MGW

Member
Oct 22, 2007
4
0
Hey all, I'm thinking about buying a bike over the winter and am trying to narrow it down to a couple in case I come across a steal (not literally) :) .

I used to ride with one of my buddies when I was younger, he had two bikes, a yz80 and a XR200. I almost always rode the XR, mainly because I was bigger than him, but I liked the way that power was more trackable and it was a lot better on hills (up and down thanks to engine braking).

My info:
1) your physical size: 6'1 210
2) How physical / aggressive are you: Reasonably, but not silly (anymore)
3) what do you plan to ride: Mostly trails, a few fields and stuff but wouldn't mind trying a track
4) Do you have any riding experience: lots on an ATV, probably 40+ hours on an XR200
5) Do you think you will race: nope, if I want to I'll buy a different bike but having the ability to hit small jumps would be nice
6) Are you mechanically inclined and will you be doing your own bike work: I'll do small maintanence only
7) Do YOU have a preferance to a brand/motor: not brand pref but I like 4 stroke b/c of gas mileage, less maintainance, noise, smoother powerband (but would consider the right 2 strok)
8) Do you have a dealer close by your home that you might use and what brand: Pretty much everything
9) How much ($) do you plan to spend on a bike: depends, preferably under $5000 (but I think bikes are still more here in Canada)
10) Do you live in California: no, Ontario
11) Your age: 28
12) anything else that you think would help form an opinion: I was thinking about a yzf250 or something similar by honda or Kawasaki...

Any input would be greatly appreciated. I want something that's going to be fun to ride but reliable (or at least relatively so).

Thanks!
 

Convert

Member
Apr 21, 2007
32
0
Well my first suggestion is going to be over the $5000 you would like to stay under but my first idea is the KLX450R. Today I was lucky enough to try out my friends KLX450R. It is amazing, electric start, tons of jam and would be more than capable of play racing on a track. Super fun and easy to ride.
I had a 07 YZ250 for a spell......it was lot's of fun on the track but not so much fun anywhere else, which isn't a suprise since it's a MX bike. In the end I swapped it out for a 4 stroke, I just don't like the narrow power band of the 2 stroke anymore. I now have a CRF450R and despite it's MX DNA it works great on and off track. You're a fairly big guy, I think the 250F would be a little on the small side. I'm a wee little fellow and I don't have a problem with my 450. If you were to go 2 stroke you may want to look at KTM. I don't have any personal experience with them but according to the mumble in the mags and on the internet (which is always gospel right ;) )
 

MGW

Member
Oct 22, 2007
4
0
Ya that would be a bit more than I wanted to spend. Ultimately I'd prefer to find a good deal on a 2-3 year old bike... I've heard that the newer 250 4strokes have plently of power for a less experienced rider like myself, even if I'm bigger, is that not the case? Plus I imagine I'd get a bit more range out of a tank of gas for long trial rides...
 

Convert

Member
Apr 21, 2007
32
0
Hmmm........not really sure what happened to the rest of my post there.....just seemed to stop mid way through. I am far from a vet rider, rode for a year or so when I was about 16yrs old (which by the way is MANY moons ago) and again for the past couple years. I have gone from a 250 2 stroke to the 450 4 stroke and I have found the power to be more than manageable. Perhaps look at the WR and CRFX line, I imagine you could find a used bike for a reasonable price. There are a lot of folks on here with much more experience than me and I'm sure they will be happy to provide you with advice.
 

MGW

Member
Oct 22, 2007
4
0
I'm really liking the looks of the CRF250X, seems to fit the bill. A bit more than I want to spend right now but maybe I can find a good deal used (or shell out...). Anything similar by other manufacturers I should consider?

Thanks for the input
 

XMotoX

Member
Oct 23, 2006
135
0
Honda CRF250X
Yamaha WR250F
KTM 300 EXC

^^^These are a little more expensive.

Honda XR400
Kawasaki KDX200 or KDX220

^^^Cheaper but still sweet bikes.
 

meb5276

Member
Sep 21, 2007
18
0
I just bought a 2006 CRF250R and I love it. I mainly ride woods and its great but I it runs even better on a track. Great trackion and power through woods (especially hill clims) and it runs great stock on the track as well. Handles great with lots of power. I would look into the r model for that reason. I thought about the x but i dont like the gearing and extra weight. just my opinion tho.
 

uh_oh

Member
Sep 25, 2007
132
0
I would recommend a WR250F
the 04/05 crfs had a valve issue, so I would never buy a used CRF.
but since your a big guy i think a 450 would be better choice..
dont rule out bikes like the drz/xr 400 type bikes, there a little down on power but are pretty good bikes, they are very reliable.
good luck.
 

MGW

Member
Oct 22, 2007
4
0
What's the extent (and cost to fix) the valve issue? Would a 2006 have the same issues? I'll look at the Yamaha as well, thanks!
 
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