Back in the game...cr250 or xr250 or xr400?

rramsey -

the two fastest (off road) guys I know are riding XR400s. they are uninspiring in stock form, and even un-corked the XR will not hang with a CRF450, YZF/WR450, EXC450, etc in a drag race. however, all those high performing 4 strokes require as much or more maintainance than a CR250.

if you are not married to the idea of riding a red bike, and you want a 2 stroke that behaves better on the trails than the MX bikes, snag a ride on a KDX200-220, or EXC 250-300. their maintainence is th same as any other 2 stroke, with the exception that the big 300 will require fewer top-end rebuilds.

however, a properly jetted, suspended, and uncorked XR400 will go down the trails as fast as anything on the market.


jeremiah

If your use to a 2 stroke with a potent hit, why would you want to look at a 4 stroke( i can't speak of the CRF's, i've never had the chance to ride one). before i bought my 03 Cr 250R i rode a buddy's Xr and it just was'nt me, i grew up owning nothing but 2 strokes myself and that's why i bought one again. I've riden both trails and motocross tracks with mine and while it's more at home on the track ( go figure, it's ment to raced) it does fine on the trails to. Your trying to compare apples to oranges and it just won't work. While the XR is just a good an off rode bike as any.... it will never compare to a CR in any way shape or form. They are 2 totally different bikes for 2 totally different purposes. If your looking to get a 2 stroke hit in an XR ......you won't so buy a stroke....you'll be happier.

I would take a close look at the CRF450. Sounds like a good bike for you.

You didn't mention your height and weight. The KDX is almost 40lbs lighter than than the XR400. Buy a KDX200, do a few cheap mods and blow everyone away in the tight stuff!!

go with the cr, you will be much happier. Going from a nice and light, 125cc two stroke, to a pig xr 400 is going to be a big change, you will hate how heavy they are, and getting used to a four stroke will take awile, Id say, go with the 250.

I had an XR400 for about 4 months. It was great for tight trails and tough terrain. I didn't like the weight or the suspension. Power was great, even acceptable on the track, after a few CHEAP mods.

I have ridden my 2000 CR250 on some trails and in the woods. I like it much better than the XR but I haven't had it in any REAL tight messy stuff yet (still deciding if I even want to ride that way anymore). The maintenance is the same or more in the woods in my experience.

If you go CR, I'd recommend getting a used/older one. 2001 and older are more sturdy in my opinion. It seems like the radiators are more exposed on the 02/03 and other parts have been skimped on for weight savings. My 2000 has a better powerband for the woods also but I hear 99 was the one to have. Keep in mind that the CRs are going to need some suspension work to make them more tolerable..the forks in particular are a bit stiff.

I have the 12oz flywheel and FMF Q series spark arrestor that I throw on for woods/trails....this helps some.