Posts
3
Joined
11/19/2020
Location
Santa Clarita, CA
US
Edited Date/Time
11/20/2020 11:23am
Never owned a Dirtbike before, rode them a handful of times throughout my life. Owned street bikes and harleys for years until I got married and had kids. I have never been to the desert to go camping and ride bikes but always have wanted to. Therefore I bought my youngest daughter a 50 quad my wife a quad and myself a 2020 CRF450R. The 450 is where I fucked up lol. I have never rode anything that fast in my life!! I just bought it yesterday ripped it around my block 2-3 times and I’m having total buyers remorse. The amount of power and speed it has is gnarly. I’m here to ask what should I do? I know I’m dumb I know I should have done more research instead of impulse buy. I have rode a 17 Yamaha 250 and didn’t think much of it and between my previous owned r6 and r1 and the fact I’m 6’1” 220lbs the 450 would have been perfect. But after the first ride around the block I think I’m gravely mistaken. Should I keep it and just try to ease into it? Should I cut my losses and sell the bike? Should I trade it in for something smaller? If I trade it will I lose my ass even more rather than selling it? Any input as appreciated.... and I again I realize I’m a dumbass for not thinking about this stuff before hand just asking for advice to minimize damage to myself lol
Sell it and get a smaller bike. You'll lose money, but I think you'll lose more if you trade it in. Who knows, talk to your dealer and see what they say. I'm sure they'll work with you to get you on a smaller bike.
Is a new 450 a good first time bike for someone? No, not usually. It can be made better for you though. If you're looking for someone to ride with and help teach you, do not hesitate to reach out to me. I live locally and would love to help you and your family out.
A 450 might not be too much, just need the right 450. Maybe a CRF 450x (not RX) or a Yamaha WR 450 or any of the true Enduro bikes. They are a lot mellower and I assume your not racing MX?
The Shop
2) Decide if your safety is worth the loss (I would say so, because what's money if you kill yourself on the 450?)
-However-
3) Before you make your decision, think about things you can do to slow the machine down. Have you thought about taller gearing? A flywheel weight? A used rear tire? A slow-turn throttle cam? Retarding the timing or using a different ignition map? There are lots of things you can do to mellow out the power until you get used to it. You may want to ride it nice and easy for a while until you get used to the bike's capabilities.
If you just can't come to terms with the bike though, don't feel bad about jettisoning it. Sell it on Facebook or something and get as much as you can for it, then start over. I did that in 1998 on an RM250 that I just did not like. Went back to a YZ125 for a few seasons and then moved up again a little later.
Should be easy enough honestly.
Like already mentioned, demand is high so I dont think you’ll totally lose your ass selling private party or put it out there for trade for a 250 R/X/RX.
Stick that bitch in 4th gear and lug it around.
Pit Row
Re-map it for smoother power delivery/less power and take your time learning to ride -carefully-. I like the suggestion of installing a 14 tooth sprocket on the front and maybe a 48 tooth in the rear to help flatten out the power surge; but, technically make the bike "faster" (Increases top speed; but, smooths out/slows down the rapid accelaration...a little bit).
Being 200#/6'1' is an advantage.
Being smart enough to say,"Damn! This thing is QUICK!" is ALSO a good thing.
With the other experience you've had riding bikes on the street, you already know how to be careful & pay attention to what's going on around you; so, take it easy & just be careful. Maybe find a friends that rides moto and mybe get some trail or track time in with some coaching. Yes, there are "tracks" that're good for learning on & there are some pretty damn good riding coaches out there.
Look up USMCA (US Motorcycle Coaching Association) for a list of instructors. There are more than a few that can help with some basics that will teach you how to NOT get into to trouble...starting with telling your right wrist that "smooth is smart"!
https://usmca.org
Good luck and I'll see ya out in the Dez.
Manny
ps-The 450R is a LOUD bike. I'd get a quieter exhaust system to make it a bit quieter for off-roading.
The indignation would be epic!
There was a dude across the street at had a cr500 and I used to pester him to go riding. The this was in the mid-90's and his was a mid 80's that looked like new. It always tripped me out, because I thought his bike was cool and he was like eeeeehhhhh not really into it. Finally he caved and we hit the local spot. He basically did the most noob version of Stewart's infamous Daytona crash. He's running up to this jump and is on the gas a little too much and lofts the front wheel, then shuts it down just as the wheel crests the top of the jump. Of course he endo's his brain out. He was a pretty round fellow too, hit the deck like a bag of rocks on some hardpack. Couldn't breath for a bit and went home. I'm 99% certain he never rode that thing again.
There are ways to tame a 450 a bit as others have suggested but if youre truly just scared to ride the thing just go a different route and get a smaller bike. Youre supposed to have fun while riding, not worrying about your biking killing you.
In related news, that's pretty rad you can just go drop 10k on something before even looking into it
Post a reply to: I messed up and need advice!!