Question for the 4-stroke family

Ekholm · #1 01-15-2008, 04:03 PM

Ok family, here it is....
I am going to look at a 2005 KXF250 this weekend. This would be my first 4-stroke and was wondering if there is anything in particular I should ask or look at more closely on this particular bike. I am EXTREMELY nervous about the 4-stroke because of the cost of repair on the top-end. The bike seems really nice and the guy selling it seems to be on the up-and-up.
Some of the mods he mentioned were:
White Bros stage 1 Hot Cam with new valves
Pro Circuit top and bottom triple clamps
Total Control suspension
Pro Circuit water pump w/impeller.
He is asking for $2700. Does this seem like a good deal? Is this a dependable model?
Help !!!!

Jkt 393 · #2 01-15-2008, 04:29 PM

Look at the general condition of the bike, does it look like it was used and abused or well maintained. Take off the seat and look at the air filter and air box. How easy does it START, make sure the engine is cold when you get there. Does it have an hour meter?
I just bought my first 4 stroke last month, I know how you feel. The price doesnt seem to bad. Check craigslist and local mx classifieds in your area to compare prices.

Ekholm · #3 01-15-2008, 04:38 PM

The local Craig's List is where I found this gem. The price seems to be in line with other bikes I have been looking at.
I was more wondering about common problems w/this model. Overheating, excessive valve train wear, etc.... I am not that familiar with the 250 4-strokes so this is a new playing field for me...

Ekholm · #4 01-16-2008, 09:02 PM

Anybody? I am going to look at the bike tomorrow. Any suggestions would be very much appreciated.
Thanks,
Michael

Blitz393 · #5 01-16-2008, 09:23 PM

kawasaki and suzuki had problems with their valvetrain with the 04-06 (i believe) which was generally remedied by installing aftermarket valves. since the previous owner installed a new cam and valves, you *should* be okay. ask what brand, and if/when/how often he checked the valves, and be especially mindful of how easy the bike starts when COLD, and not warmed up and ready to ride. it would be best to have the owner start it for you to show how easy/hard it is to start, because you being unfamiliar with four strokes will probably take a few tries before you get the routine down. i know, it sounds stupid, but i experienced this myself, when trying to kick a 04 KX250F compared to my 125. also, pay attention to any abnormal noises, like a clattering timing chain (improperly adjusted automatic chain tensioner) or valve noise. check the filter, grab a few spokes randomly to see if they are tight, and take a peek at your fork seals and shock seal for leakage.

Rob

Blitz393 · #6 01-16-2008, 09:24 PM

i meant to say, the 04-06 250F bikes. kaw and suzuki 250Fs were the same bike for those years i'm pretty sure. i know the 07 models are different.

Ekholm · #7 01-16-2008, 09:33 PM

I was not aware of the valve train issues. I had heard however that these bikes (Suzuki and Kawasaki) were prone to overheating issues. Maybe that was a different year. He did have the valves replaced by White Bros and says he has all the receipts for the work.

sparta4188 · #8 01-16-2008, 09:41 PM

I also have heard of overheating for the first 2(i think) years. It's a good deal. Any pics?

Ekholm · #9 01-16-2008, 09:51 PM

Here are the 2 pics from the add. I'll take more if I end up buying this thing tomorrow.

Ekholm · #10 01-16-2008, 09:52 PM

Dang, those came out small......

Macho393 · #11 01-17-2008, 01:14 AM

ride it b4 you buy it................if your not giggling .....walk away.

pjg351 · #12 01-17-2008, 04:30 AM

If i remember correctley the 05 and 06 were soft in the bottom end. i remember a few retiring on various race days. The newer models are pretty good, the 08 especially.

**Aus_Rider_22** · #13 01-17-2008, 04:48 AM

The photos should be proper size now

Ekholm · #14 01-17-2008, 07:40 AM

Thanks Aus !!!

psycho393 · #15 01-17-2008, 07:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Blitz393

i meant to say, the 04-06 250F bikes. kaw and suzuki 250Fs were the same bike for those years i'm pretty sure. i know the 07 models are different.

The 04-05 KXF and RMZs were the same. For 06 Kawi went to their own design top to bottom and Suzuki retained the old bike for one more year.

The 05 KXFs were pretty good bikes and although prone to overheating and some vavle train issues when neglected, With good maintenance most people got along with them pretty well.

Jaswhitten a member here has a 04 or 05 KXF he bought new towards the end of the model year. You might ask him.