450 back to 2 stroke

Captainc
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8/2/2020 2:20am Edited Date/Time 8/3/2020 10:27pm
Hello guys , just wondering how many of you have gone to 2 stroke from a 450. My sons is wanting to go back on to a 2 stroke from his yzf450. He’s a big guy so I don’t know if it’s a good idea. Any advice greatly appreciated
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Markee
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8/2/2020 4:25am
The lack of engine braking will be the big one. You realize quick how much you compensate for it with body position on jumps and braking. He'll need to shift more.
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tobz
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Adelaide AU
8/2/2020 4:31am
There’s a honeymoon period where you think the two stroke is fun as hell even though they’re loose as shit. But in reality you’ll miss the planted feel, predictability and ease of riding and owning a 4 stroke.

I love the token sound of a pinned 250t, but to have one as your main steed isn’t recommended.
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cwel11
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Orangeville, PA US
8/2/2020 5:08am
Personally I started late in life and went from a very old 250 two stroke to modern 450s which I road for 10 years. I woke up one day and decided to trade in my KTM 450 for a TC250 and for me it was the best decision I’ve made. I didn’t realize how much I would progress riding the two stroke as well as not getting worn out. Not to mention the cost of maintenance. Everyone is different. Probably best to ride someone’s before making a change.
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The Shop

8/2/2020 9:06am Edited Date/Time 8/2/2020 9:08am
tobz wrote:
There’s a honeymoon period where you think the two stroke is fun as hell even though they’re loose as shit. But in reality you’ll miss the...
There’s a honeymoon period where you think the two stroke is fun as hell even though they’re loose as shit. But in reality you’ll miss the planted feel, predictability and ease of riding and owning a 4 stroke.

I love the token sound of a pinned 250t, but to have one as your main steed isn’t recommended.
I agree with this. Last year I bought a nice 2015 ktm 250sx of a friend. I had never owned or really ridden a 250 smoker and i wanted to see what they were all about. Since owning the bike, i have some days where i go good on it and other days i feel like the bike is just too loose. It suites certain track/conditions better than my 19 kx450. Butttt my 450 feels sooo much more planted and stable, that i would just rather ride it than the 250.

I was at an open practice yesterday and i took the 250 out for the first session.... that was the only time I rode it all day lol. Ive ridden at this track for a few years, so it wasnt anything new to me.

When i orignally first bought the 250, i had thoughts of just selling my old 450 and not buying another one. In retrospect, im glad I still bought another 450.
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mattyhamz2
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8/2/2020 9:28am
This is going to have many differing opinions.

My take:
I grew up riding two strokes. Wasn’t until I was 15 that I got onto a 4 stroke. I still ride my dads 250 2 stroke here and there and always had a blast. At points where I didn’t have a bike, back to that 250 I went. Also had a 125 and one point until I had to sell it. My main bike was always a 4 stroke, but I always went back to the 250 smoker when I didn’t have a bike. So for me, I always loved the smokers and felt at home on them when I did ride one.

Anyways, I’m 2018 I sold my 14 YZ450 because I wanted a YZ250 so bad and found a great deal from another Vital member for his 2005 YZ. That bike is by far my favorite bike that I’ve ever owned. Had to sell it to pay bills unfortunately, but I still get bummed every time I think about that bike. It was amazing and I instantly felt great on it. I currently have a 98 that I’m building because I miss the 05 so bad. I still have a 450 to ride, but after riding the 250 I really realized how much I dislike riding a 450.

Now with that said, I can understand why people don’t like 2 strokes when it is a bike they have never ridden or have very little experience with. They aren’t for everyone, but they are for me!
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huutnanny
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San Francisco, CA US
8/2/2020 9:59am
Ride both. 2 stokes really help you ride the 4 stroke better. Shifting, braking, and body position are things you gotta do on 2 stroke! I think people can ride a whole track in 3rd gear on a 450.
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Falcon
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8/2/2020 10:15am
Most people will be faster and far happier on a modern 4-stroke.
I am not such a person. I'll never own another 4-banger.
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Alex.434
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Warner Springs, CA US
8/2/2020 11:15am
tobz wrote:
There’s a honeymoon period where you think the two stroke is fun as hell even though they’re loose as shit. But in reality you’ll miss the...
There’s a honeymoon period where you think the two stroke is fun as hell even though they’re loose as shit. But in reality you’ll miss the planted feel, predictability and ease of riding and owning a 4 stroke.

I love the token sound of a pinned 250t, but to have one as your main steed isn’t recommended.
I disagree with everything said above.

I made the decision to go to a 250 2 stroke back in 2012 and have never looked back. Since then I have spent a LOT of time on 4 strokes (magazine/press/loaners/friends) bikes and have no desire to ever have a 450 mx bike.

Modern TC250s & 250SXs are amazing bikes, incredibly lightweight, and easy to work on. I have some long and detailed breakdowns of the "2 v 4 stroke" argument in my post history if you'd like to dig in further.
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Talisker
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Houston, TX US
8/2/2020 11:47am
Not sure what type of local track you have. At 3 Palms here in Houston, all the tracks are very fast and sandy. I think I got to use to the 4 stroke having that planted feeling. The two stroke has a lot of movement and bouncing around that you will have to re-learn. I’d go 250f. You have to kinda ride it like a 2 stroke, but it’s smoother, has more bottom, and it feels very planted to the ground. You can ride it longer than the 250 2t and 450. It has a very light and agile feeling.
DB505
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Rowlett, TX US
8/2/2020 2:24pm
They are different animals!
Kinda like a blonde and a redhead lol,
I went form a 250t to a 450, there are times I really like the 450, and at other times I miss the 250t!
There are advantages & disadvantages to each, ya just have to pic witch works for you at the time! Tomorrow you may want something different!
And women always change hair color anyway! Lol
Grovesy98
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GB
8/2/2020 2:53pm
I went from years on 450s, and recently a 18 Kxf450 to a 2016 YZ250. I absolutely loved the thrill of it to start with. The sound and smell was amazing. It felt so light and was a blast to ride. But, after the honeymoon period wore off I found myself not going as fast, my race results weren't as good, and big jumps I'd normally do easily became a bit hit and miss. I had a go on a 16 SXF250 on a practice day and quickly realised how much hard work the YZ was haha. I traded the YZ for a 17 SXF 350 a few weeks ago and I absolutely love it. Lighter than a 450, easier to ride than both the 450 and 250 smoker, but also got serious power when you want it. I still love the smell and sound of the 2 strokes, but my choice for riding and racing is the 350
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27thmx
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8/2/2020 3:05pm
Both are awesome in different ways. Been riding very competitively awhile and for me it depends on what type of soil and my mood lol. 4 strokes eat up sand while 2 strokes spin a lot more. I have to be wide open on my rm250 to get through some sections where a 4 stroke would just need half throttle or so. 2 strokes also bounce all over the place while the 450 will eat up just about anything. Well tuned 250 2 strokes absolutely rip no question but the new 450s are on another level. It’s all about what makes you comfortable.
mister2dt
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Canton, MS US
8/2/2020 3:26pm
Ehhh. Depends on what you are most comfortable on. Ive had 4 strokes and 2 strokes. 450's, 250's and 250 and 125 2 strokes. For me, im 45 years old, been riding for 37 years. I am much better on a 2 stroke and my race results reflect that. Ive raced 125's and 250 2 strokes against 450's in vet classes and finished top 5, and top 3. I LOVE the yz250f, its an amazing machine and plenty capable of waxing 450's all day long. But, for me, a yz250 2T is my choice. The last series i raced, I was on an 03 RM250 2 stroke. I finished 3rd in the series with race tech springs only. Everyone else in the class was on a 450. I won 4 out of 8 overalls, 11 of 16 motos. I didnt race 2 races. On a 2003 RM250 2 stroke. Against a bunch of late model 450's. I was the only guy NOT on a 450. 4 years ago, i did the same thing almost, but on a 2006 RM125. Its all about rider preference. If you gel with a 4 stroke, ride it. If you gel with a 2 stroke, ride it. I gel with 2 strokes. But i do love thrashing a yz250f as well. Its a motorcycle and it rips ass on a track
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MotofactioN
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Gloucester, VA US
8/2/2020 3:28pm
My next bike will probably be a YZ250 or a 250sx if my money is right lol.

Currently have an 18 Rmz450 and a 97 Yz125.

I could go for a 250f but I just feel like I would rather have another 2 stroke that’s easier to work on, sounds good, smells good, and pair with my 125 Cool
jeffro503
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St Helens, OR US
8/2/2020 3:31pm
I made the change as well , and was really happy I did. My last new 450 , was a 16' KX450F. I loved the bike , but after 15 years of 4 strokes I needed a change.

Picked up an awesome 2006 RC replica RM 250 and fell in love with it and the sport again. Bought a new Husky 125 and 250 , and come to find out....I was faster on them in longer Moto's , then I was on the 450's.

Bottom line....the 450's wore me out , where my TC 125 and 250 were just Better race bikes for me. Could ride much harder / aggressive , for much longer on both of them , then I ever could a 450. I don't need / want that type of power under me any more , at my age , in long Moto's. Never regretted making that switch back.
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DB505
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8/2/2020 4:15pm
I’ve said this before I Wish yam. Or Kaw would make a 350
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kiwifan
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CA US
8/2/2020 4:25pm
A most of said it really depends on you, riding style, type of tracks, level of racing ability etc.... no doubt about it 2 strokes are fun, I love mine, but am i faster around a track then my 450...no, so happy to stick with my 450 for competitive motocross races
Spudnut
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WA US
8/2/2020 5:01pm
They’re awesome second bikes. Keep that 450 and pick up a 250 2 stroke as a bike to keep it fun when you get tired of one ride the other for a few weeks or whatever
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mattyhamz2
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8/2/2020 6:21pm
Spudnut wrote:
They’re awesome second bikes. Keep that 450 and pick up a 250 2 stroke as a bike to keep it fun when you get tired of...
They’re awesome second bikes. Keep that 450 and pick up a 250 2 stroke as a bike to keep it fun when you get tired of one ride the other for a few weeks or whatever
This!

OP, if you or your son are in the position to keep the 450 and pick up a 2 stroke as well, that really is the way to go. Best of both worlds.
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8/2/2020 6:44pm
Captainc wrote:
Hello guys , just wondering how many of you have gone to 2 stroke from a 450. My sons is wanting to go back on to...
Hello guys , just wondering how many of you have gone to 2 stroke from a 450. My sons is wanting to go back on to a 2 stroke from his yzf450. He’s a big guy so I don’t know if it’s a good idea. Any advice greatly appreciated
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8/2/2020 6:47pm Edited Date/Time 8/2/2020 6:49pm
Mike Alessi wins against all of the 450's, even Chad Reed, if this isn't good enough for 95% of us nothing is!
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8/2/2020 6:52pm Edited Date/Time 8/2/2020 6:56pm
I have had a great experience with ESR, a few have not, but you can buy a used YZ 250 (a 250 is to small) and update it, with an ESR 325, a Rekluse (get the Machined Billet Clutch Basket) and now a Smart Carb!
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