My Motard saga

[chopt]

Since last weekend I hadn't done nothing but research for a track-only Motard. My friggin head is killing me. I'm caught between choosing a crf250r or a crf450r. I spoke to a few people and thanks for listening to my indecisive conversation. I'd like to hear from the masses the pro's and con's for each.
Here's my info:
-I am trying to keep the Husky so, I put the Triple up for sale.( Husky could be used on the big tracks if wanted to)
-I rode a YZ250 when I rode motorcross 10 years ago
-Like many others I'm a more-power the better, freak
-I want a bike that will work best on the majority of tracks near bye plus SuperMoto eventually when I can travel
-I rode a track set-up crf250r in Gulf Oaks and feel I could eventually push that bike to it's limits on the tracks which, 1.)I feel would be fun 2.)would be less physically demanding than a 450 at the same lap-times 3.) I'm scared it'll eventually in a short time leave me wanting MORE-POWER
BUT
A 450 would immediately give me the POWER that subconciously I need and live for, inturn possibly prolonging my learning curve in this sport.
As you can see I'm screwed.

[mattc]

250 fa sho for the small tracks. Riding a slower bike faster than the guys on fast bikes is always fun! Like you said, also, you will have to develop skills instead of relying on power (like so many) haha!

[six fiddy]

ride a 450 first and then decide; anybody got a crf 450 phil can ride up and down the street a couple of times

[thedrizel]

If you plan on riding the mini tracks (realistically) I personally believe you will enjoy a well prepped 250 more than a 450. I have had both and my 250 was MUCH easier to ride on small tracks. The difference in power on these tiny tracks is not as noticeable when you rarely get out of 3rd gear. My 450 gives me arm pump very quickly as it pulls very hard. On these tracks there is never any coasting. It's either WOT or FULL brakes. Every turn, lap after lap. Riding a prepped 250 will prolong your energy allowing you to not wear out as quickly for sure.

Next time I'm out there, you are welcome to ride my 450 to try it out. On big tracks (around this region) the 450 is actually too small. You need to be honest with yourself in deciding what you plan on riding.

[chopt]

Thanks for the replies.
Carl - I'd like the POWER but, like Matt and Keith said, which was my original thought when I decided to get a track-only Motard. The 250 will allow me to breathe, and like you said "relax" on the track.

OK, I'm getting closer to making a decision here.

MASSES, tell me this. Someone stated there's a 1.2 mile track near bye that I'd probably end-up racing. Will the 250 be compettitive on it?(properly geared)

[thedrizel]

I would imagine if you can ride it properly you should be able to compete.

[chopt]

(Keith, no pun intended)
We all know it's the rider and not the bike. I am confident I have the ability to gain the skills required to push a 250 CLOSE to it's limits. In thought, if the 450's extra power gave it an advantage over the 250's on the 1+mile tracks. Will I regret not building a 450.
See, this is what I mean by going nuts.lol

[LAYNFRM]

(Keith, no pun intended)
We all know it's the rider and not the bike. I am confident I have the ability to gain the skills required to push a 250 CLOSE to it's limits. In thought, if the 450's extra power gave it an advantage over the 250's on the 1+mile tracks. Will I regret not building a 450.
See, this is what I mean by going nuts.lol

get a 150R and put a CRF250R motor in it. then, sell it to me if you want to get a 450 later... service honda even sells them already done.

[Juice]

Phil, our somewhat local tracks are Moore park, Gulf Oaks and Spring ridge. All are less than 150 miles from Baton Rouge and are around a 1/4 mile in lenght. The larger tracks that semra runs are

BTK, (http://www.semra.org/tracks_btk.htm)

Monticello,
(http://www.monticellokarting.com/track.html) Moroso, (http://racepbir.com/road.html)
Starke (http://www.semra.org/tracks_ers.htm),
Five Flags (http://5flagsspeedway.com/)
Middle Georgia (http://www.myspace.com/428903440).

All six of the larger tracks are a 8-14 hour drive from Red stick. Badger and I have only made it to two of the larger tracks so far. We do plan to race Five Flags in August. If you plan to run the entire circuit next year, maybe the 450 would be the best tool for the job. If you plan to just ride our local tracks, the 250 will give you more smiles per lap than you will be able to handle.

[thedrizel]

(Keith, no pun intended)
We all know it's the rider and not the bike. I am confident I have the ability to gain the skills required to push a 250 CLOSE to it's limits. In thought, if the 450's extra power gave it an advantage over the 250's on the 1+mile tracks. Will I regret not building a 450.
See, this is what I mean by going nuts.lol


What I meant was... I believe you would fully appreciate a 250 and see no reason why you couldn't be competitive on it. If I were not twice your size (literary) I would do the same and race a 250.

If you chose to ride a big track like NPR, then you use your 610.

[chopt]

Thanks for the replies. And Tylor you sure do like making life hard.lol

Juice, that was exactly what I needed to know. And Keith thanks for chimming-in, I was hoping I'd get your take.

CRF250R it is, now I need to find one that's been Motarded and race ready. This, I've been looking for with no luck. There's motarded 450's everywhere for sale. ALL who's watching this thread keep me in mind if you run across one.

LET THE SHOPPING BEGIN.w00t

[thedrizel]

Call this guy. They ALWAYS have great deals on used stuff.

mx bikes for sale save$$$$$ <hr style="color: rgb(174, 104, 20); background-color: rgb(174, 104, 20);" size="1"> <!-- / icon and title --> <!-- message --> 2004 yz85 $700
2005 crf250 $2400
2007 ktm pro sr $1000
2005 kx125 $1300
2008 kx100 $1150
call walt at pro flow laurel ms 601-425-2484

I bought a 2008 KX450F from them CHEAP.

[Juice]

Monticello :poop:


http://www.monticellokarting.com/images/airmonticello.jpg

[chopt]

Where is this and how long of a track is it?

[Juice]

Click the links in post 9. I linked all of the tracks there.

[chopt]

That's one I want to make. DEFINITELY............

[lt1rx798]

here ya go...

better gear ratio too!!

http://batonrouge.craigslist.org/mcy/1237974731.html

[six fiddy]

ive got to go ride that track; when are we leaving

[Juice]

Monticello was the chosen location for the 2009 mini nationals, but the event has been canceled for lack of participation, due to the bad economy. :nopity:

[Juice]

We plan on making Five flags in August and Stark in late October. You going with us?

[Zutopong]

Anything larger than a 1/2 mile track and you will have plenty of time between turns to think about that 450. Keep us updated on your decision.

[six fiddy]

yes im definitely planning on going; and hope to have a motarded 250r or 450x to play with

[six fiddy]

yes i am definitely planning on going ; and will have a 250r or a 450x motarded and a full ice chest of beer

[chopt]

Count me in and hopefully I'll have a 250 by then.

[Juice]

New thread started here. (http://www.dualsportridersoflouisiana.com/forums/showthread.php?t=7266)

[Juice]

Chopt here is a video that i found showing off the Monticello track.

<object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/OMvDLV8Tna4&hl=en&fs=1&"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/OMvDLV8Tna4&hl=en&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object>

[six fiddy]

that looks like a fantastic size track for motards; the turns and length of the straights are just about right; drizzell have you seen this video ; i think we could make something similiar to this in the parking lot at no problem raceway; it would definetly be a good track design to start with; we could probably get the lay up and length of the straights and turns somewhere on the internet and go from there; with a track like that to heck with a dirt section

[Dusty]

That is awesome!
Chopt here is a video that i found showing off the Monticello track.

<object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/OMvDLV8Tna4&hl=en&fs=1&"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/OMvDLV8Tna4&hl=en&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object>

[chopt]

I finally got to watch the vid. Awsome, when can we ride that track?

[chopt]

OK, I have my sights set on an 07 YZ250F with the 08 suspension and top-end.
What, if any are ya'lls take on riding BLUE. I've always been partial to yamaha, what are their pro's and con's compared to RED(honda)?

[thedrizel]

OK, I have my sights set on an 07 YZ250F with the 08 suspension and top-end.
What, if any are ya'lls take on riding BLUE. I've always been partial to yamaha, what are their pro's and con's compared to RED(honda)?

I've owned 2 hondas and 9 Yamaha's. Phuck Honda!

[LAYNFRM]

they are good bikes. a guy i ride dirt with has one and it's nice.

[chopt]

Phuck Honda!

DAAAYUMM, no luv.lol

[LAYNFRM]

i don't know if it matters to you, but you will have a harder time finding parts for the yamaha if you plan on scrounging up used wheels a used brake setup from someone on SMJ. the new wheel market is just as big though.

[thedrizel]

i don't know if it matters to you, but you will have a harder time finding parts for the yamaha if you plan on scrounging up used wheels a used brake setup from someone on SMJ. the new wheel market is just as big though.

Because everyone wants to get ride of those POS Honda's and keep their Yamaha's! Therefore the market is flooded with Honda parts!

[chopt]

Motostrano has complete kits already assembled for the conversions. I was expecting to buy it new with any of the dirt bikes I decided on unless, I find one already converted.

I found a 2008 KTM 250XCF already converted. How would one of them stack-up to motard'ng a YZ250F. It has e-start that makes it 20lbs heavier than the YZ. Which do you guys suggest would be a better bike for Supermoto. I'll have almost as much money in the Yamaha after the conversion as the guys asking for the KTM.

[thedrizel]

The e-start is WELL WORTH the 20lbs in my opinion. If you want to save weight, you can buy one of those Li Ion batteries and save 5lbs.

[LAYNFRM]

the KTM is actually 3 lbs lighter than the YZ250F. 223 vs 226. they did away with the kickstart on some models (i think that is one of them) so that they could add electric start, and they actually saved a couple pounds when they did it. i think they already have the lithium-ion batteries. i know at one point (i think they still do) they offered a "small" battery and a "micro" battery to save even more weight.


the xcf-w would be a better choice IMO. that is what i would go with for sure. i really like KTM bikes. the couple that i have ridden were all really nice. even their small bikes are setup really well. my next new bike will probably be a KTM or something crazy. the wide ratio tranny would be an advantage at any type of longer track, and you won't have to change sprockets as much when changing from short to long tracks since you'll have a lower first gear and taller 4th and 5th.


and keith, why aren't you riding BLUE if they are so great? the R1 is for sale, and even you said you don't ride it anymore, lol. this is coming from someone who has owned 4 or 5 yamahas and has no real brand loyalty whatsoever. i know i'm not too fond of polaris or some suzuki/kawi bikes though. atv's and SXS mostly though.

[thedrizel]

and keith, why aren't you riding BLUE if they are so great? the R1 is for sale, and even you said you don't ride it anymore, lol. this is coming from someone who has owned 4 or 5 yamahas and has no real brand loyalty whatsoever. i know i'm not too fond of polaris or some suzuki/kawi bikes though. atv's and SXS mostly though.


The R1 has not sold and I am not riding it because I (at this time) don't have the desire to ride a big bike!

I have owned 4 YZF's and loved every one of them.

I am not as pro Yamaha as I am anti-Honda!

I really have no brand loyalty. They are all excellent...cept for Honda.

[chopt]

Can you belive; I've been making a deal on a 07 YZ250F for over a week we finally came to an agreement on price and a place to meet to pick the bike up. Yestarday he emails me "the bike is not for sale, sorry". WTF, now it's back to square one.

[LAYNFRM]

ouch. check motosouth.

[Shaq Diesel]

you buying a pre-built or building one?

[Juice]

My buddy Robert has this 2002 at his shop for $2,999

[chopt]

you buying a pre-built or building one?

I started-out hoping to find a pre-built bike and are finding out there's not many out there. There's twice as many 450's than they are 250's. I want to go with a 250 but are getting impatient and are rationalizing the weight difference which is about 20lbs more on a 450. I agree with everyone else who's responded to this thread that the 450 would be more work to control and handle than the 250 making the 250 funner to ride. I've got the Tim Allen syndrome "more-power" and a 450 is starting to tempt me now that this last deal fell thru. Either way, I don't mind having to buy a conversion-kit. I just have to find a dirtbike I can trust that is still in good shape and a good deal to buy for the conversion.


My buddy Robert has this 2002 at his shop for $2,999

That's a little steep for an 02, the deal that just fell thru for me was for an 07 YZ250F $2800.00. I'm looking for an 06 or newer and inorder to consider and older one, it'd have to be a sweet-deal.

[chopt]

I might have one in the tank.
What ya'll think of a YZ450F, it's already motard'd plus I have history with the owner telling me the bike is very nice and in very good condition. It's an 03 and the ergonomics are basically the same as an 06 except the aluminum frame, both are 220lbs. I'm comparing it to an 06 because originally that was the oldest year'd bike I was planning on buying. I don't know how much hp the 06 and newer have, but the 03 was spec'd at 60.
http://i262.photobucket.com/albums/ii112/captrivers/03YZ450Fa.jpg
http://i262.photobucket.com/albums/ii112/captrivers/03YZ450Fb.jpg
http://i262.photobucket.com/albums/ii112/captrivers/03YZ450Fc.jpg
http://i262.photobucket.com/albums/ii112/captrivers/03YZ450Fg.jpg

[thedrizel]

The 03 did not make 60hp from the factory. I believe they also had 4 speed trannys.

My 08 KX450F make 55hp on the MSO and they have come a long way in 6 years.

[chopt]

The 03 did not make 60hp from the factory. I believe they also had 4 speed trannys.

I got that from one of many tech spec sheets I searched. It really isn't a big deal to me 50 or 60, that on a 220lbs bike is got to be kick-ass.

http://i262.photobucket.com/albums/ii112/captrivers/2003YZ450F.jpg


It does have a 4 speed tranny. What are the pro's and con's compared to a 5 or 6 speed?

[chopt]

sorry double post.

[Rocky]

I love it Chopt! Go for it boy!

[Dusty]

B.&b





I might have one in the tank.
What ya'll think of a YZ450F, it's already motard'd plus I have history with the owner telling me the bike is very nice and in very good condition. It's an 03 and the ergonomics are basically the same as an 06 except the aluminum frame, both are 220lbs. I'm comparing it to an 06 because originally that was the oldest year'd bike I was planning on buying. I don't know how much hp the 06 and newer have, but the 03 was spec'd at 60.
http://i262.photobucket.com/albums/ii112/captrivers/03YZ450Fa.jpg
http://i262.photobucket.com/albums/ii112/captrivers/03YZ450Fb.jpg
http://i262.photobucket.com/albums/ii112/captrivers/03YZ450Fc.jpg
http://i262.photobucket.com/albums/ii112/captrivers/03YZ450Fg.jpg

[chopt]

I finally got a bike. Me and Carl spent 17+ hours on the road yestarday but, we both came home with bikes. I bought the 03 pic'd above and it looks exactly as it does in the pics. I can't wait to get it on the track.

Keith, you were right about the hp I seen somewhere else it was rated 47 to 49.

[thedrizel]

Keith, you were right about the hp I seen somewhere else it was rated 47 to 49.


I'm always right....even when I'm not!:poop:


Congrats man!!!

Don't get upset when a fat man puts a wheel on you....LOL

[Dusty]

Congrats guys!

[Juice]

:worthless:

[six fiddy]

bought a yz450f yamaha yesterday and took it to moore park today; had the stock setup knobbies and all ; but i had a blast on the knobby tires ; was leaving 30ft black marks coming out of the corners and going into the corners; ordered a set of warp nine supermoto rims and a set of tires; having them overnighted so should be in tommorrow; phil and i are planning on riding at moore park saturday afternoon from 5 till dark and sunday morning from 7 till 11 or so; yall come out and join us ; we can drink beer and tell lies at my house saturday night after we ride sat afternoon and ride off the hangover sunday morning

[LAYNFRM]

i'm bringing matt my wheel tomorrow to get re-spoked, since i forgot it at the house today. if it's done, i might bring the bikes out there for some fun.

[chopt]

Don't get upset when a fat man puts a wheel on you....LOL

Just don't run me over like ole boy did at Gulf Oaks. I can't wait to get this thing on the tracks and get some skills. I really wanted to try a 250 but, these 450's were everywhere. I thought I had it bad, Carl was worse-off than me. I think if we wouldn't have found the bikes when we did, we would have probably had to try to get a 2 for 1 special on a divorce lawyer.lol

[chopt]

Here she is in my garage with:
Black 17" Excel wheels with silver billet hubs. 5" rear
Black powdercoated frame and swingarm
Suspension setup by CTR
Full titanium Jardine exhaust
STM slipper clutch
New clutch fibers
Motormaster Brakes
GSXR master cyclinder
Bajadesigns dual sport setup
Continental tires almost new!
ALL new plasitcs and graphics
New clark tank in black
N-style gripper seat cover
Protaper handle bars and top tripple clamp
Cycra hand gaurds
SME spools
Aprillia tuono mirrors
Acrebis dimond headlight
UFO sm front fender
LED rear brake light and running light
http://i262.photobucket.com/albums/ii112/captrivers/DSCF7187.jpg
http://i262.photobucket.com/albums/ii112/captrivers/DSCF7189.jpg

[LAYNFRM]

hellz yeah. looks awesome.

[mattc]

Sweet!!!!!!!!


When I get some Duro's on the DRZ I'll have to come out to Moore Park and ride with you guys.

[thedrizel]

Welcome to the dark side!

[teethandnails]

I need it.

[chopt]

Matt, what size are you gonna need? I've got some 17"'s I'm getting ready to trash.

[LAYNFRM]

Matt, what size are you gonna need? I've got some 17"'s I'm getting ready to trash.

he's running a 18/21 setup. what 17's? the contis?

[blkhalo996]

welcome to the dark side!


+10000000!!!!!!!!!!!!

[chopt]

OK, first ride/track day in Lafayette this weekend. This thing is a TOOL specificaly made for the job. It's presently geared WAY too tall, other than that it's 99.9% of the way to being the best sumo it can be.

[LAYNFRM]

where are the pictures from today? slacker


this bike is extremely fun to ride. i think with the new shorter gearing, backing it in will be easy as pie. i couldn't get it to come around with the current gearing since first was so tall on that short track

[Juice]

How did you like the new surface on the track?
OK, first ride/track day in Lafayette this weekend. This thing is a TOOL specificaly made for the job. It's presently geared WAY too tall, other than that it's 99.9% of the way to being the best sumo it can be.

[chopt]

How did you like the new surface on the track?

I like it alot, it's starting to get some ripples in spots but not bad yet. We had a blast even though the heat barely let's you enjoy it.


where are the pictures from today? slacker

I'll try to get em up this evening.

[chopt]

where are the pictures from today? slacker


Here ya go,

http://i262.photobucket.com/albums/ii112/captrivers/DSCF7194.jpg
http://i262.photobucket.com/albums/ii112/captrivers/DSCF7198.jpg
http://i262.photobucket.com/albums/ii112/captrivers/DSCF7200.jpg

[mattc]

Niiiice!