I was wondering if i should save my money and buy a 450r or buy a modded 250r. Whatever i get i was going to race them on a track. which would be the better choice to race??

 

I'M NOT MUCH OF A RACE'R BUT I DO LIKE EASE OF MAINTANCE/RIDEABILITY ON FOUR STROKE'S COMPARED TO THE TWO STROKE'S!

 

Maintenance on a two stroke is much simpler and cheaper than a four stroke, i really don't know why one would think differently. They are also VERY reliable until you get highly modded but that is the same with any engine. An engine can't get any simpler than a two stroke. If you plan on using it to race only then i would go the 250r route. You can get one all decked out for racing for what a new 450r will cost. If you plan on using it for trail riding also then i would go with the 450r. I have a 250r and it is not very good for trail riding since you have to mix the gas. It is light and fast though.

 

I'LL REPHRASE MY STATEMENT THE TWO STROKES DO HAVE EASY MAINT BUT I HATE DEALING W/ FOWLED PLUGS NO LOW END POWER AND RELIABILITY ISSUES. I JUST WANT TO BE ABLE TO PUT IN MY GAS AND GO!

 

ive never fowled a plug on my 250r, had it over 6 years.
You are right, they don't have much low end power but all you have to do is keep up the rpm's and you are fine. There is an art to riding them. They are not any less reliable than a 4 stroke but mixing gas does suck.

 

i got both. mixing gas is no big deal. as far as comparing the 2, there is no comparison in handling, the 250R still owns it IMO. better c of g, better balance, handles like it is on rails. the 450R - little more "squirrely." great engine and front shocks (The rear isnt as good in stock form) and overall good reliable machine. maintenance- i find i do more to the 450R than 250R (my 250R is 22yrs old, im the 3rd owner, its in great condition, it has been rebuilt only ONCE in 2002 and still going extremely strong with no signs of needing another rebuild anytime soon). the 250r is an excellent machine.

on the other side, due to their high revving nature, these 450s need more attention to routine maintenance and valve adjustments than a typical 4 stroke. they have pancake pistons with no real skirt unless you count the extra 28mm on the 450r. last time i checked, most have 2rings, the honda has 3. the honda has split oil compartments and the engine side only holds a little... which means oil changes are crucial to the performance and life of the engine. if you want to get on and go, then maybe you should be looking at a raptor or z400 or 400ex....but since you said the magic word of 'track' - (if you are going to play around the above bikes will do ok but are not purpose built exclusively for the track although i think the 700R will suprise you but it is heavier and is a great all round bike) anyway, if you want to race the 250R will be better handler, imo, but it has been kicked out of most classes on the circuit so getting used to it will do you no good if you wish to actually compete...a 450 class bike is what you need then for this. the YFZ is close to the 250R in handling. if i were getting another 450 id look into that or a can am...but leaning towards an 09 YFZ as it is rumored to have EFI.. unless they fix the 450R in the handling department, i will not be a repeat buyer of one.

 

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