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When I ride a 450, I start to struggle from arm pump at around lap 5 at your typical motocross track. On a 250, It's like arm pump doesnt even exist. I can pound laps in until I am out of breath and then pull off and maybe think, hmm I was starting to get a little arm pump.
Is there something I am doing wrong? I'm pretty strong, 200lbs 6"3, it's not like I can't handle the weight of a 450. I rode a friends YZ250F this last weekend and must've went 10+ laps and my arms didn't bother me at all, but riding my RMZ450 and friends FC450, arms start getting bad and I have to slow down around lap 5. Is it the torque, pulling me off the bike? I'm seriously going to get a 250F in a couple months and sell the 450 due to this. Tired of battling it.
Is there something I am doing wrong? I'm pretty strong, 200lbs 6"3, it's not like I can't handle the weight of a 450. I rode a friends YZ250F this last weekend and must've went 10+ laps and my arms didn't bother me at all, but riding my RMZ450 and friends FC450, arms start getting bad and I have to slow down around lap 5. Is it the torque, pulling me off the bike? I'm seriously going to get a 250F in a couple months and sell the 450 due to this. Tired of battling it.
6'1" 195 lbs in OKish shape right now. Aiming for 185 and focusing on better technique.
Only tip I can provide as a slow old guy is to grip with legs more and stay on your toes... I know, world shattering advice!
Suspension setup?
Your RMZ compared to the Yam is going to be a lot more feedback coming into the bars/chassis. I noticed going from my Honda 250 to the Yamaha 250, the suspension and chassis absorbed more of the energy. Which was more comfortable and I could relax more. The Suzuki frame turns so good because of the stiff frame, where the Yamaha frame is softer and doesn't turn as good as the RMZ/CRF.
Also the 450 engine weight and power is harder to "man handle" and force around the track. The YZ250F I have, even revved to the limiter I can still turn well enough and its easier to stop. And im not super strong. Lean 155lbs 5'9 athletic build. Ill probably be a small bore guy forever. The KTM 350 would be as big as I would ever go. Feels like what I imagine a nice race 250 would be like.
We all have the same issue on the big bike, the G forces under acceleration on a 450 are hard to deal with, thats why Jett is using Steg Pegz on his 450 practice bike.
The Shop
Are you only getting tired and getting arm pump when riding MX or do you get it from single track too? My guess is, its only MX. If that's the case, I would just mellow out a bigger bore engine bike as opposed to going down to the 250F and wringing the piss out of it Bam Bam style. Just my $0.02.
Only freaks of nature can show up as a once a week rider and pound extensive laps on a 450 at pace.
The only way out is through with a 450. Either ride it as much as you can or sell it because being an in betweener is going to piss you off as it already is.
Often at practice tracks or even local am races, even the guys who are really moving are still on 250s / 350s.
The problem here is the OP’s technique is okay for a 250 but not good enough a 450.
For most amateur racing it’s not a fitness things, it’s just the riders haven’t developed the throttle control.
450’s need to be ridden a certain way, short shift, smoother riding in general.
Unless you are racing against 450s in an open class or vet class. A 250 is plenty. If you want more, get the 350.
But, as @dancolvin633 said, a 250F is one of the best decisions I ever made in terms of riding, too. In tight stuff, nothing beats it. The flickability is awesome and the power is quite good. I am looking for a bit more grunt currently, so I am converting my 2016 YZ250F to a big bore (270cc Cylinder Works paired with GYTR head, Hot Cams cams, Vortex ignition, large volume GYTR airbox, Twin Air Powerflow intake, Lightspeed carbon fiber velocity stack). If you are curious about this big-bore setup, look me up later this summer.
Summary:
Modern 250Fs are impressive. You won't be disappointed ... but the 350 really seems to be the ideal solution, IMO.
Pit Row
I’ve been a 450 guy for a decade and a half…and I’ve pretty talked myself into getting a 250f for my next bike…but I worry I’ll miss the power.
I’m 6’, 185 lbs…vet A rider (mid pack locally). Actually, I’m technically a “Senior A” rider now…since I’m over 40…but I’ll usually be 1st or 2nd in that class…mid pack with the over 30 guys…but saying “senior” while talking about myself doesn’t sit right with me. Lol
I’m 37 years old 6’1” 180 pounds and would consider myself a Vet B rider (who doesn’t race anymore.)
In the sand or a rough MX track I'll take the small bore bike .
When I look at going to a 250, one of my worries is I’ll have to ride it harder to go the same speed as I go on my 450 that I’ll tire myself out quickly.
If you’re used to lugging the bike and only riding a track in 3rd gear, you’ll have to adjust your riding style for sure. Which I don’t see as a bad thing. But others may feel differently.
Tiny inputs on 250s are less feedback. It adds up.
Let alone the large inputs.
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