They're a great all-around bike, fun to ride.
It's pretty much a bullet-proof design, just change the oil frequently (I do after every weekend of riding, but then I'm paranoid!) and use a good quality oil (like the Hondaline).
As far as hop-ups go, the headers don't need to be replaced, but you can do something about the muffler. You can replace it with a bunch of different systems, or you can install a Thumper snuffer - it's an insert which lets the bike breathe better. In fact, it's the same increase in hp on a stock bike as you'd get from a whole new muffler!
I don't have the phone # or website address handy for Thumper Racing, sorry! They're out of Texas.
PJ
It's pretty much a bullet-proof design, just change the oil frequently (I do after every weekend of riding, but then I'm paranoid!) and use a good quality oil (like the Hondaline).
As far as hop-ups go, the headers don't need to be replaced, but you can do something about the muffler. You can replace it with a bunch of different systems, or you can install a Thumper snuffer - it's an insert which lets the bike breathe better. In fact, it's the same increase in hp on a stock bike as you'd get from a whole new muffler!
I don't have the phone # or website address handy for Thumper Racing, sorry! They're out of Texas.
PJ
Welcome to the XR 250 club. You'll find all the information that you need at this site.
http://www.justxr.com/justxr.html
http://www.justxr.com/justxr.html
I personally think the most benefit comes from a proper set-up suspension. If this is a bike you plan on keeping for awhile, you will not regret it. MX-Tech advertises on this board, give them a call. Contrary to popular belief, the stock exhaust is not bad, the Thumper insert will help a little. Other than that, save your money for things like good bars, air filter,tires, oil, and quality riding gear. A nice tool set is alway's a good investment, as well as a fanny pack. Then ride, and ride, and ride, and ride.
XR 250R RIDER: One thing you might already know if you've changed the oil is that when you start to refill it with oil through the dipstick hole you just want to put 1 quart of oil in then start it up, let it run for a little while(it won't hrt it) then check and fill to the top of the slash marks on the dipstick. If you don't do this you will make a BIG mess by overfilling and running oil all over your engine and bike.
As for setup tips, aftermarket exhaust: my choice White Bros E-series, air filter:UNI or White Power filter, remove plastic snorkel from air box and leter rip.
For the stock exhaust a 96 or 97 XR400 stainless end cap with the restrictor removed will also open it up.
Suspention: W.E.R. Cris Smith the owner of W.E.R.'s brother, rode XR250's for a few years in enduro's and ISDE's ,they have more time testing suspention on this bike than anybody. I sent my forks and shock to them and they revalved and raised them 3/4 of an inch to get it up out of the ruts. They did a great job and the bike is more fun to ride than ever.
Ride it and have fun, don't be afraid to rev on it a little, it'll take it.
Kevin
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As for setup tips, aftermarket exhaust: my choice White Bros E-series, air filter:UNI or White Power filter, remove plastic snorkel from air box and leter rip.
For the stock exhaust a 96 or 97 XR400 stainless end cap with the restrictor removed will also open it up.
Suspention: W.E.R. Cris Smith the owner of W.E.R.'s brother, rode XR250's for a few years in enduro's and ISDE's ,they have more time testing suspention on this bike than anybody. I sent my forks and shock to them and they revalved and raised them 3/4 of an inch to get it up out of the ruts. They did a great job and the bike is more fun to ride than ever.
Ride it and have fun, don't be afraid to rev on it a little, it'll take it.
Kevin
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I highly reccomend when someone is dealing with an unfamiliar bike, they read the owners manual. This alway's covers basic maintenance, and safety, and can save some headaches. They come free with the machines when baught. If you are buying a second hand bike, ask the seller for it. If he doesn't have it, go to your nearest dealer, alot of times they will have some hanging around.
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Xr,
Great investment, You will get years of service from your xr. Air filter maintance along with oil filter and oil will be the key to keeping engine wear down.
Here are some simple tips:
Measure your oil, I use a ratio right measuring cup and put exactly 1.5 qts when changing oil and oil filter. A qt bottle is not as accurate as you think..
Next purchase a second air filter (stock is best) This extra filter helps to always have a clean filter on hand and when you do have to get greasy and wash the filters, wash them both at the same time and store the spair in a zip lock bag.
Keep that filter clean and the oil too, and your xr will thank you with years of trouble free service...
Good choice,
Dirt Tooth
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Great investment, You will get years of service from your xr. Air filter maintance along with oil filter and oil will be the key to keeping engine wear down.
Here are some simple tips:
Measure your oil, I use a ratio right measuring cup and put exactly 1.5 qts when changing oil and oil filter. A qt bottle is not as accurate as you think..
Next purchase a second air filter (stock is best) This extra filter helps to always have a clean filter on hand and when you do have to get greasy and wash the filters, wash them both at the same time and store the spair in a zip lock bag.
Keep that filter clean and the oil too, and your xr will thank you with years of trouble free service...
Good choice,
Dirt Tooth
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I had a '97 XR250, after wanting one since I was a kid (many years ago). Great bike, but I went for a WR400 after a couple years. Here are some more tips, some the same as what you heard:
1. Get the service manual!
2. Get an aftermarket air filter, the stock one breaks down quickly
3. Remove the air baffle under the seat.
4. It used to be you had to get a new exhaust tip, but I understand the new exhausts work really good.
5. With more experience, you'll want to modify the suspension. Ride your bike for a year or so first.
6. A Summer's Racing fork brace works wonders on the front end, helping steering precision immensely.
7. Key engine maintenance - change oil frequently and learn how to adjust the valve clearance (see the manual you bought in step 1!)
Enjoy your bike!
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Mark
'01 YZ250F,'01 Yzinger 80,'99 WR400F,'99 XR100
'98 Royal Star TC,'96 XR200
1. Get the service manual!
2. Get an aftermarket air filter, the stock one breaks down quickly
3. Remove the air baffle under the seat.
4. It used to be you had to get a new exhaust tip, but I understand the new exhausts work really good.
5. With more experience, you'll want to modify the suspension. Ride your bike for a year or so first.
6. A Summer's Racing fork brace works wonders on the front end, helping steering precision immensely.
7. Key engine maintenance - change oil frequently and learn how to adjust the valve clearance (see the manual you bought in step 1!)
Enjoy your bike!
------------------
Mark
'01 YZ250F,'01 Yzinger 80,'99 WR400F,'99 XR100
'98 Royal Star TC,'96 XR200