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6/23/2021
Location
Parker, CO
US
Edited Date/Time
6/23/2021 11:39pm
When is the correct time to move up from a 250 to a 450, I’ve been riding for about a a year and a half on my 250 2 stroke but I want a 4 stroke, When should I move up to a 450 or should I just go to a 250 4 stroke
I weigh 165 and I’m 6’0
I weigh 165 and I’m 6’0
Which always makes the "what bike should I buy" a conundrum, because if you have to ask, then you don't know what you want, and if you don't know what you want, then none of us could possibly know what you want, which always seems to translate the question into a "WATS A KEWL BIKE U WANT" popularity contest, which is a terrible conversation for someone asking the question.
So, if you don't know what you want, then from me, the answer is always the same -> 250F, because it's a pretty safe choice for a newer rider and I don't want you out there whiskey'ing a 450 off something big and never riding again. I'd rather you were out there having fun and getting seat time and gaining skill, so that the next time you have this same question, you wouldn't even want to ask us idiots here on the interwebs.
The Shop
Sorry to bag on you, but I can't imagine looping out on a 2 stroke and then think "it's ok, 450 will be easier".
Learning and getting a fast on a 2 stroke will make you a much better and SAFER rider on a 450.
Anyway, to answer the OP, if you feel you have good control over your bike and your technique is sound, get a 450. It will be "easier" to go faster...
I'd ride that 2 stroke for awhile longer though since you have only been at it 18 months.
I am no pro by any means but know my way around an MX track. I went from a KTM 250 2 stroke to a 250 four stroke, to a 450, and now looking to go back to a 250 4 stroke as it was the most fun to ride and I feel faster on a 250 four stroke.
http://pulpmx.com/2019/09/30/250-vs-350-vs-450-how-do-you-choose/
Specifically when it comes to wheelies though, the 2 stroke engine is simply tougher to balance because the power is much more unpredictable and there is a mid/top end hit that the 4 stroke doesn't have. When you're already at balance point and you're up-shifting during a wheelie, it doesn't take much to put you past balance point. There is no amount of clutch modulation or braking that is going to save you when the top end suddenly hits and throw you off the back of the bike. If you can't imagine why the 2 stroke might be more difficult to wheelie as a result of this, then I'm not sure what to tell you.
To all the commenters on here: the OP has been riding a 250 smoker for a year and a half... that thing would have killed him by now if he wasn't a good enough rider for a 450. The 2-stroke is nearly as powerful and only half as predictable.
Pit Row
OP is at altitude though so I would expect that to help tame down the 450 a little and a 250 thumper will probably feel pretty winded unless it has had some engine work done to it. I would expect a 350 to feel about the same at altitude as a 250 at sea level.
OP not really sure theres any one correct answer to your question though. I spent 10 years on a 250F before moving to a 350. The easy answer is whenever you feel you're ready for it. Before you make that decision though see if you can hit up a demo day or see if you can get your hands on one for a few practice rounds.That be the best way.
IMO, where folks get into trouble on a 450 is to ride it like a 250 2-stroke (gun and run, rowing the gearbox, etc). They share far more with a 500 2-stroke in terms of short-shifting and riding the torque vs RPM. 250 2-strokes (unless set up for woods with a heavy flywheel etc) can only be described as spastic.
Where people get into trouble on a 450 is not having fundamental techniques down to control their bike properly and instinctively know what to do when they start to get a little out of shape.
Also, the Keefer article (from pulp) linked above kind of says it best. You need to be in shape and on your game to ride a 450 properly (for more than a few laps).
Edit: Also, spastic? The KTM 250 2 strokes certainly have more of a mid range hit then fall on top. The YZ is super broad and easy to ride, with a long top end. I wouldn't call either spastic. Power valves have been around a very long time.
And as far as being in shape, a 2 stroke is much more demanding to ride fast. If it wasn't then all the pros would be on them.
Do you ride a 450 made within the last 5 years? They are excellent vet bikes. Im not sure why they have such a fanboy hatred following. Did a 450 touch you inappropriately when you were a child?
A 2 stroke demands more skill, yes. Edit: Of course pros will race a faster and more advanced bike. Whats your point?
I'm buying a '22 CRF 450. I owned a RMZ years ago. So, wtf are you going on about? Where did I say 450s were bad? They're bad in the hands of people who lack the skill/technique to ride them. If you're looping out and casing jumps on a 250 2 stroke you have no business being on a 450. Period.
But please, tell us more about how no amount of skill/technique will save you from looping out like a spode.
But beyond that, you don't even own a 450 and you're giving advice on it. I own 2 450s and a 250 2t all made within the last 5 years.
And yea I'm looping out wheelies and casing jumps so what? You're gonna crash if you're pushing yourself. I guess you're the one rider thats never cased a jump or crashed. Kudos bro. You gonna shit on James Stewart too because he crashes and you dont?
But please continue to give your advice on a bike you don't even own. "Bro I heard from kefer that these 450s are too powerful" lmao
My advice was 2 fold... A 2 stroke will make you a better rider because it forces you to learn some valuable techniques. The other part was telling the OP to get a 450 if he feels up to it.
Have a nice day.
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