by nedirtbikr » Mon Mar 12, 2007 7:04 am
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.
2006 CRF450R (For Sale)
A-47753 (Jumpin' dirt and clouds!)
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