When you buy a new bike, how much modification budget is acceptable/expected?

Completely depends on the bike, what I plan to do with it, my level of riding skill and my desired (if any) class to race in, etc.

If I were buying a bike just to moto down with on practice days, I'd just buy a stock YZ250F and adjust clickers as needed.

Most bikes just need suspension, and handlebars to suit the rider. Maybe your favorite tires once the stockers are worn. The rest of the mods are a waste of money unless you're really fast, or gotta be a cool kid. Don't forget to go up 1 on the rear sprocket.

I put a better front brake system on my RMZ 450 and it’s the perfect bike. $270.00

I think John Short's results have proven you don't need a $1000.00 exhaust system. As he has rode most the series with stock exhaust and only recently got an upgrade.

Interesting. Even though I always buy a slip on, it's by no means because I need it.
But I know going in I'm going to have to get my suspension done. I only weigh 150, so a stock 450 would beat me to death. Thank god for FC. LOL

Suspension set up at a min so there’s a grand if you need springs and a re valve. Couple odds and ends and I expect 1500-2k

Bought my 450FX because I was tired of chasing power mods on 250F's. I just wanted a bike I could leave stock and go ride. Best new bike decision I've had! Note: I did add handguards so $75 modified.

You forgot the:

(...) sky’s the limit, I need to look Factory

Two stroke? Pipe, silencer, suspension and handlebars.

Four stroke? Pretty much the same stuff but maybe just a slip on. Don't care. I want it.

New yz450f. Only mods: Radiator braces, twin air filter and hand guards.

I’m picking up a left over 2019KX450 soon and in this order:

Springs because I’m 225 - 129 because I have the shock spring already
Handel bars and grips - have them already
Organic brake pads because I like the feel - have them already
Revalve if needed after break in and messing with clickers - 500ish?
Chain and sprockets - own already
Then Pro Circuit Ti 6 because I want one but it will certainly be the last thing I do - saving up RM bucks ... probably 800

So say 15-2000 ish

Then oil changes and tires and moto the heck out of it!!!

Best part is I’m a Kawi guy and will just switch everything over when I get the 2020 next year so I’ll amortize it over a couple seasons.

I always say, “this bike I’m going to leave stock and just ride it.” but that never happens. Oh well!

Drop the oil and filter, re grease all the bearings. Go get the Suspension set for your weight, Bars with a bend that's suit your riding style with some fresh grips.
Throw an exhaust on with a set of numbers on the bike and its ready to go.

I find building a bike is part of the fun, sure you don't need any of it but it's a hobby at the end of the day.

I laughed pretty hard at this. Same!

Yes, most mods won’t make you faster, but they will make you have more fun, which I think is the point for most of us.

I voted "$1500+ I know it has some flaws, but I know how to fix 'em and make it work for me", but really my bike was fine. My mods made my bike feel more comfy and inspires confidence.

First things I did for my 19 YZ was add a Rad valve, pipe/spark arrestor, Lectron carb, seat cover,unbreakable levers, hand guards, handle bars, front braided brake line, and a few guards. That's already a decent chunk and I have not even made it yellow yet.

I agree it depends on the bike.
A 250 will get more mods a 450 not so much.

I always hit up Factory Connection first thing before I even ride it and get radiator braces and a skid plate. Also grips and a bearing throttle tube.

I cant count how many people I know that lay over a new bike and get radiator damage.

Suspension is very important and at one point I bit the bullet and bought Ohlins forks and shock which I passed on from new bike to new bike. Maybe the cost works out the same as getting the stock stuff set up each time? Who knows but They do look cool lol

I don't buy that many new bikes- most of mine are used 2-strokes- but the times that I did, I gave the stock stuff a chance. I don't like to spend MORE money and we "just ride".

New:
'04 YZ450F- Q4 silencer, Dubach flywheel weight, SS oil filter, 2 Twin Air filters. Sold at 35 h.

'15 KX-100- Twin Air filter. That's all. Son's 1st real bike so no need to spend a lot on it.

'16 KX250F- Pro Circuit link arms, clutch springs, SS oil filter, 2 Twin Air filters. Sold at 18 h.

'18 KTM 150 XC-W- bought as NOS, $1500 off. Kreft RC suspension ($1400), 1 Twin Air, Cycra handguards, Decal Works custom fender graphics, RK Tech head, TM skid plate, pipe protector, front and rear disc protectors. About $2000 worth of stuff which I had figured on and why I bought the NOS '18 instead of the '19 sitting next to it.

'19 KTM 150 SX- Twin Air filter, custom graphics.

Need is a strong word in regards to aftermarket parts.

I do not do much to my bikes anymore.

Skid plate and a set of hand guards is all my 450 got the first year. Second year it got graphics and carbon frame guards.

My 300 received a lighting kit and basic guards to keep rocks from pummeling expensive brake, suspension, and exhaust components.

I always do the following.....

Exhaust - For better throttle response and Rev’ing and weight savings

Chain and Sprockets - better durability and lighter

ARC Levers - inexpensive and we all tip over

Hinson Clutch & clutch cover - better shifting and durability

Titanium pegs - lighter, wider and better grip

Moto Hose for radiator - way better than OEM.

Roughly 2G’s in parts.

Yz450f - radiator braces rear spring
TC250 - pipe silencer FWW rear spring bars

I always add the following:
a. Rad braces/guards;
b. Renthal Kevlar Grips;
c. Renthal Twinwall bars;
d. Suspension revalve;
e. DID ERT2 Chain; and
f. Twin Air Filter.

I purchased my first KTM and did not replace the chain as it is a higher quality one. The bike also comes with a Twin Air Filter.

2019 CRF250r...grips, chain and sprockets, radiator cap, Evans coolant, seat cover, frame guards/radiator braces and an hour meter. Perfect bike for me. I'm 170, the suspension was perfect stock.

I picked up a 2020 husky 250 a few weeks ago.

About to start the build. I did not buy bars or wheels, swapping those off of my old bike. This is a question that is really personal preference and men have different goals and motivations. For me my utter lack of talent and skill leads me to over compensate...

How much did electric start cost to retrofit? You're surely not saying it's "the perfect bike" without a button?

It'd be nice however I don't "need" e-start.

Maybe on my woods bike.

I'll just pop across the road and ask my neighbor who's daughter races BSB if you all want a shock and put our cheap sport into perspective

I spend more time at work looking at parts and gear I want than I do working.

I’ve not long bought a new KTM350exc. On my last few bikes I’ve replaced all the plastic with a Graffix kit and put all the original plastic away till I sell it, upgraded the springs/revalved and fitted a solid rear disc, wrap around hand guards, radiator guards, disc guard and changed out the standard tyres.
This time on the 350 I also fitted a low seat and I’ve added 10mm higher bar mounts. I’m happy with how it’s set up now. I don’t need a pipe/muffler.