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Mapping and exhaust and don't sell it

I say ride it. Just because it has X amount of power doesn't mean you have to use X amount of power. You control how much you twist the throttle. Stick that bitch in 4th gear and lug it around.

Ride it and quit being a pussy.

Riding that bike on the pavement will not be the same as riding it in the dirt....you are going to have a signifcant amount of wheelspin in the dirt taking away some of that crazy amount of power and "feel" that your getting riding down the street. Granted , the 450s are alot of power but not too much in the desert setting. . If your strictly riding in the desert id say to go ahead with your plans and take the trip with the family and ride it for the weekend and give yourself some time to get used...

Some manufactures are using basically the same chassis on their 250F and 450F. You should be able to change the engine map on your 450 to mirror that of a 250, or even 350 giving you quite a range to tune the power down to whatever you feel comfortable with.

Realistically, you could probably have the ECU remapped for easier riding. Remember you also have Different maps on that bike to change between. I think Map 3 is the mild map on your bike. Is a new 450 a good first time bike for someone? No, not usually. It can be made better for you though. If you're looking for someone to ride with and help teach you, do not hesitate to reach out to me. I live locally and would love to help you and your family out.