expected, no matter what map or traction control setup i had it just felt too busy. Yes i probably could get used to it but could i ever ride it "properly" anymore, or atleast over 10 minutes, i doubt it.
So, now the thing is, since the market for used ones where im from is quite small, at the moment i cant find a 250 with low enough hours. I dont want to do a bottom end rebuild first thing. I want to ride care free atleast next season. Also i am not in the situation i could just walk in and buy a brand new. Its gonne be hard lol but maybe i just have to wait it out and see if something comes up in the next 3-4 months..
And yes i have ridden a 350, but i acknowledge that it was over a decade ago, the 350's have probably changed up a lot. I was still younger, 450 rider and rode 3-4 times a week. And back then i didnt like the 350, it kind of felt the opposite how they are marketing those, it felt more like 250 power with a 450 feel than vice versa. And back then i didnt like the feel of ktm's overall that much. I think the 350 i rode back then was probably a 2011-2013 model.
But also at this point i think you guys are right and i might have to compromise, 350 would probably be the best option. It would probably be husky or gasgas. Any opinions about those? I still have hard time seeing myself on a non-japanese bike but oh well lol.
edit: Heard from a friend that austrian brands already has delivery issues with parts. sigh.
350RX Beta - 2 Stroke.
If 350 or kx450 not your cup of tea or can't find a decent deal on them. Im gonna say 250. I've built guys a decently modded 250 for not much and had 250 b riders and an 2 vet A guys not need short maintenance intervals. There getting 25-35 on rings and doing pistons at 60. Bottom ends at 90-100hrs.
Vortex and remap, piston, light port work, vavle seats. Most your cost is in the initial build after that its just simple maintenance. Another reason for the 250 and mod 250 vs 450 getting back into it is the whiskey throttle effect.
1. it's not a forever bike so don't stress too much about the choice.
2. if you're tight on funds and gonna buy used, better to consider a 450.
3. if you're going to race (vet classes) at a competitive level, then a 450 is the standard unless you are racing at a national level where you can race 250 vet class (the BEST - this is what I like to do)!
another vote for the 24 honda 250. great bike. i dont blame you for keeping the austrian junk off the list
Update: Thanks for the input guys, but against everyones recommendations i went with the honda 450f. I know, i know.. But i came to conclusion that it might be a wrong decision, but its better than no decision at all.
1. like YZed250 said, its not a forever bike. I can sell it at summer if i really dont like it. Its a 2024 model and bit over 30 hours. Shouldnt be a problem to get rid of it or trade it to some other bike.
2. Previous owner is my friend and i know its well maintained, and a 450 with low hours, should be care free season or maybe even 2, i probably wont get as much hours on it as i did when i was younger. And the suspension is already revalved.
3. I really was interested about the 350 but it just felt wrong, i just had zero excitement about getting a ktm/husky/gasgas. Hard to explain, just a gut feeling lol.
4. 250f. Well, if i wasnt on a budget and could of just walk into the store and walk out with a brand new, thats the route i would of went. But that option wasnt there. And the used ones were really old clapped out ones, and with the modern ones, it seems to be a trend to buy it new, ride it hard and change piston and cam chain, maybe even couple times, and then putting it on sale just before the bottom end rebuild. And just wasnt interested buying a bike that needs a full rebuild first thing.
I will post pictures later and maybe even a riding clip if we dont get snow in couple of weeks. But im excited, atleast i have a bike now and its just not an idea im going back and forth with.
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