If you ride once a month at a local track and think you need a 450 you’re on drugs. There are kids on 85’s that’ll smoke you. This is a great video for us older guys on 250’s
In Marysville? If so good to know. I'll be out there in a few weeks and plan to do one of the Tuesday night practices...we used to go there every Tuesday and Thursday evening then Hangtown on Sunday. So much fun...hoping it's as fun at my old age of 37 as it was back then lol
I sold my 2019 yz250f and bought a 2021 kx450. The main reason I did this is because people were saying I was to big for the 250. I am only 210lbs and I still gave into the pressure. I miss the yz250f so much. I could ride it longer, faster and had much more fun. Good job Zeb I love your tracks and race with REP all the time.
@@mylesanderson5864 dude I feel you. I try to get in front on accel and behind hind decel, squeeze the frame with my legs but the arm pump is unavoidable. I hop of my buddy's fc250 and can go 9 hard laps before I start to feel the arm pump. My only concern with going down to a 250 is the maintenance on them due to the increased revs. I wish I could just detune my bike and make it 10 HP slower somehow lol
Right there too, myself. 208lbs. I had 450, and it just beat me up, and was hard to be precise. I dropped to 250f, and immediately felt better. Riding was more fun, longer laps, better control, and I don't care what you say, 250fs rip. Plenty fast for me, and I grew up on 2 strokes, fir those in similar positions-go for it, and won't be disappointed.💯👍
This video was made for me. Used to have a KX450f, 9 years haven’t rode a bike, I’m a rusty 250lb dude. Been debating 250, 350 or 450…. I’m sold on excluding a 450 going forward.
I feel like these builds should start out by saying. I have several thousands of dollars laying around my water fountain in my living room and I thought I would throw thousands at a custom built dirt bike just for funzies. Meanwhile us mortals are happy we found no ethanol gas we could afford and a nasty blue groove track to stumble around. Lol. Braaaaappppp.
Yes! Northern California baby!! There’sa reason the Hangtown track has improved since the time he raced it! Zeb has made E street and Riverfront soooo much better as well! Even added a vet track!! Keep it up Zeb!
Im an ex pretty good A rider in my day, 49 now, between 200-205lbs and i had both 450 and 250 at same time, i sold my kx450 because riding once a weekend now its just too much bike, 3 laps max and i have to come in, my Honda 250f has remapped stock ignition from twisted, yosh slip ons and race gas and its plenty fast, i have a blast riding it and i can push way more laps before i get tired. 2 lap speed i am probably faster on the 450 but im not racing anymore and its just for fun, 3 laps and getting pumped up and having to pull off the track that isnt fun for me. If i rode 3x a week id get a 450, but only once on weekends 250 is the way to go.
After not riding since 2012, I started my year on a 2009 kx450. After riding boys ktm 85sx i wanted a small bore 2 stroke because of how i could ride the 85. Ended up buying a 2017 ktm 150sx and raced it all season doing ok but not that moto win like i wanted in junior class. Anyway i rd buddies 2019 yz250f and loved it. So i got ahold of every newer 250f and tried every one of them. I ended up buying a 2021 yz250f 3 weeks ago and absolutely love it. I use to always think 250f bikes where slow and not fun. In reality there more fun as you can actually use the power they have. I find it way more engaging and enjoyable riding a bike wide open and fast then cruising around all lazy like going same pace.
This is just crazy I am also a 6’3 258 lbs I built up a Yamaha 450 did the same tall seat had suspension done love the bike but at times it can bite ya. So I went and just picked up a Yz250fx haven’t been on it yet still getting it everything together can’t wait to give it a go
I'm so glad y'all made this video. MOST ppl don't need a 450 and would be better suited for a 250f or 125 2t or 250 2t at most. That whole "I'm too heavy for a 250" is absurd.. The next thing I would like to see a big channel speak on is the fact that you don't need a new bike either. Although I'm sure that might be a conflict of interest with sponsors lol..
I bought a brand new yz250 2 stroke last year. My 2021 yz450 has an eighth of an inch of dust on it. Im 6'5 230, not quite as stout as this man but, my bone stock 250 2 stroke (shit sorry i do have an R134 carbon silencer) with a revalve from racetech and my beloved starcross tires (i live in northern Nevada, i only ride sand) is by far the best dirt bike ive ever owned. Im a Yamaha mechanic, so my jetting is absolutely perfect, i run c12 with klotz supertech, pro taper Pastrana bends with 1 inch risers, arc levers, d1h top and bottom, renthal no waffle firm compound grips and i use these Tesla rubber lined washers between every single engine mounting point. I operated a forklift at Tesla when i broke my femur last year and acquired a box of 1,000 of those washers. Im starting a trend for sure because they give a really unique feel. You can feel the vibration but it's dampened. All big dudes are Yamaha dudes. I could not agree with this man more on the KTM thing. Ive always hated KTMs because they're so uncomfortable. I LOVE steel frame yammies so its not at all just the flex. I still race my 2003 yz144. I built a super high compression, mgx02 fueled, 12 hour engine for it. The thing makes 40 hp its absolutely ridiculous. Axel Hodges has ridden my little blue rocket. He said it would hang with his kx250 2 stroke which im not too sure about but hey, it was a huge compliment coming from him. Hes a super rad dude.
I totally agree I am 43 with a wife and two kids I had a KX250 2-stroke I was restoring something happened with the carburetor and it Whiskey throttle on me ended up needing ACL surgery out of work that didn't even have as much power as a 450 so I immediately traded it for a RMZ 250 I was real iffy about it as soon as I got that RMZ home iTune in the carburetor correctly got adjusted the valves as soon as I took off on that thing I had a smile from ear-to-ear plenty of power to be more than fun with no worry of calling my wife and kids from the hospital unless of course I make a stupid mistake riding LOL as far as whiskey throttle goes LOL
Those KX250 carbs had issues once they had some wear on the inside of the throat around the slide , mine would stick wide open when wide open 3-4 gear on a g-out such as a jump face.
Mine caused me a fractured tailbone and several damaged vertebrae in my back. It flipped me over backwards several times over jums and then almost launched me over Henry Hill at Budds Creek before I sold it to a woods rider.
Yeah man really this rmz250 it really is it's like a perfectly powered bike for me in the stage of life I'm in now plenty of power to climb anything I am climbing it'll wheelie through all the gears and I feel 100 percent safe
Listening to this and I now know that i need to find a 250 and sell my 450. Thanks for the info. and opinions as I'm a lot like Zeb in the weight class.
I had a similar experience. I bought an FX-450, liked it a lot but for some of the tighter eastern US enduro/xc type riding I do it could be a handful. I traded for a CRf-260 RX and the guy gave me some boot. I traded strictly to sell the 250 to get the rest of my cash thinking the 250f wouldn't haul my 260lb ass around quickly. After the first rest ride I decided to rode it a time or two before I sold it. Thos bike is SO MUCH FUN!!! Like he was saying at yhe end of the day the bottom line is that I have a big smile on my face and a great feeling that lasts all week. How can you top that.
Just saying if he use to ride back in the day and came back to riding and arm pump is a issue on a 450 and not a 250. It's because that 450 needs to be tuned or mapped for linear / more mellow map. Most new 450s have stupid hard declaration and that causes fatigue much faster then when it's smoothly coming into the corners.
You're totally right about this. Want more power? ok get a pipe. Want more? OK get a HC piston...want more? Do a port job..lol it's fun and like you said, you're actually going to use the gains you're getting for the money spent.
My buddies clowned me when I showed up with my 250, sold my 450. Then after the first ride, we get back to the pits...not one word cause I waxed them 😆
Gunna take my time to write this comment out . Been searching for past 2 days. I’m 22 yr old 212lb 5’7 and mistakenly bought a 2021 Kx100 now after realizing my horrible mistake. I’m really stuck at what is the next bike that will work for me. I seem to be stuck between a yz250 2 stroke or the yz250F .. it’s hard for me to understand what would be better even after watching many videos. Please help!!!!
I built a 19 CRF250R with a big bore kit, PC exhaust, Vortex Ignition. I put in the heavier springs, I at 250# and 6'1". I'm way faster on it than my 450. I didn't give up anything in the 50 plus class as far as racing. I can push the bike a lot harder longer than my bikes.
just curious about the rider height there. I just got a yz250f and was going to do a 270 kit on it. I am a vet rider 6'2 and weigh 280. Had to let the 450 go. I cant do anything it had the power for anyway ha ha ha!
I have a buddy who is 48 years old, 260lbs and rides a YZ125 really good! Not the fastest guy at the track, but by no means is he in anyone’s way. Wants nothing to do with a 450
Ive tried to ride a 250 from my 450, but I just can’t get into it. If the Japanese made a 350, I could probably go for that. I’ve also heard some people de-Boring from a 450 to a 400, with some positive things to say about how it even changed how heavy the bike felt and how it cornered, etc.
Lets talk engine stresses and longevity. Heavy guy that 250f is going to be running at its limit, where the 450 will be in cruise mode. You're going to end up having to do more engine work to keep the 250 that is being revved out running, then the 450 that is being lugged around. Am I wrong about that? I would also say its easier to slow down/de-tune a bike, than it is to make one faster.
120kg rider on a 110kg 45hp 250f is .19hp per kg, a 450f @60hp is .26hp per kg just saying. Why hot up a 250f and sacrifice reliability when you could I don't know maybe not twist the throttle as far on a 450f
honestly bummed got one close up of the handle bars and then a crop shot of half the bike for 10 min while they talked. dudes show the damn bike! not a highlight vid of keefer!
If you ride once a month at a local
track and think you need a 450 you’re on drugs. There are kids on 85’s that’ll smoke you. This is a great video for us older guys on 250’s
That’s the guy that keep riverfront looking mint and always prepped
In Marysville? If so good to know. I'll be out there in a few weeks and plan to do one of the Tuesday night practices...we used to go there every Tuesday and Thursday evening then Hangtown on Sunday. So much fun...hoping it's as fun at my old age of 37 as it was back then lol
I sold my 2019 yz250f and bought a 2021 kx450. The main reason I did this is because people were saying I was to big for the 250. I am only 210lbs and I still gave into the pressure. I miss the yz250f so much. I could ride it longer, faster and had much more fun. Good job Zeb I love your tracks and race with REP all the time.
I am 225lbs and ride a ‘21 KTM 450, and the power is unreal. I can barely hold on. lol
@@mylesanderson5864 same, I'm 180 without gear and feel that the 450 was the wrong bike to buy.
@@mikeyc96 I’m down to 210lbs now and I still get tired trying to hold on. Idk how these tiny guys like roczen, webb, and tomac hold on so well.
@@mylesanderson5864 dude I feel you. I try to get in front on accel and behind hind decel, squeeze the frame with my legs but the arm pump is unavoidable. I hop of my buddy's fc250 and can go 9 hard laps before I start to feel the arm pump. My only concern with going down to a 250 is the maintenance on them due to the increased revs. I wish I could just detune my bike and make it 10 HP slower somehow lol
Right there too, myself. 208lbs. I had 450, and it just beat me up, and was hard to be precise. I dropped to 250f, and immediately felt better. Riding was more fun, longer laps, better control, and I don't care what you say, 250fs rip. Plenty fast for me, and I grew up on 2 strokes, fir those in similar positions-go for it, and won't be disappointed.💯👍
I do wish some of Japanese manufacturers would make a 350 :(
Me to I would love to have a 350 but I really don't like ktm and they are overpriced
A lot of people don’t realize how good you can make a 250f they are really good if you work the engine and set your suspension
This video was made for me. Used to have a KX450f, 9 years haven’t rode a bike, I’m a rusty 250lb dude. Been debating 250, 350 or 450…. I’m sold on excluding a 450 going forward.
230lbs have a 21 yz250f probably won’t ever ride a 450 again sold mine best decision I ever made
I feel like these builds should start out by saying. I have several thousands of dollars laying around my water fountain in my living room and I thought I would throw thousands at a custom built dirt bike just for funzies. Meanwhile us mortals are happy we found no ethanol gas we could afford and a nasty blue groove track to stumble around. Lol. Braaaaappppp.
Three years later im reading this comment. This hits home.
Yes! Northern California baby!! There’sa reason the Hangtown track has improved since the time he raced it! Zeb has made E street and Riverfront soooo much better as well! Even added a vet track!! Keep it up Zeb!
Im an ex pretty good A rider in my day, 49 now, between 200-205lbs and i had both 450 and 250 at same time, i sold my kx450 because riding once a weekend now its just too much bike, 3 laps max and i have to come in, my Honda 250f has remapped stock ignition from twisted, yosh slip ons and race gas and its plenty fast, i have a blast riding it and i can push way more laps before i get tired. 2 lap speed i am probably faster on the 450 but im not racing anymore and its just for fun, 3 laps and getting pumped up and having to pull off the track that isnt fun for me. If i rode 3x a week id get a 450, but only once on weekends 250 is the way to go.
After not riding since 2012, I started my year on a 2009 kx450. After riding boys ktm 85sx i wanted a small bore 2 stroke because of how i could ride the 85. Ended up buying a 2017 ktm 150sx and raced it all season doing ok but not that moto win like i wanted in junior class. Anyway i rd buddies 2019 yz250f and loved it. So i got ahold of every newer 250f and tried every one of them. I ended up buying a 2021 yz250f 3 weeks ago and absolutely love it. I use to always think 250f bikes where slow and not fun. In reality there more fun as you can actually use the power they have. I find it way more engaging and enjoyable riding a bike wide open and fast then cruising around all lazy like going same pace.
This is just crazy I am also a 6’3 258 lbs I built up a Yamaha 450 did the same tall seat had suspension done love the bike but at times it can bite ya. So I went and just picked up a Yz250fx haven’t been on it yet still getting it everything together can’t wait to give it a go
I'm so glad y'all made this video. MOST ppl don't need a 450 and would be better suited for a 250f or 125 2t or 250 2t at most. That whole "I'm too heavy for a 250" is absurd..
The next thing I would like to see a big channel speak on is the fact that you don't need a new bike either. Although I'm sure that might be a conflict of interest with sponsors lol..
Totally agree
I bought a brand new yz250 2 stroke last year. My 2021 yz450 has an eighth of an inch of dust on it. Im 6'5 230, not quite as stout as this man but, my bone stock 250 2 stroke (shit sorry i do have an R134 carbon silencer) with a revalve from racetech and my beloved starcross tires (i live in northern Nevada, i only ride sand) is by far the best dirt bike ive ever owned. Im a Yamaha mechanic, so my jetting is absolutely perfect, i run c12 with klotz supertech, pro taper Pastrana bends with 1 inch risers, arc levers, d1h top and bottom, renthal no waffle firm compound grips and i use these Tesla rubber lined washers between every single engine mounting point. I operated a forklift at Tesla when i broke my femur last year and acquired a box of 1,000 of those washers. Im starting a trend for sure because they give a really unique feel. You can feel the vibration but it's dampened. All big dudes are Yamaha dudes. I could not agree with this man more on the KTM thing. Ive always hated KTMs because they're so uncomfortable. I LOVE steel frame yammies so its not at all just the flex. I still race my 2003 yz144. I built a super high compression, mgx02 fueled, 12 hour engine for it. The thing makes 40 hp its absolutely ridiculous. Axel Hodges has ridden my little blue rocket. He said it would hang with his kx250 2 stroke which im not too sure about but hey, it was a huge compliment coming from him. Hes a super rad dude.
Yeah bro n the man ain’t no little guy .. respect
Vet rider here have a YZ 270 F with a GYTR head I’m 205 pounds can pull hole shots on 450s and outlast them and every Moto..
Yea Zeb good to see you and keiffer riding together again
Rmz250 would be sprung right out of the box for him
I totally agree I am 43 with a wife and two kids I had a KX250 2-stroke I was restoring something happened with the carburetor and it Whiskey throttle on me ended up needing ACL surgery out of work that didn't even have as much power as a 450 so I immediately traded it for a RMZ 250 I was real iffy about it as soon as I got that RMZ home iTune in the carburetor correctly got adjusted the valves as soon as I took off on that thing I had a smile from ear-to-ear plenty of power to be more than fun with no worry of calling my wife and kids from the hospital unless of course I make a stupid mistake riding LOL as far as whiskey throttle goes LOL
Those KX250 carbs had issues once they had some wear on the inside of the throat around the slide , mine would stick wide open when wide open 3-4 gear on a g-out such as a jump face.
Mine caused me a fractured tailbone and several damaged vertebrae in my back. It flipped me over backwards several times over jums and then almost launched me over Henry Hill at Budds Creek before I sold it to a woods rider.
@@motoguy7281 oh man sorry to hear that bro
Yeah man really this rmz250 it really is it's like a perfectly powered bike for me in the stage of life I'm in now plenty of power to climb anything I am climbing it'll wheelie through all the gears and I feel 100 percent safe
I went from an 05 crf450 for 8 years to an 03 rm250 for one year to a 15’ yz250f for the last couple years and it’s the best bike I’ve ever had!
awesome video, love seeing the average joes out loving it!!
Listening to this and I now know that i need to find a 250 and sell my 450. Thanks for the info. and opinions as I'm a lot like Zeb in the weight class.
Get a 350 unless you're good enough to carry great corner speed and clear jumps. 250s are turds.
Im 275 and riding 2021 yzf 250. And I loooove it! It is crazy good!! And its stock!
Had a ktm 350sxf and did really like it. Also a yz 250f , it was a blast, i rode it like a big 110 cuz im 6' 3 220lbs. But my yz450 is a ripper !
I love seeing suspension work hard
I had a similar experience. I bought an FX-450, liked it a lot but for some of the tighter eastern US enduro/xc type riding I do it could be a handful. I traded for a CRf-260 RX and the guy gave me some boot. I traded strictly to sell the 250 to get the rest of my cash thinking the 250f wouldn't haul my 260lb ass around quickly. After the first rest ride I decided to rode it a time or two before I sold it. Thos bike is SO MUCH FUN!!! Like he was saying at yhe end of the day the bottom line is that I have a big smile on my face and a great feeling that lasts all week. How can you top that.
My modded YZF is my favorite bike of all time. Will buy another YZ250F in near future and mod as well. Great platform.
Just saying if he use to ride back in the day and came back to riding and arm pump is a issue on a 450 and not a 250. It's because that 450 needs to be tuned or mapped for linear / more mellow map. Most new 450s have stupid hard declaration and that causes fatigue much faster then when it's smoothly coming into the corners.
I think people get super lazy too with that bark. Come into corners crawling then can get on the last second. Not a good way to ride
I'm 275 or so and loveee my 250f, did a 450 and it wasn't for me, also kinda fun to have a bike that you can build and use that power with
You're totally right about this. Want more power? ok get a pipe. Want more? OK get a HC piston...want more? Do a port job..lol it's fun and like you said, you're actually going to use the gains you're getting for the money spent.
@@darrenhill3514 exactly!
Zeb kicks ass as a track runner/promoter. Have not been able to see him Moto but either way.
It’s time for the Japanese bikes to come out with 350’s off road and MX
now i know how i look out there. im pushing 280
My buddies clowned me when I showed up with my 250, sold my 450. Then after the first ride, we get back to the pits...not one word cause I waxed them 😆
Does this yz250f have a vortex ignition
Great video!!! Yep sets the tone for the week!!!
The video I needed! Thanks.
was this built for pulpmx?!
Gunna take my time to write this comment out . Been searching for past 2 days. I’m 22 yr old 212lb 5’7 and mistakenly bought a 2021 Kx100 now after realizing my horrible mistake. I’m really stuck at what is the next bike that will work for me. I seem to be stuck between a yz250 2 stroke or the yz250F .. it’s hard for me to understand what would be better even after watching many videos. Please help!!!!
I built a 19 CRF250R with a big bore kit, PC exhaust, Vortex Ignition. I put in the heavier springs, I at 250# and 6'1". I'm way faster on it than my 450. I didn't give up anything in the 50 plus class as far as racing. I can push the bike a lot harder longer than my bikes.
Awesome video 🔥🙏
I had a buddy who was 250 and always stuck to 250s cuz he could ride more aggro and he diced with the inter class all day long
just curious about the rider height there. I just got a yz250f and was going to do a 270 kit on it. I am a vet rider 6'2 and weigh 280. Had to let the 450 go. I cant do anything it had the power for anyway ha ha ha!
I have a buddy who is 48 years old, 260lbs and rides a YZ125 really good! Not the fastest guy at the track, but by no means is he in anyone’s way. Wants nothing to do with a 450
Probably having a blast too
I’m seriously stuck between the yz250 2 stroke and yz250f
I’m going with a 250 2 stroke
Great video, on point, thank you.
That is a huge man lol he would make a 450 look small
Awesome thanks guys get outside people
I’m convinced. 300lbs. I have a yz250. But it’s just so violent. I rode a stock 250f today, im was faster.
that guts seat the tall foam?
Nor cal represent
Great video Keefer. Please get the video sound sorted out…all RacerX videos are so quiet compared to other videos (on UA-cam that is). Just sayin’.
270cc is the key, way better than high compression piston. And valves last longer
This is legit me getting out of the army and getting another bike 😂
Sweet bike.
Pre knee?? Or post knee??? Bad ass bike btw
i feel like thats aden riding
Slippy on the Suspenders!!!! Roth Racing!!!
This is cool. How tall is Zeb?
Ive tried to ride a 250 from my 450, but I just can’t get into it. If the Japanese made a 350, I could probably go for that. I’ve also heard some people de-Boring from a 450 to a 400, with some positive things to say about how it even changed how heavy the bike felt and how it cornered, etc.
Keifer????
Lets talk engine stresses and longevity. Heavy guy that 250f is going to be running at its limit, where the 450 will be in cruise mode. You're going to end up having to do more engine work to keep the 250 that is being revved out running, then the 450 that is being lugged around. Am I wrong about that?
I would also say its easier to slow down/de-tune a bike, than it is to make one faster.
Don't try and use common sense dude, they guys who build these bikes and run racer x are out of touch with common sense
200+ pound vet rider that sounds like your describing me lol
I've been saying this for years. My first real moto was a 250f. Too much for bike for a 14 year old 😆
i weigh 132lb and i just bought a 2022 yz250F
im 6"4 190 and jus getting into a mx somebody reccomend me a good starter bike plz
120kg rider on a 110kg 45hp 250f is .19hp per kg, a 450f @60hp is .26hp per kg just saying. Why hot up a 250f and sacrifice reliability when you could I don't know maybe not twist the throttle as far on a 450f
Nice to hear the two strokes in the background. Four strokes still sound like wet farts.
a 250f is too underpowered for us larger guys! 270 pounds is a lightweight! I am 6'6" and weigh in at 350!
Anyone saying a 200 pound plus dude doesn't need to be on a 450 is either retarded or getting paid to say get a 250F
@@richardferrell4362 wrong. Suspension is everything.
honestly bummed got one close up of the handle bars and then a crop shot of half the bike for 10 min while they talked. dudes show the damn bike! not a highlight vid of keefer!
He was on a pit bike 😂
A good, set up YZ 250f, for 165 - 185 lbs. 200lbs = 350- 450f. Hence; lazy as hell! HELSH -- I desired, no medical service, sh8t! Welsh
Looks like a beef 🥩 cake on a 85
That sounds a little ghey
Gotta be the ugliest numbers I’ve ever seen though