CRF's Only Forums

Hello,

new to the site, and dirt bikes, hopefully not so in the short future. But have a couple questions.

I am 41, old, out of shape, over weight, etc.. Want to use the bike to help get me back in shape, been riding Harley's and ATV's for years. Now on to the question, I am looking at a CRF450X (no kick starting for this old guy). I am about 270 on a good week, proabably more in the 280 range, is this the best choice? My buddy is thinking about the CRF250X, (he is in the 250 range) I am thinking that is too small for guys like us, espically me. Plus i live in Texas where you go big or go home? Am I thinking correctly?

Also whats some good protection for us.

Mostly trail riding, maybe a HARE scramble way off in the future?

Thanks in advance for all the responses...

Rp

At your guys' sizes, stick with the 450X. Even though the 250X "could" haul you around okay, I think you guys might make the little thumper sweat quite a bit after a while. The 450 will have no problem.

Welcome to the site and to the dirt! You'll find there aren't as many cars to avoid here like there is on those Harley's! It's the non moving trees you have to avoid now.

BTW, I'm 41 also and decided to choose the "kick" bike. I have no regrets. There have been a couple times I've longed for that e-button, but not enough to make me give up my R. The X's are NICE bikes...you'll love them.

I turned 42 today and just got back into riding again after 20 years and I have some great pointer for you. Go with the 450x if you search this site there are some great easy to do mods. Open air box. Free. Pull the baffle out of the exhaust. Free. JD jet kit from CRFSONLY. They bike will be as strong as you need. You should have the suspension gone through. I'm 238 + gear and was able to adjust my suspension to work but suggest having in done. Get a scotts steering dampener, your arms will thank you. Switch to a trails tire unless your planning on doing lots of high speed street type riding. The other things you should get would be good riding gear. Boots, Helmet, gloves and I just got my Rock Gardn flack jacket and would really recommended it. It has a kidney belt integrated that will really help the mid section. That should get you started. Enjoy this wonderful sport and this great site.
David
Another great source for what mods to do to your bike is to browse the garage here. As you look at bikes you will see a common theme as to what people are doing to their bikes.

welcome to the group! i agree, get the 450X. don't sweat the power over the 250X as it's very predictable and smooth in it's delivery. you'll be able to control just how much you need. same goes for your buddy...he needs the 450X as well.

on the protection front are you asking about your body or the 450X. on your body, you need to have helmet, boots, gloves, knee guards, chest protector at a minimum. elbow guards would be a personal choice (i can't/don't wear them).

good luck and again welcome...ken

Welcome to the site. Just do what they ^ said!
Joe

crfsonly wrote:welcome to the group! i agree, get the 450X. don't sweat the power over the 250X as it's very predictable and smooth in it's delivery. you'll be able to control just how much you need. same goes for your buddy...he needs the 450X as well.

on the protection front are you asking about your body or the 450X. on your body, you need to have helmet, boots, gloves, knee guards, chest protector at a minimum. elbow guards would be a personal choice (i can't/don't wear them).

good luck and again welcome...ken

Thanks for all the good suggestions, and yes the 450X is where I am leaning, and I think my buddy is too. As for protection, I meant us, looking the the Rockgardn (only one that will fit me )...already have the gloves, helmet for the ATV. I will post back later when we pick them up, now off to find the good deal...

Again thanks guys..

Joe is really helpful with the rock gardn. He will hook you up with the info needed.
David

Welcome to the site, neighbor.

Rp,

Welcome to the site!!!

I am like you as well, kind of a big boy. I started with the 250X because I was kinda skeered of the 450X.

Well several months later I was back at the Honda shop buying a new 450X because I wanted more power.

The 250X did everything I asked of it, but I had to wring everything out of it to get up some hills. The 450X has all that I need (for now).

On the protection front, check out the EVS BJ22 Ballistic Jacket. It comes in Big Boy sizes(up to 4X) and protects very well.

~ wrote:Rp,

Welcome to the site!!!

I am like you as well, kind of a big boy. I started with the 250X because I was kinda skeered of the 450X.

Well several months later I was back at the Honda shop buying a new 450X because I wanted more power.

The 250X did everything I asked of it, but I had to wring everything out of it to get up some hills. The 450X has all that I need (for now).

On the protection front, check out the EVS BJ22 Ballistic Jacket. It comes in Big Boy sizes(up to 4X) and protects very well.

Well we (my buddy and I) ordered the 06 450x's yesterday and pick them up Saturday. I can't wait. Pictures to follow. Going to ride it right after I pick it up accross the street...

Then off to marshall some race somewhere as well...

I am jacked...

Super Congrats! Enjoy....

Welcome back to the dirt!

Two words of advice from me...KNEE BRACES!!!

Read my post last week titled "rider down" if you want the gory details of why. They are expensive but anything to increase your chances of staying safe and riding is worth it in my opinion.

Enjoy that 450!

Gill

Gill250X wrote:Welcome back to the dirt!

Two words of advice from me...KNEE BRACES!!!

Read my post last week titled "rider down" if you want the gory details of why. They are expensive but anything to increase your chances of staying safe and riding is worth it in my opinion.

Enjoy that 450!

Gill

Will do and thanks, I have not so good knees to begin with... I need to pickup all the gear for sure. Just found out the bikes won't be in until tue/wed of next week so...

Any suggestions on the knee brace? I was looking at the RS7 from EVO?

Welcome. You've come to the right place. You guys will love your new Hondas.

What kind of riding were you planning on doing? Wooded trails, desert, motocross? If you do any MX track riding, I'd recommend the Leatt neck brace. It's never in your way and currently the best neck protection you can get.

At some point you might want to have the suspension on your bike tweaked for your weight. Heavy fork and shock springs. Others here who have done that may have some guidance in that area. Just ask away when you're ready.

And good luck with the new bikes fellas. Enjoy!

KevinM wrote:Welcome. You've come to the right place. You guys will love your new Hondas.

What kind of riding were you planning on doing? Wooded trails, desert, motocross? If you do any MX track riding, I'd recommend the Leatt neck brace. It's never in your way and currently the best neck protection you can get.

At some point you might want to have the suspension on your bike tweaked for your weight. Heavy fork and shock springs. Others here who have done that may have some guidance in that area. Just ask away when you're ready.

And good luck with the new bikes fellas. Enjoy!

All trail and wooded trail riding. Never thought of neck protection? I will look at it, going to look like a robot with all the gear on