Bikes got stolen, looking to get a new one...

[wcbcruzer]

Hello everyone. This is my first post. Last Saturday two of my bikes got stolen. 1983 YZ250 and 1979 RM400. Just as I was getting back into riding this happened. :bang:

I started riding when I was about 12, I'm 24 now. I haven't ridden a bike in at least 6 years. I started out on a Suzuki DS80, then moved to a KX80 (taller), and then got the YZ250 that I had for a long time. I put a new topend on it and that thing was pretty fast. I'm 5'9" and about 160 lbs.

Needless to say, I never really felt like I was in full control of the 250. After reading some of the threads on here I realize that it's probably true given my weight and height. Growing up with other dirtbikers it's always cooler to have a bigger, more powerful bike. I could care less now. I just want something I can have fun with on the weekends. All my bikes have been 2 strokes and now I want to get a 4 stroke. What do you recommend? I'd like to get something used that's no more than 10-15 years old. I don't really know all the 4 stroke models they offered throughout the years though. If someone can name some I would appreciate it. I'll be doing more trail riding and some small jumps.

 

[OriginalRider]

I would say a CRF450 but you mite get hurt on it.I would go with the CRF250R they are great bikes.If you do not like that bike then i highly recommend that you stay in the Honda family.

 

[2-Strokes 4-ever]

Consider a Kawasaki KLX250/300? They're real nice handling bikes, good trail bikes. They had issues with a faulty coating on the rear shock shaft causing seal failures, and being a bear to start. But there's plenty of info out there on how to re-coat the shaft, and getting the carbs dialed in. There's also Honda's XR250's and 400's. I personally think the Kaw was a better turning, lighter feeling bike. The KLX, like the KDX (2stroke) for some reason got a reputation for being a girly bike ( :think: )... wierd because I've got a friend who could really haul the mail on one.

 

[wcbcruzer]

Thanks for the replies so far. Would 4-strokes be more expensive to rebuild than 2-strokes? I'm talking about when it comes to rebuilding the top end. Do they last longer?

So right now I'm looking for a crf250, xr200/250, klx250, or even crf150. I'd rather not get a 450 because it's too heavy. I'd like to get a bike no more than 220 lbs.

What does the R and F mean at the end of the models? Like crf250r?

 

[flyingfuzzball]

ok.

MODERN RACE 4T will be more expensive and more complicated to rebuild then a 2t

in the honda CRF lineup the R or X indicates a high performance engine. read above. the CRF-XXXF bikes are using pretty much the same engine as the XR bikes. these you will just clean the air filter and change the oil. no rebuild required.

if i were you i would go with the XR or a KDX. they are great trail bikes that last forever.

 

[2strokesrock]

well the XRs and the KLXS will last a lot longer between rebuilds then the crfs and yes the rebuilds in 4Ts cost more.
the R means its a race bike and it will have more power and better suspension then the F but will reqire more maitinace and rebuilds more often. I would recomend getting an XR

 

[wcbcruzer]

Great, keep the suggestions coming! I'm starting to get more of a feel for what bikes are out there now. I get confused because they discontinue models, come out with new models, use different engine sizes throughout the years, etc. So far I'm liking the Honda XR200/250, Kawasaki KLX300R, KX250F, YZ250F, RM-Z250, and CRF250X/R. Are there other similar models that I'm missing from any of the big 4 makers?

Also, is there such a thing as just a KLX300? Or are they all KLX300R?

 

[2-Strokes 4-ever]

I think KLX300 is the same as KLX300R. Many of us just leave off the "R". And the KLX250 is the same bike with a slightly smaller piston. When the 250 came out, many were putting a big bore kit on it (300), Kaw followed up soon with the 300 (stock).

 

[wcbcruzer]

Are the Honda XR bikes comparable to the Yamaha TTR bikes? Because the TTRs don't seem to have a very good reputation...

Basically, just as the YZ, KX, RM, and CR are in the same class; what would be in the same class as the XR or KLX in the past 10 years from the big 4?

 

[Shad0wRyd3r]

i have a 1996 xr 200, and a 2006 crf250r. I would suggest getting a xr200 for sticking to the trails. They're a great bike that lasts what seems like forever with just oil changes and air filter cleaning. Just don't go over to big of a jump or you could blow the front fork seals, which i only managed to do after taking it to the track before getting my 250.

 

[wcbcruzer]

Well I've pretty much got my mind set on a KLX300R. I rode one the other day and it's a nice bike. The XR is good too but I don't like how it's air cooled and I also can't seem to find that many of them unless they're really old. Thanks for the help guys.