Choosing the Right Bike: Why Size, Model & Power Matter More Than You Think
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By Greg Rowbottom – DestinationMx
Choosing the right motocross bike isn’t just a matter of taste or excitement — it’s a decision that shapes your technique, your progression, and even how long you stay in the sport. Over the years, coaching riders of every level, I’ve noticed the same mistakes repeated again and again: kids moving to four-strokes too early, beginners jumping on 450s because they sound powerful, and vets thinking more horsepower will solve all their problems. In reality, the wrong bike makes riding harder, not easier.
Let’s break down the truth about bike choice — without the ego, without the sales pitch, and without the typical forum myths.
For Kids: Why 2-Strokes Still Build the Best Riders
When you watch top-level pros carve through a track with ridiculous corner speed and perfect bike control, you’re looking at skills built on 2-strokes.
There’s a reason for that.
A 2-stroke forces young riders to develop proper technique. They can’t rely on torque to save a bad corner. They can’t be lazy with momentum. They have to learn clutch control, balance, timing, and proper corner speed flow. These are skills that stick for life.
When kids jump onto four-strokes too soon, they often skip the development of these core fundamentals. They may go fast in a straight line, but when the track gets rough or technical, the bad habits show. A 2-stroke teaches them to ride, not sit back and let the engine do the work.
Adult Beginners and Vets: The Reality of 450s
This might sting, but it needs to be said:
a 450 is not a beginner-friendly motorcycle.
It doesn’t matter how old you are or how brave you think you are — a 450 has enough power to get you into trouble faster than you can correct a mistake. They are heavier, they hit harder, and they wear you out quickly. Most riders simply don’t have the technique or endurance to handle them properly, and that’s not an insult — it’s the truth Ive seen so much at the track.
A 250F is a far better starting point. It’s lighter, easier to corner, smoother to ride, and far more forgiving. Most returning vet riders actually ride better on a 250F, because they can focus on technique instead of surviving each lap. Riding a bike that suits your ability is not a step down — it’s one of the smartest decisions you can make if you want to progress. And if you feel you really really need a bit more pep... theres always the 350 option.
Intermediate & Advanced Riders: Style Over Engine Size
Once you’ve built up real track time, the choice becomes more personal. Some riders love the meat of a 450 and know how to use it. Others feel at home revving the life out of a 250F and carrying higher corner speed. The important thing is riding a bike that works with your style, not against it. If you finish every session exhausted and fighting arm pump, chances are you’re on the wrong machine.
The right bike feels like it disappears underneath you. It allows you to ride your way, not battle the bike just to stay in control.
The Stark VARG: The New Controversial Category
Electric bikes are dividing opinions everywhere, and the Stark VARG sits right in the middle of that conversation. But here’s my honest take:
right now, it might be the most versatile motocross bike ever built.
The ability to change power delivery with a swipe of a finger changes everything. You can turn it into a playful 125, a lively 250F, a torquey 350, or a full-blown 450 depending on your mood, the track, or your skill level. No jetting, no mapping, no guesswork — just the exact bike you want in that moment.
That flexibility alone makes it an incredible tool for learning. You can set it to smooth, gentle power while practicing corner technique, then ramp it up when you want to push harder.
Of course it has downsides. Charging can be a hassle. Range depends on how aggressively you ride. Not all tracks accept them yet. But for pure rideability, adjustability, and fun, it’s in a category of its own. And if the other brands don’t catch up soon, this thing will change the sport completely.
Try Before You Buy — The Smart Way to Choose Your Next Bike
The truth is, most riders don’t know which bike truly suits them until they try a few — on real tracks, in real riding conditions. That’s why having rental bikes at DestinationMx makes such a difference. You can come ride a variety of bikes — 250Fs, 450s, the Stark VARG — and actually feel the difference for yourself, without committing thousands to a bike that might not be right for you.
And the best part?
You do it all while enjoying the sunshine, the beach, good food, and a proper motocross holiday.
If you want to ride better, safer, and with more confidence, choosing the right bike is one of the most important decisions you’ll ever make.
Let’s make sure you get it right.