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7/15/2020
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Provo, UT
US
Swaguley
7/15/2020 5:42am
7/15/2020 5:42am
Edited Date/Time
8/29/2020 9:42am
Hey guys,
I'm 23 years old, 5'10" 180 lbs. Skill level is beginner/intermediate.
After years of having to ride an old YZ125 I'm now in a financial position where I can buy myself a new bike. I'm trying to decide between getting a 250f or a 450; I'm sure this has been hashed out on vital a thousand times.
As a rider, I notice I like keeping the RPMs lower, and having the torque there when I want it. I also like to steer with the front of the bike. I have no idea if I prefer a rigid frame or not. I do like having a thinner bike, and I would assume a lighter bike would be preferable for me. I've done quite a bit of research about the CRF250 and YZ250F, as I've been thinking about getting a 250 instead of a 450 just based off of my riding level and ability to handle one. I don't really plan on entering any organized races for a while until I feel like my riding ability is ready.
For 250s, I've been leaning towards either a 20' CRF250 or a '20, maybe 21' YZ250F. I understand that for my weight, I might be a little too much for a 250 unless I go for a Yamaha with it's engine character. My only concern with getting a 250 is that I'll end up wanting more power as my riding improves. I know that you normally have to scream a 250 to enjoy it the most, and I have never been one to make an engine scream for one reason or another.
For a 450, I keep getting told to get one because it is more future proof, I would never be asking for more power. Also that in time I would adjust to how powerful a 450 is. I would most likely be looking at CRF450, possibly even the 2021.
Tell me what to do, lol
I'm 23 years old, 5'10" 180 lbs. Skill level is beginner/intermediate.
After years of having to ride an old YZ125 I'm now in a financial position where I can buy myself a new bike. I'm trying to decide between getting a 250f or a 450; I'm sure this has been hashed out on vital a thousand times.
As a rider, I notice I like keeping the RPMs lower, and having the torque there when I want it. I also like to steer with the front of the bike. I have no idea if I prefer a rigid frame or not. I do like having a thinner bike, and I would assume a lighter bike would be preferable for me. I've done quite a bit of research about the CRF250 and YZ250F, as I've been thinking about getting a 250 instead of a 450 just based off of my riding level and ability to handle one. I don't really plan on entering any organized races for a while until I feel like my riding ability is ready.
For 250s, I've been leaning towards either a 20' CRF250 or a '20, maybe 21' YZ250F. I understand that for my weight, I might be a little too much for a 250 unless I go for a Yamaha with it's engine character. My only concern with getting a 250 is that I'll end up wanting more power as my riding improves. I know that you normally have to scream a 250 to enjoy it the most, and I have never been one to make an engine scream for one reason or another.
For a 450, I keep getting told to get one because it is more future proof, I would never be asking for more power. Also that in time I would adjust to how powerful a 450 is. I would most likely be looking at CRF450, possibly even the 2021.
Tell me what to do, lol
What about a KTM/Husky 350?
Either will suit your low rpm style well and I strongly recommend a 250f over a 450 at your level, for at least a year or two or longer.
On a 450 everything’s great, until it isn’t. Things just happen quickly and combined with the power and weight when it steps out it generally does so with a lot of energy.
A 250f can step out and it’s nearly uneventful many times. Hope that makes sense.
Get either 250f set the sag and go burn some fuel. Maybe toss on a better chain before riding as the stock ones stretch so quickly other than that go have fun!!
Obviously, this is just one opinion. 450's will last longer than a 250F, I just didn't have nearly as much fun on one.
The Shop
A 450 would be my last choice for you. For a 250f id go the Yamaha route since you like to lug, also stock suspension is very good as is the handling. Also a 350 is a good option as mentioned above. Better bottom end than any 250. Very easy to ride, widest spread of power of any bike ive ever ridden and if u hold the throttle open long enough, u wont say that you need more power. 350s make serious power up top.
CRF250 is super fun but you need to scream it a bit more like your 125. Definitely more bottom end than your 125 but not as much as the YZF.
The reason I don’t suggest a 450 is because at your ability it’s going to be harder for you to tame the bike. You’ll spend more time trying to not let the bike ride you. A 250 you can use the bike more to it’s max.
the 450 You'll never have to rebuild it or touch it. If your riding sand tracks or higher speed tracks then deff get a big bore big. if your riding ANY woods at all and in 1st or 2nd gear stuff a lot then get a 250f.
Pit Row
YZF/CRF/KTM/HUS. Any of them are great bikes and don't need much if any work to be competitive at intermediate level.
As for the lugability so to speak at the lower RPM's. A simple 1 tooth on the rear or 2 will sort that out and give you 2 gear options for every corner.
All of them are capable of pulling 3rd in a 2nd gear turn. Just struggle a bit when things get deep and heavy.
I am a KTM/HUS man. But if your looking for the bike with the least to spend. runout deal on a YZF. Use the spare leftover money to keep the bike fresh and go to a few riding schools.
I'd go with a YZ250F.
YZ250F FEELS like it has the most bottom end of any 250F. It's not even close in comparison. Most people that ride one describe it as feeling like a mini 450 off the bottom.
Post a reply to: First Time Bike Buyer: 250f vs 450