Upgrading to crf250r, kxf250

[coastalrider]

I've got a 99' xr200r and my son has a crf50 (he's six years old). We did some easy riding with him on the junior mx and then I got to hit the big mx track. I knew my suspension and power would be short on performance out there, but with my light weight, I only bottomed out on a few runs. My son said I jumped "real high" which will make any Dad smile. I pushed the 200 hard.

I've been looking for the past few weeks at what I want to upgrade to. I've been looking at the crf150r expert (for seat height, weight and whippability). I've been looking at the crf250r and the kxf250 and they both look pretty similar. The 08' 250r has the new steering dampener and dual exhaust but I might not know the big difference.

The 450f of either honda or Kaw seems too much bike right yet.

I need some opinions on the three bikes (crf250r, kxf250, crf150r/expert). I'm going to keep the 200 but want a better bike. I don't want something that I can't ride around with my son though (of course I can take both to the track/trails)...I guess I'm asking is the 250 too much for easy riding?

I want something fun more than I want one for racing.

I can get a couple of two-three year old models for about half the price, so I sure don't mind saving a few bucks and using the money on something else. I'm not sure of any problems with any of the older bikes.

Would like to stick with the four strokes.

By the way, I'm 5'6 140 lbs and have only ridden xr200's so I don't have any riding comparison to go by....but I ride that 200 like I'm out front racing for the finish line.

Appreciate the input.

[coastalrider]

After a lot of reading again, I think I'm going for the 250's than the 150. Thing is, I see a bunch of 450s and 250s around the same price, used of course. I was looking to spend about $4000. Found several between $3200 and $4500. Saw a couple for $2700 (nothing over 2004). Can there be that much difference in the years, mechanically? Some had big upgrades on them.

Still have to debate green or red. Still alot of money to just throw at one to try on and decide later.

Thanks again.

[psycho393]

Stay away from the KXF's without an aluminum frame, Suzuki's RMZ's were exactly the same bike, literally the same exact bike off the same assembly line ect, ect, ect.... And their motors weren't to great. The 04-05 CRF's were time bombs.
If your buying used YZF's are as reliable as they get and are a pretty good package.

I personally just picked up a used 06 CRF250R that was not ridden all 2007. I bought it privately for 3700 bucks and feel like I got a good deal. Also make sure that the maintinance has been upkept to a fault if your buying a 250F. If someones son rode it all the time and they changed the oil once in a while, turn and run. These motors require extensive maintinance schedules or they will implode from the top end down.

[grides]

CR,
I started riding with my kids last year (I'm 44 yrs old) - bought an 05 KXF250 that hadn't been too abused. I discovered that with very regular basic maintenance ie. oil, air filter, coolant, cleaning that the bike has been reliable. Due to my size, 5'9" 200lbs and my type A personality I have upgraded the motor, exhaust and suspension to try and squeeze out bit more hp and improve handling. I have never riden an aluminum frame bike so can't comment on that. Bottom line, I raced Vet 40 this year, finished 5th in points, bike held up OK, had lots of fun - you will too.....

[noobish]

Just get the 450, I love my yami 08 450f. I rode my friends 07 250f, its cool, it just pull the way I want a bike to pull, I also felt I had to work twice as hard to make it go as fast. 450's all the way!

[YZ125motoracer]

i just bought a used 07 KX250F from a semi-pro in upstate NY for 3800. The bikes bone stock except for jetting, a dubach pipe, factory connection suspension, some bling parts (black wheels, asv levers, hour meter some graphics, etc) The bike has 30 hrs on it and its rediculously fast! turns better than my friends' yzfs. best bike ive ridden period.

+1 to the steel frames kawazuki's. my buddy has an 04 RMZ. its good for holeshots but turns like crap

[joe346CBMX]

we have an 07 and an 04 crf250. Both have been good bikes. The 04 was previously owned by a vet racing close friend. I knew how he took care of his bikes. It's been rebuilt once and well maintained as far as oil changes, air filters... Got it for $3000 with some extras, Big gun pipe, extra plastics, air filters...... I would not have bought it if I did not know him well though. Just don't feel too comfortable with older used mx bikes. They are often ridden really hard.

With that in mind, I'd say both have pretty similar power, 07 having stock pipe still. 07 feels slightly slimmer and lighter and revs out a little more. most parts are the same on both, like air filters, oil filters, skid plates, sprockets... sub frame and side plastics are different starting in 06 with twin pipes.

Heard some people had issues with 04 vavle trains getting out of spec quickly, but knowing the previous owner, I'd buy both again. Hope it helps.

If you are not racing a lot I'd look for a left over new 06-07. they are out there.

Joe