Kx250F or KX450F?
 

I don't race, I just ride farms/bush/trails and through creeks and stuff....

Would a 250 or a 450 4 stroke motocrosser be better for me? Don't tell me I don't need a motocross bike for that use, because I don't care, I'm getting a motocross bike for it, I just need help choosing which size.

I'll most likely test ride each, but apparently the 450s are scarily powerful...

How much maintenance is needed on each and is it difficult to do?

RE: Kx250F or KX450F?
 

you don't need a motox bike for that! hahaha welcome to KF

RE: Kx250F or KX450F?
 

Nah for real, I really do. I'm sick of KLXs, WRs and those kind of bikes....theres nothing thats going to change my mind, I just need to know whether I should be looking at a 250 or a 450. I know I should ride one, but how are they different in terms of maintenance?

RE: Kx250F or KX450F?
 

thats a good question about the maintenance. i wish i could help ya there, but i havent ridden either of the two bikes. so im not much help:D

RE: Kx250F or KX450F?
 

Hello Matt, I bought the kx250f last year and it's plenty for me ay 6'4" and 220lb's. There's times I'd like the 450 but not to often. Are you planning to race? What is your skill level? The 250 is powerfull, I would imagine the 450 to be a lot more. The maintenace is not that bad if your trail riding but a lot more intensive if your going to race. The bike needs a spark arrestor for trail riding. I bought an after market arrestor and silencer for 150$ so plan on that.Also no headlight or kickstand so figure that in too. I know what you mean tho I've always had a trail bike and this time I had to have an MX and glad I did. The sound of it alone is worth it. You wont be dissapointed. You should talk to your local dealer, they will set you up with the right bike. Also when you do buy it get a factory manual with the break in parts and oils needed, maybe some extra filters while your there, save the trip.

Good luck
Paul

RE: Kx250F or KX450F?
 

That's a tough choice Matt. What size are you? The 250f are lighter with more rev but require more valve adjustments. Mine has 89 hours an it and ready for the 3rd one soon. The 450's have more power than you'll ever use but are have less matainence. Put it this way, my brother has an 05 KTM EXC 450 (basically a 450 with a lightand electric start) with +200 hours of woods riding and harescamble. With normal wear and tear it's bullet proof. Valve adjustments seem difficult at first but actually simple. Although, I take mine to the bike shop for 100.00 bucks for the piece of mind. Let us know what you decide.

RE: Kx250F or KX450F?
 

Thanks for the quick replies. I'm 6'2, or 6'3 with my riding boots on, and around 220 lbs as well, so I'm about the same size as you.

I've just come from a KLR250, so maybe a 450 will be overkill, I don't know. My skill level of generally riding would be pretty good, I'm not much of a jumper, but I can control my KLR pretty well through mud and creeks and all that.

Whats this spark arrestor business? I don't think I've ever heard of one, do they stop the flames and bits of **** flying out of the exhaust? Do they restrict the power or the sound of the bike at all?

When I ride, I don't rev the **** out of my bike, I don't like the sound of it so I don't do it. If I ride like this on the KXF, will it be bad for the motor? Or will I just have to do less valve adjustments?

I'm still trying to get dad to get the seals replaced on my KLR, and then we can look at selling it. I've been looking at reviews, copious amounts of reviews, and the KXF still comes out on top for the 04/05 years, so I think my mind is made up. If I could afford the 450, then I'd go for it. I'm only 17 though, so maybe I'll get the 250 now, and when I'm 19-20 when I can tow a trailer with my car (against the law in Melbourne, Australia to tow until you're 19) I'll look into a 450. By then the 06 KX450Fs will be cheaper too.

Thanks for all the help again.

RE: Kx250F or KX450F?
 

Glad we could help a little. If you do go for the 250 you might want to get a heavier rear spring. Most stock are rated for up to 165-170lbs. Spark arrestors are more to decrese the sound to a lower decible for trail riding and limits backfire ( I think ). Some parts of the country here have restrictions on riding public or gov't land trails and such. Not a big deal. Good luck with your decision! Cheers mate! :DGo Chad Reed go!

RE: Kx250F or KX450F?
 

If i don't rev the hell out of the bike and don't thrash it a lot, will that reduce the amount of maintenance I'd have to do like valves and all that? Could I take it to a motorbike shop to do it for me? I don't ride heaps, I've had my KLR for I think 5 years and I've only got 1300 kilometres on it.

RE: Kx250F or KX450F?
 

Yep, don't let the maintenance worry ya. As long as you change the oil frequently like your other bike you'll have no problems. A friend I race with has 60 hours on his 450 and haven't touched the valves for adjustment. A good tip is hook up an hour meter and attach it to the spark plug boot, it regulates run time by the electric pulses. That way you can keep tabs on oil changes. You can take it to any bike shop for adjustment or buy a cd that takes you through step by step.