Thinkin Thumper...

[SirFallsALot243]

Hey guys. Todays i was thinking i might like to get a four stroke mx bike. Not in the immediate future, but maybe in the next year or two. I dont like the weight difference, but ill get used to it. i will still have my 125 to FMX on. Anyway, the only thing i could really afford would be a 2001 YZ250f. Theyre going for around 3k. My question is, how much of a concern should the crank problem be? If i buy a 3000 dollar bike, theres not gonna be any money left over to be rebuilding cranks, and getting new cases. Ive read its an estimated 1200 dollar fix. For that much, i could get the 02. (4200). Is there any way to prevent the crank from letting loose? What causes this to happen?
Thanks,
Ken Aiani

[huffdaddy70]

I myself would never buy a first year production bike.

[Predator]

isn't 2003 the first year for a YZ450F?

[SirFallsALot243]

Im lookin at a 250f, and it came out in 01.

[MATTXR250R]

Ken,I think 1200$ is for if you have a dealer do it. A new set of cases and crank is not gonna cost you 1200$....but it also depends what all it takes out in the topend as well. And i am not sure what was causing some of the 01 crank problems but I think it was a manufactoring problem with the Big End Rod bearing.

[CRacer]

yeah 2003 was the first year for YZ450Fs, haha. I don't know Ineeda, I mean being that old a crank problem would be the least of your worries. By then the bike probably has worn out piston/rings and thats costly on a 4 stroke, I THINK.

[SirFallsALot243]

I think rings and piston for a 4 stroke is only a couple bucks more then a 2 stroke. Anyone know if theres anything i can do to prevent the crank from going? Or should i just spend the extra cash on an 02?

[yz250fkid]

03 yz250f's are going for around 4200 here in california that are in good condition, and i would imagine california bikes costing a tad bit more...

[huffdaddy70]

Yes, 2003 is the first year for the 450F, but it was just an updated model of the five prior years of the big yamaha thumpers.

[2001yz250f]

I have an 01 250f and absolutely love it. it has more than a few hours on it and I havent experienced any problems. Anyone know how widespread of a problem this crank thing is? I am also looking for an owners manual, anyone have any ideas?

[Roostman]

I would rather save for the 03 and have the built in compression release. Well worth the extra cost to be able to start the thing way easier. I rode all yz250fs as the come out and they are all good if not great, but I still would rather have the thing start without an 'order' for that kind of dough. JMO

[SirFallsALot243]

No matter what the year, it would have the 03 cam. First thing to go on it.

[RaceyCRF250]

acctually you dont really need the cam.. i have an 02 and when I first got it that was thing at the top of my list but i found a trick and i can strat my bike with the decompression faster then my friend can start his 125. when you first get to where your riding, you will only have to o this once. put it in first and roll back till it stops. when you kick the bike there is like 3 to 5 stages like little steps and you only decompress for the first one, let go of decrompress reallt wuik and kick through. works like a charm.

[MotoMax]

It might be hard but look for a cheap 02-03 on ebay