Going from Quad to bike or Bike to Quad..Anyone do it?

[jjv101]

Just seeing if anyone has gone from a bike to a quad or quad to a bike and which they perfer? I myself and considering going from a quad to a bike.

Im heading off to my second year of college and probably wont get to ride much during that time, plus my parents are moving away! Being in ohio theres alot more places to ride bikes, not to mention they are cheaper!

I use to have a bike when i was younger so i do have some time on them, just no track time (cant take too long to get use to right? lol)

Again just looking to see what others have done, what they like better and any other opinions!

EDIT:Probably just going to go with a 250f of some sort. Right now I have it narrowed to the following:
-2006-2008 YZ250f (low hrs, mainly stock,except the 06 has some goodies) ranging from $2000-$2500ish!

-2009 KX250f (low hrs, exhaust, suspension) $3500
-2008 CRF250r (15hrs max, some goodies) also $3500
-2009 KTM 250sx-f (33hrs)- $3900 (more than i wanted to spend)

ANY SUGGESTIONS ON ANY OF THESE???

[stoopidbot]

I went from Desert racing on 2 wheels for 22 years to riding a quad. The rails that I ride are more fun on a quad than a bike. I moved to Colorado and my wife got a rhino. So I don't do single track any more. That is why I switched.

[slightlybent47]

Do like me and just have one of each. I do ride the quad much harder and faster then I do the bike. The bike is a duel sport and I just ride it pretty easy. I have fun on both but if I could only have one it would be the quad. But the duel sport can be road anywhere I want so it fun as well.

[eastside 400]

i just got a crf250 and im loving it, its something new and its fun to learn everything, the quad was getting boring almost, i race A class and whenever i go to a track im hitting everything within a lap or 2 but on the bike its like im learning all over, jumping is easy but turning is the hard part. and like said before, i beat the crap out of the quad when i ride it so the bike it nice because im not at that level yet so im not tearing up parts

[ATVMX33]

Originally posted by eastside 400
i just got a crf250 and im loving it, its something new and its fun to learn everything, the quad was getting boring almost, i race A class and whenever i go to a track im hitting everything within a lap or 2 but on the bike its like im learning all over, jumping is easy but turning is the hard part. and like said before, i beat the crap out of the quad when i ride it so the bike it nice because im not at that level yet so im not tearing up parts

thats exactly what i was going to say..i just bought a cr250 and its a new challenge..its fun to have both at the track and switch back and forth

[Canadian144]

I'm looking to pickup a dirtbike sometime soon.

Currently the best deal I've found is a '97 RM250 that needs a kick start for $1200, or a '99 RM250 that needs a kick start for $1300. LOL

[YAMERNA]

I started offf on quads and recently picked myself up a nice cr250:D its a whole new learning curv but i love it. Its nice if your luckey enuf to have both but if ur looking at just having a bike and pick your self up a nice one i dont think you would be dissapointed

[eastside 400]

if your gonna spend the money and get a bike, get something worth riding. you can get 2007 250fs for under 3000.

[finsteratv]

i have friends who ride dirtbikes and i ride wheelers somtimes we'll just switch because i started on a bike and switched to a wheeler. but i see another dirtbike in the future to go with my quad.:devil:

[sykoz]

im riding/racing both for the first year and i gotta admit that im starting to love the bike much more, seems like the challenge of learning to go fast on those is pretty cool :P And well my season is over due to a crash on the quad so im really thinking if i should focus on the bike only.

[jjv101]

well i got a very nice offer on my quad and can sell it RIGHT NOW! I would love to have both but i have a truck payment to make and can not do both, pay for a truck, race fuel, diesel,and track entry...especially at college!

I would get a 2006+ bike if i am to get one! dont get me wrong i LOVE my quad but like i said with everything ot pay for and with what is coming up its gonna be hard! Idk im stuck in the middle, i probably wont race much, just go to the track and ride maybe race C class locally??

[J.Brown121]

I'm about to make the switch:devil: I'm selling my 400 and using 2 grand to buy my buddies crf250 then I'm gunna use what's left to put towards an engagement ring

[jjv101]

nice man, gotta watch the valves on those 250's though!

i can make a nice dollar on my 450r...im just stuck, like i said I love it, but for me a bike would be MUCH cheaper...im talking like $40 a trip to ride vs $100 haha

[J.Brown121]

At least you have a 450. Having a 400 blows lol. I would have to put a ton of cash into my 400 to get it on the same level of 250f:(

[Ruby Soho]

i did. i like bikes much more. its also something new and different to try. why not give it a go

[jjv101]

very true...it took me 3 quads to find one im happy with though lol. and its hard to get a pro class quad for a good price like i did...anyway it is cheaper to ride around here... idk guys its tough!

[MX300ex]

deff the best thing i have done.. traded my yfz last year that couldnt keep together for a 05 crf250.. spent some money on it to clean it up and the crank just went a few weeks ago but had it back together in a few days..

other than that its been perfect.
bike doesnt beat you up as much, and imo more fun to ride

[jjv101]

sounds good man, Just made the phonecall to finish the deal on the sale of my quad...will be looking for a bike in the next week

not sure if im gonna get a 450 or 250 four stroke though. prolly be a yz or crf though

[Dirtjunkie85]

I've always prefered my bike over the quad. I have an 06 Rmz 250 and it's a ton of fun! It makes it better cause like all my friends have bikes too so we all go riding together. But i've rode quads and they are fun but they get kinda boring after just a little while and you cant go everywhere a bike could. I've decided having a bike and a utility wheeler work good for me.

[finsteratv]

for me i would probably get another bike. but the trails i have and ride are steep rocky muddy rutted and pretty rough so a wheeler is a little easier to ride haha:macho :devil:

[Canadian144]

Right now I'm looking at a '93 WR200! 2 stroke, needs a new piston and a new rod.

[Drewltr450]

Had an ltr for 3 years. Sold it just bought a husqvarna te510 streetlegal dirtbike. I love the bike and the ability to ride basically anywhere. Deffinetly miss my quad in more ways then one. I will always be a quad guy at heart, But if you lived on longisland you would know how much they hate 4 wheels!

[SRH]

i went from a dirtbike to a quad...mainly because i didnt know anyone else who rode dirtbikes all my buddies had quads...i really loved dirtbikes but it was no fun riding with quads

[jabz400]

i went from a raptor 660 to a klx 125 bike and there is a difference but now i dont know if i should get a new kx 250 f or a 450

[jjv101]

yeh im more than likely gonna try a bike

not sure if it will be a 250 or 450 but it will be a newer yz or crf!

[beastlywarrior]

ive been trying to switch for awhile now started on pitbikes, now im lookin for a dr350, maybe a 450 in the future?

[SilverBomb]

I recently switched from a DS650 to an XR650R dirtbike. The reason I switched is because I've always liked dirtbikes a little more as far as all around riding goes and I've definitely been loving it so far. I'll probably have a quad again someday or at least a sxs.

[jjv101]

my next decision is 250 or 450.. im 6ft and 150lbs...dont plan on going pro or anything just fun and local races.. so not sure which to go with lol

[440racer66]

try a 250f for sure there plenty of bike.

[jesseweaver]

Originally posted by jjv101
my next decision is 250 or 450.. im 6ft and 150lbs...dont plan on going pro or anything just fun and local races.. so not sure which to go with lol

250 no doubt. it will be a long time until you'll be wanting more power. go with an 06+ yzf

[jjv101]

depends what kind deals are out there! found a 06 CRF450r with FCR susp. for $2400 that aint bad at all!

id def. liek to get a 06+ in either 450 or 250. one thing with the 250's is a heard you have to check the valves more often? this true?

[Dirtjunkie85]

Just put Kibblewhite valves in it and you wouldn't have to worry about it

[Canadian144]

Woot now I'm hopefully picking up a used YZ125 from '99 or '98.

[jjv101]

dirtjunkie-thats what i thought wasnt totally sure though.

144- badass...im probably just going to get a 250 with a pipe...and a few minor goodies for a good price and ride it. unless i find a good deal on a 450 first of course!
450 is ALOT of bike though!

[krt400ex]

i've done both. went from bike to quad and back to bike and now i'm on a quad again. i love both types of machines, though i prefer the quad. bikes are tons of fun and easy to toss around, but i find i can ride the quad faster

[krt400ex]

Originally posted by jjv101
depends what kind deals are out there! found a 06 CRF450r with FCR susp. for $2400 that aint bad at all!

id def. liek to get a 06+ in either 450 or 250. one thing with the 250's is a heard you have to check the valves more often? this true?

when you have an engine revving to 13,500rpm, yea the valves need to be checked all the time. every 5 hrs or so. and to the guy that posted below you, kibblewhites wont just solve the problem. most of those bikes come with Ti valves already. its because of the high tolerances and high rev limit. they just need to be check alot

[krt400ex]

Originally posted by Canadian144
Woot now I'm hopefully picking up a used YZ125 from '99 or '98.


thats a good bike right there. thats what i would buy if i were looking for another bike.

[jjv101]

Originally posted by krt400ex
when you have an engine revving to 13,500rpm, yea the valves need to be checked all the time. every 5 hrs or so. and to the guy that posted below you, kibblewhites wont just solve the problem. most of those bikes come with Ti valves already. its because of the high tolerances and high rev limit. they just need to be check alot
Yeh thats understandable...deciding on a size its pretty hard, didnt think it would be this hard. Some say man up and get a 450 youll never need to go bigger...but alot say 250 is alot of bike and 450 is a TON of bike and get tired faster

[300ex_#387]

Originally posted by jjv101
Yeh thats understandable...deciding on a size its pretty hard, didnt think it would be this hard. Some say man up and get a 450 youll never need to go bigger...but alot say 250 is alot of bike and 450 is a TON of bike and get tired faster

Have you rode a 450 on a track?

[Canadian144]

Originally posted by jjv101
144- badass...im probably just going to get a 250 with a pipe...and a few minor goodies for a good price and ride it. unless i find a good deal on a 450 first of course!
450 is ALOT of bike though!

Yeah, a 250 or 450 would be awesome! But I only have about $1000 to spend right now. From what I hear, though 125s aren't the fastest bikes, they are really fun to ride since they're light and you have to rev the crap outta them to get them going fast! lol :D

I'm hoping next summer to get a 250... I really like KTMs, a 250XC would be awesome.


Originally posted by krt400ex
thats a good bike right there. thats what i would buy if i were looking for another bike.

Yeah they look pretty awesome. Really I'd be happy with any 125.

Right now I'm looking at 3 main bikes:

1) 99 YZ125, needs main engine bearing (so probably will need to get the crank machined somewhere). Asking $650. Has several aftermarket parts.

2) 98 YZ125, needs clutch plates. Asking $750. Not sure if it has any aftermarket parts.

3) 99 CR125, needs top end rebuild. Asking $800. Not sure about aftermarket parts.... has some ugly seat cover and ugly graphics on though.

#2 is my favorite so far.... hopefully it's still available. #1 would probably be the most work, #3 isn't bad but the guy is asking too much IMO.

[jjv101]

Originally posted by 300ex_#387
Have you rode a 450 on a track?

450 quad lol. as for a 450 bike, nope havent been on one on a track

[300ex_#387]

Originally posted by jjv101
450 quad lol. as for a 450 bike, nope havent been on one on a track

You would prolly be better off with a 250f. A lot of guys that actually race bikes even say a 450 is just too much sometimes. Go with a 250f I'm sure you won't regret it.

[jjv101]

Yeh i figure with my weight and what not a 250 would be good.

However I have found a STEAL of a deal on a 2006 CRF450r w/ FCR suspension and only 35hrs on it everything else is stock..All for $2200. Thats pretty hard to pass up?

have also found a 06 yz250f all stock with 50-60hrs for $2300

[Regular_Joe]

My brother got a 2003 Yamaha 450 dirtbike. We thought his Banshee was bad-arse until we got on that thing. There is such a thing as too much power. Any gear, any throttle position, whack the throttle, and your looking at clouds. Honestly it barely ever got ridden, it was just too stupid around the farm.... unless you had a trench you needed dug. Man that thing would sling some dirt.

[atveric132]

im actually on the verge of going from a quad to a bike.....I race A-class quad locally but for some reason it has gotten a little boring. to keepmhy passion for the sport and competing im looking for a fairly new kawi 250.....i think with a whole new learning curve it should re-amp me

[jjv101]

yeh if you get a kawi get a newer one...old ones had major engine problems.

right now im looking at the following bikes:
2006-2008 CRF250r
2006 CRF450
2006-2008 YZ250f
2008-2009 KX250f

all seem to have ups and downs and idk what to choose ha

[atveric132]

yea any bike i get will be 08 or newer.....

[jjv101]

yeh im really looking at some 06-08 yz250f, 2009 kx250f or possibly a 2008 CRF250r...tough choices..

the yz250f's all are low hrs and the cheapest ranging from $2000-$2500, while the kx250f anf crf250r are both $3500 (also low hrs)

just dont know which one to go with???? LOL

[beastlywarrior]

hey your not too far from me, my cousin has a nice crf250 for sale

[jjv101]

hit me up with some info!

[krt400ex]

Originally posted by Canadian144
Yeah, a 250 or 450 would be awesome! But I only have about $1000 to spend right now. From what I hear, though 125s aren't the fastest bikes, they are really fun to ride since they're light and you have to rev the crap outta them to get them going fast! lol :D

I'm hoping next summer to get a 250... I really like KTMs, a 250XC would be awesome.



Yeah they look pretty awesome. Really I'd be happy with any 125.

Right now I'm looking at 3 main bikes:

1) 99 YZ125, needs main engine bearing (so probably will need to get the crank machined somewhere). Asking $650. Has several aftermarket parts.

2) 98 YZ125, needs clutch plates. Asking $750. Not sure if it has any aftermarket parts.

3) 99 CR125, needs top end rebuild. Asking $800. Not sure about aftermarket parts.... has some ugly seat cover and ugly graphics on though.

#2 is my favorite so far.... hopefully it's still available. #1 would probably be the most work, #3 isn't bad but the guy is asking too much IMO.

#2 is the way i would go. i rode a '96 once and the powerband was brilliant. pulled from bottom to top seemlessly. from what i have read up on, the newer the yz the better the powerband.

[krt400ex]

Originally posted by jjv101
Yeh thats understandable...deciding on a size its pretty hard, didnt think it would be this hard. Some say man up and get a 450 youll never need to go bigger...but alot say 250 is alot of bike and 450 is a TON of bike and get tired faster

if i were you, i'd go ride both and decide what i like better. but being me and knowing i like the light weight and flickability of a smaller bike, i would probably lean towards 250f. they are lighter and easier to manhandle, and the power is alot even though its a smaller engine. the 450 in a quad chassis can be a handful at times, and in a bike they are much quicker because of the weight difference and they also are in a higher state of tune in stock form. if i were to get a 250f, i would probably lean towards the newer generation kx250f. anything with the aluminum frame is very good. or you can find a brand new rmz250(though i have never been a fan of suzuki). for the 450, i would go with a crf450, but only the ones that are '05 and newer(or is it '04?) they have a different frame geometry than the first models and they handle much better. the yamahas tend to have longer lasting engines because of the 5 valve head. the lighter valves dont wear out as quickly, but they have handling issues. tend to push in corners. either way good luck.

[Canadian144]

Originally posted by krt400ex
#2 is the way i would go. i rode a '96 once and the powerband was brilliant. pulled from bottom to top seemlessly. from what i have read up on, the newer the yz the better the powerband.

Yeah I am back home tomorrow so I will try to call the guy. First I'm calling someone else... selling an '03 KTM 125SX for $900, needing clutch plates!

[J.Brown121]

Originally posted by Canadian144
Yeah I am back home tomorrow so I will try to call the guy. First I'm calling someone else... selling an '03 KTM 125SX for $900, needing clutch plates!

That sounds like a deal man.

I sold my 400ex for $2,600 on saturday and I'm going to pick up an '04 crf250r on wednesday prolly:D

[Canadian144]

Hopefully it is, and there aren't any other hidden problems.

Good luck with the CRF! Make sure you post up some pictures of that badboy!

[jjv101]

im picking up either a 09 kx250f w/ 25hrs total, FCR suspension, yosh pipe, and some other goodies for $3300
or
08 yz250f with dr.d pipe and 10hrs for $2700... just not totally sure which one to go with.

Should have either in the next few days i hope

[440racer66]

go with the yz a ton of my friends switched to yz's from kx's. i went and bought one but now im lookin for a 450 quad im switching back haha

[jjv101]

haha nice. Just about every else has told me to go with the 09 kawi that ive talked to. I hate mixed reviews for sure. Def. a hard choice

[krt400ex]

i would be buying the kawi honestly.

[jjv101]

setting up a time to go look at it here in a little bit. so hopefully i can see it tomorrow and bring her home! pretty excited and i hope everything checks out. The 09's from what i hear are the best year for the 250f's and are reliable as any yami!