[jturgeon19]

Here's the deal folks.

I've got an 02 XR400R which I love dearly and intend on keeping for it's torque and mostly reliability. I bought an 04 CRF 450R last summer and liked the power but for the riding I do, mostly technical trails, occasional track day, I thought the power delivery was excessive. Good for the track, no question, but the majority of my time is spent in the woods. I have since sold the 450R, but I would like to get another CRF for the tech updates i.e. suspension, liquid cooling, nice ergos. I think I've ruled out the 450R for lack of usable power in the woods. I'm 6'1"/210-215lbs (in the summer) I have been tetering between a CRF 250R and a crf450X, but I don't know. I would like the CRF R for it's moto-X suspension and I think it would be easier to set up for the woods than to bring an X model to the track, but that's where all you other players come into the game. I basically want a bike that I can use anywhere. I'm not racing MX any more, but am considering entering a couple enduro races this year. What considerations should I take into this decision i.e. maintenance, power, weight and most of all..fun factor? What you guys think....

[JAWS]

Have you considered the 450x? The smoother power and the wide ratio gear box makes a much easier bike to ride than the R. Plus it has the e-start which is nice.

You will be OK on the 250X but you with your weight, you might be better with the 450X. The 250X will be better in the really tight stuff, but if you don't ride that type of terrain then the 450X is a better choice.

Joe

[afc1261]

+1 for the 450x.....You'll be a happy camper!

[Mr Smith]

After getting my first X, I wont ride the R any more.

[dlpmx]

I ride the same as you. Mostly woods and once in awhile some track time. I have the 450X and love it. It will clear more track stuff than my 02 250r did and is a blast in the woods Get the 450X.

Dale

[Keiger]

I've got both 450's XandR. I wont ride the R in the trails. For one the E start is awsome and I get to give my buddys crap when I start it as they kick away on a hill side. The gearing is great for low end (I might even drop one tooth on the front for even lower) The tourque on the X is out of this world, and all I can do to hang on when getting after it. I weigh in with full gear and back pack at 198# and the next mod is going to be get the supesion set up right for my weight. They are said to be set up at 150-170# rider.
The R is good in the trees but I cant go easy in and out with the gearing stock. It just dosn't go easy through the tight stuff and ROCKs, you have to be onit!
The 250X The people I know that have had one say you got to keep it wound tight all the time and drink lots of Caffien drinks to get ready to ride all day. lol

[nedirtbikr]

Obviously, I am a black sheep here, but I do use the 450R for trails mostly and some track. I have ridden both and really prefer the R. My body dimensions are pretty close to yours.

There have been times that the e-start would have REALLY come in handy, but I guess I like to dilute myself and chalk up those situations as a testament to inginuity (I had to figure out a way to get myself out of the situation, whatever it was, without that magic button.) I'll keep the R mainly because of the lighter weight, massive power, I'm used to it (and like it,) and it's paid for. For my type of riding, I can go anywhere a 450X can...so why change? I have ridden with 450X's before and, in general, have had no problem keeping up or navigating the same obstacles. Mind you, when I say "no problem..." that takes in to consideration the general abilities of the rider (me.) There are people out there that I couldn't keep up with even if they were on a 125.

Anyway, I just wanted to throw something out because you did mention the 250R. I had an opportunity to ride a completely stock (absolutely zero mods) 250X and was TOTALLY impressed. While riding that bike through the trails I normally ride, I could REALLY tell a weight difference. Once I got used to it, I felt like I could really rip on it. Really, the only downfall I could see with a 250X is if you were a REALLY big guy, you had to climb REALLY big hills, or you had wide open spaces like the desert or fire roads where there was a lot of extended high speed riding. If your trails aren't mountainous, mostly single/double track, you don't expect to do long, high speed type riding, and you'd only go to the track for fun (not really for competition racing,) I'd highly consider the 250X over the 450X. You'll also notice a helluva difference in weight (spelled FATIGUE) during those Harescrambles and Enduros.

To be COMPLETELY honest, when it comes time to consider a new bike, I'm going to look really hard at the 250X. I recently bought my son a KTM 200MXC ONLY because he really wanted to try a 2-stroke and I found a gem of a deal I couldn't pass up. Otherwise, my bike of choice would have been the 250X.

Best of luck on whatever you get.

[mdmasher]

450X is the only bike you will need. I did drop a tooth on the counter sprocket 12/51 and it is much more usable power pull at walking speed and now i use third gear more when the trail opens up some. I don't need to go 80 + MPH in the dirt or sand. I will get there. Georgetown, Stonyford, Grizzly Flat, Forest Hills.

[JS450X]

nedirtbiker has a valid point but I would recommend the 450x. I don't know too many (none) fellas who buy a 450 then later say, "Man I wish I got 200cc's less". The X's power is very manageble and you will probably like it right out of the box, for awhile anyways. There is no doubt the R will leave it behind in raw power but you can always cam up and still keep your green sticker. I run tight technical trails and still take it too the desert and run near 90mph with sprocket changes. Good luck with your decision, just keep it HONDA!

[hippi97]

I wish i had got my 450x along time ago..