From '84 XL250 to XR400?

Well you definitely don't want to jump into a 250 MX'er. You'll be on a first name basis with the local Emergency room staff! The XR4 should hang unless they're really fast and if that's the case you probably won't hang no matter what bike your on, being new (no offense). I've spent 1 1/2 yrs growing into my XR4 and the first 6 months were tough. It's heavy & I dropped it a lot. Good thing their virtually indestructible (and don't have radiators). I add a pumper carb & b/w that & the aftermarket exhaust, it's got a good amount of predictable power. Climbs anything. Find a good used one - they're 'bulletproof'. I like mine a lot but I've got new bike fever & plan on upgrading soon, but it's a great bike that I could continue to ride. I'll be selling mine darn near what I paid for it - they retain their value well, esp. used. Great bike for "testing the waters" .

The XR 400 is an excellent starting bike, and one you can grow in to. This is my buddy's first season riding anything and he has a 96 XR400. He drops it a bit but it is infact indestructable. I ride it a lot and let me tell you, I hate four-strokes because of the sluggish feeling, but this one gets there nice. It comes into the power very nice and jumps very well. I can manuever it through tight trails like crazy, very agile. Climbs and crawls with absolutely no problem. The bike itself will have a lot more power than the XL will. The suspension on the XR has been very impressive, nice and firm. $-strokes in general arn't the nicest things to start, but find TDC and go. There isn't a huge guidline to follow, usually a couple good kicks will fire them right up. Keeping up with the 2-trokes....in the straight you'll be left behind, but when it comes to woods and rough terrain (depending on your ability) you'll be right with them. Any question email me at stangmata23l@hotmail.com

Ian

I'm just coming off a XR400 and onto a 250 EXC. What a difference!!! The XR400 was a great bike to learn on & when the going gets tough/nasty, it leads the way. I found it much more predictable/forgiving than the 2-stroke, but it still has plenty of power & low end torque. IMO, you can't go wrong with it for trail/woods/rock piles. Wouldn't recommend it for MX though.

In any case, good luck with the bike hunt. Hope you get one soon & enjoy the season!