Help with choosing the right bike...

[cmantle1]

ok snowest, i know theres a lot of very experienced riders on here so i want some input on what a good bike would be for me and what i want to do. First, im not completley new to it, ive raced downhill mountain bikes for 5 years, and have ridden my friends bikes from time to ttime. They ride 4 stroke 250, so thats about all ive ridden, except for a 450 once. I wanna get into ridding track and jumping this summer, and mabye a trail or two if i get bored at home. i am looking to spend about 2500-3000 dollars. Im not brand loyal at all. So, someone reccomend me a bike please!

 

[heinracing]

go honda if you want the bike to last, also how much do you weigh? i race the 450 and love it trail ride once in awhile good bike you can bike up a 02-03 crf 450r for 2500- and up good bike you can get a 04 250r private listing for around 2600-2800 but you'll want more power after awhile

 

[cmantle1]

i wiegh 160, and im 5' 8".

 

[MACH]

Either way you go get a thumper!

For the tracks around here I would only go 250F but for bigger tracks and stuff where you can get more speed I would go with a 450F.

I personally am a bigger dude 6'6 250 and I ripped around on a 250F last summer which I thought was perfect.

I am waiting for my buddy to buy a new bike and I think I am going to buy his KX250F. But if I was going to buy a brand new bike I would look into a Honda 250F.

They have a new indoor track close buy call the sandbox and you don't see any 4 stroke bikes on this track because it is to much bike and to heavy to move around out there.

I am undecided if I will race at all.

 

[cmantle1]

Either way you go get a thumper!

For the tracks around here I would only go 250F but for bigger tracks and stuff where you can get more speed I would go with a 450F.

I personally am a bigger dude 6'6 250 and I ripped around on a 250F last summer which I thought was perfect.

I am waiting for my buddy to buy a new bike and I think I am going to buy his KX250F. But if I was going to buy a brand new bike I would look into a Honda 250F.

They have a new indoor track close buy call the sandbox and you don't see any 4 stroke bikes on this track because it is to much bike and to heavy to move around out there.

I am undecided if I will race at all.

yea i was planning on a four stroke, but i heard some good things about 2 smoke 125's? Anyway, the tracks around here are pretty open, but i dont think i need the power of a 450...im not buying brand new, like i said im looking to spend like 2500 bucks, less is always good too haha.

 

[Polarismaster26]

I would say the same thing i ride KTM but honda is a great beginer bike the CRF 250 R and the X are awsome bike that my friend's have but for the money deference they all wished they got 450's more power for not much more$$$$.

 

[heinracing]

mach i ride at the sanbox areana and have only seen like 2 two strokes both ktms rest were all 250 and 450 4 strokes i ride the 450 you can tell the weight difference but power makes up for it i personal would never own a two stroke bike again, it's nice towing 450 miles to the track turn gas on and kick it over 2-3 times and not fouling a plug and all tracks now are built for the 4 stroke, but when buying a used bike do some research on the bike, pay attention to how many kicks it takes to start to see if valves are in spec, also i would stay away from the older yamaha race bikes, heavy under powerd and pain the the but

 

[Chubbydog]

I did alot of research before I bought mine. I wanted something I could take to the dunes also, so decided to go with the KTM450SX. There all nice bikes anymore, but it might be kind of hard to get a 250 fourstroke for that price. I've seen some Yamaha 426's for that, but the 250F has only been out for a few years. You might be able to score a 07 250 for around 3 grand if you get lucky.

 

[cmantle1]

I did alot of research before I bought mine. I wanted something I could take to the dunes also, so decided to go with the KTM450SX. There all nice bikes anymore, but it might be kind of hard to get a 250 fourstroke for that price. I've seen some Yamaha 426's for that, but the 250F has only been out for a few years. You might be able to score a 07 250 for around 3 grand if you get lucky.

i saw a add for a 04 kx 250 f for 2400 in the local graiglist....i also saw a 2005 zy250f for 2900 that was "like new" according to the seller....what do you guys think?

 

[Pro_Marinero]

There's nothing wrong with a good 2-stroke.

The newer 4T's, while full of good tractable power, are much-more maintenance intensive than a 2T. Do you work on your own bike? Better learn how to do it. You're looking at increased maintenance intervals and also more expensive parts. Top ends are CHEAP and need to be done once a season on smaller 2T's compared to 20 hour valve intervals on the thumpers. If you get a great deal on a 450, suspect that maintenance might be lacking or is due for an expensive overhaul. For a guy just starting out, I would say look for a decent 2-4 year old 2T. If you can learn how to pipe up a 125 around an MX track, going to a 4T is going to be that much better once you get the hang of a high-strung 2T. An few-years-old CR250 or the like is a great bike as well. Learn how to kick-start (it's not hard) and you'll appreciate the button that much more.

Start cheap. Get good gear that you can wear on any bike and you'll be happier in the long run. You can sell the bike and get a new one, but if you're using clapped-out crap to protect yourself because you blew all your $$ on the bike, then you're just waiting to get hurt. Personally, I would recommend ponying up now and getting the top-notch EVS/Asterisk knee protection and good boots, as well as a good helmet. My knees have been SAVED more than once with my Asterisk braces.

As a caveat, I do ride a 4-stroke (Husaberg FX470). But, this is my first thumper. I really like it, but truth is I prefer 2-strokes in certain situations. My last bike was a CR500. You'll be hard-pressed to find a less maintenance-intensive bike than that. I wouldn't recommend for a first bike though...

 

[hasslbri]

I feel I have to reply to this thread as I have a bit (A TON) of experience with moto/ offroad. I raced the ISDE last year in Chile and spend the majority of my time (almost every weekend) racing. If you are looking into a used bike in that price range, DO NOT buy a four stroke. Esp. a Honda. They are by far the most unreliable bikes on the market right now. They have the best fit and finish for sure and you can make a very used one look really good, really easy. Their problem comes in the top ends. Once your valves come out of spec, they will forever be a problem no matter what you do. Cut seats, stainless valves. 450 and 250. The valve will fall out of spec. Yamaha has by far and away the best quality and longest lasting fourstroke right now. The rest of the manufaturers are getting better, but Yami is still #1 in dependability. My recomendation, especially being your just getting into off road/ moto is to buy a two stroke. 250s will get you your best bang for your buck. All brands are pretty good. 125s are a dying breed and tend to be more abused then their big brothers. Don't listen to the BS on how unreliable two strokes are. Plugs don't fould because it is a two stroke, they foul because they are jetted wrong.... Plus two strokes are WAY easier to jet if you need to change something. Top ends on 250 will generally last a full season under race conditions if properly maintained. Oiled filter, good gas, good oil) As far as fourstrokes go. These aren't sleds. These engines are getting super hot and ingesting dirt no matter how well you maintain them. Fourstroke bikes are not on par with fourstroke sleds as far as reliablility goes, period! Any 2003 or newer two stroke from the big five is going to be fine. Top ends are easy to do on two strokes as well. If you do go the four stroke route. I would get a Yamaha if you go and get a 250f or go with any of the big five minus a Honda, if you go the 450 route. If there is any more advise you want, I will happily give it to you. By the way, the ISDE is a six day enduro, in which the rider is the sole mechanic on his bike, no one else can touch the machine. Each day consists of up to 200 miles of offroad and can last up to 10 hours. You couldn't pay me to race a fourstroke in this type of reliability event. We tourtured our machines day in and day out with very little maintenence.

Good luck and have fun whaever you choose.

Brian

My bikes- 2007 Gas Gas 300
2008 Gas Gas 515
2006 Yamaha YZ250F - For sale

 

[Pro_Marinero]

I feel I have to reply to this thread as I have a bit (A TON) of experience with moto/ offroad. I raced the ISDE last year in Chile and spend the majority of my time (almost every weekend) racing. If you are looking into a used bike in that price range, DO NOT buy a four stroke. Esp. a Honda. They are by far the most unreliable bikes on the market right now. They have the best fit and finish for sure and you can make a very used one look really good, really easy. Their problem comes in the top ends. Once your valves come out of spec, they will forever be a problem no matter what you do. Cut seats, stainless valves. 450 and 250. The valve will fall out of spec. Yamaha has by far and away the best quality and longest lasting fourstroke right now. The rest of the manufaturers are getting better, but Yami is still #1 in dependability. My recomendation, especially being your just getting into off road/ moto is to buy a two stroke. 250s will get you your best bang for your buck. All brands are pretty good. 125s are a dying breed and tend to be more abused then their big brothers. Don't listen to the BS on how unreliable two strokes are. Plugs don't fould because it is a two stroke, they foul because they are jetted wrong.... Plus two strokes are WAY easier to jet if you need to change something. Top ends on 250 will generally last a full season under race conditions if properly maintained. Oiled filter, good gas, good oil) As far as fourstrokes go. These aren't sleds. These engines are getting super hot and ingesting dirt no matter how well you maintain them. Fourstroke bikes are not on par with fourstroke sleds as far as reliablility goes, period! Any 2003 or newer two stroke from the big five is going to be fine. Top ends are easy to do on two strokes as well. If you do go the four stroke route. I would get a Yamaha if you go and get a 250f or go with any of the big five minus a Honda, if you go the 450 route. If there is any more advise you want, I will happily give it to you. By the way, the ISDE is a six day enduro, in which the rider is the sole mechanic on his bike, no one else can touch the machine. Each day consists of up to 200 miles of offroad and can last up to 10 hours. You couldn't pay me to race a fourstroke in this type of reliability event. We tourtured our machines day in and day out with very little maintenence.

My bikes- 2007 Gas Gas 300
2008 Gas Gas 515
2006 Yamaha YZ250F - For sale

What the hell do you know? You ride a Gas Gas!

Good to see somebody else hasn't completely swallowed the 4T Kool-Aid. Three friends of mine sold their 250 thumpers and got 250 2T's. Every time it was the same reason.... I HATE VALVES!!!!!!

 

[heinracing]

my titanium valves went out in my 4stroke because of a previous owner, i cut valves and put stainless and raced a full season and there still in spec not even close to being out of spec you must read to much internet chat just like you always hear the rmk 800 losing cranks but a few on the net make it sound way worse then it is. if you actually cleaned the airfilter no one would have problems. i personally would never buy a kawasaki, no power feel of bike is bad, the new yamaha 250f is a fun bike put a differn't sprocket on the back and she's a good bike, oil change every 3 rides and clean air filter everyride it will last forever.

 

[cmantle1]

you guys are awesome!

WOW! Thanks for all the great input guys. i wasnt expecting half of this, and its helping a bunch! As for good gear, i bought some Alpine Stars Tech 3 boots when they were on sale at a local shop, hope they are good, but still need pants....Ok, so im starting to reconsider about only buying a 4 stroke. But, heres my only question about 2 strokes. I know they will be fine on the track and jumps, but i do want to ride a trail or two every now and then. DEFINENTLY not enough to justify a wr or some bike like that, but a little. Am i gonna absolutley hate the 2 stroke on the trail?

 

[Pro_Marinero]

my titanium valves went out in my 4stroke because of a previous owner, i cut valves and put stainless and raced a full season and there still in spec not even close to being out of spec you must read to much internet chat just like you always hear the rmk 800 losing cranks but a few on the net make it sound way worse then it is. if you actually cleaned the airfilter no one would have problems.

It sounds like you know what you're doing when it comes to turning a wrench, so you were able to fix the previous owner's screwup without too much of a hassle. There's the deal though... a lot of people don't know what they're doing with valves. In fact, I would venture to say a lot of recreational riders don't check the valves at all, or set them incorrectly when they do. I've seen enough bikes ridden hard and put up wet that it scared me off to buying 4T. I bought my Husaberg because I could see that the guy who had it knew what he was doing just by talking to him and the work he had done. Hell, even that bike had notorious valvetrain issues which were fixed by him at no small cost. Four strokes are great if you take care of them and know what you're doing mechanically, or are willing to pay someone some serious coin to do it for you. 2-strokes just don't have the timing intricacies involved with valves, meaning they're often much easier for the average joe to own, and easier for the average joe to know whether he's getting a decent bike when buying used.

 

[Pro_Marinero]

WOW! Thanks for all the great input guys. i wasnt expecting half of this, and its helping a bunch! As for good gear, i bought some Alpine Stars Tech 3 boots when they were on sale at a local shop, hope they are good, but still need pants....Ok, so im starting to reconsider about only buying a 4 stroke. But, heres my only question about 2 strokes. I know they will be fine on the track and jumps, but i do want to ride a trail or two every now and then. DEFINENTLY not enough to justify a wr or some bike like that, but a little. Am i gonna absolutley hate the 2 stroke on the trail?

Most top GNCC riders still use 2-strokes. It's just a different riding style. You can change gearing or put a heavier flywheel on to avoid stalling. My personal preference is to use an autoclutch and LHRB, but that's going to open a whole new debate.

 

[Estevahn]

Am i gonna absolutley hate the 2 stroke on the trail?

I don't think so. I've trail rode 250 mx bikes for many years. Finding a happy medium final gear ratio for the trails you're riding is key.
If you're riding really tight stuff, first gear on an mx bike sometimes isn't quite low enough.

hasslbri is spot on

Nice input guys.

Myself,, I can't wait to get back on the trials bike.

 

[heinracing]

for your price range a two stroke would be better money left over for rebuilds and gear, i would not get a 125 just way underpowered compared to everything else out there and there getting harder and harder to sell because of the 4strokes, either two stroke or 4 stroke make sure you nut and bolt the bike all the time, clean the air filter, two stroke when i raced the 125 i changed spark plug all the time, and changed the tranny oil 3-4 races, what ever you look at used make sure you check out sprockets chains wheel bearings and take a nice long test ride pay close attention also to when you have it in gear and holding the clutch see if it wants to creep clutches could be bad and the basket could be worn, very common on two strokes for baskets to get grooves and wear if you ever had any questions you can pm me

 

[cmantle1]

for your price range a two stroke would be better money left over for rebuilds and gear, i would not get a 125 just way underpowered compared to everything else out there and there getting harder and harder to sell because of the 4strokes, either two stroke or 4 stroke make sure you nut and bolt the bike all the time, clean the air filter, two stroke when i raced the 125 i changed spark plug all the time, and changed the tranny oil 3-4 races, what ever you look at used make sure you check out sprockets chains wheel bearings and take a nice long test ride pay close attention also to when you have it in gear and holding the clutch see if it wants to creep clutches could be bad and the basket could be worn, very common on two strokes for baskets to get grooves and wear if you ever had any questions you can pm me

ok thanks alot i appreciate that. And again, thanks guys for all your help! im actually beggining to lean towards a two smoke...seems like i can get a better bike for less. And im no mechanic, i do the basics but anything complicated and ill need to go to the shop....

 

[hasslbri]

I almost forgot. I owned a 02 Husaberg FX a few years back. Had a ton of quirks to it, but man was that a fast bike. It is to this day, the only bike I could wheelie for several miles. Put it in fifth, grab throttle, and monitor the throttle. It got tricky when the front tire stopped though. Nice bike and by far the easiest four stroke to check and adjust valves. Tappets...

Brian