250f

[HondaRacing83]

ive been wanting a bike for awhile because im just sick of quads. my dad wouldnt let me buy a bike because he had bikes,quads all growing up in his teens and got hurt on bikes the most. well me and him were talking, and i managed to convince him im mature enough to handle a bike. he said there is one rule, no 2 strokes. for your sake because there a pain in the ***, oils hella expansive to mix gas with. he said if you can save up and get a 250f or something id be cool with that. im 14, so a 250f isnt exactly the easiest on a budget but its not the worst. what would be the cheapest, most reliable 250f out there? im looking at an 04 crf, 1800 obo which isnt bad at all IMHO and i could have it by spring. i know there is something up with 05 rmz's, explaining why there so cheap. what id like to know is what bikes i should stay away from

[01boneless]

if your sick of quads wouldent it be smarter to just sell your quad and use that jack to buy a bike?

[tbrackman84]

Originally posted by 01boneless
if your sick of quads wouldent it be smarter to just sell your quad and use that jack to buy a bike?

x2

[beastlywarrior]

The yz ive heard arent the best performing but most reliable

[HondaRacing83]

Originally posted by 01boneless
if your sick of quads wouldent it be smarter to just sell your quad and use that jack to buy a bike? i still want to keep my 400 around

[ben300]

screw a dirt bike....id take that money and waste it on blow and dirty trailer girls....

[mineralgrey01gt]

yes 4 strokes are easier to maintain but your dad must not know how to take care of a 2 stroke if he said they are a pain in the ***. They arent at all to be honest and oil isnt that bad. You dont run through 5 gallons of gas that quickly and a quart last a while

[300ex_#387]

2 strokes really arent a pain in the ***. They are very simple and easy to rebuild. Oil is also just as expensive as the oil you will be putting in your 4 stroke motor. So that really isnt a good argument. You can also find 125's much cheaper than you will a 250f and come to find out they are easier to maintain. I've had a 250f honda and 125 both and as far as maintenence and cost goes the 125 was much easier on the wallet.

[finsteratv]

i bought a 125 because theyre soo much cheaper haha..but for some reason that 2 stroke power does seem to get me into bad spots :devil:

[madskrillz2]

They're not a pain in the *** to maintain but a pain in the *** to ride if you've only ridden 4 strokes all your life. Then along with the fact he's switching from a quad.

As for which 250f, Honda's are good but I've heard they go through valves like candy. Not sure which years though. DO NOT get an 04 Kawi or Suzuki. Those bikes were absolute piles. I've never been fond of Yamaha's so I really haven't looked into them. Haven't heard too many bad things though.

[tbrackman84]

Originally posted by ben300
screw a dirt bike....id take that money and waste it on blow and dirty trailer girls....

i likes your idea

[ben300]

Originally posted by tbrackman84
i likes your idea

personally, it may just be me...but this kid has a world full of crazy ideas..

he already has a 400....if i was him id a) save up and buy a 450, especially if he's only 14 and already has 1800 saved and can sell the 400 one day..especially since this seems just like a fad or something to him.........

.....or b) save the money and buy a car, since he is 14, or 13, or one of those ages going on 6, and he's going to be driving in a couple short years.....


...but thats me, and i wasnt handed everything as a child

[chronicsmoke]

I don't know if I'd say the NEW racing 250f's are more RELIABLE than a 2 stroke.. think about how many moving parts there are in the head.

The 250F is a FAR CRY away from earning the reliability title. You can rebuild a top end in 30 mins on a 2-T and be in the hole for less than half the price of a 4T rebuild. A 250f are meant to perform and are not even close to the same as a XR/400/EX engine.


to the OP; I thought you already had a CR125:confused:


Originally posted by HondaRacing83
i am by no mean a hardcore honda fan. im pretty unbiased. i like my 400ex. i like my cr125. id take something else its not like "go honda or go home!" . the z had some probs when it first came out. the whole dohc and liquid cooled thing gets me a little sketchier. i guess its not that bad. the 400ex is fairly proven

[buck440]

Originally posted by chronicsmoke
I don't know if I'd say the NEW racing 250f's are more RELIABLE than a 2 stroke.. think about how many moving parts there are in the head.

The 250F is a FAR CRY away from earning the reliability title. You can rebuild a top end in 30 mins on a 2-T and be in the hole for less than half the price of a 4T rebuild. A 250f are meant to perform and are not even close to the same as a XR/400/EX engine.


to the OP; I thought you already had a CR125:confused:

2 strokes are more reliable than 4 strokes period. there is no debating it. it's like saying blue is black, just aint so. 4 strokes have a 100 or more parts than a 2 stroke which = more things to go wrong.

back on topic...



$1,800 can get you quite a bit imo. i would say you could get any 250f mildly used up to 05-06 within that price. they all have their pros and cons but i don't think it is a big enough issue to ask which is better. as long as the motor runs good and no smoke i'de get it, then all you would need to worry about is adjusting the valves from time to time.

our local race shop charges $50 for valve adjustment but it's easy to do if you want to learn so that shouldn't be a big issue. whatever bike you get you'll enjoy it:)

[buck440]

here is my 01 cr250r i sold for $1,000...ran like a raped ape! deals are out there man you just got to look.

[buck440]

accu-traxx:blah:

[buck440]

arc levers are top of the line boyyy

[chronicsmoke]

Originally posted by buck440
here is my 01 cr250r i sold for $1,000...ran like a raped ape! deals are out there man you just got to look.

Damn dude, that's a steal on a good looking bike.. I've been looking for a 2000-2001 CR.

They go for almost 2k up here

[Exrider434]

Originally posted by chronicsmoke



to the OP; I thought you already had a CR125:confused:



Ha, busted.

I have two crf 250's an 06 and an 08 and can't say I have any complaints. As long as you maintain the holy hell out of them they are reliable. I've ridden all of the newest bikes out, (on an Mx track idk how they would perform trail wise) and I personally prefer the hondas, the newer yamahas are a close second though! Definitely go for a Honda if your buying older, but stay 06 and up.

[BlasterEaten250]

Originally posted by buck440
here is my 01 cr250r i sold for $1,000... Whattttt

[beastlywarrior]

Originally posted by buck440
here is my 01 cr250r i sold for $1,000...ran like a raped ape! deals are out there man you just got to look.
Thats one of my favorite bikes ive seen. I wish i wouldve got it off you

[buck440]

i lost my job and had a lot of late bills. that was the desprate price lol. some fat *** hillbilly from terre haute, in bought it. also came with new thor gear, spare parts, case of klotz premix, astar tech 8 boots, new spy goggles...not to mention $5,000 worth of parts on the bike that was 3 months old:(

[finsteratv]

thats heart breaking :(

[tripicana]

i would look for a XR250 instead of a CRF250R. the racing bikes seem to have rediculous rebuild schedules.
find one with a head light and taillight, that way when you get your license, depending on your state, you can register it for the street.

[beastlywarrior]

And their going for around $800. Drz400 is worth a try too or maybe try a midsize pitbike like a pitster

[woodsman250r]

Originally posted by tripicana
i would look for a XR250 instead of a CRF250R. the racing bikes seem to have rediculous rebuild schedules.
find one with a head light and taillight, that way when you get your license, depending on your state, you can register it for the street.

Great advice! That motor is one of the most reliable bulletproof motors our there. I had one for a few years that I used for casual trail riding, and dual sporting. It doesn't really do anything great, but does everything well if that makes sense. Don't compare it to a 250f or 250 2t, because that is comparing apples to oranges. But if you are looking for a low cost, fun trail bike that can be made street legal, that is the ticket. Change the oil a few times a year, clean the air filter and ride the snot out of it! And out of all the bikes I've owned and sold, I regret selling that one the most!

[buck440]

my dad had a xr250 and it was a tank lol. it was a smooth ride and comfy like a lazy boy chair. power was sooo smooth and gas lasted quite a while. that being said if you want mainly a trail bike you'll be very dissapointed with a xr250. it was heavy as hell, underpowered, all the signals would break off from tree's and mud shorted the wires.

i also don't know your type of riding style. if you take it easy and enjoy the nature and whistle dixie on your rides then you'll love it but if your like me and like to smack shoulders to trees, get air any chance you get and want to enjoy the adrenaline i'de get a 250f.

man the xr250 is a smooth riding bike. btw i'm not sure if it's possible to even wheelie one cause it's soo weak lol. shifts are ssmooth as buttuuhh:cool: i love it for the street but not the trails.

[HondaRacing83]

yeah, im looking into more of motocross haha. xr250 isnt anywhere near what i want. ive rode a xr200,yz250f, and klx 140. i liked the 250f, it was an 07 i think

[buck440]

nice kx250f for $1,800 even has aluminum frame.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X8-odERtmsU

$1,800 can get a decent bike.

[backwoodsracer]

Originally posted by mineralgrey01gt
yes 4 strokes are easier to maintain but your dad must not know how to take care of a 2 stroke if he said they are a pain in the ***. They arent at all to be honest and oil isnt that bad. You dont run through 5 gallons of gas that quickly and a quart last a while

um they are a pain in the *** hence they require more maintenance more often, and it cost a pretty penny to put good oil's in the bike to make sure the top end last's longer, now i've had a few 2 stroke's, 2 blaster's and a yz125. my dad had a few as well. Trust your pop's on this one and get the 4stroke you'll like the steady pull of it over the power band. 2strokes are fun dont get me wrong id love to have my built yz back! and for the record 5gallons of gas wont last you the weekend.

[beastlywarrior]

I always say 2 stroke is the way to go on mx bikes these 250fs are worse in cost and amount of maintenance

[buck440]

Originally posted by beastlywarrior
I always say 2 stroke is the way to go on mx bikes these 250fs are worse in cost and amount of maintenance

i would say 2 stroke too but i'm sure he has read about them and knows what's what about them. if his dad says no 2 stroke then that's where it ends pretty much.

if your dad does say ok on a 2 stroke then you go for one of them bad boys and quick might i add. if you ever need any help looking for a certain bike let me know and i'll spend some good time looking for a deal.

[HondaRacing83]

thanks buck. i would get a 2 stroke, but i honestly would much rather have a 250f. im not a fan of 2 smokes other than there cheap to rebuild. but in the long run, you have to rebuild more often. im gonna stick with my dad on stickin with 4 strokes. im just thankful enough he even let me get a dirtbike. ive rode them before and loved them but he was never a fan of me having them. i dont really think hed mind if i saved up and bought a newer 2 stroke, that hasnt been rode much. he just doesnt want me buying some basket case laying around thats gonna take me awhile to get going. btw, theres an 02 yz250f on craigslist, $1000obo, good deal? good starter bike?

[finsteratv]

Originally posted by HondaRacing83
thanks buck. i would get a 2 stroke, but i honestly would much rather have a 250f. im not a fan of 2 smokes other than there cheap to rebuild. but in the long run, you have to rebuild more often. im gonna stick with my dad on stickin with 4 strokes. im just thankful enough he even let me get a dirtbike. ive rode them before and loved them but he was never a fan of me having them. i dont really think hed mind if i saved up and bought a newer 2 stroke, that hasnt been rode much. he just doesnt want me buying some basket case laying around thats gonna take me awhile to get going. btw, theres an 02 yz250f on craigslist, $1000obo, good deal? good starter bike? if it isnt beat..then you have $$left over for valves,oil,TIRES,mods and such. MY recommendations are 2000+ bikes and once you get one put on some bark busters, new rubbers, and play with the suspension. now go build a jump and launch that mofo :blah: haha jumping bikes is the shishi.

[buck440]

for $1,000 an 02 yz250f isn't a bad deal. it'll have more than enough power to keep a smile on your face.

[BlaineKaiser450]

I would suggest an 06+ Kawi, thats what I've got and I have had zero problems with it in a little over a year, but I'm really good with maintnence and I always try to be easy on my stuff.

[HondaRacing83]

Originally posted by finsteratv
if it isnt beat..then you have $$left over for valves,oil,TIRES,mods and such. MY recommendations are 2000+ bikes and once you get one put on some bark busters, new rubbers, and play with the suspension. now go build a jump and launch that mofo :blah: haha jumping bikes is the shishi. if i talk real nice, i might be able to get my dad to go halfs. if i get the 02 250f though, i wouldnt need him to

[HondaRacing83]

Originally posted by buck440
for $1,000 an 02 yz250f isn't a bad deal. it'll have more than enough power to keep a smile on your face. for awhile atleast :p hahaha but yeah i think itd be a good deal, ill find the link and post it

[HondaRacing83]

http://www.searchtempest.com/results.php?location=16335&maxDist=350&region_us=1&search_string=yz250f&keytype=adv&Region=na&cityselect=zip&page=0&category=8&subcat=sss&minAsk=min&maxAsk=max

[finsteratv]

i hate buying motors built y someone else unless they have shop reciepts.

[BlaineKaiser450]

Originally posted by finsteratv
i hate buying motors built y someone else unless they have shop reciepts. I agree, I always try to have reciepts shown to me if im looking at something with motor work

[buck440]

http://www.cycletrader.com/listing/2005-Kawasaki-Kx-250f-101126934

:confused:

[woodsracer144]

do not buy a rmz or kxf unless its 07+ in my mind. the earlier years were total junk. I would get a yamaha cause they were made in 02... i know they prolly wont handle the best but you can get good deals or else a 04 05 CRF.

whats your budget if you dont mind?

[440racer66]

i went with a 04 yz250f when i attempted to quit my atv addiction. its very competitive with the 2011 bikes and most of my friends race bikes and they hop on it and are still impressed with the power and handling of the "old bike" and you can pick them up for decent prices.

[buck440]

Originally posted by woodsracer144
do not buy a rmz or kxf unless its 07+ in my mind. the earlier years were total junk. I would get a yamaha cause they were made in 02...

you would get a yamaha because they were made in 02:huh

why were earlier year rmz's and kxf's total junk? get real.

[KXRida]

I say get what you want. For all the guys on the 250f maintenance soap box, welcome to the world of any high performance 4 stroke. 450's should require the same attention. It's usually the people that neglect them and fail to due the maintenance that have issues. I've owned all the 4 stroke 250f's except the sxf. It's all in preference, but it's no big secret honda's valves and valve seats are garbage. Replace them with a set of kibblewhites and replace the copper seats. If you're going to get one, honestly go with the newer you can and preferably an aluminum frame. The 05 and below yzf's are nice, but I didn't care for the steel frame. The still use relatively the same power plant from 03+ and out of the 250f's has a good track record. Valves were an issue with the earlier model kxf/rmz's as well as the crank bearings had some noted issues. Handling wise, I loved my kxf. I really had the bike dialed in for me however the bike liked to be run in the upper rpm's the keep in the power. Ktm's in general I don't care for how the handle but they have a powerhouse motor. The yzf's are a good do it all bike and easy to ride. Honda's are probably one of the most responsive bikes handling wise, but I just don't care for the personal issues I've had with the honda's. I really don't have a lot of ride time on the newer rmz's so I can't give much opinion on them. 125's are fun bikes. I've ridden them for years, but you'd practically have to give me a 125 for it to be my main bike. The power is just not there compared to the other bikes. I don't know what kind of budget you're on but I've seen quite a few nice, low hour bikes around here for sale. I know of an 08 rmz with some basic bolt on's for sale for a smoking price. The kid that owned it was killed in a car crash a few years back and the bike just sat in the garage. Bike has fresh valves and top end. I ended up selling my kxf with tons of goodies for 3k but I knew if I didn't sell it I'd keep riding.


http://i191.photobucket.com/albums/z152/Rmrider125/kxf6.jpg

http://i191.photobucket.com/albums/z152/Rmrider125/kxf7.jpg

http://i191.photobucket.com/albums/z152/Rmrider125/029-4.jpg

[HondaRacing83]

my budget is 2k and under. i love the looks of the hondas and they have had aluminum frames forever and pracitcally look the same as the new ones. if i can pick up that o2 250f, even with the steel frame its a good deal. id prob ride that for a bit and get the feel for bikes then sell it and get a newer bike. i see like 04 and down yz250fs on cl for like 1800-2k. im thinking, thats kind of stupid i could buy 04/05 crfs for that all day long with alum frames. i see 04/05 rmzs like real cheap 1100 to 1500. but i know they had some issues.