I picked up a 95 YZ 250 last spring for 800$. I did chain and sprockets, new RM/KTM bend Pro-Tapers as I am 6'4 and new fork seals. I had to replace the stock silencer as well so I picked one up on Ebay for 10$ from a 99' and made brackets to make it fit.
Rode it 5 or 6 times knowing I needed a top end. I was playing with the jetting on the pilot ckt as it was blubbery on the bottom end. I decided to do the top-end before I did any more fiddling. WOW! what a different bike! I replaced the reeds as well, cleaned the power valve and man, this thing is a blast! I m 215# and the front end does not like staying down in the first 3 gears.
I am down 2 sizes on the pilot from stock now, but plan on 1 more size down and 2 sizes down on the main. I went out for a last ride when it was about 55 degrees and my jetting was still safe so I know I can go down in the heat of the summer.
The bike has decent bottom end for the woods but I am going to do a flywheel weight to give me more and smooth out the hit in the mid, maybe gear it up 1 tooth in the rear from stock and ride it.
Suspension wise, like I said I am 215# and for me the suspension is good. A little soft in the rear as it has the stock spring, but otherwise it will take what I can give it. At 39 years old, I don't plan on any triples and doubles need to be easy on the knees if I come up short. Gotta make the mortgage on mondays ya now!
Overall a great bike for the weekend warrior IMO.