Looking to pick up a used ~250cc Dirtbike

[hevnsnt]

Hello, I found this forum on my quest to learn everything about bikes in the 250cc range.. Back in the day I had a `79 125cc and now that I am older I want another bike.. Man the bikes sure have changed since those days!

I am looking to spend $1000-$2000 on this bike, and currently I am looking at a `97 YZ250. Does anyone have any suggestions on the best place to find bikes fs? My paper doesnt have much, and ebay is where I am looking at that other one.

Does anyone have any input on bikes that I should be looking at? It will be used for nothing but fun, no racing or anything like that. I am 27 and I live in Kansas if that tells you anything..

Anyway, please let me know if you have anything to help me out!!!

[pure-chaos]

well im sorry but i don't got a 250 for sale but if you want a nice bike to play with. i myself would go for the 4 stroke.....there great for trails and any offroad for that matter... and they perform good on the track....i would say the 2 stroke is more for the track... thats just my 2 cents

[MATTXR250R]

Before I got my 96 CR250R I would prolly agree with Chaos because I have never rode a 2-stroke and was riding my XR250R(4-stroke). But I have to disagree with him. Right now I am using my CR for play riding and it is way more fun than my XR is. Alot faster,just overall alot funner.and I take it on some tight trails(just ask Rick how tight they are)and my CR does great. I say go for the 2-stroke. BUT if you are just gonna be putting around and taking it slow then I would do as Chaos said and get the 4-stroke.

[hevnsnt]

For some reason I want a 2 stroke I think.. (My old bike was a 2stroke) and I know how to work on them!

What 4stroke bikes should I look at to compare?

[MATTXR250R]

If you wanting a 4-stroke with the same power as a 250 2-stroke looke at the Yamaha YZ450F or Honda CRF450R. If I am not mistaken both those bikes have a little more Horsepower than a 250 2-stroke. I have never ridden one of those bikes so I can't compare them power wise to my CR.

[bates393]

Since you are looking for a older bike you should also look at the yz400F and the yz426F. The CRF and yz450F are only 2 years old so they will be more expensive. You can find a used yz400 for under 3K.

[bates393]

Oh and as far as places to look for bikes try [Only registered and activated users can see links. ] Lots of bikes there. Also go to some bike dealers around your area as they will have used bikes there for you to look at and you can start to learn what you want and like. Good luck and keep us posted on your bike status.

[Kirtwell]

Depending on where you are located:

My best friend just bought a CRF450 and is selling his 97' CR250.

His 97' is nothing but perfect...you'd have to know this guy..he takes awsome care of his bikes. It's for sale and he's asking around 2 g's for it....the best part is the guy doesn't ride that often so the hours on his bike is low.....something to consider.

[hevnsnt]

I am in KC (Olathe actually) but I can pretty much pick it up anywhere in 100 mile radius or so

[hevnsnt]

Maybe we should move this topic to general discussion...

Can anyone break-down the differences between 2-stroke & 4-stroke.. I know the physical difference, but not to key off a flame war, but what are the strengths & weaknesses of both?

[Kirtwell]

Well the differences are pretty simple

2 strokes have that huge burst of power not found in a 4 stroke.
Obviously you have the maintenance issues like mixing oil and those frequent top ends. They can weigh as much as 25 pounds
less than a 4 stroke.

4 strokes produce more torque and a more controllable power delivery. I think they are much easier to ride and control.
They are for the most part very dependable and require much less
engine maintenace. They are now IMHO competing nose to nose with the 2 stroke and in several more years...they will far surpass the 2 strokes all together simply because they are the future.

With government pressures, the motorcycle industries will put all research and devolopment into this product.

It won't be but a few short years when you will see dealerships having only 4 strokes for sale...and 2 strokes will be a collector's item.

[MotoMan]

Originally posted by hevnsnt
Maybe we should move this topic to general discussion...

I was just thinking the same thing. I think you will get more responses thre. Consider it done.

[Dell30rb]

If you are looking for a used 250 Class bike, and cannot afford to spend over 3 g's or so, I would suggest you buy a 2 stroke. 4 strokes are reliable when the owner is nice to it, and changes the oil very often and cleans the airfilter. If this is not done on a 4 stroke, the engine will wear quickly, and they are (relatively) a PITA to rebuild, and very very expensive if a dealer does the work.

2 strokes are more tolerant to frequent abuse and are cheaper to rebuild.

[hevnsnt]

Stupid question alert!

What is a "top end"?

[OLDMXRACER 393]

Top end as we refer to it is the cylinder, piston, rings, ect. If you are just getting back in to riding after a long layoff and want to play, (trail ride), I think you are a perfect candidate for a late model XR250. Around here, 250 MX bikes make great trail machines, but if you're rusty, the XR will take you a long way.

[Yardpro393]

piston and rings

the new mx four strokes are awesome, don't listen to chaos, he doesn't know any better.

for your $ the 2 stroke will be a better buy. whatever you get buy a manual for it. you will have to work on it sooner or later.
next the better a bike looks, generally the better it was maintained. don't let brand new plastics sell you though. ask to see the old ones. they are a good indicator of the maintenance the previous owner performed. also look in the air box. how clean is the air filter, and the box itself. these are tell tale signs of how well a bike has been maintained.

[hevnsnt]

whew.. that is what I thought but I wasnt quite sure...

[MotoMan]

Another good tell tale sign of a bikes wear is to look at the footpegs. Do they still fit tight or do they rattle and flop around? My dealer taught me that little trick about 2 years ago.

[hevnsnt]

ok between the two:

1997 YZ 250 : Bike has Renthal chain and sprockets, Pro-Taper bars, new Moose levers, Boyssen aluminum cover. Also have an extra graphics kit not yet used. All the plastics are the newer style blue except the rear fender (graphics totally cover it).

1999 RM 250 : Everything stock and fork seals need to be replaced..

both around $2000

Good deals? One over the other?

[hevnsnt]

Also the Rm guy told me that he has fouled a few plugs on cold starts.. that doesnt mean that the Yz hasnt, just that the RM guy was being very honest with me..

Anyone have any suggestions between the two?