I currently own a 12 Honda CRF 250R that I just bought a couple months ago but an old back injury is being reborn due to the extra abuse i get from trying to keep it on two wheels. I was thinking of switching due to that fact and my body wouldn't be taking as bad of a beating at the track on the weekends. How do the owners of this machine feel about it and what are its quirks besides no reverse?

Thanks

I don't know if you have ridden quads recently, but I just sold my quad and got a dirtbike because the four-wheeler beat me up so badly. The dirtbike takes bumps MUCH better and you don't get the side-to-side twisting movement on the bike. I don't think this is what you asked for, but I am just letting you know that FOR ME, the four-wheeler was 10 times rougher on my back than a bike. Borrow a buddy's machine for a couple days before you get set on the purchase of a YFZ450!

AlwaysPinned, on 17 May 2012 - 07:37 PM, said:

well... I'd say your pretty well off if you can get a '12, not like something and get ANOTHER '12... Very nice bike and quad for sure. I've only ridden the older ones so I have no insight here, but if your not gonna be using the crf I'd happily give it some lovin

The guy above me says he takes more of a beating on quads than bikes... I don't share that experience, AT ALL. maybe you're just more comfortable or better on a bike so you flow more naturally and don't get beat... I think it's the opposite for me.

Also, no reverse is definitely a bitch of you do trail riding and such a lot... But for track use what good would it be anyway?

Edited by Jhawins, 18 May 2012 - 09:19 AM.

I would be looking at a 2012 Raptor 700 its a 5 speed 686 cc quad with reverse and you can do so much to them and they are efi. I used to ride a Yamaha Warrior 350 and then switched to a Yamaha YZ 125. and for the whoops the bike is alot easier but basically everything else is much easier on the fourheeler.

crakey, on 18 May 2012 - 06:08 AM, said:

My last quad was an 02 raptor that I sold in 04. I never experienced any abuse that couldn't handle but where I grew up riding was taken away so I sold it for the mean time. Most of my friends ride quads but I wanted to live on that edge again with a dirtbike. I had a hard crash at 14 and over the years the pain has stayed and intensified more and is a problem with my line of work. So.......that's where I'm at. I'd have both but trying to buy a house and I will need a newer vehicle soon. I guess I'm looking more long term plus I can't afford to get hurt.

Jhawins, on 18 May 2012 - 09:16 AM, said:

I'm just crazy plain and simple!

Edited by AlwaysPinned, 20 May 2012 - 05:16 AM.

chris02b06, on 18 May 2012 - 10:31 AM, said:

I really didn't want a raptor again because I already had one before. Reverse would be nice but I don't need it. It's like not having remote for the TV but you could still manage.  I looked at one on Friday and it's really lite to pick up so no problem their. I have intentions to do track days with either or anyway.  I guess my body will tell me which way to go instead of my mind. I really don't want to switch again and loose money but if it keeps me from riding I will.

If you a yfz dont get the standard 450 because in 2012 they down graded it so much it has regular shocks a carb and other misc. parts that were down graded as well.

chris02b06, on 21 May 2012 - 08:42 AM, said:

Ya I seen that one my plan was to go for the R model from the start.

The only thing holding me back from switching is I need to build somewhere to store it or build a new door and framing in my current shed.

My son has an '09 with the MSD controler, Moto-works slip-on and 13 tooth(to give it a little more grunt) front sprocket. Sweet, sweet machine! It rides every bit as well as my '07 raptor. IMO it would be a hard bike to beat if you are set on a qaud.

I got the bike sold and now I need to come up with a plan to get myself one of these.