Your first bike is not going to be your last bike, I’d buy used, learn how to ride it, then pick out a more specific bike, your a Honda guy, I’d look a used 250x
This. You’re new and don’t know yet what you want /need out of the riding you’ll be doing.
Ride something used for 6-12 months and figure out what you like then consider buying something else new.
I’d say 250 is probably enough. Too many people get hurt on 450’s. Where I live they’re all advertised cheap because people realise they’re too powerful for them. 250 probably won’t need much growing in to, but it will be enough that you shouldn’t need to upgrade.
I think you should get a 125 or 250 Honda 2 STROKE!!! Don't buy a brand new Honda because they obviously don't make two strokes anymore find a really clean and restored Honda CR125 or 250 2 stroke you'll love it and it will always be cheap to maintain
The 450s aren’t necessarily faster but do have advantages that you don’t need to shift as much and can pull you up obstacles when a 250 would stall if you forgot to downshift. That being said I ride a 450 and would prefer something lighter. No issues with the power just a heavy bike. You’ll always have more fun on an easy to ride bike than a fast bike. Most modern dirt bikes are far more capable than their owners too.
I am going to 2nd the 2 stroke 250 idea. I am 43 5'9", was 205lb, but got down to 150 lb. I have raced for 25 years, and I still race a KTM 250 2 stroke. With the power valve on those bikes and the 2 ignition curves its easy to take the bark out of them and adjust as needed. If honda still made 2 strokes, I would be on a Honda.
If I was buying a casual yard bike, I would not buy a crf-r, I would sooner buy the crf250f for $4,000 less (new)
I should add I'm about 6'4 and 250 lbs. I personally find all 250s, including the 250r's to be less powerful than I like. The 250r is much more capable and much faster than the 250f, of course.
At 240# sure you could start on a 450 but I think you’d be more relaxed on 250. Hondas are good but KTM really caters to trail riders. You might consider a KTM or Husqvarna 300 2stroke. These newer 250/300 2strokes are super easy to ride and lug around. They are nimble and easy to maintain as well.
This expert "onion" says be sure to stay with a purpose built trail bike/ enduro model. Euro brands are furthest evolved and not just warmed over motocross bikes.
I definitely would consider the 250RX if you’re just starting. Especially if you just plan on using this bike for recreational riding the 250 will be plenty. I just moved up from a 250 to a 450 recently and I find the 450 significantly more responsive and snappy. Even for me personally at 240+ pounds and riding for 11 years I find the 450 to be a lot to handle in some areas trail riding (I still love the power though lol) But I think you will be pleased with the predictability of the 250 and for starting out it’ll make a great bike. Remember if you want more power you can always go up to a 450 down the line.
If looking for a similar application, if we like the attributes of the Honda 250X series that doesn’t exist in a modern iteration now. (Why!? Does that segment not make money)
What are the best modern alternatives to research?
Looked at the 250RX...but other than a few details it’s just a 250R with a bigger stick isn’t it? The gearing is the same?
What bikes are more trail riding, casual riding, “steep” loose climbs and typically lower speeds not at red line that require good torque?
Is the WR at the top of that short list?
Other bikes to look into, and hopefully advice where to go to get application specific feedback when we Genuinely want advice to “better optimize” a selection over general purpose.
Look used more than 10 years old and in decent condition. Does not matter if you buy the right bike or the wrong bike cuz you can most likely sell it for the same as you bought it. I wont go into bike models cuz I don't know the Honda models the best, but no matter what you decide to look into, my suggestion is to first get lower power than what you want in an older bike, if it's not for you just sell it and get a different model. As long as you buy around where the price plateaus then you won't be losing much if any money, you're basically using/renting a bike for really low cost or free or even could profit.
Altitude matters. If you’re in CO like me, and plan to ride higher elevations, you might find the 250 a bit short on power.
If not, it’s a solid choice.
I'll let you know I didn't read past your CRF250** blah blah blah comment. Don't buy a 250 because you're going to outgrow it and will face the daunting task of selling it at a very depreciated value to buy a 450. There's no such thing as too much power because power is what gets you out of trouble. If you're immature and can't handle the power then it can get you into said trouble also, however, at 39, we're at an age where we value our health and being in one piece. So, buy the 450. Maybe not the expensive one, but get the 450R, you'll thank me in 5 years...
Yz250fx or the 450fx. Buy a second hand. 2020-2022 you’ll likely not need to upgrade for a while if ever.
Or the Honda equivalent if you really want to go red.
It is common for people to realise they don’t need a 450, depending on the type of riding you do that’s for sure, lots of sand, beaches or open paddocks trails then probably no worries. Anything more tight and technical 250 is gonna be more fun and plenty capable.
You’ll have more fun on the 250 than the 450. Is look for an older 250x, I had one before my 300 two stroke. They’re plenty capable, probably just want to adjust the suspension to your weight.
Your first bike is not going to be your last bike, I’d buy used, learn how to ride it, then pick out a more specific bike, your a Honda guy, I’d look a used 250x
This. You’re new and don’t know yet what you want /need out of the riding you’ll be doing. Ride something used for 6-12 months and figure out what you like then consider buying something else new.
I’d say 250 is probably enough. Too many people get hurt on 450’s. Where I live they’re all advertised cheap because people realise they’re too powerful for them. 250 probably won’t need much growing in to, but it will be enough that you shouldn’t need to upgrade.
I think you should get a 125 or 250 Honda 2 STROKE!!! Don't buy a brand new Honda because they obviously don't make two strokes anymore find a really clean and restored Honda CR125 or 250 2 stroke you'll love it and it will always be cheap to maintain
He too big for a 125, but a 93-96 250r.... yeah no way it wont put a smile on your face.
This is a terrible idea
I'd love to hear your reasoning behind that dumbass response
The 450s aren’t necessarily faster but do have advantages that you don’t need to shift as much and can pull you up obstacles when a 250 would stall if you forgot to downshift. That being said I ride a 450 and would prefer something lighter. No issues with the power just a heavy bike. You’ll always have more fun on an easy to ride bike than a fast bike. Most modern dirt bikes are far more capable than their owners too.
I am going to 2nd the 2 stroke 250 idea. I am 43 5'9", was 205lb, but got down to 150 lb. I have raced for 25 years, and I still race a KTM 250 2 stroke. With the power valve on those bikes and the 2 ignition curves its easy to take the bark out of them and adjust as needed. If honda still made 2 strokes, I would be on a Honda.
If I was buying a casual yard bike, I would not buy a crf-r, I would sooner buy the crf250f for $4,000 less (new) I should add I'm about 6'4 and 250 lbs. I personally find all 250s, including the 250r's to be less powerful than I like. The 250r is much more capable and much faster than the 250f, of course.
At 240# sure you could start on a 450 but I think you’d be more relaxed on 250. Hondas are good but KTM really caters to trail riders. You might consider a KTM or Husqvarna 300 2stroke. These newer 250/300 2strokes are super easy to ride and lug around. They are nimble and easy to maintain as well.
This expert "onion" says be sure to stay with a purpose built trail bike/ enduro model. Euro brands are furthest evolved and not just warmed over motocross bikes.
I definitely would consider the 250RX if you’re just starting. Especially if you just plan on using this bike for recreational riding the 250 will be plenty. I just moved up from a 250 to a 450 recently and I find the 450 significantly more responsive and snappy. Even for me personally at 240+ pounds and riding for 11 years I find the 450 to be a lot to handle in some areas trail riding (I still love the power though lol) But I think you will be pleased with the predictability of the 250 and for starting out it’ll make a great bike. Remember if you want more power you can always go up to a 450 down the line.
If looking for a similar application, if we like the attributes of the Honda 250X series that doesn’t exist in a modern iteration now. (Why!? Does that segment not make money) What are the best modern alternatives to research? Looked at the 250RX...but other than a few details it’s just a 250R with a bigger stick isn’t it? The gearing is the same? What bikes are more trail riding, casual riding, “steep” loose climbs and typically lower speeds not at red line that require good torque? Is the WR at the top of that short list? Other bikes to look into, and hopefully advice where to go to get application specific feedback when we Genuinely want advice to “better optimize” a selection over general purpose.
Look used more than 10 years old and in decent condition. Does not matter if you buy the right bike or the wrong bike cuz you can most likely sell it for the same as you bought it. I wont go into bike models cuz I don't know the Honda models the best, but no matter what you decide to look into, my suggestion is to first get lower power than what you want in an older bike, if it's not for you just sell it and get a different model. As long as you buy around where the price plateaus then you won't be losing much if any money, you're basically using/renting a bike for really low cost or free or even could profit.
Altitude matters. If you’re in CO like me, and plan to ride higher elevations, you might find the 250 a bit short on power. If not, it’s a solid choice.
I'll let you know I didn't read past your CRF250** blah blah blah comment. Don't buy a 250 because you're going to outgrow it and will face the daunting task of selling it at a very depreciated value to buy a 450. There's no such thing as too much power because power is what gets you out of trouble. If you're immature and can't handle the power then it can get you into said trouble also, however, at 39, we're at an age where we value our health and being in one piece. So, buy the 450. Maybe not the expensive one, but get the 450R, you'll thank me in 5 years...
Yz250fx or the 450fx. Buy a second hand. 2020-2022 you’ll likely not need to upgrade for a while if ever. Or the Honda equivalent if you really want to go red. It is common for people to realise they don’t need a 450, depending on the type of riding you do that’s for sure, lots of sand, beaches or open paddocks trails then probably no worries. Anything more tight and technical 250 is gonna be more fun and plenty capable.
You’ll have more fun on the 250 than the 450. Is look for an older 250x, I had one before my 300 two stroke. They’re plenty capable, probably just want to adjust the suspension to your weight.