HELP! 250f or 450f??

The people you speak to talk rubbish.

I use to race a cr 250 once a week. Yes i had to do abit of fitness in the week but that's it. Once your riding fitness is there , it's fine.

450's are easy to ride. Get whatever takes your fancy.

I prefer the 450's. They are like butter.

new fuel injected 450s are like cheating...easy to ride, not too powerful

Everybody says 450s are "easy." I have not found that to be the case. These bikes take a good deal of upper body strength. With the engine braking and power output, they can be a handful. And the added weight makes for a bike that can beat you up.
If you ride smaller/tighter tracks, the 250F will make your life easier. If you like a bike you can throw around, don't get a 450.

450.

The KTM 350SXF will be just right.

Neither.... Treat yourself to a real dirtbike.

Let me translate: Buy a 250 two stroke from Yamaha or KTM. I would go with the KTM. If you are buying new they are your only two choices unless Kawasaki or Suzuki are still importing two strokes to Chile. If you are buying used the YZ's are good from current back to 2005. The RM's are good back to 2005 as well. The Kawasaki sucks all the way around regardless of what year you buy, (JMO ) The KTM's are good back to 2007 and okay back to 2005. Do not buy a KTM older than 2005. They had serious handling issues but the 2005 and 2006 bikes are good while the 2007 2008 and 2009 2010 bikes are stellar.

For someone like myself who always liked 125's but always wanted a little more out of them the 250F was the perfect bike. That is until it scattered the engine. 2 grand later it was back together with a 280cc kit since the cylinder had to be worked. Fun bike but it's rather boring to ride. I have no use for a 450 and even a modern 250 2 stroke doesn't really do too much for me. Now the KTM150.....we're talking a lightweight 125 on major steroids. Most fun bike on the planet. Love to listen to it sing. Never a dull moment either.

Get whatever bike you think suits your riding style, you're the one that has to live with it.

'77 Bultaco 250 will be right on time.

There has been several test with actual timed results in several different magazines, all with the same result. The average rider always pulls a faster time on the 250's and the A and Pro riders are faster on the 450's. I love my 450 because I am 37 years old, but I still enjoy jumping on my sons 250, it is much more fun to throw around, just a little under powered out of the corners for my weight (190 lbs).

Get the 250, you will enjoy it more.

I like the 450's because they are "killers"........I do not want to ride safe motorcycles. No such thing as a "safe" motocross bike , so get what you feel comfortable with.

I'm with MotoEastMag, 250f for tight tracks, small jumps, or really rough stuff. It won't wear you out like a big bike can. And as far as dangerous, both are, gotta ride with in your talent limitations. I'm 52 ride small tracks, and play in tight woods, the 250F is the only way to go. I'm a Yamaha fan, I ride hard and play tough on it all the time. I always give it good maintance, and it will go and go and go, 157 hours on this overhaul. gonna go thru it at 160. These new bikes are really something else. I'd say go for the 250,(If your not some sort of giant or someone huge) less out lay, more fun for the buck. Still get to have the rev factor in your hand. My 2007 YZ250F has been a great steed.
Whatever your decision, just keep riding!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I like to shred gnar on my 450. With that said, I recommend a 450.

Seriously get the 150 ktm if you can find a dealer that has one in stock. I hear because of how much fun they are it's tough to find a dealer with one in stock. If (and that's a big if with my health issues) I get a bike again it will be a 125 or a 150. In 2008 when I started racing again I bought a 250f and it was by far the most boring bike I have ever owned. I did well on it as far as the racing went but seriously for some reason it wasn't fun at all to ride. As far as the 450's go it's just too much bike IMO. I'm a 170lbs soaking wet and what I remember from the few times I rode a 450 was I was being ridden not me riding the bike.