OK kids here's the deal.

Trying to talk somebody into the right bike. I'll admit I am not the foremost authority but I've been trying to learn and I certainly surf this site, and read TWMX plenty.

Here's the thing - the bike is for a guy, about 200 lbs, 5'11

He doesn't ride a lot in the dunes, but still wants to know a bike can get him around when he does go out.

Prefers riding more hardpack stuff, and loves tracks.

I vote that 250 four-stroke is better. He's convinced bigger is better and wants to jump on the 450. However I know I've heard that 450 will wear someone out real quick on a track, and the 250 is a better track bike.

So I'm opening it up to discussion, hoping that maybe hearing it from more than me might help

Why not a a kx, cr or yz250? Those things fly when the powerband hits!

Does he like to go fast? I'm not an expert but if he's just toolin' around a 250 should be fine on trails, hardpack, and track. However if he wants to go fast he should get the 450. The 250 will be SEVERELY underpowered in the dunes with a 200 pounder on it, and would probably shorten it's life expactancy. (the bike, not the guy)

My .02 (adjusted for inflation my .0084)

I shoulda known the 2-strokes riders would sneak in here! Not denying that those are bad bikes, Tony and I both have 2-strokes. And maybe he will be persuaded but right now he's looking at the Four-stroke bikes.

Besides Chummin has a reaaly nice 250 for a great price!

Let's put it this way - he makes it out to the Dunes maybe 4x a year, and is out on hard-pack/tracks every other weekend. Currently riding a 2-stroke but he wants to move over to the 4-stroke world. I guess that's why I leaned more towards the 250. 450 if he was out all the time at the Dunes, but since his mostly riding hardpack/tracks I felt the 250 was better.

Good input there - I'm all ears.

And yes - he likes to go fast.

Don't I know it! It's ludricous that hasn't sold yet. Believe me I'm drooling over For Sale bikes right now and that is a DARN GOOD DEAL!

I have dogs that seem to sense I have extra cash sitting around to go to a newer bike, and they immediately find something to break, or some surgery they need!

Go with the 450... if it "wears him out" he'll adapt and get better or more fit... something to grow into vs. grow out of ...and it'll dune fine whereas the 250 four stroke will be dissapointingly underpowered for his size.

That's a tough call girl. On the one hand, the 250 will be funner and probobly faster on tighter tracks because it is easy to throw around. On the other hand, the 250F will be way undersprung for him (Set up for a lighter rider 160-180 I think), down on power in the dunes, and the motor will be over stressed and not last as long as a 450.

The 450 will work just fine on a track and is set up for a bit heavier rider (180lbs). The engine can be lugged and still make enough power to pull him out of the corners. Can be ridden a gear high to get better traction. Rules over the 250 in the dunes or hill climbs. The engine will be understressed and last for a good 3-4 years before needing a top end if maintained. The only downsides I see are a bit more weight and higher initial cost.

I am a horsepower junkie and would choose the 450 in a heartbeat. It sounds like he already has his heart set on the 450 also. Are you buying it for him?

HA! Not until I get a new bike first! At least his bike fits him, just has to keep it maintained. I get a new bike first.

I was trying to leave out that it was a fight between Tony and I in order to not get too biased. You know me too well.

I have been proved wrong however by everyone's posts so far. Oooh well, I guess I will have to accept defeat.

According to Hozay it will only make him more fit - can't complain about that!

LOL, you'll did the new muscles. Just be aware he's gonna need some back rubs after his first couple of track sessions.

This sounds like you. He wants a bigger bike that what he may be ready for. In your case I would say your not ready for the bigger bike but for him I would recomend the bigger bike.

Why not a KX or YZ? Because they and 2 strokes are for s....

Just looking at the Hondas

CRF250R weighs 227 CRF450R weighs 238

There are some minor differences in the frame and suspension...but I'm talking minor...the biggest difference is the 250 has one more inch of ground clearance.

I love my 450. I mainly ride at Glamis but I take it trail riding and to the track. It runs like a dream no matter where I take it and I wouldn't own anything else.

Owning a 450 is all about throttle control. I've never met anyone with a 450 that didn't love it.

Just remember...you can make a fast bike slow...but you can't make a slow bike fast.

Get the 450. With either bike there will be some coast involved to set it up right for him...might as well do it to a bike that he can grow into, rather than grow out of.

Then with his weight...if he's a serious rider, at 200+ pounds, he'll need to have new springs put in it and have it adjusted for him. Also...I'd HIGHLY recommend a steering stabilizer. I put one on my new bike this season...I'll never ride without one.

A 450 fo show

I know he's looking for a 4 stroke so I would go with the 450 if I were him.

Mac, as for the 2 strokes being for s I'd put my kx500 up against your 450 ANYDAY!

If he buys a new one it will already have it.

I've got a couple of friends with 250 four strokes. Those thing are a total pain in the ass in my opinion. It seems like they always seem to have a hard time starting at some point during a weekend. The 450s don't have to be wound out as much which seems to extend the time between valve adjustments. The main thing is your friends weight. 200lbs is way to heavy for a 250f in the sand.
I've got a yz250 2 stroke I bring with me that starts within 2 kicks every time, and its green stickered.

You sure seem to have alot of gay references in most of your posts. You got something on your mind you'd like to come out with?????

You just now figured out that Mac is gay???

And his shouts.

My theory: He's secretly promoting the rainbow flag. He's hoping somebody bites... errr... nibbles... errr... did that come out right?

I didn't say that ! I'm just saying ....

It’s alright.
He already came out of the closet.
There is pictures of him on here of him making love to a cozie after he got shot down by some guy.

I just love poking fun at you 2 stroke guys...you always take it so personal.

Brad...as far as the new '08 with the stabilizer...does that really work that well? I went ahead and bought a '07 and saved the money and bought a Scotts which is obviously a better stabilizer and I still came out ahead $$$.

I'd still put my kx500 against yours anyday. Especially when I get the extended swingarm installed.

I'm in...

You can't go back in the closet once you come out.

I don't care if you prefer dudes. Just don't hit on me. I'll have somebody follow me so you don't try the ol' "I ran out of gas" trick.

I have a desert tank so DON'T YOU try it...

I carry gas in my backpack. Hope I never catch on fire.

Allright fools, keep the thread on track.

And I'll put my little CR250 up against your big bad kx500 any day rubberluvver.

childs play guy.... You have the 500af or whatever it is. I'd still put my money on the kx.

Get back on topic you moofer!!!! (although I think it's answered already) Go with the 450.

I thought you said you were giving up the internet because you were disgusted...There goes my shot at being a mod again!




Back to the thread...bashing 2 strokes...praising 450s...

Mac, it's ok. I'll make you a drink on the top of olds. I'll have plenty of time to make it.

450r for sure, track or Glamis

Yz450F is 218lbs... I weigh 170, 5'9.. Bike is exactly what I wanted, for mx and sand. Currently looking for the right combo of tires, stock ones are a bit on the small side.

My friend cory has a YZ250 2-stroke and It will run with 450's up olds and sometimes win. he rides el mirage, ocotillo wells, and glamis. id say he's 180 and the same height as your friend. i think 250 4-stroke in the dunes, unless your light they are little more difficult to dune, they just dont have the torque for a larger guy. its like trying to dune a 125

When are you going to learn Tony is right and your wrong. The only problem I see with a 450 and Tony is cost to repair that boy is ruff on his toy's. He could break a anvil in a sandbow with a rubber hammer.

Tony is right more often than me when it comes to dirtbikes.....but I'm always right when it comes to anything else

They actually work really well.
We have been racing with them for the past 4 or so years.
When they did the magazine test they had them ride them with the stabilizer and then took it off and had them ride without it. Everyone said the bike worked way better with it and couldn’t believe the difference.

I am currently riding a YFZ450 and was looking to buy my first bike. I am almost the exact same size, 5"11 185. It will be used mainly for dune riding.

My only concern is that this is my first bike and and figured a YZ250 would work, but after reading this thread should I really be leaning towards a 450?





I guess my first quad was a 450 why not my first bike?

FIB, depends alot on if you will be riding glamis mostly or not. I would stick with a 250 two stroke for you if you were into track and hardpack desert but if you only ride sand, get the big thumper.

Right now I am living in IL, I should be relocated to socal before year end. I would buy it mainly for dunes and the occasional trip elsewhere. I have no interest in the track as that will only lead to pain and misery for this old man!

Since this would be my first bike, any other recommendations or suggestions? Should I be looking at the Yamaha WR450 or the 450Mx. I am so confused.


Thanks.

Any of the 450 two wheelers would be your best bet I think. They are very powerfull but also easily controllable. I am a yamaha guy, even though I don't currently own one, and would look hard at the YZ450F. The enduros with lights are nice to have but usually have less power and are heavier. Don't go with a 250 two stroke if you will be doing lots of dunes.

If he gets a 250F he will wear the bike out alot quicker. The bike will struggle alot with his weight and he will be floored out most of the time, especially if he went out to the dunes. He will be faster on a track and will last longer though because those bikes are alot easier to hang on to.

If he gets a 450F, the bike will rarely see WOT unless he is a pro. It will last him a lifetime and it will be a better "all-around" buy. The 450Fs are very close to the same price (new) also.

I suggest having your friend hit the gym for some cardio and he will be fine everywhere he chooses to ride. Or, buy two older bikes so he can have the best of both worlds.

id say a 450, but add a one tooth larger countershaft sprocket to mellow it out, then when hes wanting more low end put the stock back on. also a honda will have a more abrupt power then a yamaha 450 mx wise. a 250f makes you feel like a champ on the track, but require alot of upkeep, id never buy a used 250f unless barely got ridden, or ride one in the sand, at least a 125 is fairly cheap to rebuild, a 250f no thanks.

Huh - that's good info to know.

I like the suggestion on the countershaft sprocket. he's a Honda man so I'm sure he'll stick with the red bikes.

Thanks!

Ill admit the 250F is a great track and dirt bike, however, Ill admit in the dunes they show their weakness, sure, they will get you everywhere, however, it takes alot of patience and skill to move a big guy on a 250F through the dunes, the 450F is the ultimate dune machine... I vote CRF lol.

I vote for the 450. Bye-the-way, did you happen to see my ad for a KTM 450 SX-F in the classifieds section?

But, seriously, I agree with TVS, the 250 is expensive to maintain. As an example, Arena Cross switched from 450's to 250's. One of the complaints is that they are much more expensive to keep running. I realize they build them to be on the edge but it's a good example of the difference.