What should i buy?

[KPatterson]

Right now I have a crf450 hybrid and I don't have the time and money to take care of it. I want to sell that and get something that I won't have to do any maintenance on. like just changing the oil a few times a year and besides that just put gas in and go. Adjusting the valves once or twice a year would be ok too. I am looking for something around $2000 to $2700. It at least would have to have extended arms/axle and good shocks, and some power, like at least faster than a stock 400ex. I was thinking like a built EX or Z 400 big bore- not high compression.something with trackable power. Any suggestions on what to look for after I sell mine if I do decide to?
Thanks

[Chino886]

400EX

[250Renvy]

From what you wrote, you are going to be very limited.

1. $2000-$2700 won't get you much more than a stock 400ex/Z400

2. Everything else you said contradicts yourself

No maintanence and built ex or Z don't go together - especially not at $2000

What are the details of your hybrid?

[KPatterson]

I guess what I really want to know is how much you can do to a z400 or 400ex motor and still have that reliability- including big bore

Its a Houser crf450
Engine:
03 crf 450
Falcon rod and crank
ported head
curtis sparks exhaust
web cam
Sparks Vortex ignition- 10 different timing curves

Chassis:
Houser Pro-peg 250R geometry frame
Janssen +2 long travel arms
Pep ZPS fronts
Houser no-link swing arm
Elka no-link dual rate shock
durablue front hubs
Janssen chrome extended steering stem
adjustable denton stabilizer
fullbore plastics
shaved seat
easton bars
tether killswitch
RPM dominator axle
anti fade nut
hipers all around rears have intrgrated hubs

[KPatterson]

I was thinking of something like this one

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&sspagename=STRK%3AMEWAX%3AIT&viewitem=&item=260300492527

I know it's a long ways away from me, but there were no bids at 2500 so it shouldn't be too hard for me to find a decent one.

But how reliable do you think that one would be? I heard that the 440s spit heads gaskets a lot... is that true if it isn't high compression?

[250Renvy]

I believe they are bulletproof in stock form. Every mod makes it's reliability go down. If built right, they can be quite reliable, however require a lot more maintainance - ie rebuilds which is more than what you are looking for in just oil changes.

The other problem is you will probably not get much for you hybrid - 5K ish and it'll still cost you $2500 for a slower and worse handling machine.

As far as machines, the 250R hybrid handles better than any besides a well built 450, so I don't know how you'll deal with less power and less handling.

I personally am building a Z400 hybrid. I have a laeger YZ426 frame that I'll be converting.

You may consider doing the same to yours. The way I'm doing it, I could still put a 450 motor back in as well as a 250R.

[KPatterson]

Do the big bore EXs or Z400s have overheating problems at all? I guess a new top end every year or so wouldn't be too bad. I like the handling of the 400ex better, but I would rather have a liquid cooled- that way I could use an in-line cooler and some good coolant. but would like a 440 ex have overheating problems if I got an oversized oil tank with the coolant tubes in it like this one?

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/HONDA-TRX-400EX-OIL-TANK-RESERVOIR-ALUMINUM_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQ_trkparmsZ72Q3a543Q7c39 Q3a1Q7c66Q3a2Q7c65Q3a12Q7c240Q3a1318QQ_trksidZp328 6Q2ec0Q2em14QQhashZitem280278455717QQitemZ28027845 5717

and I wont be putting a different engine in my frame. I am still in high school and I just don't have the time to keep it and keep taking care of it. and I need the extra money.

[rrguy]

440ex most common problem is the head bolts streching. I never had an issue but have seen it on others then they blow the gasket. Still a fun light machine.

I had up to a 470 kfx/z400 never heating issues? watch the cam chain probably the weakest link.


A 250r set up mild are light fun & low maintenance. Can be set up to have good all around power. No valves cam chain etc.. etc... to check, No motor oil or filters. treated right the piston last just as long or longer than a modded 4 stroke. plus a piston on a 250r is much cheaper than what a 4 stroke can total up. never had a start issue on mine either. lol Just a thought.

[KPatterson]

That's a good point! I might go back to a 250r. I used to have a worked 310 but then I didn't have the money at the time to take care of it right and I still rode it anyways... that didn't work out too well. But if I sell the hybrid and get one now I will have the money to take care of it. But another reason I was thinking of an ex or a z is that they are newer and will be a lot tighter, but if I find the right 250r, everything will be tight. I just don't want something with a bunch of stripped bolts, worn out parts, etc. I'll keep thinking about it, but as of now I might just keep the hybrid

[KPatterson]

Actually I think I'm going to sell the crf450 motor and put a 250r motor in my frame.. any offers on the engine???