XR250R to a 250 2-Stroke

[XR400RMan]

Ok I am 16 years old I am going to buy a 1991 Honda XR250R and then in about two years, When I am 18 or 19 years old I am going to get a Brand Knew 250 2-Stroke Motocrosser I hope. The question I want to ask is if I ride the XR250R 4-Stroke for 2 years or so would like a Honda CR250R be to much for me? I would like to get into motocross and I need to start out on like a 4-Stroke. I would not want to downgrade from a 250 4-Stroke to a 125 2-Stroke because I will be dissapointed with having no low end power. So if I ride the XR250R for about 2 years would like a Honda CR250R or a Yamaha YZ250 be to much for me? Power Wise and could I ride trails with them also? Thanks Matt

 

[dirt bike dave]

As long as you are careful at first, you shouldn't have much if any trouble.

The main mistake people make going from a slow bike to a fast bike is that they get in the habit of twisting the throttle wide open a lot on the slow bike. You rarely need max power from a fast bike, but it sure can be fun to have.

Take it easy and learn where the new bike makes its power before you really try to open it up. And with a little dialing in, a CR or YZ can be awesome on the trails.

 

[shredda]

I'm 15 and recently went from an XR200 to a CR250. I started out on the 200 a little over a year ago, then made the jump to the CR250 in January and love it. It was a big change, but I quickley adjusted, and it wasn't a very hard transition.

 

[Buzz Bomb]

Going from an XR250 to a 125cc two stroke is NO step backwards. The 125 would absolutely OBLITERATE an XR250 on a race track or in a drag race. Regarding the original question I think you'd be fine going to a 250 MXer. Why not start out on a YZ250F or WR250F instead of the XR250? Would make the transition easier and the YZ/WR is a MUCH more capable bike.

 

[dirt bike dave]

Buzz, he is a 16 year old beginner and wants to ride trails. IMO a '91 XR250 is an excellent choice and it will be about 1/4 the price of one of those hot new Yamahas.

 

[Buzz Bomb]

I would not want to downgrade from a 250 4-Stroke to a 125 2-Stroke because I will be dissapointed with having no low end power. [/B]

Dirt Bike Dave, I wasn't trying to tell him to buy a 125, I just said it wasn't going to be a downgrade going from an XR250 to a 125.

 

[XR400RMan]

The reason I don't want a 125 is because they have really Short Powerbands and a 250 has a wider powerband. A 125 makes all its Horsepower at real High RPM's. Most of the guys that I have talked to that have CR500's or KX500's say they are easier to ride than a 250 because the powerband is alot wider. Thanks for all the Replys, Matt

 

[placelast]

My oldest son, who's normally more cautious than his younger brothers, @ 15 YO went from an XR200 to a 250 2-strk (RMX); quite a jump, but he did the transition by taking it easy until accustomed to the (dramatically different & superior) power & suspension, both of which increasd his confidence to a point where he now races enduros alongside me. He learned a few things the hard way, like "think smart or don't do it" big-time hill climbing, dealing with real brakes for a change, & after trying an XR400 last spring said he's glad I didn't get him an XR.

Although the XR250 is a fine all-day scoot & knarley/survivor-trail bike that can be raced, I'd suggest a KDX instead as it packs a little more punch (or low-hour, older but post '90 250MXer with a fly-wheel weight).