[wcw]

Howdy! Was referred to this site by a friend and it's helped me figure out I should end my debate bet. R or X model (X). Where I've a question is between a 250 or 450? I've ridden street bikes for 10 years (primarily sport bikes) and have never ventured onto the dirt. Sold the Aprilia Mille last year and am currently being prodded to get on the dirt. I'm stoked and look forward to it, but am completely ig'nant about which motor size will keep me happy for a long time. The street bikes I've ridden (other than 1st bike) were all liter bikes. I'm about to enter the 4th decade of life, 6'00, 185lbs. No one's told me a 250 won't be enough, but you guys are apparently a well knowledged bunch so any input would be greatly appreciated and help get me on one sooner! TIA

[nedirtbikr]

Welcome! Good choice to get on the dirt (a lot less cars and trucks here. ) Of course, the trees make up for it.

Do you see yourself as an aggressive rider or do you see yourself as having the potential to be an aggressive rider? Not so much a "Joe Racer" type, but the kind of person willing to go a little faster, higher, or farther every time you go out? Or, are you looking to just casual ride, but want to make sure you have enough power/suspension for those here and there hills and other obstacles?

Assuming you've settled on Honda and on one of the CRF250/450 models...here's my opinion:

- Either bike will fit your body dimensions fine.

- If you see yourself as someone who will, most likely, be a moderate/take it kind of easy on the trails, doing trail level jumps, NOT riding on long open fire roads (long high speeds,) NOT doing HUGE hill climb type stuff and, generally, just out for the "fun" of it...a CRF250 will be perfect. Those bikes have plenty of power and suspension for the occasional hardcore beating for sure.

- If you see yourself as aggressive and doing things that pretty much surpass what is listed above, you'd probably want the CRF450.

X or R...that is the question...

- The X's were made for the trails. They have the e-start, softer suspension, headlight, kickstand, etc. They do require their share of mods to bring the bike to life (power-wise,) but the mods are generally cheap and easy to do yourself. The busiest forum here, by far, is the 450X forum. I have not owned one, but they seem to be pretty nice bikes. The X has a wide-ratio tranny that can be better in the trails.

- The R's were built for MX racing. They have only kickstart, stiffer suspension, no headlight, no kickstand. They are a lighter bike and, typically, do not require any power-related mods for riders like you (and me.) The R was not designed for the trails, but can be a pretty good trail bike with very few changes. The R has a close-ratio tranny that can sometimes bite a bit in the trails. This can be overcome with some gearing changes. The R (right out of the box) tends to be a "staller" in the trails. Again, this can be fixed with various approaches (idle speed, flywheel weight, etc.) that are free or cost next to nothing.

Both bikes have they're own little gotchas and you wouldn't be wrong going with either flavor of 250/450. A popular product out right now is the Rekluse. It seems to be the shiznit for all flavors of bike. I don't have one and don't have intentions of getting one any time soon (not for lack of want...it's just that there are other priorities right now.)

I am also a new 40-something with most of my M/C experience on the road (casual rider.) In '04, I bought myself a CRF230 and my son a CRF150. This past May, I bought an '06 450R and recently put my son on a KTM 200 (2-stroke.) Would have probably put him on the 250X but he wanted to try a 2-stroke and I had a buy I couldn't pass up. My son had ZERO experience on a motorcycle (of any kind) when we bought the CRF150 in '04. In all honesty, I might have even considered a 450X for him (so we could have an X and an R in the stable,) but, in my opinion, he doesn't have the body weight and general motorcycle experience to run with that bike (6'1" / 140lbs.) This might clue you in a little on how you might advance faster than you think.

If you intend on riding regularly, you have a competitive spirit (always looking to go faster, higher, farther than the next guy)...within your comfort level of course...and you will be riding in an area that might have some decent hills/rocks/power sucking obstacles, you'd probably be best to go with a 450. As far as whether it is the X or R...that will have to be up to you. I will admit there have been times I wished I had the e-button, but overall, I doubt I would ever go to an X. Plus...the R's are cheaper.

Again, this is only my opinion and it's worth exactly how much you paid for it! Best of luck on your decision.

[Halen]

Nedirtbikr said it all...
I have never ridden in the desert or great wide open spaces. I ride logging roads that quickly turn into single track/ATV trails. For me, the X is the bike. (I am about your weight) I love the fact that I can still see when I am out past dark, the X has good range and have never had a problem with any hill climb or anything else mother nature had to throw at me.
I have done pretty much all the mods out there for the X and am very pleased with the performance. I wouldn't say the 450 is twice the bike... but it is close!
just my 2 cents...
Van

[nedirtbikr]

the X has good range..

Thanks, Van...good point (I forgot about the tanks.)

The R has a WAY smaller gas tank than the X. If you plan on doing long, far away type rides on the R...you'd need a bigger tank. There are tanks out there that are three to four gallon tanks for somewhere in the area of $175 to $300 ish.

[wcw]

thx alot nedirt and halen. I'd read several posts on this bbs concerning R vs. X prior to posting and had read several from nedirt I appreciate your well worded comments.

I'd say I lean on the competitive side. I'd taken Keith Code's Superbike school and learned to push the Aprilia to it's limits where I should'nt have (Tx Hill Country). I know starting out and for awhile until I'm not so wet behind the ears I'll be taking it easy on the dirt. I'm simply amazed to this day of what I've seen on TV guys going so high and far on dirt bikes...it's just crazy. Not that I necessarily have aspirations of that. I'm just hoping that the 250 will be plenty for me after I "think" I've figured out what i'm doing on the dirt lolz

[Ernie Pezz]

Get the 450, that way you won't have any regrets. The bike only goes as fast as you make it go. IMO, you can never have too much power.

[afc1261]

hey wcw, Sounds like you got some good info here so far....I told you this site and the people RULE! Now all you have to do is hang out here alot and set up an automatic payroll deduction that goes straight to Ken so you can "let the modding begin"!
Oh, and come ride my 450x so you can make the best decision!

[roostmonster]

All outstanding replies...I'd go with a 450 myself. I am a little on the heavier side. Ok Ok I'm fat but I like the pull the 450 gives. When you finally buy call me and we'll go burn some fuel...Maybe AFC1261 will hit the track or trails with us......El Vato

[afc1261]

Where did wcw go? Is he buying a bike or not? If you're out there wcw you have to stop teasing yourself! We have all been there.....wishing, waiting, wanting. You must buy a bike now! You'll be glad you did.

[Dagwood]

I've got a '05 250x & a '06 450x, get the 450x. You won't be sorry. If you get the 250, your always gonna wonder......

[afc1261]

wcw, Are you still with us? Have you made one post here and disappeared? I know where you live....I know where you work.......Post up and tell us what the deal is!

[KevinM]

Sounds like he made his decision. We'll probably see him when it's mod time.

The good news about picking any one of these four bikes is... they're all a blast.

For anyone else reading this thread looking for info, here;s my take on it. I'm 6'0" and weigh anywhere from 170 to 190 depending on whether my 44 yr old body is in shape or not. I started with a 250X... ended up riding mostly on the tracks more than the trails (because that's the reality in NJ) but had a good time with it on the track nonetheless. After about a year, I bought a 250R to suit what I do a little better. I'm keeping the X but getting it back in shape for the trails. Guards, Vapor, Scotts, etc.

I can't ride either bike to it's limits, so I saw no need to step up to a 450. Though I've been told by more experienced riders that having a 450R on a track is not such a bad thing. The point was I could ride the whole track in 3rd gear instead of doing all the shifting needed on a 250F. Still, my personal opinion... though I'm inexperienced... is that I'd rather not have a bike that's a handful to handle.

If i had to do it over again, I would buy a 250R for the track. If I lived in an area with ample trails or desert riding... no question it would be the X.

[wcw]

Hehe, had I not seen AFC typing this morning I probably wouldn't have checked back yet. What my co-worker failed to tell ya'll is that I wrecked my car Feb 15th. Insurance totalled it and then have had to deal with finding a new ride. It put the dirt bike issue on the back burner. He's also not stepping up to the plate with the $2k he promised to give to me for a down payment. Come to think of it roostmonster hasn't either. I am glad I came back however. I gained more info since last post! (thx for ur comments KevinM)

[afc1261]

Hehe, had I not seen AFC typing this morning I probably wouldn't have checked back yet. What my co-worker failed to tell ya'll is that I wrecked my car Feb 15th. Insurance totalled it and then have had to deal with finding a new ride. It put the dirt bike issue on the back burner. He's also not stepping up to the plate with the $2k he promised to give to me for a down payment. Come to think of it roostmonster hasn't either. I am glad I came back however. I gained more info since last post! (thx for ur comments KevinM)

Sounds like I was busted...... Buy the 450x! (I'm too fat to have fun on your 250x!)

[roostmonster]

[

Sounds like I was busted...... Buy the 450x! (I'm too fat to have fun on your 250x!)[/quote]


You ain't kid'n there!!!! AFC Let's burn some fuel next Monday. Should have the fork seals done by then.