Planet Minis

mtnbykracr · 05-23-2007, 02:04 PM

OK, I've been reading about the new CRF150R and it looks like a really cool bike - except for some cam/clutch problems which they will work out. I am +45 but very short (5' 5") and the CRF150R is the perfect size for me. I want to race in the vet classes next year and wondered what the people felt about being competitive on a 150R versus the 250 and 450's? Has anyone ever tried to stuff a 250 motor into that 150 frame? Thoughts on how to be competitive on the 150 against the big bikes? Thanks!

mxstar1 · 05-23-2007, 02:28 PM

250f 4 sure

uno4cinco · 05-23-2007, 02:41 PM

450 or 250F....have ur suspension set up for your height.

Z50King · 05-23-2007, 02:46 PM

yeah, have a company pull a carmichael on your forks and shock

just dont pull a honda and roll the bars back over the seat

mtnbykracr · 05-23-2007, 02:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Z50King

yeah, have a company pull a carmichael on your forks and shock

just dont pull a honda and roll the bars back over the seat

Does anyone know what they do to make these skyscrapers into "low riders" so us vertically challenged dudes can reach the ground???

Brent878 · 05-23-2007, 03:31 PM

my friend has his 125 done. he used a kuba link for the back to drop it a couple of inches and had his fork sent out to chop 2 inches of travel off of them and slid then in the triple clamps a inch. He also shaved the foam on his seat down. I would say he dropped his 125 a good 3-4 inches. It feels way smaller than my 125 and we both have 2002 CR125's.

I think that would be a better option than then trying to put a 250 motor into a 150 frame becuase you are still going to be stuck with a short wheel base and small wheels. But your faster on a 150, i say just race that if the class allows it.

Z50King · 05-23-2007, 03:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mtnbykracr

Does anyone know what they do to make these skyscrapers into "low riders" so us vertically challenged dudes can reach the ground???

with lots of money.....

mtnbykracr · 05-23-2007, 03:56 PM

Thanks for the info. I don't know if I would be faster on the 150 or not? That's what I'm trying to figure out as the size of the bike is perfect for me and in the vet classes you only need an 86cc or bigger bike so it would be legal. It'll be interesting to see if any old guys race these at Loretta Lynns this year? I won't be going this year but trying to qualify next year. I need to figure this out by the qualifiers next year (around March here in AZ). So, anyone with more info, please keep it coming. I'm not sure I want to "chop" a big bike down, seems like a lot of work and not sure how it would really be - might be great?! I just think by powering up the 150 and getting the suspension setup for my weight (165) would be better - who knows but thanks for the info guys!

Brent878 · 05-23-2007, 04:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mtnbykracr

Thanks for the info. I don't know if I would be faster on the 150 or not? That's what I'm trying to figure out as the size of the bike is perfect for me and in the vet classes you only need an 86cc or bigger bike so it would be legal. It'll be interesting to see if any old guys race these at Loretta Lynns this year? I won't be going this year but trying to qualify next year. I need to figure this out by the qualifiers next year (around March here in AZ). So, anyone with more info, please keep it coming. I'm not sure I want to "chop" a big bike down, seems like a lot of work and not sure how it would really be - might be great?! I just think by powering up the 150 and getting the suspension setup for my weight (165) would be better - who knows but thanks for the info guys!

its not really that much work to do "chop" a big bike down.

for the rear get one of these. Took me less than 15 min to install.
Kouba Link

for the front, just pull off the fork legs and send them to any good suspension place, probalby a local one if you don't want to mail them. Its not a hard thing to do so most places should be able to do it.

after that if its still too high cut the seat foam alittle and put the cover back on. Just use a knife or turkey carver.

But the biggest difference between the 2 bikes will be the wheel base and wheels. That will see what bike you will be faster on or more comfortable but if racing against big bikes I would think the longer wheel base and bigger wheels would be a advantage. You could even shorten a 450 as they are generally the same height as a 250F.

But you still have time to research and maybe test ride some bikes and see how you feel on them. The bigger bikes might feel to heavy for you which could work as a dis advantage depending on your riding style and skill level.

aedwards07 · 05-23-2007, 04:44 PM

If you really dont have a brand prefrence I say get a KTM 450.As said above shorten the suspension by just sending it out,and shave alittle foam out of the seat.Your biggest problem with a big bike will be starting it.Thats why I say the KTM would be a great choice since its E-start.Everyone falls once and a while and it will be one of those times when it just wont start.Thats when you will wish you got the KTM.

BTW I am now a KTM lover by any means.I ride yz450s myself but think the ktm would be the better bike in this case.

mtnbykracr · 05-23-2007, 05:32 PM

Thanks everyone, lots to think about over the next few months!

pitbikeman · 05-23-2007, 05:37 PM

Buy a 250F and have MX-Tech shorten the suspension. I ride both a 250 and 450F. Honestly same speed on both bikes, until around the 3rd lap, then I'm faster on the 250. However, when I ride the 250F against the 450's with a long start straight, I'm playing catchup instead of pulling the holeshot.

Pal · 05-23-2007, 05:59 PM

I think that you should get a Honda crf250r. It seems like a good balance of power and weight for your condition.

mxstar1 · 05-23-2007, 07:24 PM

if your that worried about the height, check out service hondas 250f that they shove in a mini frame. Gonna be $$$$$$ though. any suspension shop can lower your bike any amount you want too. I had a 125 dropped 2 inches for my bro. I hated it though, way too short and long. Why do you need to touch the ground? just always be on the look out for a rock or haybail to stop next to.

minirdr · 05-23-2007, 08:13 PM

im 5'5" and ride a 250f

mtnbykracr · 05-23-2007, 08:54 PM

I hate NOT to be able to touch the ground! Ever try starting a tall bike when you crash in the back, with mud on it etc!? I just want to be able to touch at least 1 foot pretty well. Thanks for all the comments though guys!!!

2wheeltyson · 05-24-2007, 05:53 AM

i'll let you know after my first 30+ race. i was in the same boat 5'4". i shortened my crf450 3+ inches and still never felt right. on hard pack tracks im faster on the 150 than the 450 but it's not powerfull enough to pull my fatazz around in the sand or mud. (at least not at the pace i like to be at)
i also had a lowered 250f for a while.

couger70 · 05-24-2007, 08:06 AM

250f

set up your suspension to your height
and move up the forks in your triple clamps
cutting your seat down can help too

you can also get foot peg risers

if engine power is an issue

get a bore kit

one of the "ice cube" pre bored cylinders

couger70 · 05-24-2007, 08:07 AM

wait, no

get a 250 two stroke

4 stroke big bikes suck

mtnbykracr · 05-24-2007, 01:13 PM

MXSTAR1, where can I "check out" the 250 you mention??? Also, yes, a 250 2 Stroke might be a better bet as they're smaller to start with... Thanks again guys, keep the ideas coming if you have more!

2WheelTyson, how did you like your lowered 250f? Sounds like you really didn't like the lowered big bikes, why not?

05-23-2007, 02:04 PM	#1 (permalink)
mtnbykracr 2nd Gear Member Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Gilbert, AZ Posts: 753	150, 250 or 450? Which to race in vet classes? OK, I've been reading about the new CRF150R and it looks like a really cool bike - except for some cam/clutch problems which they will work out. I am +45 but very short (5' 5") and the CRF150R is the perfect size for me. I want to race in the vet classes next year and wondered what the people felt about being competitive on a 150R versus the 250 and 450's? Has anyone ever tried to stuff a 250 motor into that 150 frame? Thoughts on how to be competitive on the 150 against the big bikes? Thanks!

05-23-2007, 02:28 PM	#2 (permalink)
mxstar1 2nd Gear Member Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: South San Francisco, CA Posts: 327	Re: 150, 250 or 450? Which to race in vet classes? 250f 4 sure

05-23-2007, 02:41 PM	#3 (permalink)
uno4cinco 3rd Gear Member Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Moorpark, Ca Posts: 1,337	Re: 150, 250 or 450? Which to race in vet classes? 450 or 250F....have ur suspension set up for your height.

05-23-2007, 02:46 PM	#4 (permalink)
Z50King Almost Banned Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Upland, Ca MSAC Posts: 6,642	Re: 150, 250 or 450? Which to race in vet classes? yeah, have a company pull a carmichael on your forks and shock just dont pull a honda and roll the bars back over the seat

05-23-2007, 03:31 PM	#6 (permalink)
Brent878 3rd Gear Member Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Southern California Posts: 2,150	Re: 150, 250 or 450? Which to race in vet classes? my friend has his 125 done. he used a kuba link for the back to drop it a couple of inches and had his fork sent out to chop 2 inches of travel off of them and slid then in the triple clamps a inch. He also shaved the foam on his seat down. I would say he dropped his 125 a good 3-4 inches. It feels way smaller than my 125 and we both have 2002 CR125's. I think that would be a better option than then trying to put a 250 motor into a 150 frame becuase you are still going to be stuck with a short wheel base and small wheels. But your faster on a 150, i say just race that if the class allows it.

05-23-2007, 03:56 PM	#8 (permalink)
mtnbykracr 2nd Gear Member Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Gilbert, AZ Posts: 753	Re: 150, 250 or 450? Which to race in vet classes? Thanks for the info. I don't know if I would be faster on the 150 or not? That's what I'm trying to figure out as the size of the bike is perfect for me and in the vet classes you only need an 86cc or bigger bike so it would be legal. It'll be interesting to see if any old guys race these at Loretta Lynns this year? I won't be going this year but trying to qualify next year. I need to figure this out by the qualifiers next year (around March here in AZ). So, anyone with more info, please keep it coming. I'm not sure I want to "chop" a big bike down, seems like a lot of work and not sure how it would really be - might be great?! I just think by powering up the 150 and getting the suspension setup for my weight (165) would be better - who knows but thanks for the info guys!

05-23-2007, 04:44 PM	#10 (permalink)
aedwards07 3rd Gear Member Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Kissimmee,FL Posts: 5,722	Re: 150, 250 or 450? Which to race in vet classes? If you really dont have a brand prefrence I say get a KTM 450.As said above shorten the suspension by just sending it out,and shave alittle foam out of the seat.Your biggest problem with a big bike will be starting it.Thats why I say the KTM would be a great choice since its E-start.Everyone falls once and a while and it will be one of those times when it just wont start.Thats when you will wish you got the KTM. BTW I am now a KTM lover by any means.I ride yz450s myself but think the ktm would be the better bike in this case.

05-23-2007, 05:32 PM	#11 (permalink)
mtnbykracr 2nd Gear Member Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Gilbert, AZ Posts: 753	Re: 150, 250 or 450? Which to race in vet classes? Thanks everyone, lots to think about over the next few months!

05-23-2007, 05:37 PM	#12 (permalink)
pitbikeman 2nd Gear Member Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Gallipolis, Oh Posts: 579	Re: 150, 250 or 450? Which to race in vet classes? Buy a 250F and have MX-Tech shorten the suspension. I ride both a 250 and 450F. Honestly same speed on both bikes, until around the 3rd lap, then I'm faster on the 250. However, when I ride the 250F against the 450's with a long start straight, I'm playing catchup instead of pulling the holeshot.

05-23-2007, 05:59 PM	#13 (permalink)
Pal 3rd Gear Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Highland Park, IL Posts: 1,201	Re: 150, 250 or 450? Which to race in vet classes? I think that you should get a Honda crf250r. It seems like a good balance of power and weight for your condition.

05-23-2007, 07:24 PM	#14 (permalink)
mxstar1 2nd Gear Member Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: South San Francisco, CA Posts: 327	Re: 150, 250 or 450? Which to race in vet classes? if your that worried about the height, check out service hondas 250f that they shove in a mini frame. Gonna be $$$$$$ though. any suspension shop can lower your bike any amount you want too. I had a 125 dropped 2 inches for my bro. I hated it though, way too short and long. Why do you need to touch the ground? just always be on the look out for a rock or haybail to stop next to.

05-23-2007, 08:13 PM	#15 (permalink)
minirdr 3rd Gear Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: massachusetts Posts: 1,523	Re: 150, 250 or 450? Which to race in vet classes? im 5'5" and ride a 250f

05-23-2007, 08:54 PM	#16 (permalink)
mtnbykracr 2nd Gear Member Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Gilbert, AZ Posts: 753	Re: 150, 250 or 450? Which to race in vet classes? I hate NOT to be able to touch the ground! Ever try starting a tall bike when you crash in the back, with mud on it etc!? I just want to be able to touch at least 1 foot pretty well. Thanks for all the comments though guys!!!

05-24-2007, 05:53 AM	#17 (permalink)
2wheeltyson 3rd Gear Member Join Date: May 2005 Location: michigan Posts: 1,533	Re: 150, 250 or 450? Which to race in vet classes? i'll let you know after my first 30+ race. i was in the same boat 5'4". i shortened my crf450 3+ inches and still never felt right. on hard pack tracks im faster on the 150 than the 450 but it's not powerfull enough to pull my fatazz around in the sand or mud. (at least not at the pace i like to be at) i also had a lowered 250f for a while.

05-24-2007, 08:06 AM	#18 (permalink)
couger70 2nd Gear Member Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Smyrna, Dela-Where??? Posts: 327	Re: 150, 250 or 450? Which to race in vet classes? 250f set up your suspension to your height and move up the forks in your triple clamps cutting your seat down can help too you can also get foot peg risers if engine power is an issue get a bore kit one of the "ice cube" pre bored cylinders

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05-24-2007, 08:07 AM	#19 (permalink)
couger70 2nd Gear Member Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Smyrna, Dela-Where??? Posts: 327	Re: 150, 250 or 450? Which to race in vet classes? wait, no get a 250 two stroke 4 stroke big bikes suck

05-24-2007, 01:13 PM	#20 (permalink)
mtnbykracr 2nd Gear Member Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Gilbert, AZ Posts: 753	Re: 150, 250 or 450? Which to race in vet classes? MXSTAR1, where can I "check out" the 250 you mention??? Also, yes, a 250 2 Stroke might be a better bet as they're smaller to start with... Thanks again guys, keep the ideas coming if you have more! 2WheelTyson, how did you like your lowered 250f? Sounds like you really didn't like the lowered big bikes, why not?