xr250 vs 400

[ihillig]

I have i '90 kdx 200 (for sale) and i want to move (not nesasarily up) to an xr400 or 250. I would rather have the 400, at my wieght (230) but i want to spend about $2500. The resons that i would buy the 250 are: avalibility, cost, easy to find aftermarket parts on ebay and so on, handiling in the tight sh**. but for my wieght i think the 400 would be much better, but what about buying a 250 for a grand less than the 400 and making it work for me? i ride mostly on tight trails all year round and whatever i buy will be an xr. i live in upstate new york, and i think finding a 400 around here would be hard. there is an xr400 at my dealer for $3200, its a '98 in exelent condition. could i get a good 250 for 2 grand in ny?
thanks
illig
p.s.- the kdx is a great bike too, you should buy it.
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[BenjaminPQ]

The general consensus seems to be that people are faster on the XR250 rather then 400. However, if your not going to be racing the 400 would be great. Your best bet though is what I'm doing, go on a diet and get the XR250. I already rode the 250 I want I just have to sell my KTM first. By the way I weigh the same as you and I think it has enough power in the woods.

 

[VIRGINIAXR]

I'm 5'8, 165# and have had a 91 and 94 xr250. I also bought a 00 xr400 while I still had the 94 250 so I was able to ride them back to back. I didn't notice any difference in the weight and I could actually handle the 400 better. The power was much more as well. The 250 seemed to have enough power for me but after riding the 400, I doubt I would happy with the 250 anymore. I know the 96 and newer 250's would be better than what I had, but the 400 seemed to be much better if you have the option. To get exactly what you want and at a reasonable price, I would suggest looking at traderonline.com and spend a day on the road going after it. There is a 96 xr400 for 2300 near D.C. and I know I saw some others in the low to mid 2's. Just my 2 cents

 

[mgorman]

The 96 and new 250's are alot different. I had all three at the same time. '95 & '99 XR250's and a '96 XR400. I am 6'-2" and weigh 215 lbs.
I race almost every other weekend. I sold all but the '99 250 and raced it for 2 years. The 400 was nice but I could go fast, longer on the 250 and didn't get the arm pump. The 400 is a real tractor and great on long big hills and putting over roots and rocks. The tractability also beats you up more in the long run because ALL the power goes to the ground.

 

[Duwvesmith]

I have been riding a 95' XR250 for 7 years (bought new). I live in North Carolina and our trails put the "T" in tight. We also ride in West Virginia on the Hatfield trail system, BIG hills. I weigh 170 in gear and am 5"10". I love the bike and have tried many other brands and models (swap for the day with a friend). I suggest the following mods. Call Thumper Racing and get the 280 kit and lightened flywheel. This allows the bike to rev quicker and because the flywheel is so heavy to begin with you won't give up tractability. Send your fork and shock to Factory Connection and let them wave their magic wand over them. Just tell them your riding wieght with mud and where you ride. They'll get it right. I heard from a friend that the Thumper carb replacement makes a big difference but I have not done that due to cost. The final touch is to add a Scotts steering dampener and you'll be happy.....I guarantee it!

 

[kharrin1]

Mgorman,

Just curious but, what kind of racing do you do and where?

Thanks.

 

[DK]

Had both, for your weight get the 400, you'll always be looking for more power out of the 250.

 

[EXC4FUN]

I recently switched from a KDX220 to an XR400. I am 5'8" 175lbs and do most of my riding in fairly tight trails in Southern Ontario - likely pretty similar to what you would see in upstate NY. I really enjoy the 400 as it is very versatile - light/quick enough for the tight trails and enough power to handle hills and more open stuff. Not a race bike by today's standard but lots of usable power and you can ride it just about anywhere. I have ridden the 250 and really like it on tight trails but think you would like the extra power and versatility the 400 has.