First Time Bike Buyer: 250f vs 450

Swaguley
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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
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wrc777
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7/15/2020 5:50am
2018 or newer used RMZ450. Used ones are cheap and there are a few out there with low hours. Has good low end power but not quite as crazy on top as a Honda or Yamaha. Also known for good steering and thin. It is not light but apparently you can shave 2 lbs off by ditching the stock rear tire for a Dunlop/Michelin/Pirelli and the other Japan bikes are not much lighter at that point.

What about a KTM/Husky 350?
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yz133rider
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7/15/2020 5:50am
With your low rpm preference Go with a Yz250f or even an rmz250. If you go rmz you’ll likely have money left over for suspension work.

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!!
7/15/2020 5:51am
Of the two options, I'd say go 250F. At a beginner/intermediate skill level, the 250F is going to be more than enough. Before my 250T, I rode 250F's for 14 years, always at the C-class skill level. Once I got a 450, I hated how much power it had... had to lug it around everywhere and it just wasn't fun. Half the fun for me is screaming a bike around the track, and I couldn't really "scream" the 450 around without feeling like I was riding at speeds above my skill level.

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.
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Swaguley
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7/15/2020 5:58am
wrc777 wrote:
2018 or newer used RMZ450. Used ones are cheap and there are a few out there with low hours. Has good low end power but not...
2018 or newer used RMZ450. Used ones are cheap and there are a few out there with low hours. Has good low end power but not quite as crazy on top as a Honda or Yamaha. Also known for good steering and thin. It is not light but apparently you can shave 2 lbs off by ditching the stock rear tire for a Dunlop/Michelin/Pirelli and the other Japan bikes are not much lighter at that point.

What about a KTM/Husky 350?
I haven't given much thought about a 350. I think I mainly steered away from it because the Husky and KTM are often a couple grand more than the Japanese bikes. Maybe it's better in the long run?

The Shop

dedi684
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7/15/2020 6:17am Edited Date/Time 7/15/2020 6:18am
After 15+ years on 250 2 strokes im thinking of trying a 250f. Ive been able to demo all the ktms a few times and for me at 150 pounds a 450 is too much. 350 might suit you well but ive heard good things about the yz 250f.
WowWowWubzy
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7/15/2020 6:17am
Think about what type of track you are going to be riding. With a smaller, tight track you won't see 3rd gear on a 450. 250f should be more than enough.
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resetjet
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7/15/2020 6:25am
The major difference is you will be able to ride the 250 hard and do things you cant on a 450. The 450 you have to milk it alot of the time. You will get better faster. Then as experience comes you can move if you feel the need. Be sure to get the yz....best in class.
str8line
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7/15/2020 7:14am
A 250 feels so much lighter than a 450, that will allow you to ride with more confidence.
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str8line
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7/15/2020 7:16am
Also, make sure you don't fill up your gas tank depending on the type of riding you're doing... too much weight. Just go with a 1/4 tank and add as necessary.
mister2dt
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7/15/2020 7:19am
When i had my YZ250f, a 16 model, i was 220 and that bike ripped. It was bone stock aside from notoil filters. It had plenty of power to carry me at 220 over any jump on any track. The last CRF250 i rode was an 18 model, it was plenty capable as well. It didnt have the ooomph of the YZ, but it had what i needed to ride confidently. Havent ridden the 20 model CRF, but i know the YZ has everything you need off the showroom floor
yz133rider
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7/15/2020 7:30am
wrc777 wrote:
2018 or newer used RMZ450. Used ones are cheap and there are a few out there with low hours. Has good low end power but not...
2018 or newer used RMZ450. Used ones are cheap and there are a few out there with low hours. Has good low end power but not quite as crazy on top as a Honda or Yamaha. Also known for good steering and thin. It is not light but apparently you can shave 2 lbs off by ditching the stock rear tire for a Dunlop/Michelin/Pirelli and the other Japan bikes are not much lighter at that point.

What about a KTM/Husky 350?
Swaguley wrote:
I haven't given much thought about a 350. I think I mainly steered away from it because the Husky and KTM are often a couple grand...
I haven't given much thought about a 350. I think I mainly steered away from it because the Husky and KTM are often a couple grand more than the Japanese bikes. Maybe it's better in the long run?
The ktm and husky hold their values so well that they often cost less to own when you factor in what your able to sell them for. So it’s a wash besides the initial upfront “hurt.”
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7/15/2020 7:32am
Swaguley wrote:
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...
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 had the same debate about 5 years back. Came off 125s and was given the same advice about 450s, you'll never be wishing you had more power. So I bought a 450. No jump was too big and a could screw up a corner, hold it wide, and make up time. However, I was constantly more winded just fighting the inertia of that big engine. Not to mention I had a few ER visits. You feel like a hero with all that 450 torque. So I traded in for a 250 and thought Id try it. Been riding 250s ever since. I can ride for longer and the bike is so much easier to put where I want it. 450s are so much bike for the average rider. The modern 250s are pretty dang strong and with some airbox mods, pipe, and ecu they can feel pretty snorty.
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gjbruny
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7/15/2020 8:13am
wrc777 wrote:
2018 or newer used RMZ450. Used ones are cheap and there are a few out there with low hours. Has good low end power but not...
2018 or newer used RMZ450. Used ones are cheap and there are a few out there with low hours. Has good low end power but not quite as crazy on top as a Honda or Yamaha. Also known for good steering and thin. It is not light but apparently you can shave 2 lbs off by ditching the stock rear tire for a Dunlop/Michelin/Pirelli and the other Japan bikes are not much lighter at that point.

What about a KTM/Husky 350?
Swaguley wrote:
I haven't given much thought about a 350. I think I mainly steered away from it because the Husky and KTM are often a couple grand...
I haven't given much thought about a 350. I think I mainly steered away from it because the Husky and KTM are often a couple grand more than the Japanese bikes. Maybe it's better in the long run?
yz133rider wrote:
The ktm and husky hold their values so well that they often cost less to own when you factor in what your able to sell them...
The ktm and husky hold their values so well that they often cost less to own when you factor in what your able to sell them for. So it’s a wash besides the initial upfront “hurt.”
That and they arent a couple grand more... especially since u said u might be looking at ‘21s. 5-700 more depending on the color.

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.
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CarlinoJoeVideo
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7/15/2020 12:34pm
I think you’d be great on a Yz250f. It has so much bottom end. Plenty for your size.

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.
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seth505
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7/15/2020 12:40pm
The less beginners on 450s around me the happier I am. I think you'd have a lot of fun on a 250f without it riding you (like Joe mentioned).
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7/16/2020 7:44am Edited Date/Time 7/16/2020 7:46am
I have had all the bikes over my 25ish years of riding. im same weight and think if your NOT racing or NOT thinking you want to IMPROVE your skills > having fun etc then get a 450. I have had a lot of both and recently sold the big bikes and went to small and if your skilled enough to hold the throttle to the stop the new bikes will wheelie all the way thru 2nd gear and sometimes all the way thru 3rd gear depending on traction. once the bikes wheeling you could have 200hp and it wouldn't accelerate any faster...

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.
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yz133rider
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7/16/2020 8:05am
180lbs isn’t even remotely too heavy for a 250f. It might be a slight disadvantage uphills in deep sand in the pro class, but for a beginner it isn’t remotely close to too heavy.

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nytsmaC
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7/16/2020 1:10pm
250f, this is a no brainer. This isn’t 2005.
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7/16/2020 2:53pm
If you are riding a 125 and prefer the lower rpms Get the 250f. The 450 is a super big jump from a 125.
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Lowlander
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7/16/2020 4:47pm
250f all the way.

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.
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Nellie12
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7/16/2020 7:33pm
nytsmaC wrote:
250f, this is a no brainer. This isn’t 2005.
This should be the end of this thread. Smile
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c0ncEpT
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7/17/2020 5:21am Edited Date/Time 7/17/2020 5:22am
YZ250F - Most bottom end of any 250 by far. Amazing suspension and stable chassis. It's the most popular amateur MX bike for a reason.
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mxryan25
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7/17/2020 5:28am
250f, even top pros are on record saying a 450 is just too much, surely it’s too much for a beginner. The reliability factor is great but if you aren’t bouncing a 250f off the rev limiter they are plenty reliable and will go a long time
Spudnut
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7/17/2020 6:15am
No ones going to suggest a Tc/sx250 With a 300 kit on it?
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7/17/2020 6:17am
c0ncEpT wrote:
YZ250F - Most bottom end of any 250 by far. Amazing suspension and stable chassis. It's the most popular amateur MX bike for a reason.
Technically, by the numbers, the Yamaha actually has the lowest peak torque of all the manufactures in 2020 at 18.53 ft/lbs. KTM/Husky with the top at 19.3 ft/lbs. Butt dyno may feel different. 100% agree on the other points. Suspension is as good as it gets for a stock machine and chassis feel is great.
yz133rider
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7/17/2020 6:33am
Spudnut wrote:
No ones going to suggest a Tc/sx250 With a 300 kit on it?
For a legit beginner a 250f is more than enough bike, a snappy 50hp 210lb 250 2 stroke doesn’t strike me as the ideal beginner bike.
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Teej317
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7/17/2020 6:40am
Don't neglect 250 two stroke...it will never have as much low end grunt as a 4 stroke but for your skill level it will be enough. Not to mention you'll be having a lot more fun out there, and the skills will be sharpened. My physical profile is about the same as you....I went from 250f to 250 two stroke to 450....sold the 450 and now back on a 2 smoker.
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Agent717
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Cedar Park, TX US
7/17/2020 7:04am
I rode 450's for a long time, felt like I was losing my intensity so I picked up a YZ250F. Loved that bike. Built up my speed, intensity, and confidence then I picked up a Husky 350. Rode that for a couple years and now I'm looking for a 450 again.

I'd go with a YZ250F.
c0ncEpT
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7/17/2020 7:07am
c0ncEpT wrote:
YZ250F - Most bottom end of any 250 by far. Amazing suspension and stable chassis. It's the most popular amateur MX bike for a reason.
Technically, by the numbers, the Yamaha actually has the lowest peak torque of all the manufactures in 2020 at 18.53 ft/lbs. KTM/Husky with the top at...
Technically, by the numbers, the Yamaha actually has the lowest peak torque of all the manufactures in 2020 at 18.53 ft/lbs. KTM/Husky with the top at 19.3 ft/lbs. Butt dyno may feel different. 100% agree on the other points. Suspension is as good as it gets for a stock machine and chassis feel is great.
Its a good thing you don't ride a dyno. You ride the motorcycle Smile

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.
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