250f to 450f

Dean_1988
Thinking of jumping from a 250f to 450f I'm around 220lbs 6'3 and feel I'm killing the 250 with my weight. Not ridden a 450 before what should I expect besides the obvious weight and power and should I do the swap?? Thanks
|
yurcho44
Profile picture for user yurcho44
Posts
253
Joined
12/17/2013
Location
Fullerton, CA US
yurcho44 3/31/2017 12:37pm
3/31/2017 12:37pm
You should definitely move to a 450. With your size a 450 would be perfect
Dean_1988 3/31/2017 1:01pm
3/31/2017 1:01pm
Thanks, I was just thinking with the power difference it being a lot harder to ride but then I'll just have to get used to it
Motofinne
Profile picture for user Motofinne
Posts
10686
Joined
1/4/2014
Location
FI
Motofinne 3/31/2017 1:04pm
3/31/2017 1:04pm Edited Date/Time 3/31/2017 1:08pm
Have you had the opportunity to try a 2016 or 2017 350?

I just got a 2017 450 KTM today. I ride with lower RPMs so the 450 suits me better compared to the 350. But i know that there is a lot of people that absolutely love the 350!
Dean_1988 3/31/2017 1:14pm
3/31/2017 1:14pm
My style is very similar keeping it at low rpm but I had to give the 250 some abuse with the power to weight ratio. Did look at the 350s but wasn't wanting to spend to much as Iv not been riding to long. Think from reading up on it, with my size I would be more suited. I can always get rid if I find it's not for me

The Shop

See All »
Motofinne
Profile picture for user Motofinne
Posts
10686
Joined
1/4/2014
Location
FI
Motofinne 3/31/2017 1:18pm
3/31/2017 1:18pm Edited Date/Time 3/31/2017 1:20pm
Dean_1988 wrote:
My style is very similar keeping it at low rpm but I had to give the 250 some abuse with the power to weight ratio. Did...
My style is very similar keeping it at low rpm but I had to give the 250 some abuse with the power to weight ratio. Did look at the 350s but wasn't wanting to spend to much as Iv not been riding to long. Think from reading up on it, with my size I would be more suited. I can always get rid if I find it's not for me
My dealer had a 2017 model test day and i tried the 350. Even though it only weighs 1kg less than the 450 it was noticeable in the corners. Buying a new bike is a big deal for me so i haven't had the balls to get one and adapting to it but for most people it would be the perfect bike.

But like i said. I have a 2017 KTM 450 in the garage now. The 450 makes you lazy, you can use pretty much whatever gear you want in the turns because of the torque.
Dean_1988 3/31/2017 1:33pm
3/31/2017 1:33pm Edited Date/Time 3/31/2017 1:37pm
Iv no problem hitting the corners in 3rd 4th not that I'm lazy haha. Think I'm big enough to sling it around it was just the power difference really. Thanks for the feedback think I'm gonna go for the 450.
SwingHard
Profile picture for user SwingHard
Posts
485
Joined
3/14/2017
Location
Sacramento, CA US
SwingHard 3/31/2017 1:43pm
3/31/2017 1:43pm
Dean_1988 wrote:
Thinking of jumping from a 250f to 450f I'm around 220lbs 6'3 and feel I'm killing the 250 with my weight. Not ridden a 450 before...
Thinking of jumping from a 250f to 450f I'm around 220lbs 6'3 and feel I'm killing the 250 with my weight. Not ridden a 450 before what should I expect besides the obvious weight and power and should I do the swap?? Thanks
Im 6'0" 220#. Just went to 350 from a 450. Was a little concerned never riding a 350 but, absolutely love the 350. Can really notice the weight difference in the turns.
NeedMoto
Profile picture for user NeedMoto
Posts
700
Joined
8/6/2015
Location
Lincoln, CA US
NeedMoto 3/31/2017 3:16pm
3/31/2017 3:16pm
As mentioned above. Your weight and riding characteristics, 450Smile
BroFoSho
Profile picture for user BroFoSho
Posts
742
Joined
9/26/2013
Location
Tucson, AZ US
BroFoSho 3/31/2017 3:22pm
3/31/2017 3:22pm
I went from a honda 250f to a honda 450 (the "slow" 2014 model).

It had gobs more power everywhere but handled just as well as my 250F. I did get a bit more tired quickly but was def. way faster as I could still turn the thing just as well.

I am about 5'8" and 160lbs
YZfan1230
Profile picture for user YZfan1230
Posts
234
Joined
3/28/2016
Location
CA
YZfan1230 3/31/2017 4:27pm
3/31/2017 4:27pm
At about the same height and weight I stepped up from a 13 YZ 250F to a 12 YZ 450 and I love the 450 so much more. I haven't felt lazy on It, I just felt more mature. I liked being able to clear bigger jumps easier and be able to rail a corner without having to be absolutely perfect. I just found it easier once I got adjusted and if you're racing that really helps the confidence. Definitely a good decision!
xplane
Profile picture for user xplane
Posts
58
Joined
3/8/2017
Location
Houston, TX US
xplane 3/31/2017 5:14pm
3/31/2017 5:14pm
Food for thought the ergos aren't that different and the power of a 250 is hardly going to hold you back at that weight unless you're already pretty fast.

So why do you want the bigger bike again?
neysbo
Profile picture for user neysbo
Posts
1827
Joined
4/1/2008
Location
Edelstein, IL US
neysbo 3/31/2017 5:29pm
3/31/2017 5:29pm
xplane wrote:
Food for thought the ergos aren't that different and the power of a 250 is hardly going to hold you back at that weight unless you're...
Food for thought the ergos aren't that different and the power of a 250 is hardly going to hold you back at that weight unless you're already pretty fast.

So why do you want the bigger bike again?
At that weight the power is definitely going to hold someone back. I am 207, 51 years old and a intermediate rider. When I ride my sons 250 F it is like riding my lawn mower. It does handle great but the power is just not there. A 450 would make his riding much more enjoyable.
xplane
Profile picture for user xplane
Posts
58
Joined
3/8/2017
Location
Houston, TX US
xplane 3/31/2017 5:37pm
3/31/2017 5:37pm
neysbo wrote:
At that weight the power is definitely going to hold someone back. I am 207, 51 years old and a intermediate rider. When I ride my...
At that weight the power is definitely going to hold someone back. I am 207, 51 years old and a intermediate rider. When I ride my sons 250 F it is like riding my lawn mower. It does handle great but the power is just not there. A 450 would make his riding much more enjoyable.
If you rode so well that the power is really your biggest problem you wouldn't be racing intermediate.

All a 450 does for a fat person is let them get lazy with momentum.
nascarnate326 3/31/2017 6:17pm
3/31/2017 6:17pm
I went from a 450 to a 250 and here is why:

450 was just too fast
250 is more fun to rev the nuts off it
250 is perfect on a trail(michigan)
250 is lighter
450 made me lazy, 250 still does to a point.

I'm your size and weight when geared up..love my 250. Have you considered going with a big bore kit?
Acidreamer
Profile picture for user Acidreamer
Posts
1794
Joined
8/25/2015
Location
Mansfield, OH US
Acidreamer 3/31/2017 6:19pm
3/31/2017 6:19pm
Wouldnt worry about going to a 450. Yeah its more power but nothing unmanageable. Im a heavy guy too. I went from a 125 2 stroke to a 450. It feels like ive got the power i need to be competitive without being overwhelming. As far as the weight, everyone makes a big deal about it. To be totally honest my 450(09 kx) feels lighter than my old 125 and my yz250 in every way. from picking it up onto a stand, and handling. Just know its not as different as everyone says
Giygas
Profile picture for user Giygas
Posts
494
Joined
1/9/2016
Location
LA US
Fantasy
1165th
Giygas 3/31/2017 6:31pm
3/31/2017 6:31pm Edited Date/Time 3/31/2017 6:32pm
Dean_1988 wrote:
Thinking of jumping from a 250f to 450f I'm around 220lbs 6'3 and feel I'm killing the 250 with my weight. Not ridden a 450 before...
Thinking of jumping from a 250f to 450f I'm around 220lbs 6'3 and feel I'm killing the 250 with my weight. Not ridden a 450 before what should I expect besides the obvious weight and power and should I do the swap?? Thanks
Jesus, you should've been on a 450. I went from a 125 2t to a 450 and it's the best decision I've ever made. I'm only 185lbs.
Bearuno
Profile picture for user Bearuno
Posts
4141
Joined
6/28/2014
Location
AU
Bearuno 4/1/2017 4:21am
4/1/2017 4:21am
A recent issue of "On Track / Off Road" (it's a free Emag, and very good - covers MX/ SX MotoGP, WSBK,EWC , Trials and American Flat Track) had an article with interviews with various MXGP riders about the 250F / 450F differences. At their level, the 450s appear to be far harder work - well because they are pinned, not pootling about like most of us on 450s / 500s.

Pit Row

See All »
Bearuno
Profile picture for user Bearuno
Posts
4141
Joined
6/28/2014
Location
AU
Bearuno 4/1/2017 4:27am
4/1/2017 4:27am
A recent issue of "On Track / Off Road" (it's a free Emag, and very good - covers MX/ SX, MotoGP, WSBK,EWC , Trials, American Flat Track and 'other' things) had an article with interviews with various MXGP riders about the 250F / 450F differences. At their level, the 450s appear to be far harder work - well because they are going Fast , not pootling about like most of us on 450s / 500s.

It belies the "450s make it too easy" line from punters. It's why I will always support the 450s / 500s as the Premier class at the highest levels - it's always been about riders dealing with Monsters, and not just pinning smaller bikes.
neysbo
Profile picture for user neysbo
Posts
1827
Joined
4/1/2008
Location
Edelstein, IL US
neysbo 4/1/2017 4:41am
4/1/2017 4:41am
neysbo wrote:
At that weight the power is definitely going to hold someone back. I am 207, 51 years old and a intermediate rider. When I ride my...
At that weight the power is definitely going to hold someone back. I am 207, 51 years old and a intermediate rider. When I ride my sons 250 F it is like riding my lawn mower. It does handle great but the power is just not there. A 450 would make his riding much more enjoyable.
xplane wrote:
If you rode so well that the power is really your biggest problem you wouldn't be racing intermediate. All a 450 does for a fat person...
If you rode so well that the power is really your biggest problem you wouldn't be racing intermediate.

All a 450 does for a fat person is let them get lazy with momentum.
Just cause people are over 200 pounds does not mean they are fat. A 450 is much more enjoyable to ride and cheaper to maintain so that is why I ride one. I have rode about everything in my lifetime and for now the 450 is it. Keep in mind it is a 2016 Honda so it is not much more powerful than a modded 250f.

Post a reply to: 250f to 450f