Posts
2964
Joined
10/14/2017
Location
86oh, CT
US
Edited Date/Time
7/30/2020 11:44am
Just sold my 17 yz450f and thinking about going back to a 250F. I loved my YZ but it was a tank. Looking something lighter, slimmer and less tiring to ride. I liked the ergos of the YZ so I was considering a new yz250f but I was thinking about giving the Honda a shot. I'm 5'10 190 lbs but have shorter legs so the taller bike have always been a bit of a challenge.
Any owners have real world feedback on the bike? I know it had great reviews on the shootouts but how is the long term reliability? Any issues? Anything you would change? Or am I crazy and should just get the YZ250F.
Any owners have real world feedback on the bike? I know it had great reviews on the shootouts but how is the long term reliability? Any issues? Anything you would change? Or am I crazy and should just get the YZ250F.
Reliability has been top notch. 90 hours with only routine maintenance. 2 top ends, timing chain and clutches. valves still in spec too.
I am about 200 lb and am happy with my 2019 YZ250F as a second bike. The YZ doesnt handle quite as good as the Honda but I need that power for my weight and it's an all around great bike and very reliable. My main is a 19 KX450 which feels light and thin for a 450 and has mild power that's easy to ride. I had a 14 YZ450F and also thought it was a tank.
If you're not a serious racer, the YZ250F would be my choice. If you're racing a lot maybe think about the KX450. Or go with the Honda if you dont mind wringing its neck or spending money on the motor. I think any of these will be easier to ride then your last gen YZ450F.
I'm sure many will also recommend a 350. As always, try to snag a ride on as many as you can before buying. Good luck
The Shop
Before that had a 2108 YZ450, but the transition to the Honda’s was great. Since I’m 5’10” 155 lbs, the Yamaha just felt wide and big overall.
To me the Yamaha felt more stable overall, while both CRFs turn quicker. The 250 feels stable also, but the 450 is a little more nervous (maybe it has to do with suspension set up, as I’d probably benefit from a lighter shock spring).
To me, going from the YZ450 to the CRF250 severely increased the fun factor! 😎
Also, I normally ride a 250sx (2stroke) so I can't comment on the power so much since it was lacking a little compared to my normal whip.
At first I wanted to keep the bike all stock but unfortunately that doesn’t last long with me. I’ve done the Racetech head mod that Keefer suggested and Vortex ECU from XPR. It really wakes up the bike and helps with the bottom end. Stillllll this bike doesn’t compare to a Yz250f engine. It’s closer to a stock KTM 250f Now.
As someone wrote above the engine might not be fast for you, buttttt you will be able to rev the piss out the bike like a teenager.
With that said and you coming off a YZF, that bike might be more what you are looking for in a 250. Not trying to talk you out of it, they are definitely completely different bikes.
I wouldn’t enjoy two oil compartments on the Honda, but you have to be a surgeon to keep dirt out of the air box on the Yamaha.
Has anyone actually measured the tank widths? I recall someone claiming them to not being that different.
Anyone have to keep dropping coolant in their Honda?
I know Keefer does with his bike and suggested the Boysen water pump kit.
https://www.vitalmx.com/features/Race-Shop-Build-2020-Honda-CRF250R,7013
Factory Connection really knows how to set up the CRF250R, some of the best suspension I've ridden. The XPR work is AMAZING but even at their "mid-budget" it adds up really quick. The Boyesen supercooler is a good way to keep things cool.
The stock power isn't a torque monster so if that is what you want, no amount of work is going to change that. You can get more torque back with a Vortex and someone that knows how to set it up. Again, Chad at XPR is a magician with that. The Akro pipe is so good, but again stupid expensive and you'd get way more bang for the buck with a ECU.
Pit Row
FYI. I'm really sweating the new honda 450 but don't want to end up back where I was with the yz450.
I have looked to see if there is a single-side exhaust conversion for the new gen, but it doesn’t look like it. Maybe in 2022?
The CRF450 feels lighter and handles better than the YZ for my size (5’10” 155lbs). However, when ridden back to back with the 250 it still feels much heavier and maybe has maybe too much power for my taste.
I have fun in both, but if I had to choose one, it would be the 250.
Hope this helps.
I am 6 foot and 162 pounds, and I don't get to ride more than once a week, so I like being able to go through a 250F around, but yeah, the new Honda 450 looks like it could be great if it's easier to handle. I am hoping I can convince someone to let me ride theirs soon so I can try it out. Last 450 I rode was a 2013 Yamaha and I did not enjoy it much.
Post a reply to: Tell me about your 2020 CRF250R