I have been riding for about a year and love my 2001 WR250F. I have it set up for woods riding & I intend on keeping this bike for a long time. Lately I have been heading to the local MX tracks and have been having a blast. I have been thinking about purchasing either a YZ250F or a YZ426F for those days that I go to the track. Any advice comparing the pros & cons of these two bikes for MX would be welcomed.

PB,
You cant make a bad choice here, but let me
put one more into the mix, the YZ250.
I too started on a WR 250F wonderful
bike. I have ridden a YZ250F and the
YZ 426. the 2 smoke has as much power as
the 426 with the weight of the 250F.
Nice combo. I have really come to enjoy
the instant on power of the 250 2smoke.
having said that now when I ride my
buddies 250F its much easier on my arms.
But what I have found on the MX track,
when lining up for jumps, instant corrections
are easily made with the 250 2smoke. The
250F is a little hesitant comparativley,
my own opinion. If I was a trail only
guy 4 stroke no question, MX only I have
to entertain the YZ250 as an option,
and having riden all the MX bikes in this
question including the CRF 450 and th CR250
I would stay with the YZ250 2 smoke, AND
it is the best deal of all those bikes,
fiscally.

I have two 250F's one for off-road and one strictly for the MX track. If you like to ride 125's on the MX track the 250F will be a real joy to ride. I do have to work really hard to keep up with the 250 strokes and the 426/450F's but I think that it will teach you more skill if you can keep up on in inferior (hp) bike. Just remember to keep you corner speed up and keep the thing singing!!

If you love your WR250, I think you answered your own question. The YZ is a bit lighter and more nimble plus the suspension is a bit firmer, making it more suitable for the track. Unless your weight is substantial, I think the 250 would be the best choice. The 426 is a lot more motorcycle to throw around on a motocross track.

Thanks for the comments - definitely some food for thought. I am a little guy - 5'6" / 160lbs and I think the 426F may be a bit much for me. I have a buddy that has a YZ250; I wll take it for a spin and see how it goes. If I end up preferring the fourstroke; the 250F will be for me. Thanks again.

PB- Owning both a crf450 and yz250f (my son's)and spending a significant amount of time on my buddy's yz426f, the 250f is the most nimble and fun to ride on the track. My 450 and the 426 just really take it out of you trying to make it quick around the circuit (no matter how good a shape you're in). Good luck.

2ndtimer:

What is your size? Height & Weight?

No, I am not trying to ask you on a date. Just curious as you have a lot of experience with the the 450F, 250F, and 426F.

Thanks.

WalterMitty: 5'11" 175lbs. I got the 450 and my buddy got the 426 as we wanted the fastest (and most reliable) of the current technology. Then my son got the 250F and boy do we have a lot of fun on it (when he lets us). Again, on the average mx course, the lighter, more nimble bike can have an advantage.

Was at round 5 of SX in Anaheim last night. James "Bubba" Stewart (in the 125 final) turned in what would have been the 8th fastest lap time of the entire 250 final- NOT BAD! Obviously he is an outstanding rider, but it also shows that the smaller bikes are not too far off the pace in the tight stuff.

I like my 426 way way way better than my 250f. The 250f tires me out so bad and gives me arm pump. Dont get me wrong I luv the bike but my 426 just feels better.

Isn't this a case of wanting to either go fast or "OH MY GOD!"?